MAGAZINE FOR HQ JFC - NOVEMBER 2017

NATO RESPONSE FORCE R O A D T O T H E 2 0 1 8 C H A L L E N G E

THIS MONTH’S FOCUS: NRF 2018 CERTIFICATION

•NEW NATO GUIDELINES FOR NON COMMISSIONED OFFICERS •STRATEGIC DIRECTION SOUTH HUB UP AND RUNNING IN •HOW CONTRIBUTE TO THE ALLIANCE Magic Meet Greet The gold edition

When? Thursday, December 7, starting at 18:30

Where? AINSI (Lage Kanaaldijk 112-113, Maastricht)

What? In the amazing surroundings of one of the most industrial hotspots of Maastricht, we offer a special night out for internationals and their families, including drinks, finger-food, Santa Claus, our famous mingle game, activities for children and a spectacular afterparty with DJ Frank!

There is no charge to attend, we only ask € 3,00 (return ticket) for the shuttle service. Please register via www.hollandexpatcenter.com/events or MAGAZINE FOR HQ JFC BRUNSSUM

EDITORIAL STAFF Col. Frank Warda (DEU Army) 2. EDITORIAL Editorial Director Lt. Cdr. Davide Galli (ITA Navy) 3. COMMAND GROUP CORNER Editor in Chief and Senior Photo Editor

4. NATO RESPONSE FORCE 2018 CERTIFICATION Lt. Col. Marco Schmidl (DEU Air Force) Deputy Chief Editor and Air Force Editor 6. BRILLIANT ARROW Lt. Cdr. Piotr Wojtas (POL Navy) Assistant Editor and Navy Editor 8. BRILLIANT LEDGER Cpt. Aouatef Zimrani (FRA Army) Assistant Editor, Army Editor, Layout 10. BRILLIANT MARINER Lt. Cdr. Jerry Parker (GBR Navy) 12. BRILLIANT SWORD Assistant Editor, Copy Editor CPO Jerome Claudon (FRA Navy) 14. LANDCOM CONFERENCE Editorial Staff Coordinator

15. NATO STRATEGIC DIRECTION SOUTH Mr. Barry Mellor (GBR Civ) Copy Editor and Marketing Director 16. ROMANIAN ARMED FORCES Lt. Col. Paul Van Harten (NLD Air Force) Air Force and Host Nation Editor 18. EXPERTISE, EXPERIENCE, EMPOWERMENT Cpt. Linda Schrader (NLD Army) Army and Host Nation Editor 20. NATO INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATORS CONFERENCE Adj. Leo Roos (NLD Army) 22. EDA JDEAL Adj. Shirley Ham-Ter-Haar (NLD Marechaussee) Photographers and Photoeditors 24. DEPLOYMENT READINESS TEST Col. Roberto Lanni (ITA Army) 25. INTERNATIONAL BRUNSSUM CLUB Contributing Editor CONTRIBUTORS: 26. VISITS AND ACTIVITIES Sgt. 1st Class Mark Patton (JFC Naples), Capt (N) Carlos Bausà (ACT), EDA JDEAL Press Of- 28. #WEAREJFCBS fice, International Brunssum Club PHOTO CREDITS: Allied Command Transformation, Joint Force Command Naples, , , Allied Land Command, NATO Rapid Deployable Corps , Ministry ABOUT THE COVER of Defence of , Ministry of Defence of , EDA JDEAL, Lt. Col. Alexander Feja October 2017, Mediterranean Sea - A (DEU Air Force), Eugen Mihai, Nicusor harrier of the Spanish Aircraft Carrier Comanescu, Petrica Mihalache Juan Carlos I returns from a sortie during www.jfcbs..int NATO exercise Brilliant Mariner 2017 (Photo by MARCOM) Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum @jfcbs

JFC Brunssum (@NATO_JFCBS)

Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum (jfcbrunssum) NATO JFC Brunssum The NORTHERN STAR is a publication, published with Submissions to the Northern Star can be e-mailed to the assistance of ‘t Swarte Schaap, in co-operation with [email protected]. Articles should be in Microsoft and at no cost to HQ JFC Brunssum. Opinions herein Word format and, whenever possible, should be no do not necessarily reflect official NATO or HQ JFC longer than 300 words. Photographs should be in high Published by ’t Swarte Schaap Brunssum policy. The appearance of advertisements, quality JPEG or in TIFF format. Sint Franciscusweg 36-3 including inserts, does not constitute endorsement 6417BD by NATO or HQ JFC Brunssum of the products or The Northern Star is published monthly, with the +31 (0)45-571 61 16 services offered. Deadline for articles, advertisements exceptions of January and August each year. [email protected] and photographs is on the Monday at close of business It is generally available around the first Friday of each media & more www.tswarteschaap.nl prior to the week of publication. month it is produced.

To place an advertisement in the Northern Star, please For more information, call ext. 2687 or call ’t Swarte Schaap and ask for Rob Schaap, +31 (0)45 526 26 87. The editor reserves the right to Sint Franciscusweg 36-3, edit submissions. 6417 BD Heerlen, The , telephone: +31 (0)45 571 61 16, or e-mail: [email protected]. EDITORIAL November issue highlights

Dear Readers, The picture on the cover of this month’s Northern Star depicts an aircraft ples; an overview of the Romanian Armed Forces and their contributi- landing on the flight deck of a carrier. Air and naval assets are an integral on to the Alliance; the European Defence Agency initiative in the field of part of the capabilities that the NATO Response Force can rely upon to Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices, with a focus on the Joint Deploy- respond to an emerging crisis and - with 2018 just beyond that horizon able Exploitation and Analysis Laboratory (JDEAL); Our HQ personnel visible on the cover photo - JFC Brunssum and the designated multinatio- testing their readiness to deploy for missions. nal components are at an advanced stage of preparing for their upcoming On the final page of the magazine – last but not least – you will find the NRF commitment. first issue of the #WeAreJFCBS initiative, which is the evolution of what Indeed, the current issue will guide you through the preparation for the was previously called ‘One of Us’ and is now linked to the new NATO- 2018 NATO Response Force, describing how the main components - land, wide campaign #WeAreNATO: the aim of our renovated initiative is to maritime, air and special operations - have been training in order to be introduce personnel from the HQ talking about their jobs with a perso- certified before entering the stand-by period starting next January. nal flavour coming from their experience. To kick-start this campaign we The ten pages covering this topic will provide you with a background on chose… ourselves - the Public Affairs Office - to let you know more about us the Alliance’s quick reaction force and then describe how the series of ‘Bril- and invite you to engage with us more; we would welcome your feedback liant’ exercises tested and validated the individual component commands. and contributions. Our Command Senior Enlisted Leader gives us valuable insight into the And now, I invite you to go to the next page and read what our recently latest Bi-Strategic guidelines for NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) appointed Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Rittimann, has to tell you emphasizing the importance of training, experience and empowerment to about the challenges in his new assignment at JFC Brunssum at a very enhance effectiveness in achieving the mission. intense and ‘thrilling’ time. Other highlights from the November Northern Star include: Davide Galli, Lt. Commander (ITA Navy) The Land Corps Commanders Conference addressing command and con- Chief Editor of the Northern Star trol issues in this domain with a focus on enhanced Forward Presence; [email protected] NATO’s Strategic Direction - Southern Hub up and running at JFC Na

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JK_NorthernStar_190x136_4c.indd 1 08.06.17 11:37 COMMAND GROUP CORNER The Chief of Staff

