MAGAZINE FOR HQ JFC BRUNSSUM — APRIL 2018
FULL STEAM AHEAD! SPRING EXERCISES KICK START NATO’S READINESS
THIS MONTH’S FOCUS: ENHANCED FORWARD PRESENCE
• EXERCISE DYNAMIC MANTA 2018 • 25 YEARS OF SLOVAK ARMED FORCES JFC• NEW MONTHLY BRUNSSUM FEATURE: QUADRANT — JFCBS’S AREA OF FOCUS MILITARY DISCOUNT CENTRE
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CONTENTS APRIL 2018 EDITORIAL STAFF
2. EDITORIAL Col. Frank Warda (DEU Army) Editorial Director 3. COMMAND GROUP CORNER 4. QUADRANT Lt. Cdr. Davide Galli (ITA Navy) Editor in Chief and Senior Photo Editor 6. COMMANDER JFC BRUNSSUM ON BRILLIANT JOUST 2018 8. BRILLIANT JOUST 2018: READINESS THROUGH TRAINING Lt. Col. Marco Schmidl (DEU Air Force) Deputy Chief Editor and Air Force Editor 10. DIRECTING EXERCISE BRILLIANT JOUST 12. EFP — NATO BATTLE GROUP POLAND: FIRST YEAR OF PROGRESS Lt. Cdr. Piotr Wojtas (POL Navy) WHY BUY A QUALITY CAR? Assistant Editor and Navy Editor 13 SACEUR VISITS EFP-NATO BATTLE GROUPS 14. EXERCISE WINTER SUN Cpt. Aouatef Zimrani (FRA Army) 1) Quality cars are designed and manufactured to last much longer Assistant Editor, Army Editor, Layout 2) Quality cars transport you and your family in the safest environment. 16. EXERCISE DYNAMIC MANTA 3) Quality cars have exceptional resale values 18. THE PORTUGUESE CONTRIBUTION TO SAFEGUARDING NATO SKIES Lt. Cdr. Jerry Parker (GBR Navy) Assistant Editor, Copy Editor 4) Quality cars are reliable 20. 25 YEARS OF THE SLOVAK ARMED FORCES 5) Quality cars are a pleasure to own 22. FROM THE NATO REVIEW: WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY Cpt. Linda Schrader (NLD Army) Army and Host Nation Editor 25. JFCBS TEAM AT ITALIAN MOUNTAIN TROOPS SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS WHY BUY BMW , VOLVO or MERCEDES? 26. IN REMEMBRANCE Adj. Leo Roos (NLD Army) Adj. Shirley Ham-Ter-Haar 27. VISITS AND ACTIVITES (NLD Marechaussee) 1) BMW ,VOLVO and MERCEDES are your Quality cars 28. #WEAREJFCBS Photographers and Photoeditors 2) MASSIVE Military Discounts (Buy Quality for the price of an Average car) 3) FREE Home Shipment to the U.S.A or CANADA when you return home CONTRIBUTORS: Ms Marcela Zelnickova (NATO Editorial Services), 4) FREE Service and Maintenance for 3 Years (U.S. Volvo models) Ms. Vicki Nielsen (NATO Review Editor), 5) FREE European Breakdown/Recovery (incl. Hotel, flights home, rental car) Ms. Christine Chinkin (Director Centre for Women, 6) FREE 4 Year Warranty (3 year EU models) Peace and Security), SHAPE PAO, Allied Maritime Command PAO, Allied Air Command PAO, 7) FREE 12 Year Anti Corrosion guarantee Portuguese Air Force, Capt. Gary Loten-Beckford 8) Purchase Price in YOUR Currency and protected against price increases (eFP Battle Group Poland PAO), Radosława Kubiczek and Lt. Col. Piotr Kozłowski (JFTC), Mr. Tristan Roeven
WHY BUY FROM ROADCRAFT? PHOTO CREDITS: US Department of Defence, Slovak Armed 1) ROADCRAFT guarantee you the lowest price Forces, Allied Maritime Command PAO, Allied 2) ROADCRAFT guarantee the highest level of service Air Command PAO, NATO archive, Lt. Cdr. Piotr ABOUT THE COVER Wojtas, Portuguese Air Force 3) ROADCRAFT deliver to your Military Base 4) ROADCRAFT have over 30 years experience selling to Military/Diplomats Mediterranean Sea, March 2018 — GRAPHIC DESIGN: Italian Navy frigate ‘Carabiniere’ underway during a Derk Smid/DFS Creative • www.dfscreative.com 5) ROADCRAFT provide 24/7 LIFETIME SUPPORT- Unique in car sales phase of exercise Dynamic Manta 2018. 6) ROADCRAFT do not believe in pressure selling. (photo: Allied Maritime Command PAO) We value and respect our customers! COLOPHON www.jfcbs.nato.int Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum The NORTHERN STAR is a publication, published Submissions to the Northern Star can be e-mailed to @jfcbs with the assistance of ‘t Swarte Schaap, in coopera- [email protected]. Articles should be in Microsoft tion with and at no cost to HQ JFC Brunssum. Opin- Word format and, whenever possible, should be no JFC Brunssum (@NATO_JFCBS) OVER 20% ions herein do not necessarily reflect official NATO longer than 300 words. Photographs should be in or HQ JFC Brunssum policy. The appearance of ad- high quality JPEG or in TIFF format. vertisements, including inserts, does not constitute Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum endorsement by NATO or HQ JFC Brunssum of the The Northern Star is published monthly, with the ex- (jfcbrunssum) savings OFF products or services offered. Deadline for articles, ceptions of January and August each year. It is gen- advertisements and photographs is on the Monday erally available around the first Friday of each month NATO JFC Brunssum Tax-Free prices at close of business prior to the week of publication. it is produced. To place an advertisement in the Northern Star, For more information, call Published by ’t Swarte Schaap please call ’t Swarte Schaap and ask for Rob Schaap, ext. 2687 or +31 (0)45 526 26 87. Sint Franciscusweg 36-3 Sint Franciscusweg 36-3, The editor reserves the right 6417BD Heerlen 6417 BD Heerlen, The Netherlands, to edit submissions. +31 (0)45-571 61 16 telephone: +31 (0)45 571 61 16, [email protected] www.MilitaryTaxfreeCars.com / [email protected] or e-mail: [email protected]. media & more www.tswarteschaap.nl direct lines: 0031 646855537 EDITORIAL April Issue Highlights
