The Debate and International Affairs Society (DIAS) at RMC recently attended the Howard International Model NATO 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 and answered a variety of questions on Norwegian Defence Policy.
DIAS is incredibly grateful to the Class of 1966 and the RMC Alumni Association for providing opportunities like The Howard International MNATO to our N/OCdts. The generous support from 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:
- OCdt McKinney: North Atlantic Council
- NCdt Ko: North Atlantic Council
- OCdt Yin: Military Committee
- OCdt Bowerman: Nuclear Planning Group
- OCdt Dyck: Emerging Security Challenges
- OCdt Bacon: Partnerships and Cooperative Security Committee
- OCdt Hollander: Political Committee 1st Chair
- 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.