BUSY, CHALLENGING AND THRILLING TIMES

It is my great pleasure to write my first ar- But life goes on. As much as we would like ticle in the Northern Star. As you are all to be preserved from the outside during aware, I am like many of you a newcomer these training events, taskers continue to to the staff. arrive from higher headquarters. Notably, we have recently provided our inputs accor- I first want to thank LTG Adamczak, my ding to a very demanding timeline to con- predecessor, for an outstanding hand over tribute to the overarching study of NATO / take over that was conducted in a very adaptation. This required a lot of invest- short period of time. This was absolutely ment from you, the staff, but the outcome indispensable in getting me settled into will be of direct use to us as it will describe the boots of the Chief of Staff as quickly as how our HQ is going to operate, what it will possible. From my previous assignments, I look like, how we will interact with others knew Joint Force Command Brunssum was in the near future, and how we are best able a very dynamic and proactive Headquar- to deal with the new security challenges we ters, but living it from the inside in recent face in our implementation area. weeks has confirmed that perception. Who better than us can provide this kind of answer? As I write, we are in a very busy period, in which we have to deal with real world And of course, we still continue to command events and missions, concurrent with pre- and control whatever elements are deploy- parations for our major exercise this year ed forward in our area in the framework and substantial studies conducted under of deterrence. We have a working chain of SHAPE’s leadership to define how our command with real life headquarters under NATO Command Structure needs to be our command, themselves having deployed adapted. So there is a lot of work on each elements on the ground, and in that we are and everyone’s plate! unique in the NATO Command Structure, a true test lab of how to implement, at the I trust that you will have benefited from tactical level, direction and guidance from Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann our Battle Staff Training and TRIDENT the political level. Allied JFC Brunssum Chief of Staff JAVELIN 17, which was our certification exercise as the upcoming year’s Joint Com- Last but not least, we need to carry on with mander for the NATO Reaction Force. Oc- the support we provide to our comrades in tober’s BST enabled us, including me, to Afghanistan. We might be on exercise and fine tune our procedures and practices, and baseline activities, but they are on a real our battle rhythm. November was our test operation. Whatever support they require, bed. We faced a very demanding and chal- we need to assist them in getting it. lenging exercise scenario committing the Joint Force we command against a near So, all in all, these are busy and challen- peer competitor in combat operations wit- ging, but also thrilling, times to be assigned hin SACEUR’s area of responsibility, in the to JFC Brunssum and I feel privileged to be framework of collective defence. This type in this position as the COS, and to support of scenario has not been played for many our Commander General Farina. I know I years, probably decades, and was a source can count on everyone’s total dedication to of learning and improvement in the way the tasks described above. In particular, I NATO conducts operations in the future. trust that those players in our recent trai- I need not underscore how important this ning and exercise events will draw positive exercise was for JFC Brunssum, and I am lessons from them and apply them to con- delighted to report that we proved once tinue to improve the way we operate at the again our great value as an operational war- joint level. fighting HQ.

3 NATO RESPONSE FORCE 2018: The road to readiness NRF 18

Story and infographics by Lt. Cdr. Davide Galli, JFC Brunssum PAO

The NATO Response Force The NATO Response Force (NRF) is a tech- nologically advanced, high readiness multi- national force made up of land, air, maritime and special operations forces components that can be deployed quickly, wherever nee- ded. The NRF gives the Alliance the means to provide a rapid military response to various types of crises anywhere in the world. It was launched in 2002 as a high readiness force comprised of rapidly deployable units able to react in a very short time to the full range of security challenges, including: ● Immediate collective defence response ca- pability, prior to the arrival of other forces; ● Crisis management & peace support ope- rations; ● Disaster relief and the protection of critical infrastructure. In addition to its operational role, the NRF is also a driving engine for NATO’s military transformation and can be used for greater cooperation in education and training, and better use of technology. The decision to deploy the NRF is taken by the , NATO’s highest political decision-making body, and overall command of the NRF belongs to the Supre- me Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR).

The ‘enhanced’ NRF Force (VJTF) includes a multinatio res required for both defensive and expedi- In 2014 - within the measures of the Readi- nal land brigade of around 5,000 troops and tionary operations. As a result, participa- ness Action Plan (RAP) - the NRF was en- air, maritime and special operations forces tion in the NRF is preceded by a six-month hanced, in order to be capable of responding components with leading elements ready to NATO exercise programme in order to to the changed security environment, incre- move within two to three days; integrate and standardize the various na- asing its size to 40,000 troops and provi- ● Initial Follow-On Forces Group (IFFG): tional contingents. Additional training se- ding it with an additional highly capable and high-readiness forces that can deploy rials within national preparation program- flexible air, land, maritime and special forces quickly following the VJTF, in response to mes are carried out by contributing nations package. This “spearhead force” is known as a crisis. They are made up of two multina- during the 6-18 month period prior to as- the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force tional brigades; suming the role of an NRF high-readiness (VJTF) and is deployable at extremely short ● Maritime Component: based on the Stan- unit. notice. ding NATO Maritime Groups (SNMGs) As units rotate through the NRF, the asso- and the Standing NATO Mine Counter- ciated high standards, concepts and tech- NRF composition measures Groups (SNMCMGs); nologies are gradually spread throughout Elements of the NATO Response Force in- ● Combat Air and Air-support Component; the Alliance, thereby fulfilling one of the clude: ● Special Operations Forces; key purposes of the NATO Response Force ● Command and Control Element: opera- ● Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nu- – the further transformation of Allied for- tional command of the NRF alternates clear (CBRN) Defence Task Force. ces. between Allied Joint Force Commands in Brunssum and Naples; Participation in the NRF NRF Rotation 2018 ● Very High Readiness Joint Task Rotating forces through the NRF requires The NRF is based on a rotational system 4 the contributing Allies and partner nations where Allied nations commit land, air, ma- to meet strict standards and adopt procedu ritime or Special Operations Forces (SOF) The quick reaction force of the Alliance has to be prepared to respond to any threat: this requires training and certification. The NRF package for 2018 has seen its main components validated during the ‘BRILLIANT’ series exercises.

NATO RESPONSE FORCE 2018 COMPONENTS CERTIFICATION

Stand-by period: 1 January - 31 December 2018

Command and Control: Headquarters: Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum Location: Brunssum, The Netherlands Certification exercise: Trident Javelin 2017 (6-17 Nov 17)

Air Component Command: Headquarters: German Joint Force Air Command Location: Kalkar, Germany Certification exercise: Brilliant Arrow 2017 (11-22 Sep 17)

Maritime Component Command: Headquarters: French Aero-Naval Rapid Reaction Force Location: Toulon, Certification exercise: Brilliant Mariner 2017 (29 Sep-13 Oct 17)

Land Component Command: Headquarters: NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Italy Location: Solbiate Olona, Italy Certification exercise: Brilliant Ledger 2017 (25 Sep-16 Oct 17)

Special Operations Forces Component Command: Headquarters: Spanish Special Operations Component Command Location: Menorca, Spain Certification exercise: Brilliant Sword 2017 (1-15 Oct 17)

units for a period of 12 months. The rotatio- Response Force (NRF18) nal period lasts 12 months starting 1st Janu- ● BRILLIANT ARROW certified the Air Com- ary and operational command of the force ponent Command - German Joint Force alternates annually between the two NATO Air Component (DEU JFAC) based in Kal- Joint Force Commands (JFC). kar (Germany); In 2018 JFC Brunssum will take over stand- ● BRILLIANT MARINER certified the Mari- by responsibility from JFC Naples as the de- time Component Command - French Aero- signated leading Headquarters for NRF rota- Naval Rapid Reaction Force (FR MAR- tion. If the North Atlantic Council activates FOR), based in Toulon (France); the NRF, at any time during this period, JFC ● BRILLIANT LEDGER certified the Land Brunssum will provide the Commander and Maritime Component - NATO Rapid De- necessary command and control elements as ployable Corps Italy (NRDC - ITA), based the deployable Joint Task Force Headquar- in Solvate Olona (Italy); ters. ● BRILLIANT SWORD certified the Spe- cial Operations Forces Component - Spa- NRF 2018 Certification nish Joint Special Operations Command The ‘BRILLIANT’ series of exercises during (MCOE), based in Menorca (Spain). the September-October 2017 period repre- The next pages will expand on this series of sented the designated certification venue for exercises. the component commands of the 2018 NATO The last step in the certification process is Exercise TRIDENT JAVELIN 2017, which will be covered in detail in the next issue of 5 the Northern Star. BRILLIANT ARROW 2017: Air Component Command Certification NRF 18

Story by Lt. Col. Paul Van Harten, JFC Brunssum PAO Photos by AIRCOM/DEU JFAC

Kalkar, Germany - The German Joint Force Air Component (JFAC) Headquar- ters based in Kalkar has trained with assig- ned units for NATO Response Force during exercise Brilliant Arrow 2017 from Septem- ber 11 to 22.

