The Baltic Defence College’s Staff Ride Albion 2026 for the Joint Command and General Staff Course (JCGSC) and Civil Servants’ Course 2026-27 was recently conducted on the Estonian island of Saaremaa from 20 to 22 October 2026.

Participants engaged in detailed discussions on Joint operations utilising the historical Operation ALBION case study from October 1917. As the first large-scale joint amphibious military operation ever conducted, Operation ALBION is recognised as an extremely valuable case study with which to further participants’ knowledge of joint operations in a truly interactive learning environment.

Initial feedback from participants and facilitators was very positive. Attendees highlighted the value of practical exercises during the terrain walk and subsequent discussions at each location, which ranged from Taga Bay and the former Kihelkonna Air Station in the North to the Southern Sõrve peninsula on Day 1, followed by a culminating point at the historical landmark of Poide church to the East on Day 2.

The three-day program followed a comprehensive itinerary, which also took in some key historical or cultural sites, including a guided tour of Kuressaare Castle and the Kaali Meteorite Crater. Course participants were also exposed to the work of the Baltic Workboat Shipyard on military marine projects and received briefings from the Regional Estonian Defence League Commander on contemporary defence and security challenges in the region and a local historian on Operation ALBION.

Staff Ride Albion 2026 successfully enhanced our understanding of historical content as well as contemporary warfighting doctrine and joint operational capabilities, fulfilling its stated aim and objectives.