MAGAZINE FOR HQ JFC BRUNSSUM - JUNE 2020

NATO RESPONSE FORCE 2020 JFC BRUNSSUM AS LEAD HEADQUARTERS OF A HIGHLY CAPABLE JOINT MULTINATIONAL FORCE ABLE TO REACT IN A VERY SHORT TIME

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CONTENTS JUNE 2020 EDITORIAL STAFF Col. Frank Warda (DEU Army) 3 COMMAND GROUP CORNER Editorial Director 4 CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY Cpt Aouatef Zimrani (FRA Army) 6 VOLLMER, JFCBS COMMANDER Chief Editor

8 NATO RESPONSE FORCE PRESENTATION Cpt Tobias Luckau (DEU Air Force) 12 TRIDENT JUPITER EXERCISE Assistant Editor

14 , LCC Adj Leo Roos (NLD Army) Assistant Editor 15 JFAC, ACC 16 SPMARFOR, MCC Veerle Dandoy (BEL Civ) Assistant Editor 17 POLISH VJTF (NLD Navy) 18 POLISH SOCC Sgt Maj Peter van Bastelaar Assistant Editor 19 JLSG Sgt Marc Andre Gaudreault (CAN Army) 20 DEFENDER EUROPE EXERCISE Assistant Editor 21 ACCI CONTRIBUTORS: 24 NATO PARTNERSHIP Lieutenant Commander James Carrick, JFCBS J7 Major Fabrice Bordais, JFCBS J7 26 Captain Recep Akinc, JFCBS J7 28 WE ARE JFCBS Lieutenant Colonel Marcin SZPYT, Eurocorps Flt Lt Pete Rickards, Brit JFAC Lieutenant Commander Justin Dargan, SPMARFOR ABOUT THE COVER Second Lieutenant Angelika Korkosz, Polish VJTF Lt Col Marco Schmidl, JFCBS MPA Major David Jones, JLSG A Royal Netherlands NH90 helicopter lands on Spanish Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Sakrisson, JFCBS MPA ESPS Cristobal Colon during NATO's exercise Lieutenant Commander Andrew Carter,JFCBS J9 Trident Juncture 18 on November 2, 2018. NATO MARCOM / WO C.Valverde PHOTO CREDITS: US ARMY Europe / Spc. Jordan Fuller US ARMY / Sgt. Rebecca Linder, Pfc. Lloyd Villanueva, Spc. Justin De Hoyos, Master Sgt. Sarah Webb, Spc. Jordan Fuller, Master Sgt. Donald Sparks Bulgarian Ministry of Defense EUROCORPS PAO NATO MARCOM / WO C.Valverde

www.jfcbs..int

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MilitaryDiplomaticTaxFreeCars.com [email protected] direct lines: 0031 646855537 COMMAND GROUP CORNER ANTONIO BETTELLI DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF (SUPPORT)

When I was accorded the privilege to be are not yet fully imaginable, and all concerned assigned to JFC Brunssum, as Deputy nations are struggling to find a way to manage Chief of Staff for Support about a year the time ahead, learning how to counter the virus ago, I was fully aware of the importance and its consequences. of this NATO North-European Operati- onal Command, located in the Southern Multilateralism, which is the conceptual basis of Region of The Netherlands, together with any supranational organization such as NATO, its sister commands: JFC Naples () has been recently criticized, even more so than and the most recent addition, JFC Norfolk in the past, being blamed, allegedly as not being (Virginia - USA). responsive and effective enough in finding viable solutions to protect the members of the multila- I very quickly realized how lucky I was having the teral organizations, and amongst those, especi- good fortune to avail myself of an extremely pro- ally the weakest ones. fessional team. Navigating through the sophisti- cated complexity of NATO procedures, acronyms As a strong and capable military organization, and lexicon, I rapidly discovered the extraordi- born to be protective and defensive of the mem- nary capacities spread across the five Divisions ber states’ integrity and from any forming the Support Directorate: J1 with Colonel external threat, we, NATO soldiers and civili- Anne Marie FENTON; J4 with Brigadier Gene- ans, perfectly know that a new challenge might ral Serge SOENEN; J6 with Colonel Andrzej eventually be an opportunity to tighten up the KAWASNIK; JENG with Brigadier General Ivan bonds of loyalty, comradeship, and mutual trust But a better tailored medical organization - faci- PACH; and JMED with Colonel David WIL- amongst friends and allies. lities, materials, equipment, supplies and specia- LEY; plus the recent addition of a Joint Logistic lized personnel – must be established alongside Support Group (JLSG) HQ rapidly establishing Let me quote, very humbly, Pope Francis, who an improved evacuation capability by means of itself under the leadership of Brigadier Gene- recently said, in one of his speeches on the pan- a rapid access to strategic airlift. These are just ral Jaroslav SCHON; and, last but by no means demic: “Nobody can be saved by himself.” He some of the issues for which the JFCBS Support least, the liaison officer from the NATO Support emphasized, in my understanding, the unne- Directorate has been asked to be reactive and and Procurement Agency (NSPA), Mr. Antoine glectable importance, nowadays more than ever proactive in support of the NATO mission in Af- WILDENBERG. Getting acquainted with the de- before, to unite in front of a silent and powerful ghanistan. The major challenge is to rapidly un- mands of my new job was relatively easy thanks adversary such as this devious pandemic. derstand the urgent requirements coming from to these, my direct collaborators, and the support Kabul, analyze, elaborate and forward them to team as a whole. Being aware that the same sovereignty NATO is SHAPE to find a viable and effective solution. defending is the key aspect for which the Mem- Again, this is mainly a coordinating role, but it My self-confidence grew rapidly; knowing that ber Nations remain responsible for establishing requires situational awareness, technical compe- everybody in the team was more than capable their needs and how they intend to contribute tence, open dialogue and confrontation, constant of carrying out his or her own role and respon- to the Alliance, the coordinating role of NATO monitoring and adaptability, sometimes even the sibilities. In spite of this positive sentiment, I through its three organizational layers - political, sparking light of personal and ethical judgment. could never have imagined that a crisis such as strategic, and operational - becomes paramount, the COVID-19 pandemic would have suddenly especially when a crisis of such a span and mag- Nobody yet knows how the current pandemic will happened. I don’t think anybody could have pre- nitude becomes a challenge for all. evolve in the future but, for sure, we are learning dicted this. a great deal from it, particularly by increasing JFC Brunssum plays a key role with respect to our capability to work together as a team. Never In January this year, when practically no-one this fundamental coordinating role. As members as before, in my experience in this extraordinary could fully perceive the potential magnitude of the out-of-theatre command in support of the organization, have I sensed the meaningful signi- of the virus in Europe, Italy was one of the first Resolute Support Headquarters in , ficance of the slogan ‘WE ARE NATO’. countries to be impacted. It took a short while, our obligations towards the mission leader, Ge- only a few days, for my gut feeling to transform neral Miller, and his team in Kabul are today, My message to you is: ‘take the challenge, work into the full awareness that a new evil had just given the COVID-19 emergency, even more im- together, stay united, and we will eventually win appeared on the horizon, not only in Italy, but portant. The reduction of personnel in theatre this unexpected battle’. throughout Europe, across NATO member na- combined with the implementation of undelay- tions that, ultimately, encompassed the entire able preventative measures to minimize the risk MAJOR GENERAL ANTONIO BETTELLI world. of the pandemic growth, presses us to be closer DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF (SUPPORT) to our colleagues in Afghanistan, and more sup- This unpredictable phenomenon, developing at portive and responsive towards their needs and such a rapid speed, spreading throughout the requirements. This is particularly true for the entire planet, so heavily impacting on the most Support Area for which I am responsible. There developed and richest countries in the world is is an increased necessity to urgently augment our having unprecedented effects, not only from a medical responsiveness. In particular, our capa- medical standpoint, but also economically and, bility to test NATO personnel for COVID-19 in above all, in my view, socially. The implications Afghanistan must improve. 3 VIRTUAL CHANGE-OF-COMMAND COCC CEREMONY AT JFC BRUNSSUM

STORY BY JFCBS MPA

In an unprecedented video-transmit- General Wolters then welcomed the new General Erhard Bühler for his military ted ceremony, NATO Supreme Al- commander, General Jörg Vollmer, as achievements as well as for enhancing the lied Commander Europe (SACEUR), “the perfect choice for this command.” good relations between JFCBS and the General Tod. D. Wolters (U.S. Air General Bühler in his response to SACEUR Dutch community in Limburg province. Force), transferred authority over expressed deep gratitude for the honour of “As such a good neighbour, you will always Allied Joint Force Command Bruns- commanding JFCBS. He encouraged the be welcome here,” the concluded. sum (JFCBS) from General Erhard headquarters to continue to focus on safe- The German Chief of Defence, General Bühler to General Jörg Vollmer guarding Europe’s north-eastern flank, Eberhard Zorn, expressed his high recog- (both ) on April 22nd. support mission in Afghanistan and nition for General Bühler and commen- As all NATO commands strictly obey lead NATOs response force (NRF) by sum- ded him by saying “you represent Ger- COVID-19 related rules and restricti- marizing “our most important aim is to build many in the best way in NATO”. He also ons imposed by their respective host a capable force for deterrence and defence.” reiterated that remains deter- nation, General Wolters supervised mined and will continue to support NATO a virtual passing of the flag in the The new JFCBS commander General and the Netherlands in the fight against Dutch city of Brunssum from his of- Jörg Vollmer assured the audience that COVID-19. General Zorn lauded the new fice in Mons, . Twenty-seven he will carry on his predecessor’s legacy. commander as “well experienced and , and other senior “Work in this headquarters continues des- best prepared for his challenging duties.” military representatives from the pite COVID-19 and the threats we face NATO family and partner nations at- have not vanished. JFCBS will be ready Upon conclusion of the virtual ceremony, tended the virtual ceremony online. for whatever it takes” he underlined. members of the headquarters, appropri- The Dutch Chief of Defence, Admiral Rob ately distanced to each other, lined up for SACEUR in his address highlighted the Bauer, emphasized the value of the Alliance General Bühlers walk-out and farewell. outgoing commander’s extraordinary lea- in the fight against COVID-19. “This crisis dership skills by saying “General Bühler has shown us just how strong our solida- had a tremendous impact on all of us rity is. NATO allies are once again joining as we have all been strengthened by his forces in a robust response” he said. Admi- will. He improved our operational acti- ral Bauer welcomed the new commander vities and our ability to secure peace.” on behalf of the Netherlands and thanked 4 5 READINESS COUNTS!