Brilliant Arrow 2017 (BRAW17) is the NATO exercise which saw the participa- tion of approximately 1,000 German and international participants in many serials, incorporating live flying activities over the north of Germany, the northeast of the Ne- therlands and the North Sea. Being one of the exercises the German air force has been focusing on this year, BRAW17 was the for- mal conclusion of the certification process for the Air component of the 2018 NATO Response Force rotation. For the second time after 2012, the German JFAC HQ is responsible for a NATO command and control assignment.

BRAW17 has seen participation of F-16 fighter jets from , and- Tur key as well as German Eurofighter aircraft from tactical air wings 71 “Richthofen”, 31 “Boelke” and 74. Flying activities took place in reserved training areas between mostly out of the air bases Nörvenich, Wittmund, Hohn and Laage.

The live-fly exercise offered the final op- portunity to fine-tune interaction of the de- ployable JFAC HQ when it came to execute command and control of multinational air forces and the units assigned during the upcoming stand-by period in 2018. During this period the JFAC HQ together with as- signed units will be capable of establishing operational readiness within a few days and of planning and executing NATO Response Force air operations worldwide. Air Command and Control Group in Holz- ber. The visit was intended to provide a Exercise activities were supported by dorf/Schönwalde with their deployable personal ‘look and feel’ of how preparati- AWACS aircraft flying out of the NATO Air Control and reporting Centre provided key ons of the German JFAC for the 2018 NRF Base in , Germany, an Airbus support to successful training during the stand-by phase were progressing. The Ge- A-310 MRTT tanker aircraft taking off from exercise. neral was briefed by Lieutenant General and target simulation aircraft and Joachim Wundrak, Commander German forces from Hohn, Nordholz and Nordhorn. Commander JFC Brunssum, General Sal- Air Operations Command, and Brigadier Moreover, 26th Surface-to-Air Mis- vatore Farina, visited the German Air General Burkhard Kollmann, Director 6 sile Group in Husum and 3rd Tactical Operations Command on 19-20 Septem- German JFAC, and was also provided an The German Joint Force Air Component Headquarters trained with assigned units for NRF 2018 during the certification exercise Brilliant Arrow, which took place in the skies of Northern Germany and the Northeast of the Netherlands from September 11 to 22

assessment of current challenges and the recognizable progress of NRF 2018 com- BRILLIANT ARROW is this year’s most way ahead. General Farina took the oppor- ponents. The German JFAC demonstrated important training event for the NRF air tunity to elaborate on the main efforts for great professionalism and confidence in components. the whole NRF package in the upcoming their capabilities, proving to be on the right period in light of the current global security track for next year’s commitment. situation. Following the national Exercise KALKAR General Farina was content with his trip SKY 2016, which certified the German to Kalkar which allowed him witness the JFAC for their 2018 NRF commitment, 7 BRILLIANT LEDGER 2017: Certification NRF 18

Story by Lt. Cdr. Davide Galli, JFC Brunssum PAO Photos by NRDC Italy

Bellinzago Novarese, Italy - NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Italy successfully completed exercise Brilliant Ledger 2017 (BRLR17) and achieved its certification as Land Component Command (LCC) respon- sible for conducting and synchronizing land operations in case of NRF activation during 2018. Brilliant Ledger was a command-post exercise, based on a realistic and complex scenario that was able to test the internati- onal staff, and subordinate units, of the HQ in the most complex aspects of modern cri- ses and conflicts.

The exercise was carried out in Bellinzago Novarese, where the NRDC-ITA Command was deployed, and Solbiate Olona, ​​where the Simulation and Validation Center directed the Exercise. About 1,000 servicemen and women from 85 different units from the Italian Army, Navy, Air For- ce and , as well as from 15 other NATO member countries, participated in the exercise. Over 40 military experts from the NATO Allied Land Command of Izmir () over-watched the entire evalua- tion process.

The purpose of BRLR17 was to test NRDC- Italy’s ability to plan and conduct high-in- tensity operations as the Land Component Command of the NRF. NRDC-ITA will also retain command and control over the land forces of the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), whose task is to ensure the initial and immediate NATO response to potential threats (on 5 to 15 days noti- ce-to-move). The VJTF consists of highly trained multinational forces that enhance the traditional NRF structure. This element is also supported by air, maritime and spe- cial forces components.

The 1st Signal Regiment (Milan) ensured communications and information flow for pid Deployable Corps - Italy staff on a two- During his visit General Farina was briefed the exercise, employing the latest technolo- day visit, culminating on the Distinguished on the structure and capabilities of the gy, in compliance with security standards, Visitors Day and Certification Ceremony on Headquarters in its LCC role. while RESTAL (the NRDC-ITA Logistic 11 October, attended by Lieutenant Gene- Support Regiment) provided real life sup- ral Darryl A. Williams, Commander Allied The meeting with Commander NRDC-ITA, port and transportation. Land Command, and Mr. Paolo Alli, Chair- Lieutenant General Roberto Perretti, also 8 General Farina met with NATO Ra- man of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. provided the opportunity for General Fa- Exercise Brilliant Ledger provided the certification venue for NRDC- ITA to act as Land Component Command in BRILLIANT LEDGER 2017: the potential event of deploying the NATO Response Force in 2018. This task includes command and control responsibility over the VJTF-Land, the ‘spearhead’ of the Alliance

rina - as the responsible Commander for how these relate to the NRF, as well as the General Farina was very pleased with the the preparation and readiness of the entire role of NRDC- ITA. demonstrated capabilities of NRDC- ITA NRF18 force package - to provide further and expressed his thanks to LTG Per- guidance for the upcoming stand-by period The visit to the Command Post, with a walk retti for his headquarters’ dedication and in 2018. Furthermore, General Farina ela- around through the different sections, pro- their remarkable contribution to the borated on the current NATO work-strands vided valuable insights on how the HQ is NRF18 task, but also to NATO efforts at the operational and strategic level and going to manage its role as LCC. in general. 9 BRILLIANT MARINER 2017: Maritime Component Command Certification NRF 18

Story by Lt. Cdr. Piotr Wojtas JFC Brunssum PAO Photos by MARCOM

Toulon, France - The world’s oceans are busy maritime highways. Today, 85% of all international trade in raw materials and manufactured goods travels by sea, and tankers carry more than half of the world’s oil. The risks to maritime secu- rity are high, and NATO is determined to help protect its Allies from any possible threats at sea.

NATO’s maritime power provides some of the most mobile and flexible responses to crises – from humanitarian response to counter-piracy and from mine clearance to defence against ballistic missiles. Se- cure seas mean the safe transit of those 85% of world goods - few customers re- alize that basic commodities manufactu- red outside Europe have not arrived in this part of the world by plane but via the sea. Protecting trade, infrastructure and populations requires networked informa- tion and, most of all, international coope- ration.

