HEADQUARTERS ALLIED FORCE COMMAND

2011 EDITION 01

SERVING HQ FC HEIDEBERG, , HEIDELBERG, The Observer 2011 ED.01 1 This puts a lot of burden to our spouses and families. Therefore from Editorial the beginning we stood up a Fam- Dear readers, ily Support Centre (FSC) which on when you will read this edition of the one side keeps contact to the The Observer our magazine Headquarters Allied deployed personnel and on the other Serving the military, civilians and Force Command Heidelberg (HQ side assists their families in all mat- family members of HQ FC HD FC HD) has provided key personnel ters. The feedback we have got up to Lt. Gen. John W. Morgan III for the ISAF Headquarter in Kabul/ now is that this organization is well Commander for more than one year accepted and giving great support. LtCol Götz Haffke, DEU A and there will be one more year to The activities described in our maga- Chief Public Affairs Office go. Therefore it is a good point in zine are just a snapshot of the work Editor time to present you with the experi- FSC has provided for our personnel. StFw Peter Knöringer ence Major General Hubert de Vos as A lot of events are happening in and Multimedia Technician Deputy Chief of Staff Support (DCOS around our HQ every day and since Photo: Dwight Chaney, Guus Ruijsbrook Support) has gained during his one information is key to success we not The Observer is an authorized, year deployment. Back in our HQ he only provide these via our website unofficial publication. Its aim is to inform headquarters will be the Chief of Staff Deployable (www..int/fchd) but since sum- personnel and their family members. Staff Element 2 (COS DJSE 2) as well mer 2010 we are also available on Opinions expressed in this publication as COS for the HQ itself. Meanwhile FACEBOOK (www.facebook.com/pages/ are those of the authors and do not reflect official policy. Major General Richard Rossmanith Headquarters-Allied-Force-Command- has taken over responsibility as DCOS . So come and find us and Suggestions for articles, comments and Heidelberg) contributions are welcome and should Ressources and keeps the continu- also pass information to us anytime. be directed to the editor. ity in the support from Heidelberg to My team and I are happy to get onto The editor reserves the right to edit “NATO´s most challenging operation”. the net. submissions. But since deployability and high I hope we have stimulated your in- Public Affairs Office readiness are brand marks for Force terest and we have offered you again Postfach 102620 D-69016 Heidelberg Command Heidelberg soldiers and an interesting OBSERVER. Feel free (Bldg 8, Campbell Barracks) civilians have no time to relax but to give us feedback, comments and Phone: 06221.398.5316 are facing the next big task: for 2012 information. It’s for you! Fax: 06221.398.5349 Email: [email protected] and 2013 we will provide the For- ward Element (FE) and the core of Yours Printed by: ABT Print und Medien GmbH the Headquarter for the NATO Re- LtCol Götz Haffke, DEU A Bruchsaler Straße 5 sponse Force (NRF). Intensive train- Chief Public Affairs Editor 69469 Weinheim ing and exercises will cover most of Phone: 0 62 01/18 90-0 2011 while parallel we will still send www.abt-medien.de personnel to ISAF. The training and Visit our web site at www.nato.int/fchd exercise branch (TREX) has summa- rized those facts and figures for you. Contents Commander´s Message...... 3 Day of the German Unity in CSM’s Message...... 4 international environment...... 14 ARRCADE SPEAR 2010...... 5 NCSA Squadron Heidelberg ISAF: A one-Year experience...... 6 Supports NCSA MIssion Detachment ISAF...... 15 Family Support Centre Activities and News...... 8 Commander’s X-mas address...... 16 Family Fest 2010...... 10 FCHD Preparation for NRF Certification and STEADFAST JUNCTURE 2011...... 18 Half Way Approaches in Heidelberg’s Support to ISAF...... 12 Remembrance Day 14 November 2010...... 19 Events...... 20 Facebook...... 24

