MAGAZINE FOR HQ JFC BRUNSSUM - FEBRUARY 2017

i www.jfcbs.nato.int f www.facebook.com/jfcbs

UNIQUE HANGAR NEW ACRONYMS ON PROJECT “EXTEND COMPLEX BUILT IN THE HORIZON H-106” EDGES PÁPA, HUNGARY CLOSER TO COMPLETION TAX FREE SHOPPING AT MEDIA MARKT HEERLEN

Calculation Sample A Led-TV costs €1210,- incl. tax. 21% tax free means €1210,- x (100/121) = €1000,- The discount is €210,- and the benet is 17,36%

Media Markt Heerlen Opening hours: Parking: Corio Center 9 Mo. - fr. 9.30 - 21 h, Sa. 9.30 - 18.00 h 525 parkings in the Corio Center Garage 6411 LX Heerlen, 045-5763700 Every sunday open from 12.00 - 17.00 h

Heerlen TAX FREE SHOPPING AT MEDIA MARKT HEERLEN ABOUT THE COVER

A U.S. Marine participates in a fi eld training exercise during Exercise Iron Sword 16 in Rukla Training Area, Lithuania, Nov. 29, 2016.

Photo By: Sgt. Kirstin Merrimarahajara

3 ABOUT THE COVER 22 NEW ACRONYMS ON THE HORIZON 5 COMMAND GROUP CORNER 24 THE FRENCH ARMED FORCES 6 VISITS AND ACTIVITIES CONTRIBUTION TO EUROPEAN DEFENCE 14 HELLENIC ARMED FORCES IN 26 DUTCH NATIONAL RESERVE CORPS PEACE SUPPORT ACTIVITIES COMPANY AT THE JFC BRUNSSUM SITE 16 REMEMBRANCE OF A BATTLE 27 8TH CROATIAN INTERNATIONAL OF THE “EIGHTY YEARS WAR” SENIOR NCO LEADERSHIP COURSE 18 UNIQUE HANGAR COMPLEX BUILT IN PÁPA, 28 PROJECT “EXTEND H-106” EDGES CLOSER HUNGARY 30 DID YOU KNOW 19 NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL 32 ONE OF US VISITS JFC BRUNSSUM 34 DISCOUNTS 20 STRONG RELATIONSHIPS: INFORMATION 36 MOVIE SCHEDULE SHARING AND COORDINATION IN 37 CIRCLE 100 SUPPORT OF THE ALLIANCE 38 FILM REVIEW

Calculation Sample The NORTHERN STAR is a publication, pu- telephone: +31 (0)45 571 61 16, blished with the assistance of ‘t Swarte Schaap, or e-mail: [email protected]. Editorial Staff A Led-TV costs €1210,- incl. tax. in co-operation with and at no cost to HQ JFC Brunssum. Opinions herein do not necessarily Submissions to the Northern Star can be made 21% tax free means €1210,- x (100/121) = €1000,- refl ect offi cial NATO or HQ JFC Brunssum to room F 1.21, Bldg. H 106 or e-mailed to pao@ Col Martin Klein, DEU A policy. The appearance of advertisements, inclu- jfcbs.nato.int. Articles should be in Microsoft Chief Public Aff airs Offi ce The discount is €210,- and the benet is 17,36% ding inserts, does not constitute endorsement by Word format and, whenever possible, should be NATO or HQ JFC Brunssum of the products or no longer than 300 words. Photographs should Mr. Barry Mellor, GBR Civ services off ered. Deadline for articles, adverti- be at least 9x6 centimetres and 300 dpi. The Deputy Chief Public Aff airs (Civ) & Community Media Markt Heerlen Opening hours: Parking: sements and photographs is on the Monday at Northern Star is published monthly, with the Relations, Advisor, Editor Corio Center 9 Mo. - fr. 9.30 - 21 h, Sa. 9.30 - 18.00 h 525 parkings in the Corio Center Garage close of business prior to the week of publica- exceptions of January and August each year. It 6411 LX Heerlen, 045-5763700 Every sunday open from 12.00 - 17.00 h tion. is generally available around the fi rst Friday of Adj Leo Roos NLD A each month it is produced. Adj Shirley Ham – ter Haar, NLD MP To place an advertisement in the Northern Contributing Editor Star, please call ’t Swarte Schaap and ask for For more information, call ext. 2687 or Rob Schaap, Sint Franciscusweg 36-3, 6417 BD +31 (0)45 526 26 87. The editor reserves the Heerlen, The Netherlands, right to edit submissions.

3 Heerlen MILITARY DISCOUNT CENTRE

WHY BUY A QUALITY CAR?

1) Quality cars are designed and manufactured to last much longer 2) Quality cars transport you and your family in the safest environment. 3) Quality cars have exceptional resale values 4) Quality cars are reliable 5) Quality cars are a pleasure to own

WHY BUY BMW , VOLVO or MERCEDES?

1) BMW ,VOLVO and MERCEDES are your Quality cars 2) MASSIVE Military Discounts (Buy Quality for the price of an Average car) 3) FREE Home Shipment to the U.S.A or CANADA when you return home 4) FREE Service and Maintenance for 3 Years (U.S. Volvo models) 5) FREE European Breakdown/Recovery (incl. Hotel, flights home, rental car) 6) FREE 4 Year Warranty (3 year EU models) 7) FREE 12 Year Anti Corrosion guarantee 8) Purchase Price in YOUR Currency and protected against price increases

WHY BUY FROM ROADCRAFT?

1) ROADCRAFT guarantee you the lowest price 2) ROADCRAFT guarantee the highest level of service 3) ROADCRAFT deliver to your Military Base 4) ROADCRAFT have over 30 years experience selling to Military/Diplomats 5) ROADCRAFT provide 24/7 LIFETIME SUPPORT- Unique in car sales 6) ROADCRAFT do not believe in pressure selling. We value and respect our customers!

OVER 20% savings OFF Tax-Free prices www.MilitaryTaxfreeCars.com / [email protected] direct lines: 0031 646855537 COMMAND GROUP CORNER Composed by Major General Walter Ohm (DEU A)

ATO is enhancing visits that we are well on track. Division North East (MNDNE) its forward pres- We must consider, on one hand, and the NATO Forward ence in the eastern the challenges and, on the other Integration Units (NFIUs), can part of the Alli- hand, the tremendous support make a significant difference Nance, with four multination- from the host nations and mission utilizing the existing regional al battle groups in Estonia, commitment demonstrated by expertise to best effect. It is, Latvia, Lithuania and Po- the contributing nations. I’ve in particular, up to my team to land, on a rotational basis. met solution-oriented officers finalize our regional resources These battle groups, led by and NCOs with very professional picture, to obtain a clear the United Kingdom, Cana- attitudes, who are well aware of understanding of requirements da, Germany and the Unit- both current opportunities and and to support the overall ed States respectively, will minor weaknesses. After seeing coordination. be robust, multinational, existing host nation capabilities combat-ready forces dem- and infrastructure I fully trust in JFC Brunssum must continue onstrating the strength of their ability to enable eFP forces. to use the momentum of the transatlantic bond, and Ultimately the effectiveness these current strong national making clear that an attack of NATO’s collective strength, commitments, further develop on one ally would be consid- ability to deter and commitment the eFP mission ered an attack on the whole to defence will be demonstrated. in the operational domain, Alliance. eFP enforces both understand priorities and deterrence and the Alli- But I’m also very much translate them into necessary ance’s ability of successful - convinced, beyond combat guidance. collective Defence! forces, that eFP battle groups will come with very robust This requires our full attention SACEUR has tasked our combat service support and and effort. Working together, in Headquarters to take a leading logistics profiles, giving us full close cooperation with all the role on the operational confidence to counter any threat other stakeholders within our incorporation and integration effectively. headquarters and throughout of this capability. For my the implementation area, we Directorate this means Of course there are other will make it! facilitating the efforts of troop important military initiatives contributing nations and host and activities ongoing as nations, resource-wise. well which, taken together, increase our collective defence In order to better understand capability. But given that the current situation on the resources are always limited, a ground and to have necessary main challenge is to ensure the discussions with the relevant proper allocation, acquisition stakeholders, I have paid and efficient use of available visits to Poland, Lithuania and assets. Host Nations may seek Estonia. Latvia will follow very our advice and guidance. In that soon. Notwithstanding the fact domain JFC Brunssum, together that many open questions and with the Multi National Corps challenges still exist, it is my North East (MNCNE), the soon clear assessment after these to be stood up Multi National

5 VISITS AND ACTIVITIES Prepared by Adj Leo Roos NLD A

Operational Liaison and Reconnaissance Team Annual Training Cycle Commences 17 NOV 2016

This week Headquarters Allied Joint Force of tasks allocated as a result of a renewed Command Brunssum (JFCBS) has started and improved NATO concept governing the its annual Training Cycle for its Operational enhanced NATO Response Force (eNRF). Liaison and Reconnaissance Team (OLRT) In terms of deployability this means starting in order to maintain the necessary level of with small teams sent to a mission area for training and professionalism required as one particular purposes, but steadily increasing in of two assigned deployable Joint Task Force numbers and responsibilities – up to a maxi- Headquarters in NATO. This means that JFC mum of 800 personnel – to form a Joint Task Brunssum must be ready to deploy a well- Force Headquarters. trained and educated fact fi nding team on other issues these include mounting and de- short notice whenever necessary to gain, and In response to the changing security environ- ploying procedures, communications protocols then maintain, situational awareness and fi rst ment, NATO has already evolved and adapted and the refreshing of many basic soldiering assessment on any possible security crisis to meet many new challenges – world-wide skills. NATO might engage in. as well as at the Alliances borders. Knowing enhanced training leads to enhanced readiness The outcome is that JFC Brunssum maintains Together with its sister Headquarter in Naples, Brunssum’s personnel include an expansive levels of high readiness that enable it to quickly JFC Brunssum is tasked to fulfi l a wide range range of topics in their preparations. Amongst react to any emerging security situation.

Moving Remembrance Tribute at Haelen 17 NOV 2016

The Chief of Staff Joint Force Command Netherlands, Her Excellency Mrs Janet LOWE, Brunssum, Lieutenant General Janusz AD- preceded the laying of wreaths and observance AMCZAK, visited the Monument of Tolerance of a minute’s silence. The ceremony served as at Haelen, today, and paid tribute to those a poignant reminder of the sacrifi ces made by military personnel who lost their lives in the over 700 personnel, from 11 nations and that, Leudal area during the period 1940-1945. in the true spirit of tolerance, the memorial commemorates the loss of Austrian and Ger- Also present were civil and military repre- man lives during the same period. the monument is covered with boulders from sentatives from Belgium, the Czech Republic, the river Maas, one for each soldier killed in Germany, The Netherlands and the United The bronze monument consists of a half arch action. The eleven red beams in the pavement Kingdom plus Jewish victims from the Ho- on an equilateral triangle which represents the symbolize the eleven nations involved. locaust; all refl ecting on the losses suff ered Heavenly. The gulls represent freedom. The and the sacrifi ces made. Moving speeches sword with the laurel-wreath and the clasped A Spitfi re from the Department of Historic from the Mayor of Leudal, Mr Arno VERHO- hands represent the battle fought and the frat- Flights of the Royal Dutch Air Force performed EVEN and New Zealand’s Ambassador to the ernization beyond death. The foot of a fl y-past during the ceremony.