At any moment in time NATO has four Standing NATO Maritime Groups at its disposal - multinational, integrated mari- time forces made up of vessels from va- rious allied countries. These vessels, in- cluding their air assets, are permanently available to NATO to perform different tasks ranging from exercise participa- tion to intervention in operational mis- sions. These groups provide NATO with a permanently available maritime capa- bility for operations and other activities in peacetime and in periods of crisis and conflict. They also help to establish Al- liance presence, demonstrate solidarity, conduct routine diplomatic visits to dif- ferent countries, support transformation and provide a variety of military maritime ted on, over, and under the water are part of and mutual understanding. Participating capabilities to ongoing missions. NATO’s approach to ensure the forces can units and crews evaluated their readiness operate across all domains and that com- and validate their capabilities, whilst si- Through deterrence, collective defense, cri- mand structures are ready to respond to a multaneously improving their knowledge sis management and cooperative security, wide range of challenges. and skills trough operating in a demanding NATO maritime forces work with nations, Each year NATO organizes exercises that and challenging environment. partners and institutions to improve ma- provide an opportunity to exercise com- Conducted in the Mediterranean Sea off the ritime security and provide an available mand and control at the NRF Maritime coasts of France, Italy and Spain between capability that is ready to face any Component Command level enhancing September 29th and October 13th 2017, the 10 threat. Complex exercises conduc- collaboration while improving cooperation Brilliant Mariner exercise was designed to Brilliant Mariner Exercise was conducted between September 29 and October 13 in order to support the certification of the naval component of NRF 2018: the French Aero-Naval Rapid Reaction Force will assume responsibility as the Maritime Component Command

support the certification of the naval com- and, together with other units dedicated to only true way to ensure readiness and res- ponent of the NATO Response Force (NRF) NATO, will remain on constant stand-by ponsiveness. Participation in major, joint for 2018. throughout the coming year. This year 27 and combined certification events such as The maritime commander for the NRF ro- naval units supported by maritime patrol Brilliant Mariner 2017 demonstrates, not tates annually and is subordinated to one and rotary wing aircraft from the navies only national readiness, but NATO’s unified of two Joint Force Commands – Brunssum of Canada, , France, Greece, Ger- responsiveness, capabilities and the robust- or Naples. The French Aero-Naval Rapid many, Italy, Netherlands, , Portu- ness of maritime power that is available to Reaction Force (FRMARFOR) will assume gal, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom the Alliance and ready to respond to a crisis responsibilities as the Maritime Compo- participated in the exercise. that could impact us all. nent Commander (MCC) for the NRF 2018 Exercising with fellow sailors at sea is the 11 BRILLIANT SWORD 2017: Special Ops Component Command Certification NRF 18

Story by Col. Ralf Gras, JFC Brunssum SOFAD Photos by MCOE/ESP MoD

Menorca, Spain - NATO Special Opera- tions Forces (SOF) are strategic assets to be employed to help achieve strategic and higher-level military objectives. Special operations are normally conducted in un- certain, hostile, or politically sensitive en- vironments in order to create effects that support achievement of strategic-operatio- nal comprehensive objectives. These opera- tions may be conducted using clandestine or covert capabilities/techniques and re- quire mature, highly-trained operators.

Special operations can be conducted inde- pendently or in conjunction with operati- ons by conventional forces and may include combined and interagency operations by, with, or through indigenous or surrogate forces.

Special operations differ from conventional operations in the degree of political risk, operational techniques, modes of employ- ment, dependence on detailed operational intelligence, and use of indigenous assets. SOF personnel undergo a careful selection process and mission-specific training be- yond basic military skills to achieve entry- level special operations skills. SOF organi- zational structures tend to be populated by which exists alongside land, air, or mari- Spanish SOCC, Lieutenant General Fer- mature and seasoned personnel, many of time component commands. nando José López del Pozo - Commander whom maintain high levels of competency The NRF 2018 SOCC is provided by the Joint Operations Command, and Lieute- in multiple military specialties. Spanish Joint Special Operations Com- nant General José M. Salom Piquere - Air mand (MCOE, in accordance with its Spa- Force Commander. At the SOCC HQ he was The successful conduct of special opera- nish acronym) with Spain as the framework briefed on the structure and activities of the tions relies on individual and small unit nation. The SOCC staff consists of person- respective Commands and visited all the re- proficiency in a multitude of specialized, nel from 10 nations; its task organization levant staff cells. Commander JFC Bruns- often unconventional, operational skills ap- includes 9 Special Operations Task Groups sum took the opportunity of the visit to plied with adaptability, improvisation, in- (SOTG) from 6 different nations. share his vision and inform the SOCC about novation, and self-reliance. The small size, directives for NRF-related activities. He unique capabilities, and self-sufficiency (for BRILLIANT SWORD 2017 was a Com- also emphasized the necessity of all units limited periods of time) of SOF units pro- mand-Post Exercise sponsored by Joint participating in the exercise to be fully com- vide the Alliance with additional options Force Command Brunssum executing its mitted and act as a cohesive team, in order for a military response that may not entail responsibility for training and validation to be best prepared for the upcoming NRF the risk of escalation normally associated of the NATO Response Force (NRF) 2018 18 period and potential follow-on tasks. with the employment of inherently larger package. or more visible conventional forces. The exercise served as the SOCC certifica- General Farina visited his NRF 2018 SOCC tion event for the NATO Response Force SOF are commanded through a Special on 7 and 8 October and met with Major Ge- 2018 Special Operations Forces package. Operations Component Command (SOCC) neral Jaime Iniguez - Commander of the BRILLIANT SWORD 2017 focused on

12 Brilliant Sword 2017 was a Command Post Exercise BRILLIANT SWORD 2017: sponsored by JFC Brunssum executing its responsibility for training and validating of the NRF 2018 designated Special Operations Component Command and its forces as part of the NRF package

achieving SOCC Combat Readiness certification throughout a evaluating component capabilities by exercising NRF missions Special Operations Forces Headquarters and Units Evaluation and tasks. BRILLIANT SWORD 2017 marks the most important (SOFEVAL). The exercise aimed at validating the NRF SOCC orga- milestone along the path of training and validating the NRF 2018 nization, interoperability and readiness, while simultaneously SOCC and its designated Special Operations Forces.

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Story by Lt. Cdr. Davide Galli, JFC Brunssum PAO Photos by LANDCOM Valencia, Spain – Commander JFC the theme ‘Command and Control: How we During the presentation he emphasized the Brunssum, General Salvatore Farina, par- fight’. importance of Regional Focus, ticipated in the 11th Allied Land Command Commander JFC Brunssum presented his the increased role of the NATO Force Struc- Corps Commanders’ Conference on 16-18 operational vision on the Alliance’s en- ture (NFS) in the proposed outline design, October 2017, hosted by Lieutenant Gene- hanced Forward Presence, described as a the need to link JFC HQs to contingency ral Darryl A. Williams, Commander Allied ‘catalyst for progress’, and emphasized the plans and NFS elements, and on the fun- Land Command (LANDCOM). theme of joint enablement of the battle- damental concept of addressing all NATO General Farina was invited to give the par- groups - as the land component of NATO’s core tasks. ticipants – commanders and senior leaders deterrence and defence posture at its Eas- He welcomed US Army Europe Vice Com- from throughout the NATO Command tern flank - with the progressive integration mander’s proactive work to enhance inte- Structure (NCS) – a comprehensive over- of air and maritime assets in their support. gration and interoperability, and the nume- view of the overall NATO adaptation with He indicated the 5 lines of effort that JFC rous Corps Commander’s contributions to regard to the enhanced Forward Presence Brunssum would pursue to achieve this, in- the land domain perspective. (eFP) way ahead and to share his vision as cluding Capability and Requirement Deve- an operational Commander. lopment, Cross Domain Collaboration and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SA- Contribution, Training and Exercise Syn- CEUR), General Curtis M. Scaparrotti, spo- The aim of this semi-annual conference, or- chronization, Integrated Defence Planning, ke on the 2nd day of the conference, giving ganised by LANDCOM, was to bring toge- and Joint Situational Awareness. his thoughts on NATO Command Structure ther Corps Commanders and leaders from Adaptation, the ongoing effort to ensure all the NCS for collaboration, development The General then shifted to the ongoing NATO elements are “fit for purpose”, and and refinement of NATO’s land strategy. In work related to the NATO Command Struc- how that will affect the NATO Land Head- particular, the shared objective for the 11th ture Adaptation process, clarifying the JF- quarters. edition of this forum was to develop CBS contribution to Supreme Headquar- 14 the land adaptation strategy using ters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE). LANDCOM CORPS COMMANDERS CONFERENCE NATO’S STRATEGIC DIRECTION SOUTH 11th edition of the semi-annual forum organised by Allied Land Command, The JFC Naples-based “Hub” designed to enhance cooperation this semester focusing on the theme ‘Command and Control: how we fight’ among organizations is up and running after its inauguration JOINT in September

