The NATO Military Committee chose Lieutenant General Max A.L.T. Nielsen to lead the NATO Defense College on Monday, July 11, 2022.
Since 2019, Lieutenant General Nielsen has represented the military to NATO and the EU.
In the summer of 2023, he will succeed Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann.
For for than 70 years, the NATO Defense College (NDC) has been educating military and civilian leaders. Its goal is to facilitate engagement with Allies, Partners, and Non-NATO Entities (NNEs), using a 360-degree approach to security concerns, to contribute to the effectiveness and cohesion of the Alliance largely through senior-level education on transatlantic security issues.
The Commandant ensures that NDC carries out its mandate to support the Alliance’s effectiveness and cohesion by expanding its role as a significant hub of research, study, and education on transatlantic challenges.
The Commandant reports to the Military Committee, although his duties and authority allow him to speak with authorized individuals, academic organizations like the PfP Consortium, national governments of NATO countries, and NATO agencies.
He may also communicate with national organizations outside of NATO for the benefit of initiatives endorsed by the North Atlantic Council, such the Mediterranean Dialogue.
The Chair of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Rob Bauer chairs the Academic Advisory Board, which provides guidance to the NATO Defense College Commandant on ways to further enhance its outreach, links, and activities.