2 www.nato.int/fchd Commander’s Message

Since assuming command this past I’m also particularly satisfi ed on May, it has been an exciting and how FCHD has energized its “land dynamic time in Force Command advocacy” mission and insured all Heidelberg (FCHD). It has also pro- land-related matters, particularly vided suffi cient time and personal doctrine, receive their due attention experience for me to share some within NATO. With the support of observations. I think these fi rst six NATO Force Structure Commanders, months are indeed essential because we have mapped a way ahead to continue to challenge us and always they allow us to determine what is incorporate the ’ contribution necessitate a delicate balance. going well and what needs improve- to doctrine and procedures devel- The other main consequence ment as we enter a New Year that opment via the different Working is that PE shortfalls jeopardize our will surely prove as eventful and Groups but also using for the fi rst structure. FCHD is set up with two signifi cant as the last. time the corps exercises to test and independent DJSEs which should What continues to govern my ac- validate these new concepts. I have be able to work independently. tions and what is the basis of my ini- great expectations for this dynamic Currently, this is not true. Each and tial assessment are the fi ve priorities approach which should enable every rotation to ISAF is a mixture developed in my initial message. the land HQs to move beyond the of personnel from both DJSEs. The If I had to present what I’m es- theoretical and develop detailed and challenge is then how to manage pecially proud of, I would without meaningful doctrine for NATO. the remaining personnel of a de- any doubt laud our contribution and However, I’m deeply convinced ployed DJSE when all the key lead- support to the International Security that FCHD would not have been so ers are gone. This will be my main Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in successful in its operational missions effort in terms of command and Afghanistan. With more than 200 if we didn’t pay a special attention control for the upcoming months personnel deployed in 2010 and 150 to the Family care. The resiliency we especially to prepare for the NRF in 2011, FCHD has done a tremen- demonstrated during the last 2 years 2012 rotation. dous effort, probably unique within is the direct consequence of the bal- Finally, I challenge all of us the NATO Command Structure. ance we succeeded to fi nd between to “spread the word” of FCHD. I But FCHD has not simply desig- our professional and personal lives. believe our Headquarters is one of nated personnel; it has prepared In particular, I would like to praise the most successful within the NCS. and trained them superbly for this the wonderful job done by the Family It is lean, deployable and profes- vital mission. With the experience Support Centre and the Spouses’ Club. sional. But all this is not well known gained from previous rotations, the Aside what I consider our three and all the daily efforts done by all ISAF training delivered currently to success stories, we must recognize of you are not fully recognized or FCHD personnel is probably the our limitations in some domains appreciated. Hence, like I do today best one ever done and it will allow such as the Peacetime Establishment through this Commander’s message, them to immediately conduct their (PE) and the structures of the HQ I encourage you to diffuse the mis- individual duties and responsibilities itself. sion and accomplishments of FCHD. effectively and effi ciently. Finally, With roughly 380 personnel as- Engage amongst your nations the all the experience gained will be signed instead of our authorized accomplishments and capabilities handed over to our sister ship FC 450, FCHD suffers manning issues of FCHD so as I can successfully Madrid as they prepare to take the which require tough choices as we advocate your cause when the post ISAF mission from us in 2012. While support ISAF and soon prepare for Lisbon discussions start. nations are discussing how to have NATO Response Force (NRF). Of As I wrote three months ago, the a leaner NCS, but more responsive course, I will continue to engage year ahead poses many challenges and deployable, FCHD serves as an this issue as often as possible dur- for our Headquarters and I still have example of what should be a NATO ing my visits and my participation every confi dence in our ability to HQ in the future. in main conferences but this will meet these challenges.

The Observer 2011 ED.01 3 CSM’s Message

As we welcome Roto 1B Speyer for a cultural visit, a bit safely home and send off 2A of professional development, a to continue their good work, I nice dinner with friends and even am reminded of the dedicated an opportunity to visit the local members I have the privilege of Christmas market. During this working with. In no other profes- staff ride I took the opportunity sion in the world, including the to introduce the NATO NCO strat- police and fi re protection serv- egy and recommended guidelines ices, can a member be legally as issued by Shape. This historic ordered into herm’s way. Yet document truly puts the profes- we do this without question or sional NCO Corp on the radar reservation, that’s the profession of every NATO unit and subunit. of arms. Members returning with Working together with OR8 Huon 1B will have the well deserved from TREX, I plan on pushing opportunity to spend some time forward and developing our with their families and loved ones NCOs to the highest standard we before returning to assist with our possibly can. You will be hearing constant work load. more on this initiative in the near I believe we have reason to future as we develop a solid busi- be proud of a successful year of ness plan. 2010 and I think the future will In closing I look forward to With the New Year well upon be even more challenging. Look- working with each and every us, I sincerely hope that every- ing ahead to this year will bring one of you during the upcoming one enjoyed the holiday season a transition period from ISAF months and I hope we can all to the fullest. Refl ecting back on to NRF allowing us to build the fi nd a balanced amount of time my short time as part of this team capabilities needed to meet our between our multinational col- I recall a very successful family upcoming task. I am confi dent leges at work and our families at day, and more recently our Com’s this will be accomplished in short home. Christmas address in early De- order to meet the Com’s intent to cember where we had the oppor- a high military standard based on tunity to recognize some of our the professionalism of our offi cers outstanding members and even and NCO’s. had a visit from St Nickolas him- The NCO communication self. We in Heidelberg are truly network is thriving within FC HD the lucky ones, and every effort thanks to the work of my Sgt’s was made to ensure support to Maj team, OR9 Geib and Booij, the families of the deployed was OR8 Schmidt, and OR7 James a priority for the Family Support who are instrumental in the suc- Centre and the Moral and Welfare cess of this network and often in Section. Their constant work in the lead in my absence from the the back ground is often unseen, HQ. My fi rst NCO staff ride with but always appreciated. this HQ was a great success to

4 www.nato.int/fchd by LTC Sven Osan

36 members of the Deployable Joint Staff Element (DJSE) from Force Command Heidelberg sup- ported the almost 1,000 personnel from HQ Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) and other agencies ARRCADE SPEAR 2010 – another milestone up to the ISAF deployment who met up in Cornwall for a key The SMEs included General (DEU) Pz Div; both of which will NATO training exercise at Royal (Retd) David McKiernan, a former also deploy to ISAF as HQ RCs in Air Force Base, St Mawgan. commander of ISAF, as the Senior 2011/2012. Working together dur- The ARRC is a high readiness Mentor, and UNAMA’s Deputy ing the exercise refi ned processes NATO HQ prepared for rapid Special Representative, Mr Rob- and procedures which will be im- deployment worldwide, and a ert Watkins, as an adviser. Other portant during the ISAF deploy- large contingent of their person- SMEs were invited to take part ment. Lastly it was a great oppor- nel have deployed down to RAF from NATO’s Multinational Corps tunity for the new DJSE members St Mawgan for Exercise ARRCADE North East and the US V Corps all to integrate into the team. SPEAR 2. The exercise is one of of whom have recently returned For the soldiers from Heidel- the fi nal stages of their pre-de- from operations in Kabul. berg it was not only an event to ployment training for operational Based on a ‘snap shot’ of bond as a team, but also to set service next year. This Command real events which took place the stage for the following train- Post Exercise (CPX) was aimed at in Afghanistan over one week ing at the Joint Warfare Centre in training mainly ARRC staff in the in July, so authentic is exercise Stavanger (JWC), Norway and to cross-functional nature of the HQ play for the hundreds of military become “Mission Ready”. ISAF Joint Command. ARRCADE and civilian staff it is diffi cult for SPEAR 2 is based on an authentic them to remember that this is an Afghan scenario, and has been exercise and not the real using ‘real world’ problems and thing,. To create a realis- challenges of the type NATO forc- tic environment the ISAF es face every day, with support Regional Commands (RC) from numerous subject matter were played by teams from experts (SME). 1 (UK) Armd Div and 1

