Graduation Ceremony ISOC 32 – International Staff Officer Course – took place on March 27^th, 2026, in the premises of the International Courses Department of the Armed Forces Academy of General M. R. Stefanik (SVK AFA). Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic, Brigadier General Marek Banas, Vice-Rector for Education of the SVK AFA, Colonel Michal Turčaník, as well as representative of the Personnel and Social Activities Section of Ministry of Defense of the Slovak Republic and representatives of the Professional Military Education Centre of SVK AFA honored the hand-over of the certificates to the course graduates.
On January 26^th, 2026, thirteen officers of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic in the ranks of captain to major, one captain and one first lieutenant from SVK AFA, one major from the Republic of Korea and four servicewomen of the Armed Forces of Jordan began the course. All participants successfully graduated. The award for the best student was given to Slovak Major Zuzana Kisidayová, who set a great example for others with her active work, professional skills and knowledge.
The course lasted 9 weeks, 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 the international environment. Students 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.
An important part of the course was also a tutorial exercise, where presence of Major Eugene M. Harding from National Guard Indiana (NGI) was a huge benefit. As part of the cooperation between NGI and SVK AFA, he brought valuable experience and professional knowledge. This cooperation brings a significant space for the exchange of important information between lecturers and at the same time offers course participants a new perspective on the topics covered.
ISOC 32 was concluded with a ceremonial speech by Brigadier General Marek Banas, who highlighted the tradition of the course and his own experience with it as a graduate. He recalled that many former participants today hold important positions, whether as generals, military attachés or representatives of other high military positions, which is certainly a motivation for current graduates. At the same time, he shared personal experiences and created a space for open discussion.

Major Jintae Kim from the Republic of Korea spoke on behalf of the graduates. In his speech, he thanked the Academy, the lecturers, the organizational team, as well as his classmates and team partners, thanks to whom they together overcame all the challenges on the way to the successful completion of the course. The hospitality and beauty of the Liptov region left a strong impression on the participants from Jordan as well.