NEW COM GENERAL VOLLMER, COMMANDER JFCBS PRESENTATION PRESENTATION

“Always expect the unexpec- members of a military headquarters it will ce, regardless of viruses, potential advers- ted” is a proverb we all know.” not come as a surprise that I am expecting aries or other existential security threats. As soldiers, sailors and airmen, we professionalism and mutual respect on are well trained to keep calm, cool all levels. As all decision making is team- Reference Afghanistan, we will continue to and collected when it gets tense. This work, the starting point is a proper mission act as the out-of-theatre operational head- spring, the proverb is challenging analysis. Thus, you will never find me ma- quarters for NATOs RESOLUTE SUPPORT us again. It is with great regret that king decisions somewhere on the hallway. mission, led by U.S. Army General Austin I had to take over command of JFC Scott Miller. His advice and his requests Brunssum on April 22nd without ha- Proper mission analysis requires an end- will guide us. We will seek to provide eve- ving a chance to meet you all in per- uring ability to adapt to change and a willing- rything he needs to conduct his mission. son. Even under these extraordinary ness to question ourselves, extant processes circumstances you received me with and current policies. The current crisis un- At the Hindukush, NATO stands ready to a warm welcome and I would like derscores that requirement more than ever. help the Afghans pave their way towards a to express my sincere gratitude for But, whatever happens, our noble task and political settlement of the conflict. All NATO that. I hope this new edition of the top priority remains to provide readiness allies and partners remain firmly committed NORTHERN STAR finds you, your fa- for deterrence and defence in northern Eu- to support Afghanistan's long-term secu- milies and loved ones in good health. rope. JFCBS´ area of responsibility com- rity and stability. The future of our Alliance prises a territory ranging from Greenland depends on its coherence which is of great I am looking forward to getting to know you to Scandinavia, down into central Europe emotional relevance. Coherence is nothing all – staff, families and hosts - both in the and , and all those countries rely we can order, but comes from the heart. It city of Brunssum and the broader Limburg on us. For them, we are NATO. If they is on us here in Brunssum to live up to it. Province as soon as possible but, realistical- have any request, we have to find a solution. ly, this will take more time than normal be- As readiness counts, it has to be properly cause of the ongoing pandemic. So, for the For those who know me, it is also not a communicated. I want all nations con- time being, you might ask yourselves what surprise that I am a friend of exercises that tributing troops to NATO missions to kind of guy this new German General actu- really move troops and build confidence know that we share values as well as bur- ally is. I try to be frank and very clear. For and this remains of the utmost importan- den, be that in Europe or Afghanistan.

6 For the duration of 2020, JFCBS has com- I encourage everyone in my headquar- men on the front line, including health care mand of the NRF, NATO’s 40,000-strong ters to show respect for the beliefs of providers and members of our armed for- response force which includes the Very others and be open when facing me per- ces, who are playing a key role in the joint High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF). sonally. Our work here in Brunssum fight against corona. Allied are It is Joint Force Command Brunssum’s is all about people and about team spi- playing an important role in responding to task to ensure this force remains credi- rit. Without it, we are condemned to fail. COVID-19. They support civilian efforts: ble and sustainable. We continue 24/7 to amongst other things providing logistics provide credible deterrence and defence With all of this in mind, it is clear we are assistance and planning; field hospitals; also in the midst of coronavirus crisis. facing huge challenges for the next years. patient transportation; disinfection of pu- Everyone in Europe may rest assured that blic areas; and security at border crossings. Let us keep in mind that NATO heads of state we will remain appropriately postured, ca- and government agreed to create the VJTF pable and ready to continue our missions. However, in parallel, we have to develop at the Wales Summit in 2014 in response to plans to enable us to return to normal daily a changed security environment, including While I am writing you, I know that many activities as pandemic restrictions relax. ’s illegal annexation of Ukraine’s are concerned about what consequen- Our mindset has to be focused on a step- Crimea, and turmoil in the Middle East. ces the current corona crisis will have for by-step approach, conditions based, care- This is the fast-changing world we live in. not only international security but for fully assessed and balanced against risks. our families and loved ones in particular. Transition plans will physically reintegrate For every individual staff member here I am sharing this concern. I am determined personnel back to their workspaces in a in Brunssum, being ready to operate un- to personally keep an eye on that and care safe, healthy, and precautionary manner. der this guidance means to literally think for our community to the best of my ability. outside of the box and I appreciate your As transition occurs, JFCBS will continue readiness to take up the challenge. I per- As we have successfully established a to obey and act in accordance with Dutch sonally count myself lucky to lead a team shift system that allows us to keep this National regulations, remaining good of 26 NATO and four partner nations headquarters operational, I am thin- neighbors where we live and work. Bruns- represented at the headquarters whose king of those working from home in or- sum being host to NATO is home to us. highly recognized expertise I can rely on. der to keep the engine running. They are a great example of adapting to the With this, I you all and look In a multi-national environment we all unexpected. This readiness counts. forward to meet you all personally. have to respect different opinions. Thus My thoughts go out to the men and wo-

General tions. These include Commander Me- His key staff assignments include As- chanized Infantry 37 in Fran- sistant Director (Operations and In- Jörg Vollmer kenberg (2006-2010), Commander telligence) at the Armed Forces Of- Specialized Operations Division in Stad- fice, Bonn, as well as Branch Chief Biography tallendorf (2011-2014), and Comman- “Army Concepts” (2004-2006) in the der Field Army / Vice Chief of the Ger- Army Staff at the Federal Ministry of General Jörg Vollmer assumed com- man Army (2014-2015) in Strausberg. Defence, also in Bonn (2002-2004). mand of Allied Joint Force Command General Vollmer is married to Anette. Brunssum on 22 April 2020. He is one However, General Vollmer is no stranger of three operational-level commanders to NATO. From October 2010 he served in the NATO Command Structure, re- as Chief of Staff of the 1st German/Ne- ports directly to the Supreme Allied therlands , in Münster, for a year. Commander Europe, and is primarily His command portfolio is further enhan- responsible for the security of the Alli- ced by two deployments as Commander ance in Northern Europe, NATO’s Re- ISAF Regional Command North, in solute Support Mission in Afghanistan Afghanistan, between 2009 and 2013. and NATO’s Response Force NRF 2020. General Vollmer served as Chief of After joining the German Armed Forces the German Army from 2015 to 2020. in 1978 and completing his basic officer He assumed command of the German training, General Vollmer graduated in Army at a time of paradigm shift and Economics and Organizational Sciences laid the foundation for a modern army. at the University of the German Armed A refocus on collective defence while si- Forces, in Hamburg. In 1983 he atten- multaneously fulfilling missions abroad ded Staff College at Hamburg. Later, fol- in a credible, reliable and professional lowing attendance at the School of Ad- manner, will remain associated with his vanced Military Studies in Leavenworth name. He developed and executed criti- (USA), from 2001 to 2002, he became cal new policies and plans in the areas of a Fellow in Advanced Operational Art. personnel, materiel, training and struc- General Vollmer has been privileged to ture – these significant adjustments hold a broad range of command posi- included the digitization of land forces.