The Observer 2011 ED.01 5 “ISAF: A ONE- YEAR EXPERIENCE”

On 13th December 2010, Major General (BEL) Hubert De Vos, Headquarters Force Command Heidelberg (HQ FC HD), returned from a one year deployment at HQ ISAF, Kabul, Afghanistan.

by MAJ Guido Laurent Counterinsurgency (COIN) cam- tainment of the Force in Afghani- paign: stan was clearly the main effort. He was appointed as Deputy • Set the conditions for Force Important efforts were made in Chief of Staff Resources (DCOS Sustainment. the area of the logistic supplies, RES) of HQ ISAF on December • Man the Force effi ciently and the Ground Lines of Communica- 07, 2009. effectively. tion (external and internal) and In addition to the fi ve functional • Build the Afghan Mission the throughput at the border branches (Personal, Logistics, Network to enhance informa- crossing points. Communication and Information tion sharing and support the Although the DCOS RES is not Systems, Engineers and Medical), development of the Afghan offi cially considered a strategic DCOS Res commands and con- Telecommunication Industry partner of one of the Govern- trols the Base Support Group (in- and its capability. ment of the Islamic Republic cluding the Force Protection Coy • Provide/Improve Infrastructure of Afghanistan (GIRoA) Minis- and the contractors), the Financial and developing ISAF Theatre tries, DCOS RES and the vari- Controller, the Joint Coordinating Strategic Basing coordinated ous branches have a de facto Body, the chaplain and the NATO with US Forces Afghanistan partnership at the working level Maintenance and Supply Agency (USFOR-A) and the Troop Con- with multiple Ministries and other (NAMSA) Liaison Offi cer. DCOS tributing Nations (TCN). Direct entities: RES is numerical the largest divi- and enable Strategic Basing • Logistics (CJ4): Ministry of sion within HQ ISAF with 460 Requirements became one of Finance and Ministry of Interior military and civilian The Resourc- the 19 COMISAF Strategic Pri- (Taxation – supply throughput es Division de facto covers all orities. – border activities etc...) resources related issues from the • Oversee the provision of medi- • Communication and Informa- strategic level down to the tactical cal support to the Force and tion (CJ6): Ministry of Informa- Real Life Support (RLS) level. assist in the development of tion, Tech and Communications The Resources Division iden- the Afghan Health System. • Medical (CJMED): considered tifi ed fi ve major Lines of Effort Logistics being just one of his as the strategic partner of Min- (LoE) in support of COMISAF’s responsibilities, the logistic sus- istry of Public Health

6 www.nato.int/fchd “ISAF: A ONE- YEAR EXPERIENCE”

• Engineers (CJEng): Ministry of high cost urgent ISAF needs. Promoting “Afghan First” is anoth- Public Works General De Vos was instructed er opportunity • Joint Coordinating Body (Mili- to set up a Joint Coordinating to support the development of tary Technical Agreement - Board (JCB) in order to be able to Afghanistan. MTA): various Ministries. mitigate the friction points be- One of the highlights was that Since NATO and the Troop tween GIRoA and ISAF related to the Engineer Branch of DCOS Contributing Nations have adopt- the MTA. Through several work- RES, in close cooperation with ed the outsourcing of logistics ing group meetings and formal the Ministry of Transport and through commercial solutions, JCB boards (co-chaired by the Civil Aviation, HQ IJC, and the linking contracting and the Deputy Minister of Finance and Engineer Branch of Headquarters contractors to a winning COIN DCOS RES) this intent has been Brunssum successfully handed campaign has become a major met. The Body so far has been over the Southern part of Kabul effort at the strategic level. The instrumental to install mutual con- Airport Airfi eld to the Afghan Resources Division is closely fi dence, to create an understand- authorities. involved in this effort through ing of the position of the MTA. After an interesting, but very the COIN Contracting Executive Another big achievement has challenging one-year deploy- Steering Committee. This forum been the continuous effort on ment, MG De Vos will take again is instrumental for the implemen- the realisation of the Afghan Command of the Deployable tation of the COIN contracting Mission Network (AMN) able to Joint Staff Element 2 (DJSE2) to guidance. link all national and international prepare the Heidelberg HQ for The ‘’up and out’’ part of the networks in one and the same the NATO Response Force (NRF) daily activities being operational, “Communication cloud” or “Sys- 12 standby phase in 2012. The a key partner in the daily endeav- tem of Systems”. operational experience he gained ours is without doubt HQ ISAF Independence of bottled water during his deployment will for Joint Command (IJC), the 3 star importation needs to be achieved sure be a great benefi t for that operational HQ. as much as possible, by creat- task. The direction and the follow ing water bottle plants and using up of the Crisis Response Opera- the local market for resupply of “Linking Contracting to a tion (CRO) Urgent Requirement water. This is another step in the winning COIN Campaign: if (CUR) process is another respon- direction of the “Afghan First Pro- you don’t know where the sibility of the Resources Division, gram”, meaning using as much as dollar you want to spend is a key process trying to cover the possible local goods and services. going, don’t spend it” (MG De Vos)