6 November 2016/January 2017

Operational Liaison and Reconnaissance Team Le beaujolais nouveau est arrivé! Annual Training Cycle Commences 17 NOV 2016

All over the world French people are gathering together, inviting friends to taste the new wine. Members of Brunssum’s French Staff Associa- In Brunssum this event was also celebrated. tion joined forces with the French Spouses More than 800 people, members of Allied association, under the coordination of Colonel Joint Force Command Brunssum, former Michel, to demonstrate their outstanding members, community members and their ability to organize and manage this event. The spouses, accepted an invitation from Brigadier end result was a hugely successful evening en- General GOUDEAU to attend the Beaujolais hanced by the provision of background music The 17th of November, exactly a week after the Nouveau party. It is well known that even far and a band that performed traditional songs. last release of Beaujolais nouveau wine, Joint abroad where soldiers are experiencing isola- Force Command Brunssum celebrated the tion and deprivation, French troops’ know-how The Brunssum community is already looking event at the International Conference Centre. will always ensure wine is shipped on time!! forward to next year’s release that will occur November is traditionally a month without around the third Thursday of November. It is happy social events, a month of remembrance, Guests were able to enjoy French cheeses and not too early to mark your calendars! a month of cold, windy and rainy weather; with delicacies that were provided to accompany the one exception - the French Beaujolais Nouveau new wine. reception!

Commander JFC Brunssum Participates in Hungarian NFIU Inauguration 18 NOV 2016 Ceremony

States, as well as the one recently activated in forces, already now, in peacetime’. He added: Slovakia. General Farina, the highest ranking ‘with its central, strategic location in Europe, NATO military commander at the ceremony, on the crossroads of East and West, Hungary commended the hard work of Hungarian offi - can provide essential support to the Alliance, cials and NFIU staff to establish this headquar- in peace time, crisis and confl ict’. ters and get it operational on an accelerated timeline, providing a ‘great achievement for ‘NFIUs are smart, agile and joint military NATO in such a short period’. He recognized headquarters representing a multinational the key role played by this headquarters eff ort’ and with this latest NFIU in Hungary we Commander JFC Brunssum, General Salvatore with its ‘mission to assist the host nation in add more capability, expertise and enthusiasm Farina, participated in the inauguration cer- enabling the quick reception and support of into NATO’s NFIU network’, General Farina emony of the Hungarian NATO Force Integra- the Enhanced NATO Response Force (eNRF), pointed out. tion Unit (NFIU) on Friday 18 November; this including the Very High Readiness Joint Task He concluded his remarks by welcoming the is the latest NFIU to offi cially join the network Force (VJTF), in order to bolster the Alliance’s Commander of the Hungarian NFIU, Colonel of headquarters established along the Eastern overall responsiveness.’ Garas, and his multinational team into the fl ank of the area of responsibility of Supreme ‘operational family in support of the Alliance’s Allied Commander Europe. These headquarters are not only important security’, wishing them good luck for the ‘jour- facilitators bringing high readiness elements ney starting today in order to achieve great The ceremony was also attended by the to the theatre, but they also have ‘a signifi cant results, as per Hungary’s tradition.’ Hungarian Minister of Defence, Dr. Istvan role in acquiring and increasing situational Simicskò; NATO’s Deputy Assistant Secretary awareness in the region by providing NATO The Minister of Defence of Hungary, in his General for Defence Investment, Mr. Enrest J. with essential knowledge, acting as the Alli- remarks, highlighted the multi-nationality of Herold; the Chief of Defence of Hungary, Gen- ance’s eyes and ears on the ground, sharing the headquarters staff and thanked the nations eral Tibor Benkò; amongst other dignitaries. information with the host nation and higher providing the international personnel as a sign Commander JFC Brunssum is responsible headquarters.’ With this in mind, the General of solidarity with Hungary. ‘The establishment for the implementation area that includes the said: ‘it is critical that NFIUs establish and of the NFIU in Székesfehérvár’ - the Minister NFIU in Hungary together with those estab- maintain strong, standing relationships with said – ‘is another important milestone in Hun- lished last year in Poland and the three Baltic the host country and act on behalf of NATO gary’s history of NATO membership’.

7 VISITS AND ACTIVITIES

On behalf of the NATO Secretary General, Mr. After the 2014 Wales Summit, elements of the to underline the Alliance’s approach to security Herold expressed his thanks to the Hungarian Readiness Action Plan were enacted, with the is to look at threats coming from any direction Government and people for their ‘contribu- enhancement of the NATO Response Force - East and West, North and South. He stated: tion to the Alliance’s security’, underlining the and the conception of the Very High Readiness ‘NATO is demonstrating - and will continue in ‘constructive role that Hungary plays in our Al- Joint Task Force (VJTF), together with the the years to come - to be a defensive Alliance liance’. The Hungarian NFIU is a ‘step forward planned establishment of 8 NATO Force Inte- with extensive capabilities that enable fl exibil- for the security of Hungary and NATO’, and gration Units within the territories of NATO’s ity and adaptation, but also allow for the provi- all 8 NFIUs together ’move NATO to greater eastern allies, as a clear and tangible sign of sion of assurance and deterrence, underlining strength and greater readiness’, sending the NATO’s continuing commitment to defend all the Alliance’s resolve to defend and protect all clear message that ‘no NATO ally stands alone: member states. allies whilst always avoiding provocation and NATO is here in Szekesfehervar and ready to At the joint press conference following the escalation while being open for dialogue’. defend all Allies against any threat’. ceremony, General Farina took the opportunity

JFC Brunssum conducts a CIMIC training mission in Ukraine 21 -24 NOV 2016

A team of personnel from Allied Joint Force from the Bulgarian Armed Forces, included Command Brunssum conducted a Mobile one member from the CIMIC Centre of Excel- Training Team (MTT) visit to the Ukrainian lence in The Hague and provided several National Defence University “Ivan Chernyak- lectures and training scenarios to the Ukranian hovsky” at Kiev, Ukraine, between 21-24 Nov; students. This is the ninth MTT/Expert Team the purpose of which was to educate Ukrainian Visit to Ukraine since 2014; each building on offi cers about the Civil-Military Coopera- the success of previous visits and serving to tion (CIMIC) contribution to the Operational assist the Ukrainian CIMIC Directorate plans Planning Process (OPP) and the products that to conduct training for future CIMIC Field CIMIC offi cers have to deliver during the dif- Offi cers; setting the conditions to develop a ferent phases of operational planning. Ukrainian Training and Education capability at the tactical level. nation and contributor to NATO mission and In achieving the aims of the visit, the 5-person exercise planning. team, led by Commander Yasen KENAROV Ukraine is a valued partnership for peace

Lithuanian Armed Forces Day 24 NOV 2016

On Thursday, the 24th of November 2016, history; from inception through major events the Lithuanian Senior National Representa- aff ecting them and the challenges faced today. tive Allied Headquarters Joint Force Com- mand Brunssum (JFCBS), Brigadier General General LEIKA concluded by emphasizing Almantas LEIKA, welcomed guests to the NATO’s contribution to the development of Commemoration of the 98th Anniversary of the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ capabilities and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Lithuania regional security. reception event. The guests enjoyed sharing experiences of vis- Addressing the JFCBS Commander, General its to Lithuania and engaging with its people. Salvatore FARINA, Deputy Chief of Staff (Support), Major General Walter OHM, and other distinguished guests, Brigadier LEIKA provided a précis of Lithuania’s Armed Forces

8 November 2016 /January 2017

29 NOV 2016 Enhanced Forward Presence Table Top Exercise

The eFP concept refl ects a decision made Strategic Directive. during the Defence Ministerials in February With SHAPE, eFP Host Nations, eFP Frame- 2016. It is quite new and needs to be aligned work Nations and MNC-NE represented, a with existing NATO concepts, structures and number of eFP vignettes led the audience forces already in place. The complexity of eFP through various presentations and discussion is being expressed by the necessary incorpora- points. tion of nominated Battle Groups into numer- As expected this fi rst hands-on gathering with ous plans and, also, by considering the role of key players gave rise to many questions and the NATO Force Integration Units (NFIU), the revealed the ‘grey areas’; it also underlined the Multinational Corps Northeast (MNC-NE), need for robust coordination. the enhanced NATO Response Force (eNRF) A range of topics were discussed. Among them and the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force were Readiness, Strategic Communications, (VJTF). Exercises and Training, Rules of Engagement, We are obliged to carefully work on how to Logistics, Command & Control and CIS. synchronize our eff orts, achieve coherence We look back on a valuable fi rst day of syn- As directed by SACEUR late 2016, JFC and how best to utilize eFP as an amplifi er for ergetic work on eFP, which synchronized the Brunssum is responsible for the overall coordi- the eff ectiveness of NATO’s deterrence and eff orts to be taken by all actors in the very near nation of the deployment and employment of defence posture. The fi rst TableTop Exercise future. the Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) within (TTX) on eFP has delivered the initial steps to NATO. achieve the desired unity of eff ort, resulting in a decisive outcome supporting SACEUR’s

29 NOV 2016 Craft Market 2016

of the Christmas season in the International that came along to support this fundraising Conference Center, which had been trans- event, The Crafty Café where selling food & formed into an beautiful market with delegates cakes prepared by the diff erent nations and from UK, Canada, US, Latvia, Estonia, Spain, they while enjoying their lunch the JFC Brass Italy, Scandinavia, Poland, Germany & France Band played seasonal music. All in all it was a having decorated their stalls and selling an great success; all profi t from the event will go excellent selection of home-made craft items towards the charities nominated. such as traditional Christmas decorations from their country, cakes, etc. The next big event will be the Charity Night 31

Several stalls also had a Raffl e where you could win lovely fi lled baskets with national goodies On 29th November 2016, the International and US raffl ed a X-Mas Tree, congratula- Club held one of their two big fundraising tions to the winners. To cater for the families, event, the annual Craft Market and kicked friends, colleagues and military personnel

9 VISITS AND ACTIVITIES November 2016/January 2017

Deputy Commander JFC Brunssum visits Afghanistan 29 NOV - 02 DEC 2016

Command Brunssum (JFC Brunssum), Lieu- Commander, Lieutenant General Sandy tenant General Fernando ALEJANDRE, visited STORRIE, and the Deputy Advisor, Minis- Afghanistan during the period 29 Nov – 02 try of Interior (Afghanistan) Major General Dec, to discuss NATO’s and JFC Brunssum’s Martin SMITH, among others. Whilst at Camp support to the Afghan Security Forces with bastion, General ALEJANDRE discussed the Resolute Support (RS) Senior Leaders. concept of Advisory Packages with the Com- mander, Brigadier General SIMS. Whilst there, he visited Kabul and Camp Bas- tion where he engaged with the RS Deputy

