Born: 1963
Biography:
Alenka Ermenc, born on 5 September 1963, is a renowned officer in the Slovenian army and a trailblazer for women in the military. She made history by becoming the first woman to hold the prestigious position of Chief of Defence within NATO forces. Ermenc’s military journey originated when she joined the Slovenian Territorial Defence forces during Slovenia’s independence war from Yugoslavia in 1991.
Ermenc’s exceptional leadership skills and dedication propelled her career forward. In January 2006, she demonstrated her capabilities as she took command of the newly established 5th Intelligence and Reconnaissance Battalion of the Slovenian Armed Forces. This achievement marked her as the first female commander of a battalion within the Slovenian Armed Forces, solidifying her place as an inspirational figure for women in the military.
Continuing her ascent, Ermenc assumed the role of head of personnel of the General Staff of the Slovenian Army in May 2009. Soon after, she undertook a vital six-month deployment to Kosovo as part of the Kosovo Force, showcasing her commitment to international peacekeeping efforts.
Recognition for Ermenc’s outstanding contributions to the military arrived when she was promoted to the rank of Major General by President Borut Pahor on 23 November 2018. This promotion acknowledged her exceptional leadership, dedication, and expertise.
In that same year, Ermenc reached yet another groundbreaking milestone by assuming the position of Chief of the General Staff in Slovenia. This achievement not only made her the first woman to hold such a vital role within Slovenia but also the first woman to do so within NATO. Her appointment shattered gender barriers and opened doors for future generations of women in the military.
Ermenc’s determination and passion for her work are evident in her educational pursuits. She graduated from the esteemed Royal College of Defence Studies in London and further honed her knowledge by completing a master’s degree in International Studies at King’s College, also in London. These qualifications, combined with her extensive experience, have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of defense strategies and international relations.
Outside of her military endeavors, Ermenc is a devoted mother of three, demonstrating her ability to balance the demands of a military career with family life. Additionally, she volunteers her time and skills with Malteška pomoč Slovenija (Maltese Help of Slovenia), a national chapter of Malteser International. This organization is an esteemed and internationally recognized non-governmental aid agency that provides imperative humanitarian assistance on behalf of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.