LAGO PATRIA, Italy –
Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Naples, addressed incoming cohorts at the NATO Defence College (NDC) on Monday, urging future military and civilian leaders to adapt rapidly to evolving security threats across all operational domains.
Speaking as the guest of honour at the opening of Senior Course 149 and NATO Regional Cooperation Course 36, Wikoff aligned his operational priorities at JFC Naples with the college’s strategic curriculum. He emphasised the critical need to deepen understanding of the alliance’s deterrence and defence posture amid an increasingly volatile strategic environment.
NATO Defence College leadership listen to Admiral George M. Wikoff, Commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, Aug. 31, 2026.
Admiral George M. Wikoff, Commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, addresses military and civilian leaders at the NATO Defence College Aug. 31.
Wikoff underlined that strategic education remains essential to fostering alliance cohesion, noting that shared understanding and mutual trust among member and partner nations form the cornerstone of NATO’s collective strength.
Prior to delivering his address, Wikoff met with NDC Commandant Lieutenant General Jérôme Goisque and Dean Dr Suzanne Nielsen in an official call to discuss allied education initiatives.
Goisque, delivering his first welcome address as NDC Commandant, underscored the importance of multinational networking during the courses.
“The bonds you forge here are not merely personal friendships; they are the future architecture of our collective security,” Goisque said.
The Senior Course and the NATO Regional Cooperation Course serve as the Rome-based institution’s flagship programmes. The curricula combine academic lectures, committee discussions, and practical simulations—including negotiation and decision-making exercises—alongside strategic field studies across member and partner states.