Page 59 - Cormorant Issue 20 2017

version of a ‘Boris Bike’ and cycling south for 15 minutes over the Pont Alexandre III and past Les Invalides to the grand and imposing 18th century complex of the Ecole de Guerre itself.
The Exercise was based on the same scenario as at other CJEX locations with 4 syndicates of around 20 personnel mixed from all participating nations. Each pair of syndicates
was mentored by a senior French of cer, (General de Corps d’Armee Fugier and General d’Armee Aerienne Charaix), who provided welcome experience and advice. The syndicates quickly coalesced and produced a comprehensive Mission Analysis Brief and later a Course of Action Decision Brief in a relatively short space of time. But, more importantly, the Exercise provided an excellent opportunity to share different approaches to planning,
to understand different cultures and to form lasting bonds across nationalities.
As part of the week, a team of ACSC
20 students competed in a debate
with the EdG. The debate title was ‘This house would disband NATO’ with ACSC proposing the motion and EdG opposing. The debate was vigorous with both sides taking signi cant intellectual risk in taking an ostensibly contrary viewpoint to traditional respective national thinking. The ensuing questions from the audience were challenging and insightful from all 6 nations represented in the audience. Ultimately the French won the debate by a split decision amongst the 3 judges, but our opening speaker, Lt Cdr Matt Boulind, deservedly claimed the prize for best overall debater. The debate was followed by an excellent social event in the EdG followed by further vigorous conversation outside a local bar. Again, the relationships formed between both teams will continue well beyond ACSC.
All delegations were warmly hosted
by the French students and staff throughout with more formal lunch and evening social events based around superb food and wine. But there were also more informal opportunities to
get to know one another such as the ‘Jolly Jeudi’ happy hours on the rst and last nights of the exercise at a local pub. Overall, the social aspects of the exercise and the debate were a highlight of ACSC and developed a sense of trust and understanding between the nations involved which will go a long way to enabling future combined operations.
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Whatever the occasion, make it one to remember!
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