7 NRF 20 NATO RESPONSE FORCE (NRF) 2020

STORY BY LIEUTENANT COMMANDER JAMES CARRICK, JFCBS

It has been a busy start to the year digm, that was developing both within Eu- Follow-on Forces Group (FFG): for Joint Force Command Brunssum rope and on the periphery of the Alliance. (JFCBS). One reason for this is that This consists of a broad spectrum of military JFCBS took Operational Command The enhancement of the NRF was focu- capabilities - encompassing command and of the NRF during the 2020 Stand- sed on making it more responsive, incre- control, combat, combat support and com- by Year. How has JFCBS managed asing its readiness, and capable, whilst bat services support units. FFG forces are this and what does it mean for the leaving its purpose and mission unchan- nominated by Allied and/or Partner Nati- HQ? Firstly for those of you who are ged. That is, to be capable of performing ons and drawn from their deployable forces. new to NATO let me give you a brief a wide variety of tasks, including the pro- background into the NRF, what it is, vision of an immediate collective defence The details of the exact composition, how it is made up and what it is for. response capability (prior to arrival of locations and readiness of these for- other forces), crisis management & peace ces are not publically releasable in or- At the Prague Summit, in November 2002, support operations, disaster relief and der to protect operational security. the NATO Heads of States and Govern- the protection of critical infrastructure. Overall command of this force belongs to the ments decided to create the NATO Res- So that is how and why the NRF was cre- Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SA- ponse Force. It consists of technologically ated but what elements does it consist of? CEUR), while Operational Command of the advanced, flexible, deployable, interope- NRF falls to NATO’s two Joint Force Com- rable and sustainable forces, including Well the NRF is made up of 3 distinct ele- mands (based in Brunssum, the Netherlands land, sea and air elements, ready to move ments; and Naples, Italy, on a rotational basis). quickly to wherever needed, as decided NRF Rotation and Contributions by the (NAC), the Very High Readiness Joint Task principal political decision-making body The NRF is based on a rotational system within NATO. It was also designed to be- Force (VJTF): where Allied nations commit land, air, ma- come a catalyst for military transforma- Consisting of forces at the highest level ritime or Special Operations Forces units tion, focusing and promoting improve- of readiness. It is a joint force, consisting for a period of 12 months, starting on the ments in the Alliance’s military capabilities. of a land component with appropriate 1st January. However each JFC concen- The NRF provides NATO with the ability air, maritime and special operations trates on different geographical areas to deploy a capable force at short notice, components, as needed, able to deploy and therefore SACEUR will take this into trying to avoid using larger forces in the within a few days in response to any threats account when choosing the JFC which later stages of an unresolved situation and or challenges that may arise on NATO’s leads any response required by the NRF. it could also act as a deterrent and aid in flanks; the early resolution of a developing crisis. NATO nations volunteer forces to the NRF, Then at the Wales Summit, in September requiring the contributing Allies and part- 2014, the Heads of States and Governments Initial Follow On Forces Group ner nations to meet strict standards and agreed upon a Readiness Action Plan which adopt procedures required for defensive articulated how the Alliance should adapt (IFFG): and expeditionary operations. As a result, “to improve its readiness and responsive- These are high-readiness for- participation in the NRF is preceded by ness”, including the enhancement of the ces that can deploy quickly, follo- a six-month NATO exercise programme NRF to better meet the new security para- wing the VJTF, in response to a crisis. in order to integrate and standardize the 8 various national contingents. Additional Part I took place over two weeks, where sociated forces are understood at all levels. training serials are carried out by con- the command and control elements of the During the Standby Year it is important tributing nations during the 6-18 month NRF 20 force package was rigorously te- that the NRF HQs and forces maintain period prior to assuming the role of NRF sted in a complex exercise scenario that the level of training that allowed them units. These multinational forces are highly deliberately incorporated the most de- to certify. Therefore there are numerous interoperable and have proven capable manding challenges the Alliance might exercises, planned throughout 2020, to of conducting complex military manoeu- face. As a fast changing operational tem- ensure that the NRF maintain their abi- vres across the spectrum of operations. po unfolded headquarters’ staffs at all lity to conduct complex military tasks, levels were deliberately stressed. After across a broad spectrum of operations. JFC Brunssum took over standby respon- successful completion of part I the Com- The Brilliant Jump exercise series en- sibility from JFC Naples as the designated ponents and Task Forces were certified. sure NATO troops are ready to deploy, in leading Headquarters for NRF rotation on Unfortunately due to the current situation times of crisis and consists of two parts. 1st January 2020 with the following Compo- with the Corona Virus, part II of the exer- The first, Brilliant Jump I, tested the ac- nent Commands and Task Forces in support: cise was cancelled. However JFC Bruns- tivation (un-alerted) of the VJTF and was sums participation in TRJU19-I, combined conducted by a wide range of NATO HQs Land: EUROCORPS, based in Strasbourg, with the planning and synchronisation and contributing nations at the end of Ja- ; Air: AIRCOM, based in Ramstein, that had been undertaken with the NRF nuary, while Brilliant Jump II will test German and UK Joint Force Air Command Components as the prelude to TRJU19- the ability of the VJTF to deploy and will (JFAC), based in High Wycombe, England; II, allowed COM JFCBS to recommend to take place in the final quarter of the year. Maritime: Spanish Maritime Force SACEUR that JFCBS be certified as the Execution of Brilliant Jump II will see (ESPMARFOR), based in Cadiz, ; NRF Stand-by Headquarters for 2020. number of units deployed to the exer- Special Operations: Polish Special Opera- cise area and then adopt a protective tions Command, based in Krakow, . NRF Management stance in accordance with standardized Joint Logistics Support Group: JFCBS NATO procedures; just as they would in JLSG, based within Brunssum, Netherlands. So how does JFCBS manage the elements a real military operation in a crisis area. of NRF20? Well there is a core team within Chemical Biological Radiologi- cal and Nuclear Task Force: Pol JFCBS whose job it is to coordinate the NRF 20 Components and monitor their readi- Joint Force Command Brunssum will CBRN TF, based in Brodnics, Poland; lead the exercise, in close coordination Civil, Military Coordination Task For- ness and capability throughout the year. The overall job of coordinating the NRF for with NRF components. It will demon- ce: Multi National CIMIC Group, strated how NATO forces, command based in Motta di Livenza, Italy; JFCBS falls to the NRF Coordinator, ACOS J3, Brigadier General Jerome Goisque (FRA structures and associated military acti- A), assisted by deputy NRF coordinator vities provide the best visible example of In order to participate within the NRF these and a small team of staff officers from J35. NATO readiness, the Alliance’s ability to Component Commands and Task Forces This NRF team holds the NRF20 Wor- swiftly deploy to counter threats to our are required to be evaluated and certified, king Group, which coordinates activities collective security and, assure member proving they are ready to take on the res- and hold monthly Video Tele Conferen- nations and their populations of NATO’s ponsibilities, expected from the NRF. The ces (VTCs) with Component Commands ability and commitment to protect them. certification exercise for train and evaluate and Task Forces in order to maintain si- the 2020 NATO NRF package, was TRI- tuational awareness of components issues JFCBS is currently undergoing unpre- DENT JUPITER 19 (TRJU19). TRJU19 and activities. There is divisional repre- cedented times, and despite the HQ and was a two part exercise consisting of a de- sentation from all areas within JFCBS, to associated NRF Components and Task fensive multi-tiered command post exer- ensure that there is a pan headquarters Forces all experiencing some form of Na- cise (CPX) of enormous complexity, set understanding of NRF issues and that we tional Lock-down we continue to main- within an Article V scenario that embra- always have the relevant SME available to tain NRF Readiness and we are able to ces two strategic Joint Operational Areas, offer advise should problems occur. These react, as required to any situation NATO has eleven training audiences and impacts monthly VTC, along with quarterly Readi- demands of us. JFCBS staff remain fo- nine nations. As such it presented a real ness Reports, provide the information for cused on maintaining the high state of challenge that, by design, stretched all in- updates to the Command Group and is the readiness and professionalism in order volved. Part I aimed to certify the NRF basis for the 6 monthly Readiness Reports to swiftly respond to the next upcoming Components and Task Forces, while Part JFCBS sends to SACEUR. This ensures that crisis or contingency, wherever it may be. II was designed to certify JFC Brunssum. the readiness state of the NRF and its as-

9 10 11 EXERCISE TRIDENT JUPITER 1 NRF 20

STORY BY MAJOR BORDAIS AND CAPTAIN RECEP AKINC, JFCBS/J7

The NATO Response Force (NRF) is changes in the security environment. The Joint Force Command Brunssum is the lea- a highly ready and technologically enhanced NATO Response Force includes: ding headquarter for the NRF 2020 stand up advanced, multinational force made and standby phases, and is supported by the up of land, air, maritime and special • A command and control element: opera- following command and control elements: operations components that the al- tional command and control of the NRF liance can deploy quickly, wherever alternates between Allied Joint Force • Land: EUROCORPS (EURCORPS needed. NRF is designed to provide Commands in Brunssum and Naples. framework countries: France, Ger- a rapid demonstration of force and Tactical C2 for each component is provi- many, Spain, , Belgium) early establishment of NATO pres- ded by nations’ Graduated Readiness For- • Air: UK Joint Force Air ence in support of collective defence, ces HQs or NATO Command Structure Component (JFAC) HQ crisis management or cooperative Single Service Commands if required. • Maritime: Spanish Mari- security operations. NRF is prepa- • The VJTF element is a standing joint time Force (SPMARFOR) red to conduct the full range of alli- force about 20,000 strong, inclu- • Special Operations: Polish Special Opera- ance operations and missions with ding a multinational land brigade of tions Component Command (POL SOCC) an emphasis on collective defence around 5,000 troops and air, mari- • Joint Logistic Support Group and is capable of performing inde- time and SOF components. Spearhead (JLSG): JFC Brunssum JLSG pendent missions. In addition to its force is ready to deploy at very short • Also contributing to the NRF 2020 pac- operational role, the NRF can be used notice. Allies assume the leading role kage are the Polish CBRN (Chemical, for greater cooperation in education for the VJTF on a rotational basis. Biological, Radiological and Nuclear and training, increased exercises and • The Initial Follow-On Forces Group Defence) Task Force and the Multi Nati- better use of technology. It gives the (IFFG): The IIFG is a structured set of onal CIMIC Group that is based in Italy Alliance the means to respond swiftly forces providing necessary augmenta- to various types of crises anywhere tion of VJTF. These are high-readiness The NRF is being trained and certified to in the world. The decision to deploy forces that can deploy quickly following the standards set by SACEUR. All com- the NRF is taken by the North At- the VJTF in response to a crisis. They are ponent commands including Joint Force lantic Council, NATO’s highest poli- made up of two multinational . Commands undergo a very challenging tical decision-making body. NRF is • The Follow-On Forces (FOF): The FFG and demanding training period in order also considered as a driving engine build mass and provide access to High to improve their capability and capacity. for NATO’s military transformation. Demand/ Low Density capabilities. After National training and evaluation phase ends with success, NATO prepara- NATO Allies decided at the 2014 Wales tion phase commences 6 months before Summit to enhance the NRF by creating The deployment of a credible and capable standby year (2020). The main purpose a “spearhead force” within it, known as NRF at short notice upon NAC approval of the NATO preparation phase is to test the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force acts as a substantial deterrent and aid in the combat readiness of component commands (VJTF). This enhanced NRF is one of the early resolution of an emerging crisis, thus by examining vertical and horizontal in- measures of the Readiness Action Plan precluding the need to use larger forces in teraction between Joint Force Command (RAP) agreed by Allies to respond to the the later stages of an unresolved situation. and component commands. The primary 12 focus of training and exercises is the col- stressful. As a mirror, JWC made its side of NRF responsibility between supporting lective defence. JFCBS HQ was in charge of the exercise, the enemy, incidents and and supported JFCs. The BRVI20 conferen- of the preparation, training and certifi- subordinates to the micro level, all being ce provided a perfect venue to improve the cation of NRF20 and the Trident Jupi- played by a phenomenal team of staff of- network between NRF Commands while ex- ter 19 exercise was used as the main ve- ficers supported and their teams, about ploiting the opportunity to share the lesson nue to train, evaluate and certify NRF20 900 people, representing all domains of learned during stand up and standby phase. Force package before standby period. expertise. This fabulous mechanism was the counter part of our real life, reacting During the standby period, BRILLIANT The TRJU 19 series was also to Strike For- to our deployment, actions, decisions JUMP 20 ALERT Exercise was conducted ce NATO (SFN) and to JFC Brunssum a and obliging us to give more and more. with a NO-NOTICE concept in order to test challenge for certification and real benefit readiness and responsiveness of VJTF20 to improve the operational level decision The TRJU 19 series was more an exercise, it and to exercise the deployment of selected making process and decision themselves. was an experimental venue to test, impro- VJTF20 Force elements to planned Port ve, facilitate and revise, not only the play- of Embarkations. NATO Crisis Response Based on the exercise specifications ers, but the system itself. We experienced Measures (NCRMs) were released by SHA- (EXSPEC) and the exercise plan (EX- things we have never had the opportunity PE and implemented by NRF20 Compo- PLAN), we can summarize quickly TRJU 19 to experience before. The scale of intensity, nent Commands and VJTF20. MNC-NE, as 2 years of preparation, handrailed by the from deterrence to major joint operation, NFIUs and eFP Battle Groups were also exercise planning process (EPP), compri- through the scale of capacities and decision alerted. In the After Action Review, all par- sing a huge numbers of coordination mee- from tactical to strategic level, involving ticipants expressed their compliments, par- tings, among 17 main actors, participating NATO countries as well as NATO partners. ticularly regarding NO-NOTICE concept. to the 2 events as TRJU 19-1 and TRJU 19-2 The TRJU series was a very demanding ef- The concept gave the opportunity to test the (2 Joint CRPs (Crisis Response Planning), fort for the professional staff, however a real messaging systems, alerting mechanisms 2 MEL MIL sequences (Main Events List/ and beneficial source of improvement, ideas and the reactions from the participants in Main Incidents List), 2 Battle Staff trai- and experiences that will provide a frame- real life conditions. NCRMs were succes- ning (BST) and the process of mandatory work of guidance into the coming years. sfully transmitted from SHAPE to the lo- reports following the exercise). All these west unit level in theatre. The Second part events were supported by invitation let- At the end of the NRF20 Force package pre- of BRILLIANT JUMP20 Exercise which ters, taskers and trackers, real life support, paration process, the BRILLIANT VISION is DEPLOYEX will be conducted in Q4 of transport, coordination, decisions, and 20 (BRVI20) conference was co-hosted 2020. Selected VJTF20 Force elements reports. All in all, an exhausting, interes- between JFC Brunssum and JFC Naples. will be deployed to UK and . ting, rewarding and wonderful experience. The audience included NRF19 and NRF20 component commands, three Joint Force Facing the real threats in the real world, Commands and single service commands even simulating situations by computers at Commanders level. The aim of the confe- (CAX/CPX), the execution phase was very rence was to finalize the handover-takeover