The Observer 2011 ED.01 7 Family Support Centre Activities and News

by MAJ Eric De Vilder Belgian BBQ

With each new ISAF Rotation special BBQ for all dependant the company of each other and the Family Support Centre is families whose partner/spouses the BBQ was a great example of organizing a get-together for were currently deployed with how each nation can contribute all dependant families of former Rotation 1A and who were going to the families of deployed per- rotations as well as for future to be deployed with Rotation 1B sonnel by giving them the oppor- rotations. This will give everyone to ISAF. tunity to attend a social event in involved the possibility to con- order to escape their daily routine nect with other family members The weather was great while at home which is not always easy of this Headquarters to socialize everyone gathered at the Interna- with the partner or spouse being and exchange experiences. tional Support Kaserne (ISK) for deployed. lots of good food prepared by the This last June, the Belgian Sup- friendly staff of the Belgian Sup- port Unit offered to organize a port Unit. All participants enjoyed

BRUNCH A new idea rose up! Usually, the FSC and the Nato Spouses Club organized a Sun- day Coffee apart from each other month. Instead of having two Sunday’s Coffees each month the idea was to do something for the spouses of deployed soldiers and civilians during the week and school hours. Something pretty simple which could distress the spouses. In a small talk with the concerned women and the President of the NATO Spouses Club we decided to organize a monthly brunch!

The fi rst one was organized nearly immediately after the departure of rotation 1.b. on 29th of July. And yes it was a “bingo”, twenty-fi ve partners showed up. After being welcomed by the Chief Family Support Centre, the guests were invited to enjoy their time. And they did! They had also the pleasure to meet our Commander tionGeneral with Morganhim.ated Hisby III theappearance and spouses. to have was a short very appreci-conversa- After a good glass of champagne on the health of all spouses, their partners and on Hedwig Van Geldorp’s Birthday the fi rst brunch ended at 1:30 PM. It was a real pleasure being there and to organize it! The impression is that the brunch is well-received and successful.

See you again next time!

8 www.nato.int/fchd Family Support Centre Activities and News

Family Fest

For the fi rst time Family Sup- port Centre was represented at We saw some smiling and happy the Family Fest which was also a husbands but also some tears in main event for the families of de- the eyes! Yes, it was an emotional ployed personnel. With the help session. However we had the of NCHD we were able to set up impression that all “skypers” were a Skype connection with ISAF. happy!

General Morgan III opened the session punctual at 4 o’clock PM. After his friendly and respect- ful words the families had the opportunity to have a small talk with their loved ones in mission.

The Observer 2011 ED.01 9 Family Fest 2010 Families are our priority! by MAJ Marco Marulli

The annual “Family Fest” is a The children were also not for- “Moose Milk”. social event very welcomed in gotten. Pony rides, face painting, Sweden was in the same tent Headquarters Allied Force Com- car rides, using water from the with its neighbor Norway and mand Heidelberg (HQ FC HD). Fire department to move balls in a Austria shared the tent with Every year colorful, attracting course and plenty more of games Germany. Norway presented food theme stalls run by each Nation were setup to give them an enjoy- of the Vikings, which was very and furnished accordingly are able time as well. good and therefore the stand was set up in the International Sup- This year the Italian contingent, always crowded. The Netherlands port Kaserne (ISK), providing a led by Brigadier General Salvatore had their raw herring and the unique occasion for promoting Albore – Director Joint Logistic well known pancakes “Poffertjes” cohesion, integration and mutual Support Group 2 (JLSG 2) - and including party snacks. Turkey also understanding between the HQ- currently composed of 10 Offi cers had a great amount of home made members (belonging to more than and NCOs (None Commissioned food (including all the famous 20 Countries), their families and Offi cers), made a great effort to sweets) while offered a their guests. adequately support the event and wide variety of premium wines and The festival was opened by the spread the traditions of generos- cheese. attracted more Commander Allied Force Com- ity and fellowship, as well as young people to their tent, due to mand Heidelberg Lieutenant good food and tasty wine, which there famous fries and chocolate. General John W. Morgan III. In his constitute a well-known peculiar- had a great display of foods welcome remarks he stressed that ity of Italy. The military personnel and drinks and information about the families are a priority of this were supported by Italian fellow their country. command. Soldiers can do the job countrymen from the area. So Since January 2010 FC HQ is better if they now everything is one could meet in the front of the supporting ISAF Headquarters in good with their family back home. stand Mr. Giovanni Scurti and his Kabul with around 90 soldiers. General Morgan added: ”It is not son Gianluca (owners and manag- Therefore the Family Support only that the Soldiers work and ers of “Augusta” restaurant in Man- Centre (FSC) established a Skype live together, but that the families nheim) preparing and serving deli- connection with our soldiers in come to live, work and enjoy to- cious “lasagna” and other national Afghanistan and family members gether, that we support each other specialties, perfectly matched with could talk to their loved ones while and meld into one team, soldiers the enjoyable, tasty wines served watching them on a big screen. and families”. He also thanked all a few steps further and offered by Even the Commander used the soldiers and civilians involved in “Carpene’ Malvolti”. Pasta, olive oil opportunity to have a quick chat the preparation which put a lot and other typical products pre- with the Brigadier General Leonard of energy and work to make this sented by Italian brands “Divella”, Beulen, working in the Operations happen. “De Cecco” and “Monini” were Branch in ISAF HQ. After the opening the more than distributed to our kind guests, to- When the loudspeakers in- 300 participants didn’t waste any gether with promotional hand-outs formed all the guests that the time to have a look and taste what and gadgets provided by several event was coming to an end, a the different countries have to Italian touristic agencies (special lot of people still lined up at the offer: from Spaghetti to - thanks to the Province of Rome, stands, waiting for the last glass ers, Fries to chocolate, cheese to and the Tower of Treviso) as well of refreshment. Talking to par- herring. A variety of refreshments as by the Italian Defense General ticipants and guests all expressed including lemonade, wine, beer Staff. their appreciation: “Family Fest and some the stronger drinks com- If you walked around there 2010 was a great success and we pleted the consumption. was Canada serving their famous have to repeat it again next year.”