Dear readers,
Spring is starting to bloom, and with this season NATO’s training Day with a very interesting article on the Centre for Women, Peace and exercise programme is gradually increasing its tempo to allow and Security and its initiatives. Allied forces to be ready and prepared for any task. In the ‘Visits and Activities’ Section you will find a tribute to our The cover of this month’s Northern Star depicts a warship taking community’s beloved former member Gail M. Martinez and to the part in Dynamic Manta, a complex maritime exercise that takes French Colonel Arnaud Beltrame who is a true hero: they both place annually to test NATO’s aero-naval forces in a challenging passed away in the month of March – one in 2016 and the other in tri-dimensional training environment. And with ‘full steam ahead’ 2018 - and both will shine forever like bright stars in the Northern - as emphasized in our headline - other military components are sky, for us all to remember them. training hard to meet the high standards required to maintain full An interview with a Czech staff officer working in the Joint operational capability. Operations Centre concludes the magazine with the #WeAreJFCBS For JFC Brunssum,, March brought the intense exercise Brilliant page. Joust 2018, conducted in Poland at the Joint Force Training Centre. And now let me invite you to read this edition of the Northern Now, let’s flip through the April edition of our magazine. Star!
‘Quadrant’ is the map covering the main activities and tasks in JFC Brunssum’s focus area, a new feature introduced last month Davide Galli, Lieutenant Commander (ITA Navy) with the special pages on our Headquarters. Chief Editor of the Northern Star [email protected]
Our Commanders’ interview provides an insight into the first major training event for this year and his view of our focus topic for this month: Brilliant Joust2018, explaining its objectives and peculiarities from the Command perspective.
Our Deputy Chief of Staff (Plans) provides his insight to recent JFCBS exercises, lessons learned and upcoming challenges.
Updates on two of the main tasks for our Headquarters - NATO Response Force and enhanced Forward Presence battlegroups can also be found within these pages.
For the ‘joint’ pages covering Land, Maritime and Air activities you will find updates about the Swedish exercise Winter Sun, the previously mentioned exercise Dynamic Manta in the central Mediterranean and Portugal’s Air Force contributing to safeguarding NATO’s skies in the Atlantic and, soon, in the Baltics.
For the feature on national armed forces, you’ll learn about the Slovak Armed Forces proudly celebrating, this year, their 25th anniversary, while significantly contributing to NATO missions.
Our collaboration with the NATO Review this month is an opportunity to celebrate the 8th of March International Women’s
2 COMMAND GROUP CORNER Remain Ready – Continuous Adaptation
We continue to live in ‘interesting times’: the nerve agent attack in Salisbury, the al-Assad regime’s indiscriminate use of gas against civilians, and persistent provocative Russian behaviour in Europe are sharp reminders of the threat to the values and international norms that all NATO nations hold dear. The Alliance is in competition and, in areas such as the Information domain, already in confrontation. We must remain ready to counter an opportunistic adversary who seeks to test us daily. And we must adapt if we are to prevail against such non-linear aggression. So, how is JFC Brunssum undertaking continuous adaptation?
Many in the Headquarters have just returned from a demanding but stimulating experience on Ex TRIDENT JOUST. Although based on a Crisis Response Operation scenario, the Exercise provided a wonderful opportunity to build on TRIDENT JAVELIN 17. As well as testing us, this training gave everyone the opportunity to think deeply about our profession, and we should all have emerged with improved staff processes and procedures which will make this Headquarters better able to exercise Command and Control (C2) over Joint activity and operations.
