National Military Representatives on NATO’s flagship course
Text: Colonel Viktor Andaházi-Szeghy | Photo: Captain Milán Gajdos | 11:57 January 30, 2026The Senior Officer Policy Course (SOPC) was organized at the NATO School Oberammergau in late January 2026. The biannual course is for soldiers and government officials of NATO member states in decision-making position.
Together with several of his colleagues from Mons, Major General László Sticz PhD also participated in the course, who is currently serving Hungarian interests in the position of national military representative at SHAPE. During the week, the close to 100 course participants attended a number of interesting lectures on the external and internal challenges to the Alliance, delivered by renowned international experts from NATO member states. Besides, the participants learned about the trends and processes affecting the Alliance during panel discussions. Furthermore, the course offered an excellent opportunity for strengthening cooperation among international military leaders serving in different fields.
Major General Sticz has been to Oberammergau for the first time at a change of command ceremony in June 2025, when Colonel John Smith, the outgoing commander of the traditionally US-led school relinquished command to Colonel Bradley Ritzel. During the then trip, the Hungarian national military representative suggested that as many as possible national military leaders serving at SHAPE should participate in the next SOPC. The success of the initiative is shown by the fact that 20 out of the 32 national military representatives of NATO member states have completed the most recent course.
From a Hungarian point of view, Oberammergau is also special because three Hungarian soldiers are serving in the school and performing their tasks as head of department, course director and instructor. The school is NATO’s educational institution working at the highest capacity, which supports the Alliance’s training needs by offering more than 100 courses that are not available anywhere else. Moreover, NATO’s educational portfolio also reflects requirements needed for international positions – since many NATO billets can be filled only with degrees obtained here.
During the period of the course, General Sticz met the Hungarian personnel serving here, who told him about their tasks, daily life, as well as the beauties and challenges of their service here.