10 www.nato.int/fchd Family Fest 2010 Families are our priority!

The Observer 2011 ED.01 11 Half Way Approaches in Heidelberg’s Support to ISAF

by MAJ Trond Bakke from DJSE2 who are currently teams with substantial knowl- deployed there. This will mark edge, and in many cases previous On the 1st November 28 staff the half way point in Heidelberg experience, of the theatre into offi cers from Deployable Joint Force Command Headquarters’ a composite headquarters that Staff Element 1 (DJSE1) left Hei- (FCHD) current commitment to is mainly fi lled with individual delberg and fl ew to Stavanger, HQ ISAF. augmentees. Sun Tzu said that Norway, to attend the mission Half way points are signifi cant in “if you know your enemies and rehearsal exercise (MRE). This many endeavours. They provide know yourself; you will not be marks the culmination of their an opportunity to review what imperilled in a hundred battles.” training and preparation for their has been achieved so far, to draw The training and preparation that deployment to Headquarters breath and reinvigorate your FCHD provided for its staff meant International Security Assistance motivation and, if necessary, to that they knew Afghanistan, and Force (HQ ISAF). Following the revise plans and expectations. its challenges, better than some exercise, these staff offi cers will Reviewing what the personnel of the experts that briefed them. spend Christmas and New Year of DJSE2 have achieved so far The exercises that they had done with their families and in January in HQ ISAF demonstrates the together meant that they knew they will fl y to Kabul, Afghani- value of Heidelberg’s contribu- each other; and though, as staff stan, and relieve the personnel tion. FCHD has deployed formed offi cers, they did not have to

12 www.nato.int/fchd fi ght a hundred battles they did in the fi rst half of the year, came a DJSE on standby for the NATO have to survive a hundred work- from Heidelberg) further demon- Response Force (NRF). This ing groups and several thousand strated the importance of FCHD’s means that DJSE2 will do NRF PowerPoint slides! The contribu- commitment. It was a large staff preparation throughout 2011. In tion that FCHD personnel have exercise with a training audience addition there will be tasks as- made has been commended by of more than 350 and a further sociated with training component the ISAF Commander and the nearly 400 in exercise control headquarters, preparing and con- Chief of Staff. and support functions, from 32 ducting Partnership for Peace ex- The change over from DJSE2 nations. It was also very com- ercises as well as the conferences to DJSE1 will mark a collective plex with there being 41 different that maintain the cohesion of the intake of breath for FCHD and functional programs. The com- Alliance and ensure the readiness DJSE1 personnel will reinvigorate plexity of the exercise mirrored and interoperability of forces. Heidelberg’s commitment. the complexity of operations in Some may say that such tasks are The change of commanders in Afghanistan. The importance routine and mundane but they ISAF has brought a change in em- was demonstrated by the attend- are as essential to maintaining the phasis and FCHD has reviewed ance of Brigadier General Pash- capability and the credibility of its contribution to HQ ISAF ac- ton of the Afghan National Army the Alliance as being deployed to cordingly. General Petraeus has (ANA); Major General Lyon and Afghanistan. put greater emphasis on gov- Brigadier Generals Baczkowski Heidelberg’s current commitment ernance and development, and and Saint Chamas from HQ ISAF; to HQ ISAF is almost half way FCHD’s contribution to HQ ISAF and Lieutenant General Rod- over but that does not mean that refl ects this change of emphasis. riguez, Major General Boag and Heidelberg’s commitment is in The MRE in Stavanger provided Brigadier General Scolo from the any way diminished. Heidelberg the perfect opportunity for DJSE1 ISAF Joint Command (IJC). is fully committed to HQ ISAF personnel to fi nalise their prepa- But what now for the person- and, when the time comes, Hei- ration for deploying and the pres- nel from DJSE2 who have re- delberg will be fully committed to ence of DJSE2 personnel (some deployed? After Heidelberg’s NRF. That’s the Heidelberg way. of whom fl ew directly from commitment to ISAF is complet- theatre to support the MRE and ed in early 2012 it will assume others, who had been deployed the responsibility for providing