The Deputy Commander Allied Joint Force

Commander JFC Brunssum visits Stavanger in view of Trident Javelin 2017 30 NOV 2016 On Wednesday 30 November 2016, General The conference was a milestone in preparing Salvatore Farina, Commander JFC Brunssum the exercise next year, as it set the scene to chaired the TRIDENT JAVELIN 2017 Training tailor the development of training inputs to the Audience Commanders’ Conference in Stavan- needs of all participants. Therefore, General ger. The conference was hosted by Major Farina asked all attending Commanders dur- General Andrzej Reudowicz, Commander of ing his opening remarks to “state and discuss the Joint Warfare Center. the most important training requirements and issues in order to shape the scenario to best achieve a common goal.” Elaborating on the The exercise TRIDENT JAVELIN 2017, a meet all of our needs.” strategic message sent by a NATO exercise of Command Post/ Computer Assisted Exercise this dimension, he furthermore underlined without troops on the ground, will be the The open and productive discussions during that “our success directly refl ects upon NATO’s unique training event for NATO Command the conference fostered the alignment of all eff ectiveness and relevance in today’s dynamic Structure Command and Control entities in involved stakeholders and facilitated the de- security environment.” November 2017 conducting a Major Joint velopment of eff ective and common solutions. Operation ‘Plus’ in a NATO Article 5 environ- Looking ahead in further considering the next General Farina expressed his thanks to all ment. At the same time, the exercise will planning steps, General Farina emphasized Commanders and participants for their at- provide the evaluation venue to certify com- that “we will fi nd the path as we strive to tendance and the great contribution to the mand and control elements for the enhanced positive result of this crucial conference. NATO Response Force 2018.

JFC Brunssum Sends Training Team to Armenia 05 DEC - 09 DEC 2016

Between 05 and 09 December a small team The event was organised with the help of the from Joint Force Command Brunssum Defence Policy Department of the Armenian conducted an Expert Team Visit (ETV) to Ye- Ministry of Defence - a department that incor- revan, Armenia. Amongst others, topics taught porates international military cooperation. included the art of Information Operations (Info Ops) and Civilian Military Cooperation Over the course of three days Brunssum staff , (CIMIC). This was the last of six programmed under the leadership of Lieutenant Command- training visits to Armenia during 2016. The ob- er Michelle Ward, provided a comprehensive jective was to provide Armenian Staff Offi cers an introduction to these subjects, and their briefi ng package. Most of the fi nal day was de This was a very enjoyable and successful planning, in support of NATO operations, and liberaty focused on practical exercises and case ETV that further cemented the strong to provide valuable training in preparation studies. This allowed the Armenian offi cers to relationship that already exists between for future NATO exercises that nation might practice what they had learnt - with some very Joint Force Command Brunssum and participate in. impressive results. our Armenian partners. 10 November 2016/January 2017

06 DEC 2016 General Farina Visits the UK

period of global unpredictability and increased the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, strategic challenges for NATO, and was a great and the role of the NATO Force Structure from opportunity for the senior leaders to share an operational commander’s perspective. their thoughts on the UK’s role in support- Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach expressed ing NATO’s mission to promote security and his appreciation to General Farina for his role stability. One of the main topics of discus- as JFC Commander, and pledged his full sup- sion was the 2016 Warsaw Summit decision port to the JFC Brunssum mission. to establish a NATO forward presence in the eastern and southeastern parts of Alliance ter- On 7 December, General Farina participated in ritory. Enhanced forward presence represents Exercise ARRCADE NELSON 2016, an annual The Commander Joint Force Command a signifi cant commitment by Allies, and the conceptual study seminar held at Headquar- Brunssum, General Salvatore Farina, traveled UK’s contribution as a framework nation for ters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) in to London 06 December to meet with the UK the multinational presence in Estonia is essen- Innsworth, UK. During the seminar, the Chief of Defence Staff , Air Chief Marshal Sir tial to strengthening NATO’s deterrence and audience was presented with a range of views Stuart Peach, and the Vice Chief of Defence defence posture. from senior leaders on rebuilding ARRC’s Staff , General Sir Gordon Messenger. warfi ghting capability as a corps. General General Farina expressed his appreciation to Farina provided his perspective as a Joint Op- General Farina also had the opportunity to Air Chief Marshal Peach for the UK’s con- erational Commander on the role of the NATO meet with Vice Admiral Clive Johnstone, Com- tribution to NATO, and specifi cally to JFC Force Structure in the framework of enhanced mander of Allied Maritime Command, Major Brunssum, stating: “the quantity and quality forward presence and graduated response. General Stuart Skeates, Commander, UK Joint of the men and women that the UK provides General Farina stressed the importance of the Expeditionary Force, Rear Admiral Alex J. to JFC Brunssum has consistently been very ARRC to NATO, stating that “the NATO Force Burton, Commander UK Maritime Forces, and high.” Structure is paramount to NATO’s deterrence Air Vice-Marshal Gary Waterfall, Chief of Staff mission, from peacetime through crisis and in (Operations), Permanent Joint Force HQ. Additional topics of discussion included the confl ict.” UK’s role in the Enhanced NRF, exercise plan- General Farina’s visit to the UK comes during a ning and execution, the continued support to

07 DEC 2016 JFC Brunssum Christmas Fun Run

the promise of a free Santa Hat, was enough to 30 minutes despite some challenging inclines. convince 55 keen and enthusiastic runners to An overall total of 135.10 Euros was raised for complete a distance of approximately 4.5 KM. this worthwhile and deserving cause, with the bench planned to be unveiled in March 2017. The event was organised by the DCOS Spt Sports, Social & Charity Committee, but was A special thanks needs to be given to our First the brainchild of Corporal Berney who was Responder, Sergeant McConnell, and her team also the driving force. The event was designed of marshals and volunteers, without whom the to raise funds for a Bench that will be situated event could not have taken place. Until next On the 07 December 2016 the inaugural in a memorial garden. This will be a place for year... DCOS Support Directorate Santa Fun Run took individuals to sit, refl ect and remember our place within the grounds of JFC Brunssum. fallen friends and colleagues. Raising money for a good cause and, of course, All participants completed the course in under

09 DEC 2016 Commander JFC Brunssum Christmas Staff Address

General Salvatore Farina, Commander JFC pressed his appreciation for the hard work and Brunssum, seized the opportunity to ad- dedication of his personnel, and the steadfast dress his staff prior to the Christmas break, support of their families, throughout a period Thursday 08 December. In a thoughtful and of increasing tempo and continued compassionate speech the Commander ex- change. 11 VISITS AND ACTIVITIES

Focussing on the headquarters itself the Gen- role and relevance of the Headquarters contin- goni, Mr Klaus Nielsen, Ms Kathleen Smith, eral said: ‘It is clear to me the JFC Brunssum ues to increase daily.’ Major Josef Spurny, Lieutenant Commander is at the forefront of NATO’s eff orts to address Owen Tudor, Lieutenant Colonel Piervincenzo the changing security environment. We are On completion the Commander presented Vinci, and Lieutenant Colonel Guido Ziegler. prepared to implement the decisions made commendations to: Lieutenant Colonel Jozsef Captain Karoly Vegh and Lieutenant Colonel during the Warsaw Summit, and we are ready Csősz, Flight Sergeant Ian Hammond, Major Christian Ritzer were unable to be present and to protect, defend and fi ght – wherever and Miroslav Kovacik, Major Rune Kvam, Lieuten- will receive their awards at a later date. whenever needed. And, since I took command ant Colonel Patrick Macnamara, Master Ser- in March this year, my appreciation about the geant Miroslav Makara, Captain Fabio Mara-

Annual JFC Christmas Market 09 DEC 2016

On Thursday 08 December, following General of national food and drink specialties - all Farina’s warm opening remarks wishing all accompanied by excellent music in a festive personnel and their families a happy and atmosphere. It was clear to see this extraor- enjoyable Christmas break, the annual JFC dinary event becomes more and more popular Brunssum Christmas Market opened its doors. each year. The Christmas Market has become a central element to community life at the Convened at JFC Brunssum’s International headquarters and is the result of good planning Conference Centre the 2016 edition of the and broad participation. Many thanks to all Christmas Market off ered guests a huge variety who helped carry on this tradition this year.

JFC Brunssum Forward Elements Exercise their Deployability 12 DEC – 15 DEC 2016

High Readiness Elements of JFC Brunssum After executing a number of training serials deployed under the lead of Major General Ohm at Bremen and redeploying to JFC Brunssum to the German Logistics Training School at the whole training was deemed a success. Bremen in northern Germany 12-15 December. Moreover, the training was of particular value The Forward Coordination Element (FCE) to the newer staff offi cers and NCOs at JFC deployed by air on a German C160 via RNLAF Brunssum to practice, test and adjust for Eindhoven to Nordholz Sea-Airbase, while the their new deployment roles. As an interesting Operational Liaison Reconnaissance Team footnote, Nordholz Sea-Airbase has seen many (OLRT) deployed in tactical vehicles by road. military manoeuvres over the years, not least being the home for 40 Zeppelin Airships 102 years ago.

