The fourth Aldershot serial of the Military Training Assistance Programme (MTAP) Junior Command and Staff Course graduated last week, representing more than 20 countries around the world.

I can't help but be impressed each time I see these graduations.

Candidates were in the junior officer ranks - lieutenant and captain - as well as major. Most were army types, with some air force and one lone guy from the Nigerian Navy. Each was proud of his accomplishment as he marched up to receive his certificate - with a snappy halt and salute reflecting the particular drills of the various militaries represented. It was quite a sight.

As well, four staff members - alumni of a past MTAP serial - were on hand to teach, showing the program's ability to change as needed. All four noted various changes - physical and in the curriculum - as the course develops to meet changing world circumstances.

A program must be good if it can hire its own alumni.

The program's overall objectives include promoting Canadian foreign and defense policies, as well as bilateral defense relations; increasing Canada's profile as valued international player, building peace support operations among our partners, contributing to the effort against terrorism, targeting assistance in order to achieve influence in areas of strategic interest to the country and promoting democratic principles, rule of law, human rights protection and international stability.

Needless to say, this type of program as represented at Camp Aldershot is one for which I've always had a lot of interest and enthusiasm. It's one a military person could either build a career on, or certainly top one off.

Sigh.

As MTAP director Andrew Rasiulis told the Aldershot graduates Dec. 13, despite current commitments, Canada can help meet more of the needs around the world through the program.

The program trains and prepares others to help provide the peace and stability needed in parts of the globe. The candidates came to learn the Canadian approach, increasingly common to many as alumni spread around the world. As it stands, Rasiulis said, he could look out over the room and see the world.

At the same time, as course commander Lt. Col. Rod MacKay noted, friendships were made; but also the graduates - well over 100 so far - will know the others' capabilities and methods as they meet during future international operations.

Hell, it doesn't get any better than that for a soldier.

There is a lot more to MTAP than the course at Camp Aldershot. It also includes the peace support operations courses for more senior officers at the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre, and other programs at various Canadian Forces facilities across the country. There is also the MTAP Caribbean Junior Command and Staff Course in Jamaica. It also has courses for Darfur military observers and the Afghan National Army and a seminar with the Ukraine. Overall, besides the 50 or so at Camp Aldershot each year, it provides training for more than 1,300 troops from at least 66 countries.

The program's $16 million annual budget has been divided up among language training, 48 per cent; peace support training, 18 per cent; staff courses, 17 per cent; professional development, 13 per cent; and administration, four per cent. That's a pretty good return.

By region, funding has gone to Eastern and Southern Europe, 56 per cent; Africa, 18 per cent; Latin America, 10 per cent; Asia-Pacific, eight per cent; Caribbean, seven per cent; Middle East, one per cent. Renewed emphasis has been placed on Africa, as well. I would think our membership in the Commonwealth and la Francophonie could be a tremendous help. Canada's past work - particularly by the Diefenbaker and Mulroney governments - against apartheid in South Africa, for example, show our longevity there.

Back to our Valley community's role in all of this.

Camp Aldershot's facilities are close to larger ones - 14 Wing Greenwood and CFB Halifax - but also isolated enough to allow candidates to focus on the learning at hand. Quarters may be austere by some estimations, but Aldershot has become a working facility, with Canadian troops preparing for promotions and even overseas deployment - including West Novas. Things are happening there. Candidates can't help but get that feeling.