The Observer 2011 ED.01 13 Day of the GERMAN UNITY in international environment

Reception and Ceremony at Schwetzingen Palace

by StFw Peter Knöringer All participants truly enjoyed On 30 Sep 2010 the German Na- the delicious food and drinks tional Contingent of Headquarters provided by the ABC Abwehr- Allied Force Command Heidel- regiment 750 from Bruchsal and berg (HQ FC HD) invited for its the German National Support Ele- annual ceremony to celebrate the ment of FCHQ Heidelberg. Day of German Unity. As 2010 In his welcome address Colo- also markes the 20th anniver- nel Mika started to remember sary of the peaceful reunion of the around 100 members of the Germany in 1990 more than 250 Heidelberg NATO Staff that are guests from civilian as well as currently supporting the ISAF military life followed the invita- mission in Afghanistan. He then Reserves. tion. The reception, lead by the showed the connection between After sunset torches were lit German Senior Offi cer, Colonel the 17th June, the old day of Ger- and the “Luftwaffenmusikkorps Wolfgang Mika, traditionally took man unity and Memorial Day for 2” from Karlsruhe under the lead place in the “Zirkelsäle” and the the revolt of the 17. June 1953 in of Major Martin Wehn played a Garden of Schwetzingen Palace. the former sowjet occupied zone, serenade. After the individual welcome by to the 3rd October, which are A serenade is mainly instru- Colonel Mika in the receiving line both memorial days and offi cial mental with an entertaining char- the guests enjoyed the reception German holydays. acter. It consists of several sets and met with friends, colleagues He thanked all nations and and is mostly played outside. and representatives from all 24 organisations which took part in This year the Musikkorps Headquarter nations as well as the reunion. He especially men- started with the “Fridericus-Rex- honoraries and distinguished tioned the citizens of the former Grenadiermarsch”, guests from all areas of the civil- German Democratic Republic and composed by Ferdinand Ra- ian life around Schwetzingen and their brave and farseeing actions. deck in 1867. It was followed by Heidelberg. After the economy crisis our several traditional well but also target should be to go together not so well-known marches and torward a bright future. each explained before to the Ending his speech Colonel audience by Major Wehn. The Mika took the chance and hon- Day of German Unity celebration ored LTC Sven Osan with the was concluded by the German German Honor Cross in Gold National Anthem. and also promoted Freiherr Felix von Sinner to Lieutenant of the

14 www.nato.int/fchd NCSA Squadron Heidelberg Supports NCSA Mission Detachment ISAF by Mr John Boyd the best CIS sup- port to ISAF pos- The ‘D’ in DJSE signifi es the sible. While NCSA members of the two Heidelberg had long provided DJSEs are no strangers to Afghan- a quarter of the CIS istan. Yet, while NCSA Squadron personnel support- Heidelberg’s primary mission is ing ISAF, with NMD-I to support the Force Command NCSA will bid and Headquarters in Heidelberg, it fi ll as near as pos- does its part as well to support sible 100% of the the NATO mission in Afghanistan CIS CE posts at ISAF by providing manpower to fi ll Headquarters, IJC positions within the NCSA Mis- Headquarters, KAIA sion Detachment ISAF or NMD-I, (Kabul International pronounced NIM-DI. Airfi eld), Kandahar handle this project. Other teams NMD-I was born from the Airfi eld and the NATO Training have deployed to provide an IT vision of the Director of NCSA. Mission – ISAF. Management Framework and to Lieutenant General Herrmann With NMD-I, NCSA will be assist with the running of Func- believed it would greatly benefi t more than a force provider. One tional Systems. ISAF if NCSA could leverage its such additional capability is the NMD-I was IOC July 2010 and full range of capabilities to ensure ability to provide surge teams will become FOC in the Spring to handle short term missions. of 2011. NCSA Squadron Hei- For instance, last summer NCSA delberg has strongly responded deployed a team to re-organize to the call for volunteers, even and label the wiring and cabling though it is one of the smaller technical rooms at ISAF HQs. NCSA elements. Currently Maj With the turn-over and frequent Yves Vojtassak, Commander of re-organization of ISAF HQs, the the Squadron’s Service Support ISAF Communication Support Branch, is deployed to IJC CJ6 Team (CST) could never catch its in support of NMD-I. He will be breath enough to keep its tech- followed in the next 15 months nical rooms up to standard. It by at least three other Squadron would not have been feasible to soldiers and civilians who have ask for an increase in CE man- answered the call. power to do a short term project. Don’t be surprised, then, if the Before NMD-I, there wasn’t an face who comes to answer your organization to whom the CST trouble ticket is a familiar one. could turn for support either. It could be a member of NCSA NCSA was able to quickly deploy Squadron Heidelberg who is in a team to Kabul for six weeks to Afghanistan to support NMD-I.

The Observer 2011 ED.01 15 X-mas address Commander’s

by LTC Götz Haffke their understanding. “Today my six months, awarded him for “ex- thoughts go to those who are not cellent performance of all mem- On 6 December Lieutenant present in Heidelberg, far from bers of the RDC with dramatic General John W. Morgan III in- their families and I am sure that impact on the functions of ISAF vited soldiers, civilian employees they know that they are in our HQ and the entire ISAF mission”. and their families for the annual hearts.” The Christmas address ended Christmas address to Campbell The Headquarters has created with the arrival of St Nicholas Barracks. About 60 children and a family support organization that and the bright eyes of children more than 300 adults followed his works around the clock for the and the best wishes for a Merry invitation to the festively deco- families. Christmas and a prosperous 2011. rated hall. But the next year will also have General Morgan was delighted big tasks for Force Command that so many family members and Heidelberg: the ISAF support and children had come to not only the preparation for the NATO hear his Christmas message, but Response Force (NRF), the rapid more importantly, to also meet St reaction force of NATO, will go Nicholas. In his brief speech he simultaneously. emphasized that Force Command Finally, General Morgan hon- Heidelberg is supporting the ored outstanding achievements ISAF Headquarters in Kabul since of servicemen and women. For early 2010 with over 80 soldiers the Belgian Adjutant Vansum- in a semi-annual rotation and meren he had an extra “Christmas will continue to do so until the present”: the ISAF commander end of 2011. At the same time he General David H. Petraeus, in thanked all the spouses who have whose staff Vansummeren as one been alone and are still alone for of the „Heidelbergers“ worked for

