WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- In an effort to build stronger global partnerships, 1st Lt. Blake Carpenter, 129th Intelligence Squadron, was selected to join a group of military leaders from nine NATO and partner nations for the International Junior Officer Leadership Development course Aug. 10-15, 2025.
Held in Winnipeg, Canada, this prestigious program is designed to bring together junior officers from across the globe for a week of intensive leadership training and cross-cultural exchange. The course focuses on developing a network of future leaders prepared for the complexities of coalition operations.
For Carpenter, the opportunity was not just a training event, but also a chance to build the foundational relationships and knowledge necessary for future multinational missions.
"I was particularly drawn to this course because it presented a unique opportunity to engage with officers from other countries, learning firsthand about how their militaries operate," stated Carpenter. "I was interested in gaining insights into how different countries govern, their societal values, and how those elements shape the military’s role in each respective country."
The selection process for IJOLD is rigorous, with only a small number of officers selected from each country. Carpenter joined officers from Canada, Denmark, Norway, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
The week-long curriculum blended classroom instruction on leadership principles and NATO dynamics with practical team-building exercises. A highlight of the course was the cultural exchange, where each officer presented on their nation's military structure, government and societal values, offering insight into the factors that influence their countries.
“It gives you a fascinating glimpse into how the military is intertwined with national identity, political structures, and social values in different countries,” Carpenter explained. “It was especially eye-opening to compare how similar challenges are approached differently across cultures. You begin to understand why a partner nation makes the decisions it does.”
While team-building exercises challenged their problem-solving skills, the real goal was fostering the camaraderie needed to break down barriers. The course emphasized that in a coalition environment, influence and understanding are often more powerful than command authority alone.
The experience provided not only personal and professional growth for Carpenter but also strengthened the network of trust and understanding essential for ensuring seamless and effective multinational operations in the future.
“The IJOLD course not only enhanced my leadership abilities but also deepened my understanding of the nuances of international relationships,” Carpenter concluded. “It was an enriching opportunity that strengthened my commitment to building strong international partnerships, and I look forward to applying these lessons in future multinational missions.”