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Mark Patton, JFC Naples Photos by JFC Naples PAO Some of the partners the NSD-S Hub ho- League and the Gulf Cooperation Council. pes to connect with include actors such as U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Michael Naples, Italy – The NATO Strategic Di- regional development and crisis handling Nunziato, who started working with the rection South Hub, a new center designed experts, academics and non-governmental Hub in February as part of the Implemen- to enhance cooperation among organizati- organizations. tation Assessment Team and will continue ons, is now established at Allied Joint Force on with the new center providing analysis, Command Naples. Alejandro Alvargonzalez, NATO Assistant said involving stakeholders outside of the Secretary General for Political Affairs and military structure is critical to the Hub in JFC Naples held a Sept. 5, 2017, ceremony Security Policy, highlighted the regular po- to mark the NSD-S Hub’s opening. Final litical dialogue and practical cooperation providing holistic analysis and recommen- capability is expected to be achieved by the over the past years NATO has held with dations. end of the year. countries and Arab Gulf states in the Istanbul Coopera- “It’s an organization, I think, that’s going The NSD-S Hub, under the roof and lead tion Initiative. to do something different than what NATO of JFC Naples, is designed to focus on a va- is normally used to, and that’s bridging the riety of current and potential issues to in- At the September ceremony, Alvargonzalez gap between the military way of thinking clude destabilization, potential terrorism, also highlighted NATO’s ability to succes- and the diplomatic way of thinking,” said radicalization, migration and environmen- sfully build a new culture of cooperation in Nunziato tal concerns. A role of the new center is also the security field with 12 regional partner to coordinate and work alongside agencies countries. Nunziato’s thoughts were echoed by Cana- outside of the NATO and national military dian Army Lieutenant-General Christian structures as they concentrate on southern “These partners are adopting NATO Juneau, the deputy commander of JFC Na- regions to include the Middle East, North standards and promoting interoperability ples. Africa and Sahel, sub-Saharan Africa and with the Alliance, while modernizing their “These non-NATO entities have so much adjacent areas, waters and airspace. defense and security sectors,” said Alvar- knowledge and understanding, and they gonzalez. “They all are asking NATO for look at an area, a problem set, from a whole NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg more cooperation and more assistance in different perspective,” Juneau said. announced the decision to create the Hub the defence and security fields.” French Air Force Colonel Eric Asselin, de- in mid-February of this year. puty director and acting director of the It’s the strengthened cooperation and two- Hub, said the center’s opening was the first Hub officials say the center’s opening pro- way dialogue that personnel from the new step following months of preparation to es- vides the crucial beginning step for its staff, center say will benefit the Hub’s experts and tablish the center. which is developing relationships with po- stakeholders from NATO and non-NATO tential partners to ensure the eventual pro- partners. Some of these groups will include More information about NATO Strategic duction of useful product and analysis. international organizations that NATO is Direction South Hub is available at already working together with, such as the www.thesouthernhub.org United Nations, European Union, the Arab 15 R NATIONAL National RepresentativeNational atJFCBrunssum by Romanian Col.MihaiNegrea, Senior Story ghanistan (Romania is the fourth NATO fourth ghanistan (Romania isthe over600 soldiers inAf- rently deployed Support, havingcur- tributor toResolute con - significant a be to continues Romania developed onsuchfinancial allocation. equipping program ofourmilitarybeing the until 2026, period on aten-year continued is tobe pledge This political expenditures. defence for GDP the of 2% allocating ment, commit- its have met which will members six NATO the of one become will country year, our of the end tive; thatiswhy,bythe objec this to committed firmly is Romania environment. security complex nowadays’ in needed military capabilities essential for the required toprovide resources the of states member allocation bythe on the eventually depend will NATO’s credibility and powerfulagainstallkindsofthreats. remains united Alliance the that proof the in this region, posture stand for deterrence and defence the tions meanttostrengthen MN-BDE and NFIU), which conduct opera- hed on our national territory (MND-SE HQ, establis NATO structures unit, butalsothe with acompany-level Forces participate Romanian and Poland,inwhichthe Armed (eFP)intheBalticStates forward presence solidarity amongallies.Theenhanced of proof an eloquent represents forces ritime the Eastern flank, with ground, air and ma- of Southern segment (tFP) inthe presence of thetailoredforward implementation NATO allies’ contributionstothe plex, the more com- region hasevolvedandbecome Black Sea situation inthe As thesecurity Eastern FlankoftheAlliance. terrence anddefence posture of the paying a special attentiontothede- East andSouth oftheAllianceand ach of the threats coming up from the security, through a balanced appro solidating the Euro-Atlantic space con- in effort overall NATO’s porting 16 CONTRIBUTIONS context, steadfastly sup context, the new regional security stood theroleitholds in omania has fully under- ROMANIAN ARMEDFORCES - - - - tional/psychological and logistic support and logistic tional/psychological actions, informa and militarypolice gence military intelli protection, as inforce well as (ANDSF) Forces Security and Defence Afghan National activities ofthe and the are involvedinthetrainingandassistance personnel staff the and Detachment Police sist Team–South,theRomanian Military Train, and As- Advise – North,the Team Assist Train, nal AdvisoryTeam,the Advise and Germany). The Romanian Army Institutio- and Italy USA, the after state contributing - - EU ALTHEA Mission consists in staff and staff in consists Mission ALTHEA EU in Forces’ participation Romanian Armed SACEUR’s Strategic Reserve for KFOR. The at order,aspart of deployable servicemen and anumberof soldiers 58 with buting personnel, contri- group andintelligence HUMINT ISR a SIGINT group, aspecial elements, personnel, staff with KFOR in Also, Romanian currentlyparticipates terrorist actions. government incountering Afghan the and supporting sustainability and capability credibility, ANDSF’s of ase incre- the to contributing thus, operations, Romania, steadfastly supporting Allied security measures

intelligence personnel, liaison teams, advi- time, leading to the increase of the level of structures, through April 3rd-7th, 2017. SG17 sory teams, air force structures and a nati- reciprocal knowledge and trust among al- showed the reaction and deterrence capa- onal support element, counting 39 service- lies and partners. NOJP17 tested NATO’s city of the allied and partner nations accor- men plus a number of deployable soldiers ability to deploy its Very High Readiness ding to the collective defence scenario, by at order. Joint Task Force (VJTF) and confirmed its exercising force projection. The Romanian And to all these there should be added Ro- ability to implement the NATO Readiness Armed Forces were represented mainly mania’s successful participation, alongside Action Plan (RAP) in and Roma- by the Services, through their servicemen: multinational structures built on its territo- nia. The second stage of the exercise, NOJP 8,000 from the Land Forces with 1,000 ry, in complex and wide-ranging multinati- 2–DEPLOYEX, took place in Romania and pieces of equipment, over 1,000 from the onal exercises. „Noble Jump 17” and „Saber Bulgaria in training sites offered through Air Forces with over 40 aircraft and almost Guardian 17”, the most important two in- HNS. NOJP 2–DEPLOYEX consisted of 800 from the Navy, with 10 destroyers and ternational exercises which were conducted theoretical preparation activities for the in- logistic support ships, 12 boats and 18 land this year, marked the transition to an en- teraction of VJTF elements with the MND vehicles. hanced interoperability stage, at the same SE, NFIU and Romanian Armed Forces