16 www.nato.int/fchd X-mas address Commander’s

The Observer 2011 ED.01 17 FCHD Preparation for NRF Certification and STEADFAST JUNCTURE 2011

by LTC Nathan Hoepner both a Main and a Forward ele- FWD includes a Forward Element ment (JHQ Main and JHQ FWD). that performs as an extension of The NATO Response Force The members of the Alliance the JHQ Main staff, and a Forward (NRF) provides NATO with a ro- contribute trained and ready com- Support Element that sustains the bust and credible joint high readi- ponent forces via a force genera- DJSE during its deployed opera- ness force, able to deploy quickly tion process, while the NATO tions. to execute the full spectrum of Command Structure provides the The JLSG is the coordinating Alliance mis sions, either within JHQ and headquarters of each authority overall responsible for or beyond the Euro-Atlantic area. CC. Once contributed, assigned, Logistics for the deployed NRF in- The NRF includes Land, Mari- and certifi ed, these forces are held cluding its component commands. time, Air and Special Operations on “stand-by” for a one-year NRF Contributions to the NRF, Compo nent Commands (CC), rotation, kept in continual readi- whether from the nations or led by a single Joint Headquar- ness to deploy on short notice the NATO Command Structure, ters (JHQ), which has in support of Alliance objectives must be trained and mission anywhere in the world. capable in accordance with NRF The NRF for 2012 will be led by requirements and qualifi cation Joint Force Command Brunssum, standards established by NATO. which provides the JHQ These forces therefore undergo Main for the force. The an extensive training process in JHQ FWD, as well the the year leading up to their NRF Joint Logistics Support Standby rotation, culminating in Group core staff, will a series of exercises by which be provided by Allied the Supreme Allied Commander Force Command Hei- (SACEUR) certifi es the delberg’s Deployable readiness of the NRF. For FCHD, Joint Staff Element the culminating exercise is Stead- (DJSE) number two, fast Juncture 2011 (SFJE 11). The or DJSE 2. The JHQ DJSE and its component elements

18 www.nato.int/fchd on “Standby” and may be acti- vated on short notice for mis- sions within the NRF scope. The NRF will of course continue to train during the standby period in order to maintain the level of readiness achieved in the train-up will carry out a series of exercises period. However, they will take as well as local training to prepare on no other commitments in that for SFJE 11. year that could inhibit their abil- The focus of SJFE 11 is to train ity to rapidly respond to a NATO and certify the ability of the JHQ to decision to deploy the NRF. execute a Crisis Response Opera- While FCHD has been part tion (CRO), interact effectively with of the NRF before, the train- its component commands, and up period for this rotation will function seamlessly despite the ge- be especially challenging given ographical separation of the Main the commitment of one DJSE to and FWD. The JLSG will be exer- ISAF through 2011 and into the cised on its ability to coordinate early months of the 2012 stand-by theater-wide Logistics and support period. FCHD will therefore be the component commands. the first to test the ability of the Upon successful comple- recently established Force Com- tion of SFJE 11 and certification mands to execute two DJSE mis- by SACEUR, the NRF forces go sions simultaneously.

The Observer 2011 ED.01 19 Remembrance Day 14 November 2010

✞by StFw Peter Knöringer The “Volkstrauertag” (German national day of mourning) is a public holiday in Germany. It is observed two Sundays before the fi rst Advent and commemo- rates those who died in war and the victims of violent oppres- sions. In its modern form, it was fi rst observed in 1952.

This year representatives from Headquarters Allied Force Com- mand Heidelberg, US Army Eu- rope, German Armed Forces, the City of Heidelberg and the Chris- tian Church paid their respect to all those who died in war. The ceremony took place at the Heidelberg war memorial and was supported with a Trumpet quartet from the Heidelberg “Musik und Singschule”.

20 www.nato.int/fchd Bulgarian Flag Lowering Ceremony

by SSG Dwight Chaney

On 24 November 2010, personnel from Headquarters Allied Force Command Heidelberg gathered for the offi cial lowering of the Bulgarian Flag. The ceremony symbolized the departure of Bulgaria’s last assigned soldier to Headquar- ters Allied Force Command Heidelberg related to the previous peace time Establishment. Under the watchful eyes of LTG John W. Morgan III, Commander, HQ FC Heidelberg, a formal fl ag-lowering ceremony was carried out to recognize all that we owe to Bulgaria and its willingness to assume all the responsibilities of a NATO membership. Bulgaria joined NATO in 2004 however initiated its transition to a demo- cratic government as early as 1989. Headquarters Allied Force Command Heidelberg is a multi- national NATO Headquarters with an established strength of approximately 450 military personnel and International Civil- ians from 20 NATO nations and 3 Partnership for Peace (PfP) nations.