13 EUROCORPS HEADQUARTERS

NRF 20 LAND COMPONENT COMMAND

Since 1 January, 2020, after a thorough nia and ) provide EC’s staff and personnel. the NATO headquarters deployed in and certification process conducted by LAND- In addition, the command structure is rotating took over the leadership of the operation. The COM and after having participated in exer- every second year among the framework nati- next challenge and highlight for Eurocorps was cise TRIDENT JUPITER 19-1, Eurocorps ons. Considering that its sister HQs under NATO the commitment in Afghanistan from August Headquarters (EC) has taken over the res- command are either national units or Bi-or tri- 2004 to February 2005, taking over the com- ponsibility of Land Component Command national at best, the backbone of this HQ is there- mand of ISAF. During this tour, EC supported (LCC) Headquarters, NATO Reaction For- fore very multinational by construction. Euro- also the United Nations in the organization and ce (NRF), for one year, under the leader- corps Headquarters is quite young but despite its execution of the first democratic presidential ship of Joint Force Command Brunssum. youth, it has developed a consequent experience. elections in Afghan history. EC returned there in 2012. The year 2015 saw EC first commitment Eurocorps creation is the result of European under the flag: the European What is NRF, and what makes nations understanding that cooperation, inclu- Union Training mission (EUTM) Mali mission Eurocorps so special? ding in the defense domain, is key to protect during the second semester of 2015. During the peace. Thus, French and German government second semester of 2016 and the entire year decided in May 1992 to set up in Strasbourg a 2017, EC staff member were deployed to the Cen- NRF is NATO’s high readiness force that is pre- French-German Corps Headquarters, where tral African Republic (Bangui) as core nucleus of pared, capable and ready to provide an immedi- both nations would share equally the com- the mission headquarters of the EUTM CAR. ate response capability to support every mission mand but also the burden. Eurocorps was born. from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief Shortly afterwards, they decided to open this It is the third time that EC endorses NRF stand- to peace-support operations up to war-fighting. headquarters to members of the Western Euro- by roles (2006, 2010 and 2020), and especially EC under the lead of Joint Force Commander pean Union and Belgium, Luxemburg and Spain the role of land component command HQ. Eu- Brunssum is providing the headquarters com- joined the framework nations. Later several rocorps was also on standby as EUBG (F) HQ mand and control element for the land compo- other nations, , Turkey, Italy, Poland and during the 2nd semester 2016 and during the first nent, which is rotating every year between se- Romania joined the framework nations as asso- semester 2017. All together alert periods and veral Army corps level headquarters throughout ciated nations. Regarding Eurocorps not only as operational deployments are representing more NATO. EC took over this responsibility from a new European unit but as complementary to or less 7 years in EC headquarters 26 years’ life! the 1st German-Netherland Corps and will hand the defense efforts of the Alliance, both govern- it over to NRDC Turkey on 1 January, 2021. ments decided in 1993 to put it at the disposal EC is a multinational HQ with approximately of NATO. For this very reason, the "SACEUR 1000 men and women dedicated to their mis- As NRF LCC, EC is able to command and con- Agreement" was signed in January 1993. From sion, with a strong multinational and Euro- trol a land force component up to 65000 the beginning, the EC was integrated into the al- pean identity and still open to new nations; a men and women, anywhere, at any time and liance, not as a "force belonging to NATO" but versatile HQ able to rapidly autonomously de- within a short notice to move. This NRF ca- as a "force dedicated to NATO". This agreement ploy and conduct major joint operations under pability also contributes to NATO global de- established the framework conditions for the NATO leadership but also humanitarian and terrence, as the very existence of a credible EC's deployment in the NATO Command Struc- peace–enforcing missions under the EU banner. and well trained response force sends a sig- ture, in collective defense and in crisis areas. Despite COVID19, EC remains ready to be sent nificant message to any potential aggressor. wherever NATO will see fit during its standby EC has a strong military experience as a phase. We are committed in our mutual collective Eurocorps headquarters is a multinational mili- headquarters working both for the bene- defense while we are already preparing our next tary command and control structure located in fit of NATO and of the European Union, ei- commitments. After the hand-over of the NRF Strasbourg, France. What is very unique, com- ther in Africa or in Europe or Central Asia. LCC pennant to our sister command in Istanbul pared to other Graduated Readiness Forces Land early in January 2021, EC will take part in EUTM (GRFL) HQs, is the balanced apportionment of The first real commitment of Eurocorps occurred campaign in Mali and positions. Five Framework Nations (France, Ger- in 1998, when the HQ participated in the NATO- in 2021 and 2022, and already prepares the long many, Spain, Belgium and Luxembourg) and five led operation SFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina. term future and train for the next NATO stand- Associated Nations (Poland, Italy, Greece, Roma- Then in 2000, Eurocorps formed the core HQ of by phase in a Joint headquarters role in 2024!

14 UK JOINT FORCE AIR COMPONENT

AIR COMPONENT COMMAND NRF 20

The UK JFAC provides a scalable, Air Com- 2019 Preparations Air Operations Centre (Ramstein) in particular, mand and Control (C2) capability at very conducting joint exercises. The HQ also engages high readiness in order to meet the United with the other NATO Component Commands, Kingdom’s requirements for national, bi- To achieve the standards and readiness for maintaining land and maritime liaison elements, lateral, alliance and coalition operations. NRF20 the UK JFAC participated in four exer- as part of its core staff, who are capable of re- cises during the 2019 training year. Deploying presenting the Air Component Commander to It delivers Air C2 from the planning of the to Ramstein in Apr 19 for Ex RAMSTEIN AM- COMSPMARFOR (Maritime Component Com- Air Scheme of Manoeuvre (SoM) through BITION, the staff augmented the NCS JFAC HQ mand) and COM Eurocorps (Land Component to the execution and dynamic control of a to train in a complex, full-spectrum joint war- Command) during the NRF20 standby period. complex Air Tasking Order and Airspace fighting environment, using the SKOLKAN sce- Control Order. This can be achieved from nario to simulate high-intensity operations. In the Royal Air Force’s Air Operations Cen- May 19, the combat support element deployed Way Ahead tre at High Wycombe or from a deployed to for Ex STEADFAST COBALT; a facility on land or at sea using the UK JF- SHAPE sponsored, Command, Control, Commu- During the COVID19 global pandemic, mem- AC’s Deployable Rapid Assembly Shelter nications, Computer, Intelligence, Surveillance, bers of the UK JFAC have assisted with the UK’s and Reconnaissance Interoperability exercise. (DRASh), providing maximum flexibility. national response but have been safeguarded Over a six-week period, STEADFAST COBALT to maintain their availability for NATO opera- verified and validated the interoperability of the Air C2 provides the Joint Force with the right tions. The UK JFAC remains committed and NRF components. In Oct 19, Ex TITANIUM effect at the right time, in the right location, stood-by to provide the NRF20 NFS JFAC, FALCON 19 (Ex TF19) was planned and execu- supporting the Joint Commander’s intent and held at readiness to execute NA5CRO or aug- ted by the UK JFAC to demonstrate, to the NATO meeting Joint priorities. It provides freedom ment the AIRCOM NCS JFAC where required. AIRCOM evaluation team, the HQ’s ability to of manoeuvre for the Joint Force with control meet NRF standards for Air C2. Finally, in Nov of the air; decision making superiority with an 19 the UK JFAC again augmented AIRCOM at Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Ramstein for Ex TRIDENT JUPITER 19-1, the capability; swift decisive effects and flexibility largest NATO CAX / CPX since the , in- in manoeuvre. The UK JFAC comprises a ca- volving all NRF20 Component Commands, Na- dre staff of 70 (including Royal Navy and British val and Striking Force NATO and JFC Brunssum. Army liaison officers) held at 5-days’ notice to move. The UK JFAC has an assigned 1* com- mander which can be raised to a 2* or 3* com- mander should it be required. In addition, the 2020 In-year Activities UK JFAC is routinely supported by 136 augmen- tees from across the Royal Air Force represen- During the NRF20 standby year, the UK JFAC ting the wide array of UK Air Power capabilities. will participate in NATO Air Component and Joint level exercises to demonstrate capabi- NRF Role/Function lity and maintain the high level of integration it achieved with NATO Air Command (AIRCOM) and JFC Brunssum in 2019. Core personnel and The UK JFAC provides the NATO Force Struc- augmentees regularly attend courses at the many ture (NFS) JFAC for the NRF standby pe- NATO training schools and work alongside other riod in 2020. It is held at readiness to pro- European JFAC HQs to fulfil the United King- vide Air C2 for Non-Article 5 Crises Response dom’s commitment to national, bilateral, alli- Operations (NA5CRO) and to augment the ance and collation operations. The UK JFAC will NATO Command Structure (NCS) JFAC at continue to demonstrate interoperability with Ramstein Airbase for collective self-defence. the French JFAC (Lyon) and 603rd

15 SPANISH MARITIME FORCES HEADQUARTERS

NRF 20 MARTIME COMPONENT COMMAND

SPMARFOR Staff

Spanish Maritime Forces Headquar- follow-on “Trident Jupiter” was to be a evolving situation. In this regard, SPMAR- ter (SPMARFOR-HQ) is one of the four Computer-Assisted Command Post Exer- FOR has been proactive in dealing with the High Readiness Forces (Maritime) cise (CAX/CPX), placing greater emphasis threat of contagion safely and responsibly, Headquarters (HRF (M) HQ) which on the Joint element of multinational mi- while still maintaining the necessary level of can command and control assigned litary operations. Both exercises would test readiness for NATO operations. forces up to the level of a NATO naval SPMARFOR’s ability to act as NATO’s Res- task force. This headquarter provides ponse Force Maritime Component Com- The COVID-19 crisis has been unique, but a Maritime Component Command for mand (NRF/M) as well as its interoperabi- it has also been a reminder of a constant in the NATO Response Force. It is com- lity with supporting air, land, and seaborne military operations: the most effective force prised of personnel and NATO forces. Successful completion of both is one that can quickly adapt to ever-chan- NATO allied officers who currently would be necessary to attain the fully mis- ging conditions. Accordingly, SPMARFOR, come from France, Greece, Italy, Lat- sion-capable status required for the official working closely with the rest of the NATO via, , Turkey and the United assumption of NRF/M duties during 2020. Response Force, will continue to rise to States. SPMARFOR operates from its any challenge. First and foremost, SPMAR- shore-based headquarters in Rota, Last fall’s high OPTEMPO period culmina- FOR remains dedicated to its mission as Spain, as well as at sea on board its ted with the successful execution of both NRF2020 Maritime Component Command, Afloat Command Platform, the Spa- “Dynamic Mariner” and “Trident Jupi- and remains ready to respond to crisis on nish Flagship ESPS Castilla (L52). ter”, ultimately resulting in certification of short notice. SPMARFOR as fully “Mission Capable”. SPMARFOR currently serves as the Mari- Subsequently, this January, SPMARFOR time Component Command (MCC) for the assumed duties as Maritime Component NATO Response Force (NRF), a role that Command of the NRF 2020. Since then, SP- it assumed on January 1st, and that it will MARFOR has continued unit level training, maintain throughout calendar year 2020. maintaining readiness to execute NRF/M duties on short notice. The past year has been extremely busy and productive for SPMARFOR. The primary This December, SPMARFOR bid a fond focus during 2019 was to plan, prepare, and farewell to RADM Alfonso Pérez de Nancla- successfully execute two large joint NATO res, who completed his tour of duty as SP- certification exercises in October and No- MARFOR Deputy Commander. Since then vember, while deployed at sea on board his replacement, RADM Ignacio Villanueva, ESPS “Castilla” (L52). “Dynamic Mariner” has quickly adapted to his new leadership was planned for October as a livex exercise role on our multinational staff. with a distinctly maritime focus and the participation of twenty-five surface comba- In recent months the story dominating the tants, two submarines, fourteen helicopters, headlines has been the global COVID-19 four maritime patrol aircraft and a Landing pandemic. Like everybody else, SPMAR- Force onboard Spanish LPDs. November’s FOR has had to cope real-time with the