12 December 2016/January 2017

13 DEC 2017 NATO Response Force Commanders Meet at JFC Brunssum

Chaired by General Salvatore Farina, Com- fl anks of member nations’ territory. mander JFC Brunssum, the conference was deliberately scheduled at the conclusion of During his intervention General Farina re- the 2016 NRF cycle to discuss lessons learned marked how the NRF is employed throughout throughout the past year and establish close a 360 degree spectrum, prepared for both Ar- links between next year’s NRF Com- ticle V (Collective Defence) missions and Crisis manders. Response Operations (CROs). With regard to The conference proved the perfect opportunity the latter activity the General added that this to confront some persistent challenges facing task has gained a signifi cant interest for NATO The NATO Response Force Commanders’ the Alliance - in particular, the joint initiative in the south where the Alliance is about to Conference marks the conclusion of an intense for deterrence and collective defence and their establish a ‘Hub for the South’ centred on Joint 2016 for Joint Force Command Brunssum correlation with the NRF. During discussion Force Command Naples. (JFC Brunssum). The conference, attended attention inevitably focused on the ‘Enhanced by NATO Response Force (NRF) Command- Forward Presence’ and ‘Tailored Forward Pres- For 2017, standby command responsibility for ers for 2016 and 2017 was held on Tuesday, 13 ence’, initiatives designed to enhance allied the NRF, will be held by JFC Naples. December, at JFC Brunssum. security on both the north-east and south-east

16 JAN 2017 Resolute Support Deputy Commander Visits JFC Brunssum

tions. At the NATO Summit in Warsaw, Allied 2016, they agreed to sustain the RSM presence leaders decided to extend the presence of RSM beyond 2016. beyond 2016. The legal framework for RSM is provided by Some 13,000 personnel from NATO member a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which states and partner countries are deployed in was signed in Kabul on 30 September 2014 support of RSM. The mission operates with by the Afghan President and NATO’s Senior one central hub (in Kabul/Bagram) and four Civilian Representative to Afghanistan, and spokes in Mazar-e Sharif, Herat, Kandahar and later ratifi ed by the Afghan Parliament on 27 Lieutenant General Alexander Storrie CBE, Laghman. November 2014. The SOFA defi nes the terms the Resolute Support Mission (RSM) Deputy and conditions under which NATO forces will Commander, visited JFC Brunssum today Key functions include: be deployed in Afghanistan as part of RSM, as to discuss mission progress and challenges. • Supporting planning, programming and well as the activities that they are set to carry Hosted by Commander JFC Brunssum, Gen- budgeting; out under this agreement. eral Salvatore Farina, a range of topics were • Assuring transparency, accountability touched upon primarily designed to improve and oversight; The United Nations Security Council welcomed ways in which JFC Brunssum, the out-of- • Supporting the adherence to the prin- RSM with the unanimous adoption on 12 theatre operational-level supporting command ciples of rule of law and good governance; December 2014 of Resolution 2189, which un- for RSM, might improve/sustain its supporting • Supporting the establishment and sus- derscores the importance of continued interna- function. tainment of such processes as force generation, tional support for the stability of Afghanistan. recruiting, training, managing and develop- Background: Following the completion of the ment of personnel. Beyond the training, advice and assistance mission of the International Security Assis- mission, Allies and partner countries are tance Force (ISAF) at the end of 2014, a new, In December 2015, at the foreign minis- committed to the broader international com- follow-on, NATO-led mission called Resolute ters’ meeting of NATO Allies and their RSM munity’s support for the long-term fi nancial Support was launched on 1 January 2015 to partners, it was agreed to sustain the RSM sustainment of the Afghan security forces until provide further training, advice and assistance presence, including in the regions of Afghani- the end of 2020. for the Afghan security forces and institu- stan, during 2016. Six months later, in May 13 HELLENIC ARMED FORCES IN PEACE SUPPORT ACTIVITIES

Composed By: Colonel Athanasios Pegiadis (GRC A)-

reece, as a full member of national law and through the contribution porters of international stability. The end NATO, the EU, OSCE, and of competent international bodies. of the Cold War, despite hopes and aspi- other International and rations did not, in itself, resolve instability Regional initiatives, parti- From 1945 to 1990, the United Nations challenges on a global scale. The deploy- Gcipates in Peace Support Activities, had always had, with rare exceptions, the ment of unarmed observers to various parts giving particular emphasis on those exclusive and direct responsibility and au- of the world where confl icts were taking occurring in regions of immediate thority over peace support operations. In place, where local confl icting parties had national interest, such as the Balkans and the broader area of the Middle order to deal with all regional confl icts and no intention to seek peaceful resolution, East, as well as Greece’s area of stra- crises, the UN developed an extensive net- resulted in the creation and development, tegic interest including the Eastern work of International Observers and light by the UN, NATO and EU, of the doctrine Mediterranean, the Transcaucasia, military units with limited responsibilities for Imposing Peace. The objective being to and other areas. Greece’s participa- over confl ict prevention or resolution. Un- persuade or force confl icting parties to set- tion to Peace Support Activities is til the early 80s Greece’s contribution was tle their diff erences peacefully. dependent on international develop- limited to small numbers of observers and ments and on the degree by which company-level military units, with some Hellenic participation in Peace Support those developments aff ect Greek na- rare exceptions e.g. the Korean War. Activities is subject to certain fundamental tional interests. conditions. These include: the existence In the late 80s the international environ- of a Resolution or a Mandate of the UN; a Greece fi rmly supports the notion that the ment was unstable and fragile. Consequent- clear defi nition of the chain of command; UN have the major and primary role for ly the need for the UN to act decisively in- agreement upon the size of the force to be safekeeping global peace and security and creased, while other regional organizations deployed to the area of operations; and, for mediating the peaceful resolution of such as the EU, OSCE, and NATO, emerged the establishment of clear Rules of Enga- disputes, based on the principles of inter- as signifi cant and, sometimes, crucial sup- gement.

14 Greece participates in Peace Support Acti- Bosnia-Herzegovina to create deterrence submarines, transport aircraft, Crete na- vities by off ering personnel, units and/or and support compliance with the DAY- val base). assets from all three domains of the Armed TON peace agreement. Forces, in support of UN activities, as au- • EU Operation “EUTM MALI” – in sup- thorized by Security Council Resolutions. • Operation Kosovo Force (KFOR) (“De- port of training the armed forces of Mali This is a clear declaration of Greece’s res- terrent Presence” and “Air Policing For under the the framework of the EU Com- pect of international law and order. Albania”) - within the framework of the mon Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). implementation of Operation “Joint Operations that Greece participates in fol- Guardian” to support the build-up of Participation of the Hellenic Armed Forces low: peace and stability in the Balkans. in Peace Support Operations, particularly in the last 20 years, has proved their abi- • EU Operation “EUNAVFOR ATALANTA” • Resolute Support Mission (RSM) – to as- lity for fast and effi cient adaptation to new participating from the beginning until to- sist the Afghan government in the recon- operational requirements and challenges. day in support of international counter- struction, development and stabilization Carrying the Greek fl ag to distant countries piracy eff orts in the open waters off the of Afghanistan by off ering humanitarian is the best evidence of the Greek people’s coast of Somalia (the horn of Africa). aid and building infrastructure. steadfast support to the ideals of justice, peace and respect for human life. • UN Operation UNIFIL – beyond Leba- • NATO Operation Active Endeavour - in nese territorial waters to intercept the support of the international counter-ter- smugglers of armament and war material rorism campaign in the Mediterranean to Lebanon. Sea by contributing to Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG 2) with assets • EU Operation “EUFOR ALTHEA” – in and infrastructure (frigates, gunboats,

15 REMEMBRANCE OF A BATTLE OF THE “EIGHTY YEARS WAR”

Composed By: Lieutenant General Fernando Alejandre (ESP A)

f you visit the Rijkswik Museum The King instructed the Duke of Alba to “go At the end of November, from his Com- in Amsterdam you will learn to my dear territories in Flanders and res- mand Post at Den Bosch, the Count of from some of the engravings tore order” and so the old General sailed to Mansfeld ordered Bobadilla to cross the on the walls about a “miracle” Genoa and, from there, using what at that river and to occupy the island of Bommel, thatI happened on the island of Bom- time was called the “Spanish Road”, wal- breaking the rebel line of defense located mel (north of ‘s-Hertogenbosch) in ked through Spanish territories in northern in that sector on the northern banks of the December 1585, during the ‘Eighty Italy, and through those in eastern France, River Maas. Years War’. to arrive in Brussels in 1568 with four elite Regiments, the so called Tercios, totaling Upstream of the river there were some dy- The “miracle” prevented one of the Spanish approximately ten thousand Spanish infan- kes under rebel control with more than one Infantry Tercios (Regiment sized Units) try soldiers. hundred rebel ships guarding them. When from being decimated by the so called “re- the rebel commander, Philip of Hohenlohe bels” that encircled them, with forces far Seventeen years later, in the summer of (known in Spain as Admiral Holak), found superior in number in the vicinity of a little 1585, one of the Duke’s successors as Go- that the Spaniards were on the island, he village called Empel. vernor of the Low Countries, Don Alejandro broke the dykes leaving the Spanish infan- Farnesio, expelled the rebels from Antwer- try in small pockets on high ground com- As is well known, King Phillip II of Spain pen fi rst and then sent his Army north to pletely isolated, unable to get reinforce- was the son of Emperor Charles (born in Den Bosch (known in Spanish as Bolduque) ments and surrounded by a large number Ghent) and member of the House of Habs- with the intent of crossing the river Maas of rebel troops embarked with plenty of burg, and so he was the King of most of Ger- and then, to take the coast north of Rotter- artillery at their disposal. many and all the Low Countries. Indeed, it dam and attack the Dutch Navy. Don Fran- was Philip himself who, in 1566, was forced cisco Arias de Bobadilla, commander of his Having being isolated for a number of days to send Spanish troops to fi ght the rebels own Tercio reinforced by those of Iñiguez and unable to receive support from Den that stormed his Royal Palace in Brussels. and Mondragón, was the spearhead of that Bosch, almost 1500 Spanish infantrymen Army under the command of the Count of in the area close to Empel on the southern Mansfeld.

16 bank of the river were preparing their fi nal trench a soldier found a buried piece of Spanish...” blow against forces far superior in number. wood with an engraving of the Immacu- late Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Upon the In commemoration of this event the poet On December 6th, Bobadilla ordered the news, Bobadilla ordered the image to be wrote: occupation of mounds around Empel with taken in procession to the church of Empel three Infantry Companies commanded by witnessing how soldier’s prayers had boos- “And at the feet of the Immaculate Mother, Captain Villoslada, Captain Valencia and ted their morale. sea frozen, Captain Hernángomez. That same mor- sword triumphed ning reserve forces lead by Juan del Águila On the next morning, December 8th, around and her beloved Infantry was saved.” and his Tercio tried to reach Empel but the 2 a.m., temperatures dropped well below Every year your Spanish colleagues at JFC fl ooded fi elds impeded their advance and zero, freezing the surrounding water except Brunssum (see pictures) with the help of they were forced to retreat to Den Bosch. in the middle of the river. Running over the their friends at Eindehoven, Geilenkirchen, ice in their famous attack formation, Cap- Brussels, Mons, and even Strasbourg, com- It was then when Bobadilla, on December tain Cristóbal de Lechuga and 40 of his men memorate and celebrate this ‘miracle” with 7th, had ordered the necessary trenches to attacked by surprise a position occupied by a religious service, some military songs and be dug in preparation for a one-sided battle the rebels causing panic among the ranks of a day of military comradeship. Most recent- that the rebel commander sent him a pro- Dutch troops, who tried to reach the river ly, on 4th of December 2016, we also presen- posal for surrender. Bobadilla replied “Spa- in their boats. The panic rose as the Dutch ted a painting to the Church of Empel. niards, Excellency, prefer death to disho- boats and men found themselves trapped nor; we can talk about capitulation after we by the ice and dangerously exposed to the are dead”. Then he gathered his Captains Spanish who dominated higher ground. and stated: “Pray to God and make sure Only a few dozen rebel ships escaped. Most your men are ready for martyrdom”. of the galleys, trapped in the ice, were at- tacked by the Tercios causing Hohenlohe It was shortly after this that, in his own to famously state “... it seems that God is

