The George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies began its European-Led Defense course on April 13, 2026, in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, focusing on skills-based training to translate strategy and defense investment into credible deterrence and executable capability.
“This four-week resident course is designed to strengthen strategic thinking, problem framing, and applied analysis,” said Barre Seguin, Marshall Center director. “Our goal is to deepen your knowledge and give you practical tools — shared frameworks, analytical approaches, and professional skills — that you can take back to your own institutions and apply immediately.”
Designed in a modular format, the course begins with strategy development and analytical skills before progressing to execution within the defense industrial base, European security cooperation, and strategy implementation. Throughout the four weeks, participants will engage with Marshall Center faculty, partner institutions, and fellow practitioners to develop approaches that can be adapted and applied within their own ministries, organizations, and national security structures.
“This course is about enhancing European-led defense. We will examine strategy, EU-NATO cooperation, and the defense industrial base as part of a broader effort to strengthen Europe’s ability to turn ideas into capability,” said Sebastian von Münchow, Ph.D., course lead. “The discussions in seminar will deepen the content from the plenary sessions. This is not about being told what is right or wrong — it is about debating, discussing, and analyzing together.”
Through collaboration with European partners, including the European Security and Defence College and the Cyprus Security and Defence Academy, the course contributes to shared understanding and Europe’s growing role in strengthening its own security.
“No institution or nation can deliver credible defense alone. This course emphasizes collaboration with key European and transatlantic institutions as a force multiplier,” said Seguin.
The course examines the defense industrial base through a dedicated module and an in-region workshop hosted in Munich, an innovation hub. The workshop will facilitate direct engagement with emerging innovators, industry partners, and technologies critical to advancing defense industrial capacity and accelerating capability delivery.
By the end of the course, participants — including a delegation from Slovenia during Week 1 and representatives from Romania during Week 2 — will leave with more than a stronger understanding of European security challenges. Through sustained engagement with Marshall Center faculty, partner institutions, and fellow practitioners, they will build a professional network and practical foundation to help translate strategy, defense investment, and shared commitments into executable capability within their own nations and organizations.