16 THE POLISH 21ST PODHALE RIFLEMEN’S BRIGADE THE

VERY HIGH READINESS JOINT TASK FORCE 2020 NRF 20

As a part of restructuring the NRF, "We knew that 'Brilliant Jump' would be marching columns, up to the march to the NATO has also established a Very carried out, but we did not know the date port of loading. "We are ready to reach any High Readiness Joint Task Force or scope of the exercise (...) When the acti- area of activity through any possible path. It (VJTF) which can deploy within days. vation was announced, many soldiers were does not matter to us whether it will be rail, It comprises of a multinational bri- on courses or on holiday. Thanks to this, the road, air or sea transport". - emphasizes Lt. gade (approximately 5,000 troops), command could test the real ability to mobi- Col. Iwanek. with up to five , supported lize the VJTF brigade. Immediately, almost by air, maritime and special forces. a one hundred percent of soldiers appeared After deploying on the theatre of operation, in the unit. Only a small group stayed on mi- “Spearhead” main task is to secure The force is available to move at the litary business trips abroad. Their absence the indicated place for the remaining forces first warnings and indicators of po- would not affect the course of the exercises, of the VJTF Brigade . After that, battalion tential threats, before a crisis be- so we did not call them". - said Brigadier Ge- can continue fighting as the mechanized gins, to act as a potential deterrent to neral Dariusz Lewandowski, commander of battalion. "On stand by phase, we conduct further escalation. the land component of the NATO Response all tasks related to the operation of our bat- Force brigade. talion, from administrative matters to trai- In the case of an activation, VJTF Brigade ning. If the activation will found us during elements have a maximum of 5 days to The quickest to respond to activation order the exercises, we would be deploy to the move to the operation area, which can be up should be forces of the “Spearhead” batta- area of operations straight from the training to 8000 km from Brussels. The use of the lion. Battalion must be able to move to any ground. (...) Even while at home, soldiers VJTF Brigade is decided by the Eurocorps place in the world within 48 hours. Soldiers are ready for the signal all the time and can command in Strasbourg. from 1st Podhale Riflemen’s battalion did immediately hit the road" - said Lt. Col. Iwa- not disappoint their hopes and completed nek. “Brilliant Jump 2020 ” is the first exercise the task in even less time - they needed 42 The exercise "Brilliant Jump 2020 (1)" was of the Polish NATO Response Force brigade hours. attended by over 2,500 soldiers and 1060 during the stand by phase has started this As Lt. Col. Rafał Iwanek, commander of vehicles, 1100 tonnes of supply transferred year. The aim of the exercise was to check the 1st Battalion of the Podhale Rifles, said: and overcome by land transport in total 20 the readiness of the 21st Podhale Riflemen’s "Two days is the maximum specified time, thousand kilometres. It can be said that the Brigade and other NRF units to deploy its but the sooner we are able to achieve readi- basis for success was efficient logistics. The forces in case of activation. ness, the more time we have to remove any more that as emphasized by Major Radosław shortcomings in the preparation of people Kozielewicz, acting commander of the logis- One of key aspects of the exercise was to or equipment". tic battalion of the VJTF brigade, the unit achieve readiness to deploy forces at the itself performs all deliveries, ranging from certain time. 1st Podhale Riflemen’s bat- In accordance with NATO guidelines, the food, through fuel to ammunition’s. The talion acting as “Spearhead” had to appear “Spearhead” battalion was checked at every more that the fact of participation in mi- at the port of embarkation no later than 48 stage of preparation: from the appearance litary exercises does not release you from hours after the activation. Other VJTF bri- of soldiers, through the preparation of compliance with transport regulations. gade forces had five days to do so. equipment, picking up supplies, forming

17 POLISH SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES

NRF 20 SPECIAL FORCES COMPONENT COMMAND

Special Operations Forces (SOF) are Empire, as well as in the imperial forces of both operational and strategic significance. military units trained to conduct ope- Japan. An important task of the Special Forces is rations defined as "military activities to maintain the readiness of their ability to conducted by specially designated, In Poland the Special Troops Command support other services in combating terro- organized, trained, and equipped for- is the fourth military branch of the Armed rism within the territory of the state. ces, manned with selected personnel, Forces of the Republic and was formed in using unconventional tactics, techni- early 2007. It is composed of special forces The are ready to con- ques, and modes of employment.” units and a commanding headquarters with duct the full spectrum of special operations a variety of tasks such as: the implementa- tasks articulated in the catalogue of special Special Operation Forces emerged in the tion and coordination of projects related to capabilities. By engaging in NATO opera- early 20th Century, becoming more and the use of special units at home and abroad; tions and NATO Response Forces, these more relevant to the battlefield comman- the preparation of Polish Special Forces to troops also make a significant contribution ders especially during the Second World cooperate within the Multinational Joint to broader security stabilization. War, when almost all participating nations Special Operations Forces of NATO and created formations to conduct special ope- the European Union; the planning and pro- The structure of Special Forces is based rations behind enemy lines or on key ter- gramming of the development of Special on independent units clustered under one rain. Forces; the coordination and supervision of command, consisting of specially selected, training processes amongst commands and trained and equipped soldiers prepared to Special Forces are able to perform a variety staffs of Special Forces units; the setting of operate in the highest risk environment. of functions including airborne operations, objectives for training and vocational trai- counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, co- ning of soldiers in military specialties of the The Special Forces Command is currently vert operations, hostage rescue, intelligence Special Forces corps; and the performance assigned the role as NATO Response Force & reconnaissance operations, unconventio- of all tasks related to the exercise of the 2020 Component Command. Therefore, nal warfare and, of course, prosecute high- function of armour and armament equip- the command participated in several nati- value targets. ment for Special Forces. onal evaluation exercises and in the NATO Trident Jupiter 19 series so that it could be Therefore, Special Forces units have played Polish Special Forces are designed to con- certified fit to undertake its assigned task. an important role throughout the history of duct special operations both in-country and warfare such that, today, their value is un- abroad, during peace, crisis and war. Being disputed when it comes to gathering essen- an integral part of the Polish Armed Forces, tial intelligence vis-à-vis an adversary and, they are part of all their missions. The most increasingly, in combating irregular forces. important task is to prepare and participate Special Forces can be traced back to the Chi- in national defence operations if needed. nese and Roman Empires. They were also Actions carried out by commandos together part of the Muslim forces in the Ottoman with conventional forces or alone can have 18 THE JOINT LOGISTICS SUPPORT GROUP – NATO NRF

2020 SUPPORT NRF 20

1 January 2020 once again saw the enabling logistic units inserted into theatre military stakeholders to benefit deployed Commander Joint Force Command from Troop Contributing Nations. Therefo- forces. Brunssum assume responsibility for re, it is highly likely that when required, the NATO’s Rapid Reaction Force (NRF) JLSG will discharge operational and logistic To ensure preparedness of the JLSG, and its many supporting entities. To control over a significantly large number of the Command regularly facilitates achieve this, the Commander has se- personnel. training using a bi-annual academics veral enablers at his disposal, not programme, as well as deploying staff least of which is the Joint Logistics Once the decision is taken to deploy the in support of joint operational exer- Support Group (JLSG). JLSG into the JOA, the JLSG will need to cises (TRIDENT JUNCTURE, BRIL- plan, coordinate and execute three key LIANT JOUST and, most recently, At the Wales Summit of 2014, the complex processes. Firstly, the management of the TRIDENT JUPITER) in order to train nature of supporting multinational forces Reception, Staging and Onward Movement and integrate both the Core Staff Ele- of all domains operating in a Joint Operati- (RSOM) of NATO forces – a process which ments and augmentees. ons Area (JOA) was explored and the JLSG uses Land, Maritime and Air assets to move concept offered as a solution to coordinate personnel, vehicles and equipment from ar- 2020 - A pivotal year for the logistic operations, enabling effectiveness rival at a Sea or Air Port of Debarkation to a and efficiency to be utilised to ensure opti- location as determined by the mission plan. JLSG mal support to the troops in theatre. The Secondly, the JLSG will have to facilitate roles associated with the JLSG means that the provision of a consistent flow of sus- With formal recognition of the JLSG as they are one of the first elements to enter a tainment to ensure that the deployed forces an independent Command expected to crisis and one of the last elements to leave. receive sufficient quantities of provisions, be achieved early in 2020 and a new, post fuel and ammunition; the JLSG’s mainte- NATO Command Structure Adaptation Since 2015, JFC Brunssum has had a JLSG nance of a continuous sustainment flow is (NCS-A) manning structure will be adop- under its command, with 4 posts initially integral to meeting the mission objectives. ted. This will see the JLSG grow from the created to provide a permanent staff pres- Finally, the Rearward Movement, Staging current 25 Core Staff Element to a staff of ence and with a further 21 posts dual hatted and Dispatch (RMSD) will typically signify 77 as a permanent Headquarters. When de- from JFC Brunssum to create the 25 JLSG the conclusion of the JLSG responsibilities ployed in crisis, however, the requirement Core Staff Element posts and in addition 86 in theatre as the Joint Task Force withdraws for 113 personnel will still exist; force ge- posts would be force generated during the forces elements from the Theatre of Opera- neration post NCS-A will be achieved by a NRF Force Generation Conference. When tions, but must also be carefully coordinated mutual support agreement that will be for- activated, however, the Full Operating Ca- to ensure a smooth return. malised with our sister JLSG HQ in Naples, pability (FOC) of the JLSG, within the JOA, Italy, who will provide the other manpower is 113 personnel in total. This, therefore, re- When activated, the JLSG will synchronise to achieve the mission. This formal recogni- lies on rapid force generation from national and coordinate the logistics flow into and tion of the JLSG Command is an important augmentation to achieve the desired num- within the theatre, tailored to the require- milestone on the way to Initial Operating ber of personnel for the Headquarters. In ments of the mission while simultaneously Capability (IOC) being declared in April addition, and to allow the JLSG to achieve coordinating cross-functional solutions 2021 and Full Operating Capability (FOC) its purpose when deployed, it will require provided by all governmental, civilian and in January 2023.

