Nico Tak joins HCSS as Strategic Advisor Defence and Security

HCSS is pleased to welcome a new non-resident Subject Matter Expert: Nico Tak will be joining us as Strategic Advisor Defence and Security!

A retired three-star general with practical experience of security policy and defence at the strategic, operational and tactical levels, Nico Tak is a subject matter expert in security policy, strategy and leadership.

On joining HCSS, he commented:

“We are living at a time when the geopolitical situation is deteriorating, whilst nations are faced with internal divisions, unrest and isolationist movements. HCSS is an important think tank for informing policy makers, academics and the general public. With my political-military and practical experience, I look forward to contributing to the team.” 

Nico Tak commanded 1 German-Netherlands Corps (1GNC) in Münster, Germany, from 2022-2025. In 2023, 1GNC was part of NATO’s Response Force, the main unit immediately available for operations. During his command of 1GNC he was intimately involved with NATO and national planning.

An experienced commander and team leader, he has held various positions in the Dutch Army and Joint Staffs, as well as leading the Comprehensive Crisis and Operations Management Centre at NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, Belgium, from 2014-2017.

Combining both operational and international experience, he was seconded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague from 2011-2013 as Military Adviser. Subsequently, in 2013/14, he was Special Assistant to NATO’s Senior Civilian Representative in Kabul. He commanded tank units in Germany and The Netherlands. His operational deployments included Bosnia-Herzegovina and Afghanistan, where he commanded the first Dutch Provincial Reconstruction Team in Uruzgan.

Since his initial training as a cavalry officer at the Royal Military Academy, he has attended the Dutch Staff College and studied Defence Studies at the British Joint Services Command and Staff College in the United Kingdom. He holds Master’s Degrees from King’s College, London, as well as The Pennsylvania State University, having studied Strategic Studies at the US Army War College.