17 UNIQUE HANGAR COMPLEX BUILT IN PÁPA, HUNGARY

Composed By: Péter Snoj (HUN C)

he fi nal piece the hangar ditions. It also has the ability to act as a Ernest J. Herold, emphasized that the ne- complex of the Heavy Air- wash rack so that aircraft and engines can wly inaugurated complex is extremely im- lift Wing (HAW), stationed be washed inside; other activities such as portant in that it helps improve Alliance at Pápa Air Base, Hungary, painting and fuel cell maintenance can also response to emerging security threats to wasT inaugurated in a ceremony held be undertaken. It is the ability to conduct NATO member countries. He added that, on 17 November 2016. Ordinarily these four functions in one facility that in accordance with current plans, the Stra- this might be a routine event but this makes the hangar unique. Even on US air tegic Airlift Capability (SAC) will continue facility is unique. bases, where the C-17s have – in the past - operating at Pápa Air Base, in Hungary, un- fl own for the annual Home Station Checks, til at least 2038. Coordinated by the NATO Airlift Manage- one will fi nd separate facilities enabling the ment Program Offi ce (NAMPO), the project conduct of these functions. The ceremony was also attended by Dr. Lás- started in 2015 after a three-year planning zló Firicz, the host nation’s Administrative process. Construction progressed on sche- “The facility is optimized for the tasks we State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence dule, thus allowing Heavy Airlift Wing want to do carry out in order to keep the and Hungary’s Deputy Chief of Defence, Li- personnel to occupy offi ce spaces, as well aircraft serviceable. Everybody is close to- eutenant General Dr. Zoltán Orosz. as supply, maintenance and interim cargo gether, we have offi ces arranged in such a facilities, in a timely manner. The project, way that people who have to work together totaling around HUF 9.5 billion, has been are close together in one offi ce. The biggest completed, and the newly inaugurated han- benefi t from the fi nancial perspective is gar is now a unique structure, not only in that from now on we don’t have to fl y the Europe, but in the world. planes annually to the United States for essential maintenance, because we can do Speaking at the ceremony, Heavy Airlift that here in Pápa. That is a big effi ciency Wing Commander, Colonel Trevor W. Nitz, improvement for the program that the na- informed that the hangar is one of a kind. tions will benefi t from”, said Wiek Noldus, There is no other C-17 specifi cally-built the program manager at the NATO Airlift hangar in the world that has the capabili- Management Program Offi ce. ties embraced by this hangar. The hangar enables HAW personnel to do year-round In his speech, NATO’s Deputy Assistant Photos by the author maintenance irrespective of weather con- Secretary General for Defence Investment, 18 NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL VISITS JFC BRUNSSUM Composed By: JFC Brunssum Public Affairs Offi ce

n Monday 28 November der to improve the Afghans’ capabilities”, combination of all components and com- 2016, the North Atlantic having in mind that this “won’t be a quick mands – land, maritime and air.” Council (NAC), chaired process because the situation is complex by NATO Deputy Secreta- and continuously evolving, but we should The topic of NATO’s enhanced Forward ryO General Rose Gottemoeller, visi- remain consistent and lead the insurgents Presence (eFP) was highlighted as further ted the Allied Joint Force Command to stop thinking they could ever win, and confi rmation of NATO’s solidarity and de- in Brunssum (Netherlands), as part therefore consider a rapprochement with termination to defend its territory against of a combined visit to include the ne- the Afghan authorities .” any possible aggression, with the deploy- arby NATO Airborne Early Warning ment of four robust multinational battal- and Control Force Headquarters, lo- With regards to Defence and Deterrence, ions to the eastern part of Alliance territory cated in Geilenkirchen (Germany). General Farina stated that his staff and in early 2017 as a response to the changed himself are committed to providing the security environment. For General Farina General Salvatore Farina, Commander Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SA- the concept of eFP is based on the defen- JFC Brunssum, provided the members of CEUR) with “the most possible options sive nature of the battlegroups:”‘we don’t NATO’s principal political decision-mak- and tools to choose in order to deter any want to escalate, therefore we need to ing body with an overview of the Head- aggressive stance eff ectively” and allow control and coordinate daily throughout quarters’ core missions and priorities and NATO to be fl exible. the whole chain of command, until the answered questions on relevant topics. In last man on the fi eld” and in this process particular, the discussion focused on the JFC Brunssum is one of the two stand- “political control is paramount.” NATO-led Resolute Support Mission to by Joint Force commands, ready to be train, advise and assist the Afghan Nation- nominated by SACEUR to command and JFC Brunssum also plays a key role in al Defence and Security Forces, Defence control NATO operations. It contributes connecting the Alliance’s command struc- and Deterrence and enhanced Forward to the rotation of the enhanced NATO ture with national headquarters in Allied Presence. Response Force (NRF) – which includes countries. Its leadership has been crucial the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force for the integration of the Alliance’s Mul- JFC Brunssum is a key asset in leading the (VJTF) - as a deployable Joint Task Force tinational Corps Northeast in Poland and Alliance’s missions and operations and Headquarters. of the NATO Force Integration Units in represents a hub of expertise at the op- Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and erational level within the Allied Command General Farina continued, saying that Poland. Operations (ACO), which has strategic re- at Brunssum “we are looking at threats sponsibility over all of the NATO-led mis- from a 360 degrees perspective, and we On completion of the visit the Deputy sions, operations, and activities. should maintain this posture with respect Secretary General, Rose Gottemoeller, to the North and the East, as well as to the thanked commander JFC Brunssum Currently providing ‘out-of-theatre’ com- Southern fl ank, which is currently dealing for the rich discussions mand and control to the NATO-led Reso- with a wide range of risks and threats.” lute Support Mission in Afghanistan, Gen- He added that he believes JFC Brunssum eral Farina underlined how “we need to to be “the best place to address the joint- achieve our objectives step by step in or- ness of deterrence, which is the result of a 19 STRONG RELATIONSHIPS: INFORMATION SHARING AND COORDINATION IN SUPPORT OF THE ALLIANCE Composed By: Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Camp, NATO Force Integration Unit, Lithuania (USA A)

ussian employment of hy- brid warfare, it is important to fi rst con- abroad using diplomatic, information, and brid warfare in the Crime- sider the Russian perspective. Hybrid war- economic means - indeed, all elements of an Peninsula signaled a fare, as described by Andrew Korybko, is national power short of overt military force major shift in the threat conceptualized by Russian strategists as a - are already underway. It is particularly Rto NATO’s eastern fl ank nations. For western eff ort, directed against Russian al- important to note Russian eff orts to set the fi rst time in over twenty years, lies and interests. In contrast, the Russian conditions prior to overt intervention take the Alliance found itself facing the concept which best fi ts the NATO defi nition place in peacetime and may be diffi cult, at problem of establishing a credible of hybrid warfare is “non-linear warfare”, as best, to identify and counter. These mani- deterrent against aggression from embodied in the Gerasimov Doctrine. Gen. fest themselves as internal security and sta- the east, a problem complicated by Valery Gerasimov’s concept was published bility concerns for the targeted nation, of- reduction of available forces, lack of in 2013, immediately prior to intervention ten not of military concern. Overt Russian infrastructure and agreements to fa- in Crimea. In short, Gerasimov envisions military intervention in the targeted nation cilitate their deployment, and restric- employment of all elements of national can take place immediately when required tions to their employment created by power in an ongoing, globally integrated conditions are met and may be highly op- the very nature of hybrid warfare it- design to achieve a desired national end portunistic in nature. self. Mitigation of these challenges state, particularly in the “near abroad” - requires NATO forces and their host those nations which share political, ethnic, The Gerasimov Doctrine also draws heav- nation counterparts be agile and in- social, or strategic ties with Russia. Per- ily upon Russian observations of U.S. and teroperable, able to prevent the use haps most importantly, Gerasimov notes NATO operations since 1990. In a potential of overt military force to culminate the importance of a population susceptible confl ict, Russia will no longer allow NATO a hybrid campaign. In this regard, to Russian infl uence to allow conditions to the advantage of time, present NATO with meaningful information sharing and be set for infi ltration, covert intervention easy decisions, allow NATO to build up coordination between allies is essen- and, subsequently, overt Russian interven- overwhelming forces or, if the confl ict es- tial to maintain a credible deterrent tion to culminate a hybrid campaign in a calates, allow NATO to fi ght without losses. against violation of the sovereignty of targeted nation. Russian eff orts - as previously discussed, a NATO member state and further es- already ongoing - seek to drive a wedge be- calation of a hybrid confl ict. The ongoing nature of non-linear warfare tween the targeted nation and neighbors, necessitates that Russian eff orts to set between the targeted nation and NATO, Before any discussion of a deterrent to hy- conditions for intervention in the near and between members of the Alliance.

20 Prior to and during intervention in a tar- The NATO response is further complicated It is important to remember the forces geted nation, Russia will almost certainly by a need to avoid escalation due to Rus- organized under the RAP are, above all, a seek to delay Alliance decision making and sian concerns regarding permanent NATO deterrent to aggression. They cannot be commitment and, if necessary, to delay or presence in eastern fl ank nations. These expected to defeat a conventional invasion prevent build-up and deployment of NATO changes make permanent deployment of a of an eastern fl ank nation. Even assuming deterrence forces or reinforcements. Al- permanent deterrence force above battal- the entirety of the VJTF were deployed to a though the latter brings with it a signifi cant ion strength in each eastern fl ank nation a single Baltic State, the combination of na- risk of NATO Article 5 escalation, Russia’s near impossibility. tional defence forces, eFP, and VJTF would potential anti-access / area-denial capabili- be challenged to do little more than delay ties are virtually unquestioned, particularly The resulting RAP deterrent consists of a a full-scale off ensive carried out from Rus- in the Baltic States. When combined with permanently established NATO Force In- sia’s Western Military District. Their true the diffi culty of identifying a hybrid threat, tegration Unit in each eastern fl ank nation value lies in the threat of Article 5 escala- likely Russian actions leave only a very nar- to coordinate deployment of NATO deter- tion they present. Although small enough row time frame for the targeted nation and rence forces or reinforcements; a rotational to avoid a reasonable perception of west- NATO to identify and respond to a hybrid enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) battal- ern aggression, they are nonetheless large threat. ion in each eastern fl ank nation, integrated enough to present Russian planners with with national defense forces, to provide a signifi cant risk. A conventional invasion The initial NATO response to the emerg- permanent deterrent; and a reinforced bri- of an eastern fl ank nation - or even limited ing requirement to deter and counter hy- gade-size Very High Readiness Joint Task overt intervention to culminate a hybrid brid warfare emerged from the 2014 Wales Force (VJTF), sourced on a rotational basis campaign - must contend with the pres- Summit and was refi ned at the 2016 War- from NATO member nations and ready to ence of NATO forces. By removing the op- saw Summit. The NATO Readiness Action deploy on short notice, usually under Ar- tion of overt intervention from the Russian Plan (RAP) and supporting assurance and ticle 4 of the NATO treaty, to a threatened planning menu, RAP forces can provide adaptation measures acknowledge signifi - NATO member nation or region. The NFI- the threatened nation with time to contend cant changes to the European security en- Us, eFPs, and VJTF are intended to provide with the internal security and stability con- vironment and NATO force posture over a fl exible and scalable deterrent within the cerns of a hybrid threat. the past twenty years. NATO forward de- constraints and limitations noted previ- ployed forces and member nation military ously. forces as a whole, are signifi cantly reduced.

