Generaal-Majoor b.d. drs. Pieter Cobelens

About Pieter Cobelens

Pieter Cobelens left the Defense Ministry in 2011 and has since played an important role in the operations of the Dutch armed forces. As Director of Operations, he was responsible for the Dutch operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. In his last position at Defense, he transformed the Military Intelligence and Security Service as Director into a modern agency that is considered an important player by allies. He is a man with unwavering energy, which has not changed even after leaving Defense. He is a flamboyant and outspoken personality who does not hold back his opinions.

He has been the chairman of the Supervisory Board of the then housing corporation Arwon in Roosendaal (now Alwel) and the Roosendaal hospital Franciscus (now Bravis hospital) for many years.

As an individual, you can really make a difference. You just need to have the guts to do something.

After leaving his service, he continued with his personal mission to make the Netherlands cyber-technically secure with its own ‘Dutch’ strength. Cobelens advises various companies at a strategic level. He gives lectures on a variety of topics from his defense expertise, but also as a former chairman of Supervisory Boards of a housing corporation and a hospital. His clear way of speaking, humor, and straightforward positions have not gone unnoticed by the media even after his service. You could and can regularly see him in programs such as Pauw, Jinek, van Liempt, Eenvandaag, Nieuwsuur, and Vandaag Inside. He is also frequently heard as a defense expert on BNR. Many know him from TV programs VI and Oranjezondag. You can also listen to him in the weekly podcast ‘Defense Journal’ with Paul van Liempt.

Pieter Cobelens was an air force officer, attended the Royal Military Academy, and completed the Higher Staff Course. He visited the NATO Defence College in Rome, graduated as a public administration expert in Leiden, was named Government Manager of the Year in 2005, and has received numerous awards including the officer rank in the Order of Orange-Nassau with swords (requested by his own staff).