17 EXPERTISE, EXPERIENCE, EMPOWERMENT PERSONNEL

Story by Sergeant Marc Hall, JFC Brunssum Military Assistant to the CSEL

Brunssum, the Netherlands - Recently, SACEUR & SACT jointly signed the new Bi-strategic command strategy and NCO guidelines, at the NATO Military Committee Meeting in Tirana, .

If you have not yet read it, I strongly sug- gest that you do. It outlines, for leaders at all levels, the expectations of the NCO Corps, methods and strategies to enhance effectiveness, as well as the way forward to achieve a ready and responsive cadre of NCOs with the expertise, experience and empowerment to tackle the operational and transformational needs of the Alliance in the current and future environment.

So what’s changed? For one thing, the strategic landscape has dramatically alte- red over the past few years, and now more than ever, advancing human capital has never been more important. To stay ahead of the curve, we need to aggressively invest in the development of our NCOs by apply- ing a greater emphasis on language training proficiency and military education, and by identifying and optimizing opportunities for critical, creative and forward thinking. Promoting and empowering the ‘Command sion in Resolute Support where NATO has tion and training, and be endowed with the Team’ concept at all levels within both been building the ANDSF from the ground same level of trust. NATO has a long his- NATO and National leadership structures up. The feedback that we are getting from tory of adaptation and innovation, which is is another key area of focus. While this dy- our personnel on the ground is clear. Units a major reason why it is the most successful namic may be new and strange to some, it that have focused on training NCOs how to alliance in history. The implementation is an integral component to the unity and think are having a great deal more success of this document is merely the next step determination of the Officer/NCO relati- versus those that focus on teaching NCOs in the evolution of our fighting forces, and onship, and a hallmark of many successful what to think. will drive us to meet the challenges that will militaries. The development of this lea- arise in the future. dership paradigm seeks to include an NCO Ultimately, this guiding document is inten- perspective in the decision making process ded to provide a framework which nations If you’re an Officer, this should excite you. and encourages critical thinking and unbi- within the Alliance as well as willing Part- In the future you can expect an increasingly ased communication up, down and across ner nations can build on to increase the ef- confident, competent NCO corps that seeks the command and control spectrum. In a ficiency of interoperable forces at the NCO out and accepts greater responsibilities. Command Team relationship, your abi- level in order to achieve SACEUR’s intent of You can expect NCOs that contribute added lity to knowledgeably speak truth to power seamlessly aligned forces, capable of con- solutions, and are more willing and able and use your breadth of experience to ad- ducting full spectrum operations throug- than ever before to offer keen and unique vise and guide decision making is crucial. hout the globe. In a truly multinational insights into problem solving and task ma- Ultimately, our job is always the same; to organization such as the eFP, this is espe- nagement. To cultivate this incredible re- accomplish the mission using the authority cially important. Having units from several source, your NCOs are going to require time vested in us, in accordance with the Com- countries operating as a whole is only pos- to attend courses and expand their military mander’s intent, and this model offers ano- sible if the NCOs down to the tactical level education. They will continue to need your ther tool for your Commanders to have at are able to work together seamlessly. Those guidance and support as they push bounda- their disposal. For a recent example NCOs need to speak the same proverbial ries and take on growing roles of responsi- 18 of this, look at the train & assist mis- language, have similar experiences, educa- bility. We, as a whole, are counting on you The new Bi-strategic command strategy and guidelines EXPERTISE, EXPERIENCE, EMPOWERMENT outline a Non-Commissioned Corps even more effective in conquering any mission

to place the right NCOs in the right place NCO training across the NCS and NFS. progress will be difficult for some. There at the right time with the right tools to do While I and the other CSELs across the Al- will be growing pains. Until the blueprint the job, and set them up for success at every liance will continue to push for those op- has been fine-tuned and ingrained in us so level. Today’s young NCO is more globally portunities to be available, it is ultimately deeply that we take for granted that which aware, educated, and tech savvy than ever up to you to pursue them. The leadership seems so foreign to us right now, we must before. These traits need to be leveraged courses offered by NATO School Oberam- work at it constantly. You are the pathfin- to ensure that we maximize the potential mergau and the Swiss Armed Forces Col- ders, and it will be your unfailing efforts in of our collective forces to achieve victory in lege can be a force multiplier in your lea- the next year, five years, and ten years that every circumstance. dership development, and offer you an will undoubtedly ensure the success of the opportunity to broaden your perspective Alliance, keep the longest peace in history If you’re an NCO you can expect to be and gain new skills. Experiences like the and by extension ensure all of our child- further challenged. You will be expected Slovenian Winter Camp and the Croatian ren’s collective security for years to come. to put your years of practical experience on Best Soldier Competition allow you to build the table, to communicate honestly, and be relationships and test your knowledge with So seek out opportunities, accept challen- held accountable to a degree that you may NCOs from many different nations. JMTTs ges, and never settle for average. As a team, not be used to. As senior NCOs it is our offer you the chance to demonstrate and as an Alliance, let’s continue to cultivate an responsibility to train and lead our subor- impart your knowledge, teach other NCOs, NCO Corps with the expertise, experience dinates and to provide them the example and expand message with our part- and empowerment to conquer any mission, of “what right looks like.” We must always ners around the globe. Sound good? Then anytime, anywhere. be mindful that we are training our young let’s get to work. If you want to be better, I NCOs to one day replace us. You must con- want to help. My door is always open. http://shape.nato.int/command-senior tinue to set and maintain the standard in all Make no mistake; great undertakings re- things, develop your leadership style and quire great patience, cultural shifts do not command presence, and lead by example. happen overnight. There will always be There are a myriad of opportunities for people who are resistant to change and 19 NATO COMMUNICATORS SET CONDITIONS TO COMPETE IN THE INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT COMMUNICATION

Story by Captain (N) Carlos Bausá, Stratcom Advisor, Allied Command Transformation Photos by Allied Command Transformation PAO