21 NEW ACRONYMS ON THE HORIZON Composed By: Lieutenant Commander Piotr Wojtas (POL N)

ll those who ever laid synchronized quite well into our by the Heads of States during 2016 eyes on any military daily business by now, some new NATO Summit in Poland comprises document know it rare- tongue-twisters are already visi- over 4 000 soldiers. By mid-2017 bat- ly needs any classifica- ble on NATO’s acronyms horizon. talions from Germany, Canada, the Ation to be a “secret”. It simply is United Kingdom and United States, too complicated to read because 2017 will be yet another step in NA- accompanied by soldiers from other of all the acronyms that appear TO’s adaptation to new and emerg- contributing nations, will settle in inside. Sometime you may even ing threats; eFP and MND-NE will be Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland say there are not enough plain known as the brightest shining stars forming, in each of those countries, words to make heads and tails on that stage in the North Eastern robust multinational Battle Groups out of the content. This year the part of the Alliance. under the NATO flag. The deploy- “acronym business” will bloom ment of a German advance party on even more to introduce us to The easiest way to explain the role of 23 January 2017 marked the begin- some new entities and exercis- eFP is to realize that “NATO is Capa- ning of the whole process, and the es. So while NFIUs (called also bility”, and enhanced Forward Pres- other Battle Groups will gradually “Ni-fews”, “Nephews”, or sim- ence is a representation of that capa- follow. ply “those small logistical units bility in Eastern Europe. This visual in Poland and Three-Bee’s) are representation of the decision taken Further down the NATO timeline we

22 will also see another “Forward Pres- ward Presence and Tailored Forward ready commenced preparations for ence” activity – this time it will be Presence will see the permanent de- its upgrade with numerous countries “tailored Forward Presence” (tFP) ployment of soldiers and their (also contributing to the overall effort. which will apply appropriate mea- heavy) equipment into the Eastern Current plans for development and sures, tailored to the Black Sea re- part of Europe which will concomi- functionality of this Divisional Head- gion, and including the Romanian tantly send a strong solidarity signal quarters assumes it will be fit to take initiative to establish a multinational and legitimize NATO’s determination over synchronization of the eFP ef- framework brigade to help improve to safeguard its territorial integrity. fort on the tactical level and will be integrated training of Allied units also one of the elements in the NATO under Multinational Division South- The Warsaw Summit also gave us Force Structure. east (MND SE). This project will con- Multinational Division North-East tribute to the Alliance’s strengthened (MND-NE) – the headquarters that Throughout the coming months we deterrence, defence posture and situ- will be a high readiness multinational will see how well these new structures ational awareness; by doing so it will entity responsible for coordination (and acronyms) will blend into the provide a strong signal of support to of all eFP activity in Estonia, Latvia, overall picture of NATO’s constant regional security. Lithuania and Poland. The Polish Di- adaptation. vision 16th Pomeranian Mechanized All in all, both the Enhanced For- Division, located in Elblag, has al-

23 THE FRENCH ARMED FORCES CONTRIBUTION TO EUROPEAN DEFENCE

Composed By: Bregadier General Claude Goudeau (FRA A)

ou might be surprised to tralization of terrorist networks, they egy with the objective of increasing learn that, on a daily ba- are not only contributing to the protec- their influence through political and sis, 30,000+ members tion of French compatriots, but to the security domains. This development of the French Armed broader defence of the European con- promotes a major risk of world desta- ForcesY participate in more than tinent . bilization that France cannot ignore or 25 operations in France, overseas underestimate. French territories and other parts Which reasons preside over this of the world as directed by the operational deployment of French In order to successfully tackle such French Government. troops? threats, France needs to put together Two main reasons led to the current three factors: means, will and commit- Today 80% of conflict areas are locat- operational deployment of the French ment. In other words, it is a question ed less than six hours flying time from Armed Forces: on the one hand, radical of being able to act, of wanting to act, Paris. The impact of this geo-strategic Islamic terrorism hits indistinctively, and of acting. fact is that the French Armed Forces including in the heart of western coun- are often deployed out of area and are tries, as illustrated by the recent terror • ‘To be able to’ means to cover not only employed to defend the French attacks in Europe and in the US; on the the whole spectrum of military capa- heartland. However, they are always other hand, a few countries reinstated bilities, to face every kind of threat. To utilized in the ‘national interest’. For themselves as ‘big powers’ relying on achieve this, France must raise its de- example, by contributing to the neu- a force ratio and ‘fait accompli’ strat- fence budget to 2% of its GDP – a long-

24 standing agreement of all NATO mem- eration activities with regional coun- ence of a Space Centre in French Guy- ber nations that was recommitted to at tries. ana and the robust international illegal the Alliance’s 2014 Summit in Wales. trafficking networks in the region. The • ‘To want’ requires a political In that same perspective, France deployed French Armed Forces com- will, shared and supplemented by all must contribute to deter any aggres- prise 1,000 troops in the Caribbean national institutions. Military action sion against its territory or against its (FAA) and 2,100 in Guyana (FAG); is only a part of the answer to crisis; it NATO and EU partners. This objective is necessary but not wholly sufficient. is achieved through French participa- • The Pacific Ocean Theatre is Only a comprehensive approach can tion in the NATO Baltic Air Policing a regional cooperation space in which bring the underlying causes of violence mission in Lithuania, in the frame of France plays a political and military to an end. SACEUR’s Assurance Measures that are role through its presence in New Cale- • ‘To act’ against the multiplic- being undertaken in Eastern Europe donia, in the Polynesian archipelago, ity of crisis is illustrated by the un- following Russia’s illegal occupation of and Wallis-and-Futuna. The deployed precedented level of deployment of the the Crimea. For the same reason, start- French Armed Forces comprise 1,450 French Armed Forces, overseas as well ing in 2017, France will take part in the troops in New Caledonia (FANC) and as on French soil. Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) ini- 900 in French Polynesia (FAPF); tiative in Estonia, as agreed during the What are the current operational com- Warsaw Summit, in July 2016. • In the Indian Ocean Theatre, mitments of the French Armed Forces? with La Reunion and the Mayotte Is- Troops contributing to defence lands, as well as the French Southern Overseas Operations agreements and Antarctic Lands, there are strate- In the Levant, the French Armed Against the backdrop of its defence gic maritime and economic zones. The Forces contribute to the fight against agreements with different countries, forces deployed are primarily dedicat- Da’esh, alongside local forces support- France has troops deployed perma- ed to security and freedom of naviga- ed by the international coalition. In the nently to: tion, to the fight against piracy, and frame of its Operation DAMAN, France against human trafficking. The French contributes to the United Nations In- • Three Forward Operational Armed Forces operating in this theatre terim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). In Bases (FOBs) comprising 650 troops comprise 1,600 troops (FAZSOI). the same way, through its Operation in the United Arab Emirates, 1450 in CHAMMAL, France is an important Djibouti, and 900 in the Ivory Coast. Operation SENTINELLE (SENTI- contributor to Operation INHERENT These FOBs are supporting security- NEL) RESOLVE (OIR) . In OIR France has related activities along both African Operation SENTINELLE is the com- deployed an airborne component that coasts, as well as providing pools of mitment of joint forces in support of is conducting air strike and reconnais- forces for rapid deployment in case of the local law enforcement forces (po- sance missions, and a field artillery crisis; lice and gendarmerie) to increase the component (Wagram Task Force) that protection of the French people and the is providing fire support for the pro- • Two Operational Coopera- security of the most sensitive sites in tection of the Qayyarah-West airbase, tion Centres comprising 350 troops in Paris, in the provinces, and overseas. as well as conducting operations to se- Senegal and 350 in Gabon, designed to cure the Sharqat region. Additionally, support the African States in the rein- Operation SENTINELLE has been France provides training to the Iraqi forcement of their security, hence con- maintained at its highest force level Security Forces. tributing to the projection of stability (as authorized by the French Govern- in the region. ment) with 10,000 soldiers actively In Sahel, Operation BARKHANE, participating, including 3,000 as a re- backed by the United Nations Multi- Troops contributing to national serve force. Reactive, adaptable and dimensional Integrated Stabilization sovereignty dynamic, it can respond to the needs Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and by These troops are responsible for pro- expressed by the national authorities the European Union Training Mis- tecting national territory overseas. through formal requisitions. Dynamic sion (EUTM), aims to prevent terrorist They do this by defending the national patrols allow an optimization of the use groups affiliated to Al Qaida from oper- sovereignty of French territorial wa- of armed forces enabling the coverage ating in the region and from recreating ters and Exclusive Economic Zone by of larger surveillance areas and a more their lairs. supporting the legal activities of the reactive response than would normally French administration in French over- be available. In the Gulf of Guinea, a French naval seas territories. In parallel they often detachment, incorporating an air mo- implement projects that encourage All these simultaneous operational ac- bile capability, is responsible for: bilateral military cooperation. These tivities create a temporary overstretch- • Supporting ongoing operations units comprise more than 7,000 troops ing feeling that the ongoing adjustment in the region; organized along three ‘theatres’ as fol- of the French Armed Forces to their • Contributing to any relief mis- lows: increased manning, as decided by the sions for the local populace and/or the French Government, will help to miti- evacuation of nationals; • The Caribbean Theatre is a gate. • Participating in bilateral coop- strategic stakeholder due to the pres-

25 DUTCH NATIONAL RESERVE CORPS COMPANY AT THE JFC BRUNSSUM SITE

Composed by: Company Sergeant Major (OR-7) Rick van Bakel (NLD A)

s part of the Royal - Special projects based on a combi- professionally trained to do their jobs Dutch Army (RDA) the nation of military and civil expertise. and, if they wish, have the opportu- National Reserve Corps nity to make a career of the military (Natres) protects and The National Reserve Corps com- as a commissioned officer, NCO or securesA the territory of the Neth- passes 3 battalions: 10 Bn/43 Mech specialist. Education and training erlands. Our Corps consists of Bde Havelte; 20 Bn/11 AASLT Bde take place on the base (JFC HQ and approximately 3,000 reservists. Schaarsbergen; and 30 Bn/13 Lt Bde the NATO Industrial Complex), the The tasks of the National Reserve Oirschot. The units of 30 Bn are re- region and the shooting ranges and Corps comprise: gionally located: ‘A’ Coy at Naval education centers of the Royal Dutch Barracks Vlissingen; ‘B’ Coy at RDA Army. - Guarding and protection of vital Barracks Breda; ‘C’ Coy and Bn Staff buildings and important locations in at RDA Barracks Oirschot; ‘E’ Coy at Our Company is housed in the former the Netherlands; RDA Barracks Vredepeel; and ‘D’ Coy CDC building H-501 and consists of - Military assistance to disaster relief: as of 1 January 2014 stationed at the 4 Platoons led by Lieutenants (OF-1) - Military assistance to the mainte- site of JFC HQ Brunssum. and is commanded by a Captain (OF- nance of public order and safety; 2). - Supporting National Reserve Corps Probably you’ve seen us before with- brigades during large-scale exercises; out knowing. For example the armed Although not directly connected to - Providing assistance to military support at the main gate that we have NATO we have received a very hearty convoys in the Netherlands; provided since September 2016 and welcome at JFC Brunssum where we - Supporting military units during de- which we will continue to provide un- closely work with several Branches. parture or return from deployments; til relieved at the end of March 2017. Of course, our men and woman all live - Providing military assistance during in the Province of Limburg and are fa- major events; At full strength our Company counts miliar with JFC Brunssum over many - Ceremonial activities. 152 infantrymen and woman, all vol- years and that inevitably results in a unteers, who contribute to the secu- special bond. If you need our help or Also our reservists are frequently in- rity in their region. In daily life most would like to visit us please call 2410 dividually deployed (on a voluntary of them have a civilian job or are or 0031-613952074. base) for: students. During the working week - Duties on army missions abroad; (evenings) and at weekends (Satur- - Temporary duties in the Nether- days) a training and exercise program lands to replace regular army person- is conducted. The result is that our nel who are sent on missions; highly motivated men and woman are

