27th International Course for Staff Officers, was completed with a solemn ceremony on November 16th, 2022 in the premises of the Department of International Courses of the Armed Forces Academy of Gen. M. R. Stefanik (AFA).

On September 19th, 2022, 6 first lieutenants of the Army of the Czech Republic, 1 major from the Republic of Korea, 12 officers of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic and 1 member of the AFA joined the course. All of them successfully completed the course. For the first time in history, the title of the best student was awarded to a member of the Slovak Armed Forces, namely Captain Jozef Bačko. He set an example for other students with his active work in the course, both on an individual and team level, even though the competition for the title of "best student" was mainly in ranks of Czech first lieutenants.

The course lasted a total of 9 weeks, during which its participants completed the issues of planning and conducting military operations at the tactical level of command in accordance with NATO standards, in the entire spectrum of conflicts in an international environment. They became familiar with the use of units of various specializations and services, as well as with the organizational structures of individual combat units at the tactical level. They have acquired the basic information and skills necessary for the military decision-making process and are ready for joint action in all phases of preparation and planning at the tactical level. During the practical exercises, they were able to try out roles in different positions and thus find themselves in a position that was not available to them until now, but which may be important in their future career. A great benefit was the joint exercise with the participants of a similar course in Romania, who came to AFA and completed the CHOPOK exercise together with our students.

The students thanked the instructors and the entire team of the Department of International Courses by student speech at the certificate handing ceremony, which was delivered by a student from the Republic of Korea. He was the first ISOC student from this country so far, and we believe that he will return home with pleasant impressions, loaded with knowledge and inspiration for other colleagues.

ISOC 27 was closed with a ceremonial speech by the vice-rector for education of the AFA, COL Aurel Sabó, who expressed his gratitude to the instructors led by LTC Jozef Kuchta, as well as the belief the course has been beneficial for students and that they will be able to apply the acquired knowledge in their home units.

A big gain for AFA is also the training of CAPT Jozef Hraško, who is a junior instructor of International Courses Department of AFA and even though he is an expert in the given issue from his previous positions, completing the course will enable him to handle better the his role of the instructor on ICD.