Norfolk, USA - The fourth annual NATO General Public Diplomacy Division, Oana the Conference. All NATO communicators Information & Communicators’ Conference Lungescu, NATO Spokesperson and leaders will now organize themselves in working was held September 18th to 22nd, 2017 in Va- from across the Alliance provided partici- groups, similar to those in place in the lencia, Spain. The annual conference brings pants with strategic guidance. Journalists Psychological Operations and Information together communicators from Strategic from CNN, Buzzfeed and The Economist Operations fields. The establishment of the- Communications, NATO’s Public Diplo- contributed to discussions addressing the se working groups necessitates new terms macy Division, Public Affairs, Information Conference’s overall theme “Competing in of reference and reporting structures. Operations and Psychological Operations the Information Environment” – a theme to discuss salient issues regarding NATO that reflects both the need to make NATO’s In parallel with the reorganisation of NATO communications. Over the course of the voice heard and to challenge and counter working structures, the conference partici- week, over 340 communicators from thir- disinformation campaigns affecting the pants analysed ways to counter misinfor- ty-three countries participated in working Alliance.In his remarks, Admiral Nielson mation, disinformation and propaganda by groups, break-out sessions, plenary discus- stated, the first challenge is, “to think, plan adopting a proactive approach both to in- sions, a night owl chat and syndicate work and act together” in the information envi- novate and to reinforce NATO’s communi- in order to better position NATO to com- ronment. This challenge includes the way cations capabilities. pete in the information environment. NATO conducts its business. The new mi- A keynote speech from Ambassador Tacan litary policy on Strategic Communications Representatives from NATO HQ presented Ildem, and remarks by NATO Assistant Se- (MC0628) is aimed at improving NATO’s the NATO Brand Guide and communica- cretary General Public Diplomacy Division, Strategic Communications by better coor- tion campaigns for 2017-18 on Defence and Admiral Manfred Nielson, Deputy Supreme dinating communications to achieve stra- Security, Deterrence and Dialogue and Pro- Allied Commander Transformation, Car- tegic effects and the implementation of the jecting Stability - encouraging Nations to men Romero, Deputy Assistant Secretary policy dominated discussions throughout adapt these campaigns. By the end of the

20 NATO COMMUNICATORS SET CONDITIONS TO 340 Communicators from 33 countries contribute to the 2017 NATO Information & Communicators’ Conference COMPETE IN THE INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT held in Valencia, Spain.

year, the 2018 NATO communication stra- TO-wide opportunity to test the Digital upcoming operations. tegy will integrate updated campaigns in Production Unit concept on a large scale. In short, as NATO is assessing and addres- conjunction with NATO transformational The NATO Information Environment Ti- sing future risks, the NATO communica- trends. ger Team used this conference to provide tions community is driving parallel work feedback on Enhanced Forward Presence strands to adapt to a rapidly changing in- Participants also constructively analysed activities, to adapt and streamline repor- formation environment and to develop current NATO capability gaps and were ting processes, and to draft an experimen- persistent, resilient and flexible structures looking for innovative solutions to better tal roadmap that will lead Information En- to better compete in the information envi- assess and use social media and big data vironment Analysis tools and processes as ronment. analytics to compete in the digital age. part of TRIDENT JUNCTURE 18. The newly formed NATO Digital Working The Strategic Communications Branch at Group recognises the need for a robust, Participants addressed the lack of Public Allied Command Transformation orga- cross-Alliance, deployable digital commu- Affairs-trained personnel to support future nized the 2017 Conference, supported by nication capability to plan, synchronize and military operations. Ambassador Ildem Allied Command Operations’ Communi- execute digital communication strategies. and Admiral Nielson stated Military Public cations Division. The next NATO Informa- Based on the innovative digital experimen Affairs is a capability that needs to bein- tion and Communicators’ Conference will tation conducted during NOBLE JUMP cluded in the NATO Defence Planning Pro- be organized by Allied Command Opera- 2017 exercise, this Working Group promi- cess. When Military Public Affairs is recog- tions’ Communications Team, supported ses to foster the creation of a deployable nised as a shortfall capability in the NATO by Allied Command Transformation. In civ-mil capability to support Alliance ope- Defence Planning Process, NATO and Na- between, 2018 will see a lot of innovation rations, missions and exercises. tions will be formally requested to provide and opportunities to enhance NATO infor- TRIDENT JUNCTURE 2018 will be a NA- more trained Public Affairs personnel for mation warfare capacities.

21 EDA JDEAL: READY FOR PARTNERSHIP C-IED

Story and photos by Joint Deployable After 3 years of development since its of a wide range of technical analysis rela- Exploitation and Analysis Laboratory opening in 2014, last October JDEAL ente- ted to IED, exploitation: latent finger print red the second phase of the project, ready and DNA retrieval, electronic exploitation Soesterberg, the Netherlands - The for deployment in operations on request of document and digital media recovery and Joint Deployable Exploitation and Analysis any of the JDEAL second phase of the pro- analysis, mechanical exploitation, chemical Laboratory (JDEAL), is a Level 2 Technical ject, ready for deployment in operations on analysis, detailed visual examination and Exploitation deployable facility financed request of any of the JDEAL Contributing high quality image capture as well as other through a European Defence Agency (EDA) Members, most of them also part of the materiel exploitation. program and is located in Soesterberg, the NATO organization. The JDEAL laboratory Netherlands. has been already tested and validated in In the last 3 years of activity, JDEAL has C-IED (Counter-Improvised Explosive De- 2016 in the NATO exercise ¨Bison Coun- proven to be a good example for how coope- vice) Exploitation is the process by which ter¨ in , were this new capability ration between nations can be arranged. As the components of an IED-system are col- was deployed for the very first time and knowledge sharing platform, JDEAL keeps lected, recorded and analyzed, in order to fully integrated in the scenario, with inter- contacts with many other organizations in- support all the pillars of countering the action with all other actors and proved to be volved in C-IED and exploitation, as the Improvised Explosive Device threat. After a valuable support for the Intelligence col- NATO accredited C-IED Center of Excel- the collection as first step (Level 1), Level lection of information in order to support lence in Madrid and other U.S. and Canada 2 Exploitation (in theatre) focus on techni- the Attack the Network strategy. cal analysis from high qualified specialist facilities dedicated to this specific matter. and following refers to the Level 3 (national The JDEAL project is now counting on two The gained experience so far shows that capabilities) only in case of high de- fully operational level 2 deployable capabi- it takes time to change, adapt current ap- 22 manding tasks. lities, tailorable to the mission and capable proaches, doctrines and even processes on The first European multinational laboratory for technical EDA JDEAL: READY FOR PARTNERSHIP exploitation, based in the Netherlands, is ready to support the C-IED strategy in operational mission.

(C-IED) technical exploitation. The JDEAL capability that will also be soon included concept can be seen as an example of opti- in the NATO VJTF (Very High Readiness mized use of resources and proficient sha- Joint Task Force). ring of knowledge and information and demonstrates that ”pooling and sharing” JDEAL staff can contribute to trainings, principle is beneficial for all contributing operations and discussions related to the countries. specific C-IED technical exploitation work field. From this perspective JDEAL is in After executing several courses to prepare the position to influence the decision ma- national experts to work as a team in the la king process. Before the actual deployment JDEAL analyses with the lead-nation how boratory and to create a pool of specialists to support the deployment. JDEAL is able that fulfills continuation in future deploy- to prepare and execute the necessary means ments, with the acquisition of the cutting- and make sure that the assigned crew is educated in the JDEAL training facilites. to-edge equipment for the deployable faci- lities, flexible and modular enough to adapt For any information, to the mission requirements, JDEAL defini- contact JDEAL staff at: [email protected] tely entered the “next stage” in the

project, ready to be deployed. Many Nati- ons already showed their interest in this 23 DEPLOYMENT READINESS TEST The Headquarters checks the deployability requirements of the personnel COMMUNITY

Story by Col. Edwin Altena, JFC Brunssum BSG Commander

Brunssum, the Netherlands - Although for the majority of the time JFC personnel fulfil their duties at the HQ, located in Bruns- sum, many of them need to be prepared to pack their gear and deploy on operations at relatively short notice. In order to ensure that the HQ can meet this requirement, the deployment readi- ness for deployable staff assigned to the Headquarters is tested on a regular basis. This took place most recently in September of this year. The test, conducted by the Base Support Group and J1 Personnel Branch, requires necessary preparatory work from the national delegations. Nations are required to present their personnel for inspection , equipped with those items that can be regarded as basic ‘on-the-man’ equipment, necessary to fulfil ba- sic soldiering functions. In total, 30 delegations and a large contingent of NATO Interna- tional Civilians were checked against predefined requirements. The outcome of the test, from the perspective of individual de- ployability, is that JFC Brunssum is fully fit for purpose. With this result, a big compliment to the nations is justified! This deployment readiness test can be regarded as a significant step towards NRF18, for which Exercise TRIDENT JAVELIN 17 represents the certification exercise for JFC Brunssum as the lead Headquarters.