26 8TH CROATIAN INTERNATIONAL SENIOR NCO LEADERSHIP COURSE

Composed By: Master Sergeant Adriano Grosso (DEU A)

he annual International After some administrative issues were different things to different cultures. Senior Non Commis- dealt with there were some short pre- We learned the importance of read- sioned Officers (SN- sentations from our special guests. A ing between the lines, observing body COs) - Leadership Sum- US Army General, Command Sergeant language, and understanding the sig- merT Camp took place in Croatia Majors (CSMs) and Command Senior nificance of what had not been said, for the 8th time from 1st to 10th Enlisted Leaders (CSELs) from all etc. September 2016. However, this participating countries and HQs had time it was transferred from the been invited as mentors and asked to We had great hosts, saw amazing previous venue in Split to the give short briefings about their expe- countryside, interacted with open beautiful island of Mali Losinje; riences and leadership insight. minded people and enjoyed the ex- without doubt, one of the most citing history of our host nation. Our beautiful places in the country. I was slightly surprised but also re- hosts honoured us by presenting our The military base itself - called assured to see that, despite coming course certificates on top of the big- ‘Kovcanje’ - is located in a lovely from a variety of NATO country’s with gest Croatian castle, and symbol of cove which was great for a daily vastly different experiences, all the Croatian liberation, in Knin - I felt swim. students agreed on the professional very proud to be a part of the NCO and personal qualities required of an corps. Having settled into our apartments, NCO. As the various challenges, les- the first event was the evening ice- sons and activities evolved, the in- I can without a doubt recommend breaker. Thanks to our friendly Cro- ternational team of NCOs, the ‘back- these courses. They enlarge your per- atian hosts and their delicious food bone’ of any Army, strengthened sonal horizon and, especially with and drink, the very warm atmosphere among this multicultural band. We regard to multinational military sur- literally melted any kind of restraint. were regularly finding optimized so- roundings, they help the participant First acquaintances completed suc- lutions for the given tasks. We learnt become a more professional NCO and cessfully, a perfect foundation was a lot about communications, both in a better international comrade. laid. lessons and in practice i.e. how our words can be misunderstood or mean

27 PROJECT “EXTEND H-106” EDGES CLOSER TO COMPLETION Composed By: Andries Bosma (NLD C)

hursday 19 January 2017, entrance as well as renovation works in in the existing part of the building, in- all JFC Brunssum staff the existing building to enhance the en- cluding the old main entrance and Min- had the opportunity to trance area and to realize sufficient un- ers restaurant. All activities were sepa- have a look inside the classified conference facilities. rated from NATO daily operations by Tnew wing, which is currently un- temporary closed walls. der construction. Visitors saw for Before the ground breaking ceremony on themselves that we are steadily ap- 14th March 2016 by JFC Brunssum Chief The new construction continued very proaching completion and hope to of Staff (COS), Lieutenant General Ad- quickly by installing 45 prefabricated have everything up and running amzcak, the contractor rerouted cables concrete walls from 9 tons to 16 tons, before the grand opening planned and lines and excavated the construc- 118 prefabricated columns of 2.3 tons a for 31st May 2017. tion pit to the appropriate depth, carry- piece, and 66 steel beams with a weight ing away over 250 trucks of soil. At the of 4.5 tons each. These materials were The project was created to meet the re- ground breaking ceremony COS drilled assembled using cranes of 50 to 400 quirement for additional office space to one of the 134 piles into the ground. Af- ton capacity. As we progressed we were cope with the additional Peace Estab- terwards the contractor poured 350 m3 sometimes surprised by the construc- lishment (PE) positions allocated to us concrete to construct the foundation tion of existing parts of the building in 2012 and to enhance the HQ entrance. beams, using 33,125 kg of reinforcing which forced us to adapt. Thus, on occa- Both objectives were amalgamated into steel for added strength. sion, we had to adjust our plans for the one project to save costs and to reduce steel construction of the adjustments to impact on JFC Brunssum operations. In between those beams the techni- the original building and this led to de- The project includes the construction of cal lines and cables were installed and lays because the long delivery times for a new wing, providing 2,015 m2 of office a concrete floor has been laid above. construction steel. space, a new staff restaurant, a new VIP Meanwhile demolishment works started

28 In August 2016 the road around the new (WGs) have been established to discuss nectivity and to provide furniture. wing was reconstructed and contrac- best use of the new wing. Amongst other tor continued with further landscaping things we sat together to discuss: tech- From the summer of this year we will works in front and around the site. The nical details, security, safety, CIS instal- have suitably equipped and sized HQ is going to be represented to the lations, furniture, design details, land- working areas for all staff in the JFC outside world (when viewed from Ak- scaping, etc. Brunssum PE; this will be supplement- erstraat) by a new configuration of flag ed by additional office space reserved poles that incorporates sufficient space With the building reaching completion for augmented staff during operations, to add new member states’ flags. in two months from now, we were happy exercises, and training serials. The HQ to organize a moment with the contrac- façade will then be modernised at no Adjustments to the original building tor to invite all JFC Brunssum staff for a extra costs and the restaurant will be are also well underway. First, the new tour of the new facility in order to gain constructed / refurbished to modern conference area is constructed; this will a first impression. We hope that all in- standards. The conference facilities also be followed by changes to the entrance terested had a chance to take this op- be modernised to facilitate the hosting area where a new guard post, in a better portunity, because safety doesn’t allow of non-classified conferences with ex- position, will soon be completed. The access as long as construction is ongo- ternal participants and / or the media. existing building has been connected to ing. Currently we expect the contractor The new facility should significantly the new wing by 3 bridges, a corridor, to conduct a technical hand over of the enhance JFC Brunssum’s ability to con- and a canopy over the route to the main new wing at the beginning of March and duct its tasking. entrance. complete the renovation works in the existing building in the middle of May. Before and during the period of con- We need some time prior to the opening struction several Working Groups on 31st of May to install electrical con-

29 WINTER IN HOLLAND – HOW THE “ELFSTEDENTOCHT” FEVER AFFECTS EVERY DUTCHMAN. Composed By: Ed Frieser (NLD C)

inter has arrived in brandy to keep them warm. But Thialf, Heerenveen in Friesland. Or the Netherlands. winters in The Netherlands can still is it the thousands of spectators in And, when one is be severe enough. orange cheering and singing for each stationed in The skater, Dutch or not, pictures of which WNetherlands, one of the first In 2011 temperatures dropped to are televised live and worldwide. It is thoughts that might cross your minus 20 degrees Celsius! But, one big fest. Or is it perhaps the high mind is a winter scene with importantly, not long enough to create tech research and development from Dutchmen skating on frozen an ice pack of 15 centimetres - that the University of Delft that designed canals - as depicted in classical is the necessary depth to carry the and developed a super skin suit. Or Dutch paintings. Now where weight of 16,000 skaters participating the very sophisticated clap skate does this image come from? Is it in the well known 11 cities skating tour or “Klapschaats” developed at the only because of the classic Dutch or “Elfstedentocht” in the province of University of Amsterdam generating painters that created these Friesland; skating the frozen Frisian a torrent of world records and now in typical Dutch winter sceneries? lakes and canals with a finish at the use by all international professional “Bonkevaart” near Leeuwarden, after speed skaters. Whatever the reasons Average winter temperatures in The 200 km’s! A monster tour prepared, might be, the Netherlands is Netherlands range from 2 degrees when conditions allow, by the Royal associated with winter and skating, Celsius (36 degrees Fahrenheit) in Society “De Friesche Elf Steden” preferably on frozen canals. January to 20 degrees Celsius (68 founded 15 January 1909. However, degrees Fahrenheit) in July. The since 1909 the “Mother of all skate If this year is not one of those long Netherlands has a moderate climate tours” only took place 15 times - six cold winters allowing you to skate on with mild winters and summers due in the month of January, eight in the canals, you can always go to one to its proximity to the sea. Still, February and one in December! The of the many outdoor skating rinks this Dutch winter image exists and last time it was held was in 1997. in The Netherlands. The nearest one encourages you believe that skates are Will we have one this year? This is a being the Glanerbrook rink in Geleen. the second Dutch mode of transport question many Dutchmen, suffering Give it a try and use one of those in addition to the bicycle. But it is from the Elfstedentocht-fever that sophisticated Dutch “Klapschaatsen”. only during a few weeks you might starts as soon as frost is apparent, are But if you do not fancy stepping on the experience these wintery conditions. asking themselves. ice with skates, you can always try the Just long enough to freeze the canals well known Dutch pea soup, brandy, with an ice pack sufficiently strong Is that the reason for this winter warm chocolate milk topped off with to carry the weight of thousands image? Perhaps - reinforced by the lots of cream and stay warm inside of skating-lovers. The Dutch are Dutch performing so well in speed near the open fire looking at Dutch certainly eager to experience good skating competitions such as the winter paintings or maybe even the cold and severe winters, with pea recent 2017 European All-round 16th edition of the “Elfstedentocht”! soup, hot chocolate milk and a Dutch Speed Skating Championships at Who knows...

30 graphic design magazines web services support

media & more

Is your website getting old?