19 EXERCISE DEFENDER-EUROPE 20 “A PLATFORM TO STRENGTHEN THE READINESS AND USDE20 INTEROPERABILITY OF ALLIED FORCES”

Introduction: Exercise DEFENDER-Eu- initiative transparent Alliance leaders agreed elements, principally the level of interoperabi- rope 20 (USDE20) is a US-led multinational that non-NATO flagged exercises conducted lity between the countries. As forces operate exercise, that includes NATO's participation. by troops from member nations, with partners together mutual understanding will develop It is the largest deployment of US-based forces in support, could be better utilised to achieve and areas that require improvement will be to Europe in more than 25 years with 20,000 Alliance strategic communications objectives exposed. The exercise also provides a testing soldiers planned to deploy directly from the and tactical/operational military synchronisa- ground for new ideas from which new working US to Europe. As such, it demonstrates US tion. Thus the decision was taken to support doctrine can be developed that better reflects commitment to NATO and American resolve USDE20 with NATO assets although it was new and emerging security threats. Finally, to stand by European Allies and Partners. not, officially, an Alliance-flagged exercise. Defender is an exhibition of US commitment This is very much a new approach for NATO to its European allies and many hold the view General Tod D. Wolters, Supreme Allied Com- and many lessons have already been learned that the demonstration of collective defence is mander Europe and Commander US Euro- but it is likely this concept will remain in place the Alliance’s best deterrent. pean Command, describes the exercise as: "A for some years to come as it delivers strategic platform to strengthen the readiness and in- objectives and, concurrently, a noticeable eco- Impact of COVID-19: Following the out- teroperability of Allied Forces." nomy of scale. break of coronavirus (COVID-19) and the ensuing worldwide pandemic that it ushered Alliance Perspective: Throughout the pe- USDE20 Evolution: On 7 October 2019, US in, prudent steps were taken to scale back De- riod of the International Security Assistance European Command (USEUCOM) officially fender; in order to ensure both the safety of Force (ISAF), 11 August 2003 to 31 December announced what was intended to be the largest the personnel involved and the citizens in the 2014, in Afghanistan, interoperability was not deployment of US-based land forces to Europe counties where the linked exercises were sche- an issue for NATO as participation in the ISAF for an exercise in more than 25 years. It was duled to take place. mission delivered synchronised tactics, plan- planned the exercise, Defender-Europe 20, ning and procedures amongst the nations as would be Europe’s third largest since the end In response to the outbreak and subsequent a consequence of that participation. And this of the Cold War, with over 37,000 (20,000 US guidance by the United States’ Secretary of interoperability extended to partners as well. troops deployed from the continental US plus Defense, Defender was modified in size and At the height of the ISAF mission 52 nations 17,000 US, allied and partner troops already in scope. had troops on the ground and numbers ex- Europe) service members and eighteen coun- ceeded 160,000. When the mission came to tries participating. The US contingent would As of March 13, all movement of personnel and end NATO was keen to explore ways via which operate in conjunction with its European and equipment from the United States to Europe high levels of interoperability might be main- NATO allies in activities focused on strengthe- formally ceased. tained and the so-called ‘high visibility’ exer- ning readiness and interoperability, demon- cise series was implemented. The concept strating recognition amongst the countries According to the United States European was relatively simple. Every three years the that capability in partnership is essential. Command, “The health, safety and readiness Alliance would conduct an exercise culmina- Lieutenant General Christopher Cavoli, US of our military, civilians, and family members ting in a LIVEX with 30-40,000 allied, and Army Europe Commanding General said: is our primary concern. With this decision, we partner, troops. Exercise locations would ro- “Conducting tough, realistic training along- continue to preserve the readiness of our force tate between north and south Europe so that side our allies and partners in Europe enhan- while maximizing our efforts to advance our operational-level leadership would alternate ces those professional relationships that build alliances and partnerships.” between the two large Joint Force Commands trust and confidence in each other and incre- – Brunssum in the north and Naples in the ases our overall interoperability, readiness As a result of the decision, the linked exercises south – and take place every three years from and the ability to collectively deter potential to Exercise Defender-Europe 20 - Dynamic instigation. The first of these exercises was threats.” Front, Joint Warfighting Assessment, Saber conducted in 2015 and the second in 2018. Strike and Swift Response - will not be con- However, although successful, the ‘high visibi- USDE20 Key Points: The exercise pro- ducted. Forces already deployed to Europe for lity’ exercises proved extremely expensive and vides a multifaceted opportunity. Firstly, it other linked exercises will return to the United the Alliance began to look for a way to deliver provides a platform for the evaluation of the States. much needed interoperability at reduced cost. readiness of Europe’s armies to respond to a Towards the end of 2019, with the USDE20 threat. This readiness encompasses a range of 20 In response to COVID-19, NATO has taken diers will come from the 6th Airborne Brigade; tes in the Baltic nations, demonstrating that precautionary measures based on the guidance 9th Armored Calvary Brigade; 12th Mechanized distance wouldn’t prevent NATO forces from of the World Health Organization to safeguard Brigade, 2nd Engineer Regiment, and the 5th coming to the aid of an Ally. the health of its personnel, family members Engineer Regiment. Additional support per- and home nations. Daily operations continue, sonnel will come from U.S. Army Europe and Since January, the U.S. Army deployed ap- with measures implemented to reduce the ex- subordinate units: 21st Theater Sustainment proximately 6,000 Soldiers from the United posure and potential transmission of the virus Command and 7th Army Training Command. States to Europe including a division head- and NATO is conducting continuous assess- quarters and an armoured brigade combat ments, as the situation is dynamic. All personnel arriving at DPTA will go to an team. Approximately 9,000 vehicles and pie- identified Life Support Area (LSA) and under- ces of equipment were moved from U.S. Army Transition to DEFENDER-Europe 20 go a 14-day quarantine (personnel can under- Prepositioned Stocks in Europe and approxi- Plus: To maintain operational readiness and go a 14-day quarantine at their home stations mately 3,000 pieces of equipment arrived via protect the health of the force in response to prior to movement). Personnel will be tested sea from the United States. Likewise, in coor- COVID-19, U.S. Army Europe in coordination for COVID-19. Upon completing quarantine, dination with Allies and partners, Soldiers and with allies and partners will execute a modified testing and receiving a negative test results, equipment arrived at multiple ports where Allied Spirit/DEFENDER-Europe 20 Plus, they will be sent to their designated LSA. Per- they then undertook onward movement to tentatively scheduled June 5-19 at Drawsko sonnel that test positive for COVID-19 will be training areas in Germany and Poland. Pomorskie Training Area (DPTA), Poland. placed in isolation for further testing and trace teams will be activated to identify potential Many details regarding what the remainder of The U.S. and Polish bilateral exercise will fea- others that may have been infected. Defender will look like are still being worked ture a Polish airborne operation and a U.S.- and discussed between the participating NATO Polish division-size river crossing. The deci- Additionally, U.S. Army Europe planners are Allies and partners. Changes are anticipated to sion to modify rather than cancel the exercise in the process of developing a training plan the deployment timelines of Soldiers currently was made with careful consideration of public to link modified DEFENDER-Europe 20 acti- in Europe, redeployment of U.S.-based equip- health while building military readiness. vities to an Army Preposition Stock draw and ment, and the next Atlantic Resolve rotation. live fire exercise at Bergen Hohne Training Details about these adjustments have not yet The exercise will involve a Combined Arms Area, Germany. been finalized due to the ongoing nature of the Rehearsal (CAR) conducted by elements of COVID pandemic. the U.S. and Polish units. Following the CAR, While the initial scope of the exercise was battalion and company size elements will con- scaled back, the functions required to deploy Apart from military training objectives, the duct river crossing rehearsals (both period of brigade and division sized elements from the health of participating soldiers remains a pri- daylight and darkness). Additionally, elements United States to Europe and the ability to ority. The scaled-back version of Defender is of the 6th Polish ABN will execute an airborne coordinate large scale movements with Allies expected to potentially mitigate the spread of operation. Following the completion of all re- and partners were exercised and tested. the virus within NATO forces and also to sup- hearsals, participating units will reset and plan Supply and reinforcement lines were tested port local containment efforts and objectives. the execution of the final river crossing. across Europe. Troops disembarked via air- The modification of the exercise will not harm craft while equipment arrived by sea. They NATO’s ability to protect all Allies and to pro- Approximately 6,000 U.S. and Polish Sol- were both successfully linked together and tect our shared values. Our nations, Allies, diers will take part in the exercise. Of those, then caravanned via convoy from ports and partners, and potential adversaries should approximately 4,000 U.S. Soldiers will come supply depots in Belgium, the Netherlands know that our forces remain ready. from the 1st Division Headquarters and Germany to exercise areas throughout (Forward); 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team Europe. Road, air, rail, and sea transport lines and 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry facilitated the expedient deployment of troops. Division; and approximately 2,000 Polish Sol- Many traversed thousands of kilometres to si-

ALLIED COMMAND COUNTERINTELLIGENCE: HERE TO PROTECT YOU!

the Netherlands (Utrecht, Eindhoven, Maas- personnel to download and/or run a given tricht, Heerlen and Brunssum), in Germany program on their unclassified workstation. (Aachen, Dusseldorf and Cologne), and Belgi- um (Liege, Verviers and Brussels). Further, in Additionally, these intelligence services are this same time frame, ACCI has fielded many heavily invested in acts of Subversion, creating reports concerning video/photographic sur- influence through the employment of creative veillance of USAG Schinnen, JFC Brunnsum, narratives via social and traditional media AFNORTH and other NATO affiliated facilities mediums. These narratives and the resulting in the surrounding region. influence can erode support for NATO and/or allied nations, as well as undermine the many The greatest Espionage threats present in the missions and objectives pursued by the Alli- Benelux are generated by known and suspec- ance. ted agents of adversarial intelligence services. Our ability to protect the Alliance is largely re- These intelligence services are truly modern liant upon the willingness of NATO personnel and employ a full range of capabilities, from and dependants to inform ACCI when they be- Allied Command Counterintelligence (ACCI) the traditional human intelligence collection lieve they may have been personally targeted, was established to conduct a wide-range of (e.g., elicitation) to the non-traditional realms or otherwise observed a suspicious act target- activities in order to detect, identify, assess, of cyber and cellular telecommunications. ing a fellow NATO member, entity or organiza- deter, exploit or neutralize Terrorism, Espio- Some of these threats are represented in the tion. It is for this reason we ask that, “If you see nage, Sabotage and Subversion (TESS) threats receipt of unsolicited correspondence (e.g., something, say something”. to the Alliance. These threats are often posed emails or social media messaging), and can by hostile intelligence services and internati- span the gamut from consultation or contract The local ACCI office charged with protecting onal terrorist organizations, existing all over offers to requests interviews and academic pa- you from these threats is the Brunssum De- Europe, including here in the Benelux. pers. tachment, located in building H201, across from the BSG offices. The greatest Terrorism threats present in the In the last two years, a common form of unso- Benelux (aka Tri-Border Region) are often licited communication has been employed to They be reached, via walk-in during posed by persons and/or organizations asso- great effect at JFCB: via our office telecom- working hours, or alternately, by phone ciated with Violent Radical Extremism, which munications. This scheme, possibly meant to (+31 (0)45 526-3396) or email can be representative of any ideology, from Sabotage our communications capability(s), ([email protected]). the religious to the political. In the past three often involved a caller portraying themselves years, terrorism suspects have been arrested in as a legitimate authority and urging NATO 21 graphic design magazines web services support Cafe & Restaurant