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20-21 September 2017 Commander JFC Brunssum visits Slovakian Chief of Defence

Bratislava, - 20/21 September General Salvatore Farina, Commander Joint Force Command Brunssum, met with General Milan Maxim, the Slovak Chief of . Amongst a number of other issues the following topics were discussed: Slovakian Armed Forces current/future operations; the status of the ’ capability de- velopment program (which will incorporate an adjustment to embrace western military equipment and process); and Slovakia’s role as a member of the Visegrad Four - a cultural and political alliance of four Central European states – the ,,Poland and Slovakia – for the purposes of furthering their European integration, as well as for advancing military, economic and energy cooperation with one another. General Farina also enjoyed office calls with the Minister of Defence, Mr Peter Gajdos, the deputy Chief of Defence, Lieutenant General Pavel Macko, and the Defence State Secretary, Mr Robert Ondrejcsak.

29 September 2017 Visit of the Military Representative of Kazakhstan

Brunssum, Netherlands – On 29 September General Salvatore Farina, Commander Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum, welcomed Colonel Adil Bekov, Military Represen- tative of Kazakhstan to NATO. Following discussions with the Commander Colonel Bekov met with representatives of the headquarters’ Civil-Military Interaction/Military Partner- ship Division, led by Brigadier General Pavel Adam, for a mutually beneficial round table session of talks.

The objective of this visit was to discuss further developments on military cooperation as Kazakhstan has been an active member within the Alliance’s (PfP) programme since 1994.

18 October 2017 Visit of The Danish Permanent and Military Representatives

Brunssum, the Netherlands – October 18, the Danish Permanent Representative to NATO, Ambassador Michael Zilmer-Johns and the Danish Military Representative to NATO and the EU, Lieutenant General Michael A. Lollesgaard, visited the HQs. Hosted by General Salvatore Farina, Commander JFC Brunssum, our distinguished visitors enjoyed an office call with the Commander followed by a round-table discussion with senior leaders, with the objective of discussing relevant topics of mutual interest for both Denmark and HQ JFC Brunssum. The official programme ended with a lunch hosted by the Commander. After visiting the HQs, the distinguished visitors used the opportunity to meet with all Danish military personnel serving at JFC Brunssum for an informal discussion at the Danish Support Element

26 September – October 2017

20-21 September 2017 20 October 2017 Commander JFC Brunssum visits JFC Brunssum hosts Commander of the Slovakian Chief of Defence conference

Brunssum, the Netherlands – On 18-19 October, Headquarters JFC Brunssum has been the venue for the Commanders Conference of the Royal Netherlands Army. In the morning of the first day, Commander JFC Brunssum, General Salvatore Farina, warmly welcomed Lieutenant General Leo Beulen, Commander of the Royal Netherlands Army. The office call was followed by the kick off of the conference. In the evening, Lieutenant General Leo Beulen and all other members of the Royal Nether- lands Army Council, were briefed about JFC Brunssum, with topics ranging from contingency planning to enhanced Forward Presence and related topics.

29 September 2017 Visit of the Military Representative of Kazakhstan

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Matthias Schütz Chief operating offi cer F (02451) 9870-42 Karl-Heinz Purrio Marcel Oellers Location manager Audi Location manager VW 18 October 2017 F (02451) 9870-38 F (02451) 9870-24 Visit of The Danish Permanent and Military Representatives

So also for Sophie, Stijn, Ben, Ronald, Charlotte, Michel, Anneloes, Anne-Fleur, Jean-Paul, Diane and you! Pascal Schüren Sales consultant F (02451) 9870-594 Gerd Caron Sebastian Ghislain Sales consultant Sales consultant F (02451) 9870-25 F (02451) 9870-26

Beautiful golf courses, a cozy community life and a welcoming atmosphere. Het Rijk Golfbanen make the best of what golf has We are looking forward to your visit! to offer accessible to all. Thanks to our All-In, Individual, Youth, Student and Business Membership we have an appropriate Audi Zentrum Aachen membership for any type of golfer. Choose the one that suits best and become a member of one of our four wonderful cour- Jacobs Automobile GmbH & Co. KG ses! More information about our different types of mem- Landstraße 48 + 50 · 52511 Geilenkirchen berships can be found at www.golfenophetrijk.nl Fon (02451) 98 700 · Fax (02451) 6 67 88 [email protected] · www.jacobs-gruppe.de How beautiful golf can be! Centre as the responsible Editor in Centre astheresponsible Chief Information Press Air Force tothe I went before sections different some to posted was and STANAG. I restructuring In that period for responsible division the in Office, Force Air within the and apositioninCologne was my promotiontoMajor The nextstep ments inmycareer. back, this wasoneofmyfavouriteassign- I look – andwhen Force NCOAcademy German Air commander atthe company and information,becominga education of field the in somehow stayed I that After my promotiontocaptain. chen from2003 to 2006 – combinedwith Geilenkir- in Officer Information Youth a as domain in that an assignment lucky toget I was Therefore forces. the I joined before radio the at worked I as Affairs Public in ted interes always I was fantry andCBRN, but in- and I’m a trainedspecialist Regiment Originally I am fromtheGerman Air Force Tell career. usaboutyourmilitary or contentcreation. planning, analysis,internalcommunication in or shortfalls in caseofneed other sections all in perform to ready I am Officer Desk a being Affairs, Public in usual as but, Section Operations Media in the I’m Office. Affairs I arrived inJanuary 2014 Public to jointhe what isyourjobattheHeadquarters? Marco, whendidyouarriveinBrunssumand COMMUNITY 28 ties I was the Spokesperson to Spokesperson the was I ties channels. Foradditional du- products/ for printandonline #WEAREJFCBS - mand hereinBrunssum. 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I came That wasmylastnationalassignmentbefore visional commandintheAirForcestructure. and TrainingCommand, adi- Education Air Force the Commander or nominated flag officers for media en- media for officers flag nominated or Commander media queries,preparing the answering – shop in the tasks all facilitate to able be to means Office Affairs Public the to appointed Being Tell usaboutyourjob anditschallenges. - - - - - Brunssum Command JointForce Allied Headuarters Advisory OFFICE: SERVICE: RANK: NATION: MARCO SCHMIDL NAME: Group PAO Staff ever-challenging worldofcommunication. the in effective more be to how and improve to how make methinkof daily ‘surprises’whichalways the my joband of various aspects That’s whatIlike,the a camerainmyhands. - with Brief orcoveringcommunityevents Awareness Situational in the media landscape the presenting here mayknowmefrom journalists. 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Butitwastherightdecision,asallofthemre- all to suitable house a find to easy that been hasn’t it children me, having5 Hoensbroek but,believe to mily my fa- I movedwith here I wasdeployed Shortly after Is yourfamilyherewithyou? POLAD Chief ofStaff COLONELLIEUTENANT (OF-4) Operations PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE Deputy AIR FORCE GERMANY LEGAD Chief ofStaff STRATCOM Deputy Plans Chief ofStaff Commander MEDAD Deputy Commander Chief ofStaff Support Deputy PMAR FINCON Budetin J8 SOFAD Manaement Director of Director GENAD www.MilitaryTaxfreeCars.com / [email protected] Tax-Free prices savings OFF OVER 20% ) 6) ROADCRAFT donotbelieve inpressureselling. 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