On Wednesday, Representative of His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Major General Yousef Huneiti, patronized the graduation ceremony of the 22nd National Defense Course and the 8th Master's Program in Strategies for Countering Extremism and Terrorism at the Royal Jordanian National Defense College.

 

In his speech, the College Commandant said, "The Royal Jordanian National Defense College bases its various programs and curricula on the visions and directives of His Majesty, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, which aim to prepare qualified leaders capable of understanding the comprehensive national security environment and analyzing political, economic, social, and security challenges."

 

He pointed out that the College has focused most of its efforts on building strategic thinking, strengthening national security concepts, and consolidating the principles of moderation and tolerance. This culture can be used to confront the culture of violence, counter extremist ideology, and counter the dangers of terrorism. He emphasized that this mission requires coordination and integration among various state institutions, through the involvement of a distinguished elite of officers from the Armed Forces and security agencies in the qualification programs, in addition to representatives from various national institutions and a number of sisterly and friendly countries, with the participation of a select group of lecturers and experts.

 

The representative of His Majesty the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces distributed certificates and awards to the graduates of the course, which grants a Master's degree in Management and Strategic Studies. The Defense Course also awarded a Master's degree in Strategies for Countering Extremism and Terrorism.

 

Participating in the two programs were officers from various branches of the Jordanian Armed Forces—the Arab Army—and security agencies, as well as employees from various ministries and institutions. Officers from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Yemen, Morocco, Egypt, and the United States of America also participated.

 

In a related development, Major General Al-Hunaiti inaugurated the National Defense College Officers Club, which reflects the Armed Forces' commitment to improving the quality of service facilities it provides to its employees. The club covers an area of ​​2,034 square meters and contains 21 rooms and a dining hall. It was designed and constructed according to the highest specifications and standards, and was implemented by the staff of the Arab International Contracting and Construction Company, owned by the Armed Forces, under the direct supervision of the Directorate of Housing and Military Works.

 

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff also entered a note in the register of senior officials. Visitors expressed their pride in the advanced level achieved by the students at the Royal National Defense College, both militarily and academically.

 

The graduation ceremony was attended by the President of Mutah University, the Director of the General Intelligence Service, the Director of the Public Security Service, the Chairman of the Civil Service and General Administration Commission, a number of senior officers from the Jordanian Armed Forces and security agencies, and a number of ambassadors and military attachés from brotherly and friendly countries accredited to the Kingdom.