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Short articles about JFC Brunssum (JFCBS) staff conducting Expert Team Vi- sits (ETVs) to NATO’s partner nations re- gularly feature in Northern Star. However, NATO’s Partners readers may not be aware of the finer details and the strategic importance of these acti- Istanbul Partnership for Mediterranean Partners across vities. This article aims therefore to intro- Cooperation duce the topic of Military Partnerships and Peace Dialogue the Globe to provide a better understanding of ETVs. Initiative Armenia Algeria Bahrain Afghanistan Why are Military Partnerships Austria Egypt Kuwait Australia important? Azerbaijan Qatar Colombia Belarus Jordan United Arab Security in NATO countries is not just lin- Emirates Bosnia and Mauritania Japan ked to events within NATO borders but also Herzegovina to actions farther away, such as in Central Morocco The Republic Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. The Finland of Korea Georgia Tunisia reverse is also true. NATO has therefore Mongolia made Cooperative Security one of its 3 core Kazakhstan New Zealand tasks and has reached out to develop its coo- Kyrgyz Republic peration with partners around the world. Pakistan Ireland

Who are NATO’s Partners? Malta Moldova NATO has formal partnerships with 41 non- North member nations. These relationships fall Russia under 3 regional frameworks and one other Serbia grouping: ‘’ includes neighbours in Europe and the former Soviet Sweden Union, ‘The ’ involves Switzerland 7 nations of the Mediterranean region, and ‘The Istanbul Cooperation Initiative’ compri- Tajikistan ses 4 partners of the Middle East region. Nine Turkmenistan ‘Partners across the Globe’ are not assigned to Ukraine a particular framework but are countries that cooperate with NATO in areas of mutual in- Uzbekistan terest, such as emerging security challenges. Table listing NATO’s partners under the regional frameworks that they belong to.

24 How does the Military ship for Peace countries (Armenia, Austria, Systems, Information and Psychological Ope- Azerbaijan, Belarus, Finland, Ireland, Ka- rations, and Military Combat Engineering. Partnership process work? zakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Sweden, Swit- zerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uz- The Officer with Primary Responsibility for an Every partnership is unique with nations ha- bekistan) and one Partner across the Globe ETV, who will be a member of the Implemen- ving different levels of ambition for their coo- (Afghanistan). Additionally, JFCBS supports tation, Coordination and Execution Section of peration with NATO. International Staff at SHAPE with mobile training for 2 special- J9’s Military Partnership Branch, will manage NATO Headquarters therefore establish goals relations partners (Ukraine and Georgia). the event’s planning and execution. Two or 3 for each individual partnership. These goals are SMEs from the relevant Section at JFCBS will translated by the International Military Staff When do these visits happen? lead the delivery of lessons, which might be into military objectives, from which SACEUR’s in the form of classroom briefs or more prac- Strategic Partnership Directive is produced. tical syndicate exercises. To enable greater JFCBS typically conducts between 25 and communication and dialogue outside of the Guided by this directive, Joint Force Com- 30 ETVs throughout the year. Visits usu- formal training programme, evolutions such mands (JFCs) liaise bilaterally with each part- ally last for one week and are scheduled as ice-breakers, hosted dinners, and cultural ner nation to produce an annual plan of activi- outside of major JFCBS HQ events, such tours are often included in the programme. ty. The finalised plan, known as the ‘Final List as exercises, so that Subject Matter Ex- of Events’, may include ETVs to be executed by perts (SMEs) are available to support them. the JFCs and Single Service Commands. Be- In summary, JFCBS personnel routinely cause of the process described above, each ETV What does an ETV involve? undertake ETVs to partner nations where should create an effect. That effect will sup- they help to develop a partner’s understan- port a military objective, and that objective will ding of a particular topic. This effort aims to Each ETV will tend to focus on a specific to- lead to the achievement of a partnership goal. strengthen NATO’s military partnerships in pic. Last year’s visits covered the following order to enhance regional and global secu- subjects: Operational Planning, Logistics, Where does JFCBS conduct rity. Such is the value of this work that the Civil Military Cooperation, Law of Armed Brussels Summit declaration in July 2018 ETVs to? Conflict and Legal Aspects, Medical, Trai- stated “NATO partnerships are, and will con- ning and Exercise, NATO Overview, Joint tinue to be, essential to the way NATO works”. Assessment, Non Commissioned Officer Lea- Of NATO’s 41 partners, JFCBS is responsi- dership, Communication and Information ble for managing activity with 13 Partner-

