MONS, Belgium - A group of selected Ukrainian Armed Forces cadets are visiting the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) Partnerships Directorate from Nov. 14 to Nov. 18, 2022.
The cadets were selected from various academies and institutions in Ukraine to participate in selected NATO sponsored education activities. The group, accompanied by their own directing staff, also visited NATO HQ in Brussels and are participating in a military history education programme centered on the Battle of the Bulge in 1944.
This visit to NATO, as an education opportunity, adds a new dimension to their professional studies which has reinforced and enhanced our own military curriculum back in Ukraine
The Director of Partnerships, Rear Admiral Gunnstein Bruåsdal, welcomed the group outlining the programme and the value of such opportunities. The Director reminded everyone of the importance of operational procedures and in particular the benefits of reviewing historically significant events, in order to understand the wide range of such lessons. This visit adds further value to their professional development.
A group of selected Ukrainian Armed Forces cadets are visiting the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) Partnerships Directorate from Nov. 14 to Nov. 18, 2022.
The cadets were selected from various academies and institutions in Ukraine to participate in selected NATO sponsored education activities. - NATO Photo by SMSgt Frederic Rosaire (FRA)
“With the war in Ukraine, many of our planned activities with NATO have been put on hold, however inviting our young men and women here, from our own national military training organisations, has proven to be a huge success. Their thirst for knowledge and motivation to succeed is both inspirational and impressive,’’ said Colonel Gordiienko Volodymyr, Ukrainian Partner Nation Military Representative to SHAPE. “This visit to NATO, as an education opportunity, adds a new dimension to their professional studies which has reinforced and enhanced our own military curriculum back in Ukraine. These cadets will soon see front line service in the fight to defend our country and every briefing and subject helps.”
The cadets represent a wide selection of service arms and branches where many have attended other activities within NATO Alliance member countries. The following few days, to include the Battle of the Bulge event will test and challenge various force components and allow the cadets to assess their own knowledge and contrast it with challenges faced by both sides during WWII.