Brand new websites at brand new prices

Contact Rob and get a free off er ’t Swarte Schaap Sint Franciscusweg 36-3 6417BD Heerlen

+31 (0)45-571 61 16

[email protected] www.tswarteschaap.nl ONE OF US CAPTAIN JAN ADAMUSKO, SLOVAK ARMED FORCES (SLOVAK REPUBLIC)

Scan the qr-code for more interesting information about Slovakia WHEN DID YOU ARRIVE IN THE obstacles, use of mines, and use of NETHERLANDS AND WHICH POSI- man-made obstacles, including the TION HAVE YOU TAKEN? synchronization of these assets into the all-arms defensive plan. This is my ONE OF US I arrived in the Netherlands in the everyday challenge that requires con- summer of 2014 taking up the posi- tinuity of learning and a continual st- tion of a staff offi cer in the HQsʼ Joint ruggle for situational understanding. Engineering Branch with primary res- Besides that I belong to the team of ponsibility focused on the counter-mo- engineers who are involved in NATO bility and mines domain. Response Force (NRF) coordination focusing on the preparation/execu- TELL US ABOUT YOUR MILITARY tion of exercises and monitoring of CAREER. the Allianceʼs Crisis Response System - both from a Military Engineering My military career started in 1996 perspective. when I joined the Military Academy as a conscript in the rank of Private. IS YOUR FAMILY HERE WITH YOU? During my 5-year studies of military engineering I came through the dif- My family arrived in the Netherlands ferent NCOs ranks and graduated in in 2014 with me. We are living in the 2001. At this time I was promoted to calm suburb of Maastricht. Both my my fi rst offi cer rank, Second Lieute- daughters attend the United World nant. Since then, I have served in the College Maastricht and I am very Military Engineering Battalion of the grateful they have withstood the chal- Slovak Armed Forces. During this pe- lenge of attending an international riod I worked my way up from a Pla- school. Furthermore, the school sys- toon Leader to Battalion HQʼs Opera- tem in Slovakia requires children to tions Branch Head; then I joined JFC study specifi c Slovak subjects and, at Brunssum. the end of each school year, they get tested. So synchronization of both stu- DO YOU HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE dies, especially at the beginning, was WITH OTHER INTERNATIONAL MIS- our top family priority. SIONS? WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES? My fi rst experience of a mission was gained in IRAQI FREEDOM (IRAQ) I have very limited time for hobbies in 2006. I carried out tasks within a over the week. Upon my arrival home Joint Engineering Division as a staff from work I usually accompany my offi cer responsible for Explosive Ord- kids during their swimming lessons nance Disposal/Engineering Operati- where I also train little swimmers in ons within the area of responsibility Maastricht – so swimming seems to allocated to Multinational Division be my favorite hobby. Skiing, clim- Central South. In 2010 I took up a po- bing, reading books or watching sition as an operational offi cer within good movies belongs to my favorite the Dutch Provincial Reconstruction activities too. Team in NATOʼs International Se- curity Assistance Force (ISAF) in Af- WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN YOUR JOB? ghanistan. Although this mission was not that much related to engineering, I like working with people from dif- it helped me to better comprehend ferent nations and cultures. This enri- the operational environment not only ches me and helps me to approach from military perspective but civilian challenges I am confronted by from as well. different perspectives. Furthermore, the team spirit, respect and friendship TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOB AND amongst all JFCBS engineers is so im- WHAT KIND OF CHALLENGES YOU pressive that each of us is motivated HAVE TO FACE? to give our best performance.

The Engineer Operations Branch is responsible for synchronizing engi- neer efforts and advising on the ap- propriate use of subordinate engineer units. My role within this construct is to provide counter mobility exper- tise and advice on the use of natural 33 Fitland XL Sittard

Alwayswelcome!

5 SPECIAL OFFERS FOR ID CARD HOLDERS

50% discount at the wellness resort (spa) Daytime entrance normally € 31,50 for € 15,75 Evening entrance (18:00 to 22:30) € 19,95 for € 9,95 www.wellnesssittard.nl | till 15th of December 2017

25 minute facial treatment normally € 36,50 for € 25,00 www.sanavisiebeauty.nl | till 31st of March 2017

1 hour bowling for free www. tlandbowlen.nl | till 31st of March 2017

Hotel Special 1 x overnight stay | 1 x breakfast | 1 x entrance ticket wellness area (spa) Normally € 119,00 for € 95,00 www. tlandhotelsittard.nl | till 31st of December 2017

Enjoy endlessly Normal dinner price of € 32,50 reduced to € 28,50 www.restaurantmedals.nl | till 31st of March 2017

Fitland XL Sittard Milaanstraat 115 | 6135 LH Sittard +31 (0)46 - 870 00 90 | hotelsittard@ tland.nl

VD_2014_A4_ADV_Nato_Always welcome_XLS.indd 1 23-1-2017 9:15:22 We focus on cars. The Volkswagen & Audi specialists in the Tri-Border region. Animal Hotel Abdissenbosch The address where your pets feels at home 3840 YearsYears Daycare

New cat-place where your cat can move freely. Roomy outside place, playgrounds, central heated. We are looking forward to your visit: Grooming salon, also D-I-Y washsalon for pets.

Opening hours: Mo-Sa 08.00-12.00 and 16.00-19.00 Sundays and holidays closed for bringing in or picking-up.

Vogelzankweg 230 • NL-6374 AH Landgraaf • Tel +31 (0)45 531 72 17 www.dierenhotelabdissenbosch.nl (also in English)

Marcel Oellers Sandra Zitzelsberger Karl-Heinz Purrio (Head of Sales Volkswagen) (Center Manager) (Head of Sales Audi)

Audi Zentrum Aachen Jacobs Automobile GmbH & Co. KG Zweigniederlassung Geilenkirchen Landstraße 48+50 - 52511 Geilenkirchen Tel.: +49 (0)2451-98700 +++ www.jacobs-gruppe.de +++

graphic design magazines web services support

media & more

’t Swarte Schaap Is your website getting old? Sint Franciscusweg 36-3 6417BD Heerlen Brand new websites at brand new prices +31 (0)45-571 61 16 [email protected] www.tswarteschaap.nl Contact Rob and get a free off er FAMILY SUPPORT FAMILY SUPPORT MORALE MORALE &WELFARE F&AMIWELFARELY SUPPORTFAMILY SUPPORT MORALE &MORALE WELFARE & WELFARE WHEN YOU WORK, WE WORKWHEN YOU WORK, WE WORK WHEN YOU PLAY, WE WORK HARDER WHEN YOU PLAY, WE WORK HARDER

RESIDENT EVIL: THE FINAL CHAPTER 03 FEB 2017 FRI Milla Jovovich 106 min 1900 Ali Larter

A DOG PURPOSE 04 FEB 2017 SAT Britt Robertson 120 min 1600 John Ortiz

GOLDTom Hanks 04 FEB 2017 SAT Matthew McConaughey 121 min 1900 Edgar Ramirez

FIFTY SHADES DARKER 10 FEB 2017 FRI Dakota Johnson 115 min 1900 Jamie Dornan THE SPACE BETWEEN US 11 FEB 2017 SAT Gary Oldman 121 min 1600 Asa Butterfi eld

RINGS 11 FEB 2017 SAT Matilda Lutz 121 min 1900 Alex Roe

THE GREAT WALL 17 FEB 2017 FRI Matt Damon 103 min 1900 Jing Tian

THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIEAnd 18 FEB 2017 SAT Seth Grahame-Smith 104 min 1600 Chris McKenna

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 18 FEB 2017 SAT Keanu Reeves 1900 Common FIST FIGHT 24 FEB 2017 FRI Ice Cube 91 min 1900 Charlie Day

THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 25 FEB 2017 SAT Seth Grahame-Smith 104 min 1600 Chris McKenna

A CURE FOR WELLNESSMark Wahlberg99 25 FEB 2017 SAT Dane DeHaan 146 min 1900 Mia Goth TERRACOTTA.

ne of the highlights the famous Chines wall. The 8000 statuettes were found by in the area at the chance by Chinese farmers in 1974, the moment is the brand The Terracotta exhibition invites you to figureines had deteriorated and only new exhibition in discover the hundreds of figurines and debris remained. During the discovery, Othe Guillemins station in Liège also the history of this ancient China, it was a vast puzzle, each statuette being “Terracotta”. It provides us with nicknamed “the empire of the middle”. able to contain between 80 and 300 an insight into the history of the The exhibition is based on these pieces of debris. Today 1,800 of them Chinese empire with the famous statuettes discovered in the tomb in the have been restored and excavation statuettes of soldiers in terracotta. emperor, but it goes much further as work is still going on. the history of each of the characters is In 1974 thousands of figurines in shown through their weapons, armour, If you would like to visit the exhibition terracotta were discovered in the tomb many video clips and explanatory texts. the best thing to do is go by train as of an illustrious Chinese emperor of Statuettes of remarkable quality it is actually inside the station. In the third century BC. The news about Maastricht there is a special ticket this Terracotta army travelled quickly The statuettes that you will be able machine for Belgium so that you can around the world. The name Terracotta to admire during this exhibition are get a cheap ticket. Combine your trip refers to this army composed of some reproductions. The original statuettes with some of those great Belgian beers 8000 statuettes who were once the simply can not be moved as they need to - your train ticket allows you to change last protectors of an emperor passed be preserved for history en hereditary trains and exit at Palais - right in the over to eternity: Qin Shi Huang Di. purposes! But they are of a very centre of Liège. The reign of this emperor lasted only high quality. They were reproduced Check the website terracotta-liege. 15 years, making it the shortest reign identically in a Chinese workshop be for opening times and prices. The of all the Chinese dynasties, but it is specially designed for this purpose and exhibition is also just a short walk away none the less one of the most famous, have received the stamp of the Chinese from the new museum of Modern Art in Besides this army of 8000 terracotta government, which certifies their Liège Le Boverie. figurines, he was also the emperor that quality and conformity, was responsable for the construction of 37 Win TicketsWIN for TICKETS FOR FESTIVAL VOCALLISTerracotta • We have 4 tickets for Terracotta! • In order to win the tickets, please answer the following question: Who was the architect that designed the Guillemins station? Fill in this coupon and send it to PAO, or send an e-mail to [email protected], before 17 Februari 2017. • For NATO ID card holders only • The winners will be announced in the next edition of the Northern Star

Answer: Division:

Full name: Extension:

FILM REVIEW THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE

The LEGO Batman Movie Synopsis

In the irreverent spirit of fun that made The LEGO® Movie a worldwide phenomenon, the self-described lea- ding man of that ensemble – LEGO Batman – stars in his own big-screen adventure. But there are big changes brewing in Gotham, and if he wants to save the city from The Joker’s hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten FFA TAAT A AGT - F A A AAA AT AA GH .. A GA H F ATAT G AT - AG TA-F TA A AT - GAAT T - A AT T T TH FAT GTHG - H HT GA - AAA A A ATA - A AT H - A 195 .. AAA

graphic design e magazines R e ant web services support Enjoy every day Genuine German cuisine and genuine German beer on draft! media & more Granny Käthe’s old recipes The good recipes from the past quite fresh YOUR ADVERTISEMENT From 09:30h until 14:00h! COULD BE HERE! we are there for you 7 days a week! [email protected] 52538 Gangelt www.tswarteschaap.nl Tel: 0049-2454-1414 www.Haus-Hamacher.de f Am Freibad 10