The Debate and International Affairs Society (DIAS) at RMC recently attended the Howard International Model NATO between the 12th-16th of February in Washington, DC. This is an annual competition that the team has participated in over the last 20 years, and simulates the functions, policies and procedures of NATO. Over 25 schools internationally attended this conference including several military academies from the United States.
This year, DIAS sent a team of eight N/OCdts to compete at this conference. The delegation represented the Kingdom of Norway, with each delegate representing Norwegian policy on a separate simulated committee. The simulation as whole provided a realistic environment for cadets to practice negotiation, coalition-building, and international diplomacy. As with many of DIAS’ events, these help to build soft skills in future leaders, including critical thinking, decision-making and communication skills by exposing them to complex defence challenges that require cooperation to reach consensus. This experience fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the role international alliances play in Canadian defence, building better informed leaders for the Canadian Armed Forces of tomorrow.
The team would also like to extend a thank you to the Norwegian Embassy in Washington, DC. Who hosted the delegates on 13 Feb 25 and answered a variety of questions on Norwegian Defence Policy.
DIAS is incredibly grateful to the RMC Alumni Association for providing opportunities like The Howard International MNATO to our N/OCdts. The generous support from the Class of 1966 and the Alumni Association has allowed cadets to pursue their interests in international affairs, debate, and diplomacy.
The following is a list of delegates from RMC and their committees:
- 30284 OCdt McKinney: North Atlantic Council
- 30348 NCdt Ko: North Atlantic Council
- 30459 OCdt Yin: Military Committee
- 30450 OCdt Bowerman: Nuclear Planning Group
- 31032 OCdt Dyck: Emerging Security Challenges
- 30909 OCdt Bacon: Partnerships and Cooperative Security Committee
- 30290 OCdt Hollander: Political Committee 1st Chair
- 31342 OCdt Sanghvi: Page/Political Committee 2nd Chair
OCdt McKinney and OCdt Ko received the Overall Outstanding Delegate Award for their exceptional performance in the North Atlantic Council, while OCdt Bowerman earned the same distinction for his contributions in the Nuclear Planning Group. Additionally, OCdt Yin was recognized with the Distinguished Delegate Award for the Military Committee, and OCdt Bacon received the Superior Delegate Award for the PCSC.
Furthermore, RMC was honoured with the Overall Distinguished Delegation Award for its outstanding participation in the conference.