NCO Staff Ride ROTO 1A to Speyer Redeployment

The Observer 2011 ED.01 21 Headquarters Allied Force Command Heidelberg welcomes new Command Sergeant Major

stated that over the next couple of as directed by the COM; weeks, he would endeavor to get • To advise the COM on issues out and meet all the personnel of concerning morale and quality the HQ, and looks forward to the of life issues of all members of duties and responsibilities enacted the Headquarters and their fami- upon him as the CSM. lies; and The Command Sergeant Major • To serve as the senior NCO (CSM) is the principal advisor to mentor on all PfP and NATO by MCpl Sherry Schmidtpeter the Commander (COM) on all exercises and to lead the HQ’s enlisted matters for both the Force efforts to further develop profes- HEIDELBERG, GERMANY – Command HQ Staff and the two sional NCOs with expertise and On 11 August 2010, personnel Deployable Joint Support Elements authority. of Headquarters Allied Force of the Headquarters in Heidelberg. Chief Warrant Offi cer Mark Saulnier Command Heidelberg, formed Duties of the CSM include: comes to the HQ from his previ- up in front of Building 8, to • To provide advice and recom- ous position as the Regional Chief welcome the incoming Com- mendations on all Non Com- Warrant Offi cer of Joint Task Force mand Sergeant Major, Chief missioned Offi cers (NCO) and North in Yellowknife, North West Warrant O cer Mark D. enlisted matters to the COM; Territories, Canada. As a Field Saulnier, CAN Army. • To execute established policies Engineer, he has extensive back- and ensuring NCO and enlisted ground on demolitions and de- Escorted to the front of the forma- personnel comply with NATO mining, including a 13 month tour tion by the Commander, Lieutenant and National standards of per- in Cambodia conducting Demining General John W. Morgan III, CSM formance, training and conduct; operations, and as Sr Mine Saulnier was fi rst introduced by a • To ensure standards of NCO Technical Advisor. In addition, small address from the COM, and leadership, professional de- CWO Saulnier has held the position then CSM Saulnier took the op- velopment, management, and of Regimental Sergeant Major of portunity to address the formation supervision are maintained; the Canadian Parachute Centre, in to thank all those in attendance for • To plan, co-ordinate and partici- Trenton, Ontario, Canada. the warm welcome. CSM Saulnier pate in ceremonies and events

Charity 2010 of in Reilingen. For the past several the NATO Spouses years, the ladies of the NATO Spouses Club have fi nancially Club Heidelberg supported “Wohnoase”, a respite home specialised in taking care We are very happy to offer this of seriously mentally and physi- year a cheque of 500 Euros to cally challenged persons, which “Wohnoase”, collected on our is located in Wiesloch. On this Super Sign Up evening in Sep- occasion we do thank our fi ne tember and our Christmas lunch- ladies who offered their money eon held beginning of December for this charity.

22 www.nato.int/fchd HQ bids farewell to the second rotation deploying to ISAF by MCpl Sherry Schmidtpeter er (COM) Allied Force Command of this ceremony was to Heidelberg, expressed his strong recognize the deploying person- HEIDELBERG, GERMANY – conviction that this second rotation nel, the COM also took the time to On 23 July 2010, Headquarters from Heidelberg is ready to deploy, honour a few individuals for their Allied Force Command Hei- after six months of dedicated mis- contribution to the HQ during the delberg (HQ FC Heidelberg) sion-tailored pre-deployment train- last few months. conducted a Farewell Ceremony ing. Building up a cohesive team The ceremony ended with an invo- for the second rotation of HQ for Afghanistan is a prerequisite to cation by the US chaplain. personnel to be deployed to successfully fulfi l the mission. The Heidelberg contribution, con- Afghanistan in order to sup- “The mission is of vital importance sisting of men and women, military port NATO’s continuing ISAF to each of your nations and the and civilian personnel, has been mission. NATO Alliance – I have the utmost providing operational capabilities to The whole HQ staff, deploying and confi dence in the training you have the core staff of HQ ISAF in Kabul, remaining personnel of the HQ, as received, and I am certain that you commencing January this year. To well as families and next-of-kin of are fully prepared for this deploy- facilitate personnel sustainment as the personnel to be deployed were ment”, General Morgan III pointed well as continuity of ISAF opera- present at the ceremony, since the out. tions during the required 24-month event was as much intended for He ensured the deploying person- period, HQ personnel will in most them as for the deploying person- nel that their families staying be- cases be deployed on a six-month nel. hind will have the utmost support rotational basis, thus leading to four In his address, Lieutenant General of the HQ, while being deployed. successive personnel rotations for John W. Morgan III, the Command- Although the primary purpose HQ FC Heidelberg.

Headquarters Allied Force Command Heidelberg Delegation Supports World Peace Day by SSG Dwight Chaney During the ceremony of more than sacrifi ces for world peace. 200 military and civilian attendants, Headquarters Allied Force Com- On 13 September 2010, the German Dr Karl-Heinz Wieseman the 96th mand Heidelberg was represented Military Pastoral Care (Katholische Bishop of Speyer and his Clergy by a 23 member team of Flag Bear- Militärseelsorge) Bruchsal had a delivered a message of peace and ers supporting 21 NATO nations, Church Ceremony in Germersheim freedom. The Bishop addressed the NATO and Headquarters fl ag. to commemorate World Peace Day. the audience on how the world Led by Command Sergeant Major World Peace Day occurs annually has changed since September 11, (CSM) Mark Sauliner, the delegation in September and is dedicated to 2001. He also spoke of the peaceful ceremoniously marched into the peace, specifi cally to the absence revolution of Germany after tearing Cathedral and posted the fl ags. of war. Also known as International down the Berlin wall. Bishop Wiese- Peace Day, it is observed by many man gave his blessings and prayers nations, political and military groups, to the many soldiers deployed and people throughout the world. throughout the world for their many

The Observer 2011 ED.01 23 You can also fi nd us on the Internet (www.NATO.int/fchd) or on