25 NATIONAL

the country’s defence policy. Their role is to the country’s defencepolicy. Theirroleisto of themaininstrumentsforimplementation spending of60:20:20. for personnelcosts, operatingcostsandcapital capabilities. Theaimisby2024toreacharatio quisition ofnewNATO-interoperabledefence 20% oftotalannualdefencespendingonac- well astohaveatleast ding to2%ofGDPas defence spen- regarding theincreasein ments implement theNATOWalesSummitcommit- tic Productuntil2024”.Bulgariaisresolvedto Defence Spendingto2%oftheGrossDomes- the Increasing for Plan “National the to ding fence budgetto2%oftheGDPby2024accor- licy istoachieveagradualincreaseofthede- to thedefencesysteminparticular. challenges tothenationalsecuritysystemand as organizedcrimeandcybercrime, posenew risks ofmassmigrationandterrorism, aswell development of"hybridwarfare", thepotential globally andregionally.Thedynamicsinthe tainable deepeningofdestabilizingprocesses predictable securityenvironment, withasus- in adynamic, complexandincreasinglyun- Security inPeacetime. and Security;(3)ContributiontotheNational fence; (2)SupporttotheInternationalPeace (1) De- assigned missions: three on the tasks bilities fortheexecutionofArmedForces` capa- defence of development and building-up against thecountryanditsallies. influence of means and methods hybrid of use today, giventheincreasingpenetrationand and legaltools.Thisisparticularlyimportant intelligence financial, economic, formational, to theusagealsoofdiplomatic, political,in- plementation ofacomprehensiveapproach the militaryinstrument, itrequirestheim- capabilities ofNATOandtheEU. Besides planning, developmentanduseofdefence on theactiveparticipationinprocessof sis. Theachievementofthisobjective isbased and controlsysteminpeacetimecri- Armed Forceswithasinglesetofcommand bilities, andbuildingupNATO-interoperable provement anduseofadequate defencecapa- tional intereststhroughthedevelopment, im- Policy istheprotectionandpromotionofna- lities. tary andnon-military defencecapabi mili national of employment effective rity andDefencePolicy throughthe the EuropeanUnion’s CommonSecu- work ofNATO’scollectivedefenceand and implemented within theframe- CONTRIBUTION 26 The Bulgarian Armed Forces remain one The BulgarianArmedForcesremainone po- defence Bulgarian of the priority key A The Bulgariandefencesystemfunctions The BulgarianDefencePolicyisaimedat The strategicgoaloftheBulgarianDefence The defenceofBulgariais planned - - full implementation of all agreed tFP measu- full implementationofallagreedtFP is workingcloselyandcontributingtothe security ofBulgaria. Therefore, thecountry nues tobeofexceptionalimportanceforthe Presence (tFP)intheBlackSearegionconti- Bulgarian defencepolicy. and defencepostureisthetoppriorityof ted tothebuild-upofAlliance'sdeterrent andBrusselsSummits'decisionsrela- commitments andespeciallytheNATOWales, Therefore, theimplementationofnational security environmentinEuropesince2014. curity challengesofafundamentallychanged se- the address effectively to country the bles 's securityandthemembershipena- since 2004. TheAllianceisthecornerstoneof the government. the ArmedForcesforexecutionoftaskssetby employment of for common form are themost resources ofthecountry. Militaryoperations ever-changing securityenvironment andthe bilities aredevelopedinaccordancewiththe contemporary risksandthreats, whosecapa- and modernarmedforces,adequate tothe rity andDefence. mentation oftheCommonEUPolicyforSecu- management ofcrises, aswellintheimple- missions andoperationsforprevention tion tocollectivedefence, byparticipationin contribu- effective through EU, the and NATO aty, assharedresponsibilitieswithalliesfrom tegrity underArt.5oftheNorthAtlanticTre- of thecountryandtoprotectitsterritorialin- guarantee thesovereigntyandindependence BULGARIAN ARMEDFORCES In this regard, NATO’s tailored Forward In thisregard,NATO’stailoredForward Bulgaria hasbeenaNATOmemberstate Bulgaria buildsoperationallycompatible ces, withintheassignedtimeframe. the NRIwithformationsfromourArmedFor- and wewillparticipateintheongoingworkon (MNC-SE) InSibiu, Romania. thene- wly establishedMultinationalCorpsSoutheast in officers staff more 8 of pointment Currently therearenegotiationsfortheap- Commander ofNATOrapiddeployablecorps. has onapermanentbasespositionofDeputy Bulgaria where NRDC-GR, the to affiliated is mentioned above. OnemechanisedBrigade HQ the division to affiliated is brigade nised dier General)sinceJuly 2019. Onemecha- of deputycommanderthedivision(Briga- in Bucharest, amongthemtherotationalpost ofthe HQ the Multinational DivisionSoutheast(MND-SE) to areappointed officers staff appointed 2servicementoitsHQ.10other (MN BDESE)inCraiova, Romania, andhas talion totheMultinationalBrigadeSouthEast The Republic of Bulgaria has affiliated one bat- elements of NFS at the Eastern flank of NATO. ces continuetoactively participateinvarious For- Armed Bulgarian The filled. be will posts By theendof2021100%NCSnationalquota Structure (NCS)andForce(NFS). the developmentofAlliance’s Command wood (UK). NATO's AlliedMaritimeCommandinNorth- maritime activitiesinBlackSeaandreportto analyse informationandcoordinateallNATO high priorityissueforBulgaria, willcollectand Coordination CentreinVarna. TheCentre,asa res, includinginteraliatheestablishmentofa The role of the Bulgarian Armed Forces The roleoftheBulgarianArmedForces We havealreadydeclaredourcontribution Bulgaria continuestocontributeactively to is to guarantee the sovereignty, security and Bulgaria have contributed to RSM, including its commitment to build up the NATO Crisis independence of the country and defend its 160 servicemen as of today. (source - Internet) Management and Disaster Response Centre territorial integrity. In order to fulfil this role, of Excellence (CMDR COE) The Centre has three main missions are assigned to the Bulga- The Bulgarian Army contribution to the been formally accredited by the North Atlantic rian Armed Forces as follows: NATO Response Force (NRF) in 2020 inclu- Council and provides specialized expertise in Mission DEFENCE covers the tasks re- ded maintaining of a permanent operatio- capacity building support, improvement of in- lated to guaranteeing the State’s sovereignty nal readiness movement control team, a unit teroperability and training for member states and independence, defense of the territorial dedicated for special operations, a military and NATO partners. CMDR COE currently has integrity of the country and of the other NATO police company, CIMIC unit, CBRN unit and two Sponsoring Nations - Greece and Poland, member-states pursuant to Article 5 of the a medical surgical team. The and one Framework Nation - the Republic of . In this context, if neces- also contributes with forces and resources Bulgaria. Hungary and Romania have recently sary, the Bulgarian Armed Forces are prepared equivalent to one frigate and one minehunter indicated interest to join the COE too. to fight together with Allied forces deployed on three to six months per year. In 2020, Bulgaria the territory of Bulgaria and to provide the re- will participate with one frigate and with one The process of rearmament and moderni- quired Host Nation Support. minehunter in the Standing NATO Maritime zation of the Bulgarian Armed Forces is un- Mission SUPPORT OF INTERNATI- Group 2 (SNMG2) and in the Standing NATO derway to make them more effective and inter- ONAL PEACE AND SECURITY involves Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG 2) operable with NATO. The introduction of new contribution to NATO and EU crisis response respectively. weapon systems will go in parallel with the de- operations; conflicts prevention; countering commissioning of remaining legacy from the terrorism; participation in UN, OSCE missi- The participates with old Soviet type armament. ons and other coalition formats; arms control; helicopters and personnel for this capability, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruc- without rotation, for a period of six months The current major investment projects are: tion, their means of delivery and materials for per year. - Acquisition of a new type of combat aircraft. their production; international military coope- - Acquisition and maintenance of new ar- ration; humanitarian relief; consolidation of Mission CONTRIBUTION TO NATIO- moured combat and combat service sup- confidence and security. NAL SECURITY IN PEACETIME encom- port vehicles for establishing battalion bat- The Bulgarian Armed Forces maintain a passes maintenance of early warning capabi- tle groups within a mechanized brigade. state of readiness for participation in multi- lities for potential risks and threats; control of - Acquisition of multifunctional modular pat- national allied and coalition crisis response the air and maritime spaces; participation in rol vessels for the naval forces. operations. In terms of size they contribute to operations for countering terrorist activities; prolonged operations with concurrent rotation protection of strategic facilities; protection Their implementation will overcome a de- of one reinforced battalion (Battle Group) or and assistance to the population in the event of ficit of critically needed defensive capabilities. greater number smaller units and assets from natural disasters, industrial emergencies and Simultaneously, overcoming the capability the military services exclusively within the re- ecological catastrophes; unexploded ordnance shortfalls depends also on the acquisition of source equivalent to the level of ambition (on disposal; humanitarian relief; support to mi- new 3D radars, air and missile defence sys- average about 1000 troops). The Navy partici- gration control; search, rescue and evacuation tems, systems for command and control, de- pates with declared forces within the resource activities; support, when necessary, to other velopment of capabilities for cyber defence, equivalent to one frigate for a period up to 6 government bodies, organizations and local , attack helicopters, UAVs, on the months per year. The Air Force participates authorities to prevent and overcome the af- modernization of the Wielingen-class , with transport aviation without rotation for a termath of terrorist attacks, natural disasters, modernization of T-72 tanks and other pro- period up to 6 months per year with the ne- ecological and industrial catastrophes and se- jects. cessary personnel. The necessary logistics and vere infectious disease outbreaks. The acquisition of the first lot of eight F-16 other elements for participation in operations At present, in the context of the fight Block 70 fighters will provide the country with are also ensured. against the COVID-19 pandemic, and in accor- the most modern in the region and combat- The Bulgarian contribution to NATO's ac- dance with the constitution, national laws and tested fourth generation multirole fighter. tivities is multi-component. Bulgaria is acti- the declared state of emergency, the Bulgarian This purchase marked the beginning of the vely working to strengthen political dialogue, Armed Forces are assisting other state institu- technological re-equipment of the Air Force consultation and coordination within the Al- tions in the implementation the measures ta- and opened new horizons for strategic defence liance, contributes to NATO's crisis response ken in relation to the emergency. partnership with the United States as well as operations and missions and to the buildup the development of the Bulgarian defence in- of the collective deterrent and defense pos- Together with other NATO members, dustry. ture. Bulgaria actively supports the Alliance's Bulgaria continues to contribute to NATO's The participation of the Republic of Bul- open-door policy, sharing the position that the partnership policy. Bulgaria is ready to pro- garia in multinational projects and in various European and Euro-Atlantic perspective is the vide support and assistance in the defence and NATO and EU initiatives contributes to over- most stable guarantee for the establishment of security reforms to NATO partner countries. come shortage of critical national capabilities lasting peace, security and prosperity. NATO As an example, practical support for partner and benefits the preparation of the declared membership is precondition for achieving EU countries and candidates for membership units. accession, especially regarding the Western could point out long-term assistance to Geor- By Council of Minister’ decision from Ja- . gia and Ukraine. In 2017-2018, Bulgaria was nuary 2019, a national Strategic Defence and Bulgarian military units and personnel are the NATO Contact Point Embassy in Tbilisi Security System Review was initiated. As part contributing to the NATO Resolute Support and worked actively to provide support and as- of this process, an organization was created Mission (RSM) in Afghanistan, the NATO sistance to Georgia on the path of Euro-Atlan- within the Ministry of Defence to conduct a Mission in Iraq and to KFOR in Kosovo. As of tic integration. The Republic of Bulgaria con- Defence Review. Taking into account the re- today, there are 185 Bulgarian military person- tinues to provide support for the reforms and sults of the Strategic Defence Review, a new nel serving in those missions. implementation of the Significant NATO-Ge- Program for the Development of the Armed orgia package. Bulgaria also supports Ukraine Forces will be under elaboration. The docu- Since 2002, when the Bulgarian Armed by continuing to fulfil our responsibilities as a ment’s time horizon will be 2032 for better Forces joined the Memorandum of Under- leading member of the NATO Trust Fund for synchronization with NATO and EU defence standing to form the International Security Medical Rehabilitation of Wounded Ukrainian planning processes. Based on this program a Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, 9.184 Servicemen. This contribution equals a value new Armed Forces Development Plan 2026 Bulgarian military personnel have participa- of 250,000 Euro. will be elaborated as well. ted in the NATO-led ISAF-mission. Since Ja- Bulgaria's involvement in NATO capability- nuary 1st, 2015, 1300 military personnel from building policy is also materializing through

27 functional area systems. ofoperationalinformation of the management from a multitude support the decision making process. Specifically, my duties entail sources toenabletheHQ maintain situational awarenessand real timeoperationalinformation fromnumerous I synthesize usaboutyourPlease tell job. within theArcticenvironment. sovereignty operations in the planningandconductofdomestic involved directly I was where North, anational HQ Task Force Oneofmy for Joint in Canada’shighNorth.Here,Iworked Arctic Circle the 2004. in Lanka of which isjustsouth Yellowknife, stations includes duty notable Sri in efforts relief tsunami global the to support Team (DART)indirect Relief Assistance Disaster Canada’s of part as further deployed I was Moreover, Middle-East. including Afghanistan,Haiti, and the tours ofduty on multiple Ontario, to Kingston Canada. Ideployed forces, andIwasposted regular the to forces reserve from the transferred immediately Brunswick Canada,I New of University at the Psychology in Criminal of aBachelorArtsdegree completion Upon at Brunssum. us about your arriving Please tell to career prior (CJOC). Centre Joint Operations Combined Service (LC2IS) the within Land CommandandInformation on the Expert Matter Subject the be primary roleisto 2017. at JFCBSHQinJuly My I arrived here When didyou &what isyour arrive job? COMMUNITY 28 #WEAREJFCBS CANADA experience for me andmyfamily. enriching a rewardingand culturally working inNATO hasbeen Overall, development. and professional my personal strengthen to from JFCBSHQwillcontinue team relationships.Myexperiences and maintaining strong level andtheimportanceof developing has providedmewithagreater appreciationfortheoperational first- This framework. joint headquarters a large,multi-national within hand experience to operational opportunity the rare into input the direct me provide afforded has CJOC the in Working What doyou like inyour job? with mysonareprobablyfavouriteactivities. and soccer baseball Goingforbikeridesandplaying vegetables. and variety ofplants to planting and cultivatingawide spare time a lotofmy I devote and summerI am anavidgardenerwhere spring During the winter. and fall the during Flyers Geilenkirchen the for goaltenders the of French, Iamone studying to In addition What are your hobbies? and heplaysfortheGeleen‘Smokeeaters’. player hockey Loganisanenthusiastic my sonisastudent. where International School AFNorth assistant at a teacher’s is Michelle and mysonLogan have movedhere withme. Michelle Yes, mywife Do you here? have family Group andSHAPE. information to theCommand requested provide the we area, where overall European of the awareness in Afghanistan,andsituational mission current our Support, on Resolute needed is analysis and of that,reporting Baltics andfromNorwaytoBelgium.Ontop all30 across the to includes Area North,which from Implementation ofexperts amyriad spans focus Alliance. Ourcurrentgeographical nations inthe from skill-sets specific very incorporates that division ‘combined’ a are truly we sense, this In HQs. service single all with formed partnerships have veryclose we Italy, Naples, in command ‘sister’ our with Working process. this of achievement in the entities ACO all with We workdirectly enable thedecision-makingprocess. and Staff Command the to reporting accurate provide can CJOC domains issharedwithussothatthe respective from eachoftheir that information share information. must It isessential which we with of experts multitude ofthe a few planning divisionsarejust collate to and logistics, intelligence, from the specialists multinational worktogether must we environment operational new informationfromthe and analyse 25personnel, about of staff a daily CJOC team,encompassing the of However, asamember NATION SERVICE NAME : CANADA :  K.Denton : Gregory Joint Operations Centre JFCBS Combined

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