JOUST also shone a first light on the potential of ‘reachback’. This aspect will be explored further in a re-appraisal of our C2 concept that seeks to ensure survivability against a peer- adversary.
Significantly, JFC Brunssum has established the ‘3rd pillar’ – Plans, alongside Operations and Support in both peace and crisis/conflict. This is long overdue and reflects not only the lesson of recent operations that planning remains as important even after the campaign has begun, but also the maxim of the very first SACEUR that, “the plan is nothing; planning is everything”. Planning is the continuous, cross-functional activity that lays the foundation for speed of both decision and action; on this will hinge the tempo that unlocks operational success. In parallel, Europe remains ‘a theatre in transition’ from Assurance to Deterrence, allied with Defence and Dialogue. Our recent exercises have highlighted that the complexity, JFC Brunssum remains at the forefront of this seminal change to scale and pace of potential operations will ask much of both NATO’s posture in northern Europe, while continuing to contribute commander and staff, and we can no longer rely solely on periodic to the 360o projection of Stability including through our Military major exercises to equip us adequately. Therefore, through 2018 Partnerships’ programme. The NATO Force Integration Units and beyond, JFC Brunssum will conduct structured internally- (NFUIs) and enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) lie at the heart of delivered Battle Staff Continuation Training to build and maintain our success in this ongoing transition, and both will adapt so as to the staff acumen demanded by combat operations at scale. continue to make major contribution as JFC Brunssum looks to the future. The Headquarters stands ready to commence a major task of 2018: the revision of the first of our advance plans. It will Our task in the Alliance is to preserve peace in Europe, start with BOLD BLUEPRINT in early May, which will be the first and so safeguard the peoples of our Nations. We must all remain event of its kind. This endeavour, involving both NATO Command ready to act, as required, to defend our collective security. Given Structure (NCS) and NATO Force Structure (NFS) headquarters, an uncertain future, our role at JFC Brunssum, and that of our will take our advance planning well beyond the PowerPoint, subordinate commands, is as relevant as ever. Your individual delivering executable plans of detail and substance. contribution could not be more vital.
This work will also enhance our linkages with the NFS, and Major General Karl Ford, particularly the NATO Response Force (NRF), which is one of the Deputy Chief of Staff Plans, corner-stones of NATO Command Structure Adaptation (NCSA). Allied JFC Brunssum
3 QUADRANT OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN JFC BRUNSSUM’S FOCUS AREA QUADRANT OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN JFC BRUNSSUM’S FOCUS AREA March/April 2018 COMMANDER JFC BRUNSSUM ON
BRJT18 BRILLIANT JOUST 2018
Interview by Lt. Cdr. Jeremy Parker, JFCBS PAO; Photos by JFTC PAO and Lt. Cdr. Piotr Wojtas, JFCBS PAO
Brunssum, the Netherlands – Could you explain to our readers ternal specialists and the results of this war- why this is the case? game were briefed directly to me. So, even Sir, could I please start by asking, It is true that we are trying to do some- though we are a hierarchical military organ- What is ‘Brilliant Joust 18’ and why thing a little different here in Bydgoszcz. isation, this proves to me that we are able are we here in Bydgoszcz? The Joint Force Training Centre [JFTC] was to leverage the intellectual firepower of all Absolutely! Brilliant Joust 18 (BRJT18) established to provide, not only, state-of- of the HQ and we are able to consider novel is our first major event as a headquarters the-art training facilities for JFC-level train- approaches to our operational analysis. this year. It is a complex computer aided ing, but also innovation and experimenta- And it should also be noted that we have command post exercise designed to test tion to explore different ways of providing been able to test the wider effects of tactical the joint interaction and integration of our that training. Major General [Wilhelm] issues, such as conflict related sexual and headquarters with the NATO Response Grün (COM JFTC) and Lieutenant General gender based violence incidents, causing Force components provided by the Italian [Ton] Van Loon (Senior Mentor) designed strategic effects. CRSGBV (as the military NATO Rapid Deployable Corps [Land], the this exercise to, not necessarily follow the call it) might be the world’s worst acronym, German Joint Force Air Component [Air], usual stages of a crisis response operation, but it is a critical issue of concern in mod- the French Maritime Task Force Command instead to allow the headquarters staff to ern warfare that we need to understand and [Maritime] and the Spanish Joint Special develop their own answers to the problems learn how to address properly. In this case Operations Command [Special Forces]. As a set. It has been designed to create discus- the scenario tested the entire headquar- response force our readiness is critical and sion, explore new concepts and advance ters and not just the gender advisor—is- this exercise will allow us to understand how processes, rather than simply practice and sues caused by gender-based violence had we can better support each other to achieve refine the processes we already have. Asa implications that affected all elements of interoperability and joint effects, should a headquarters we have already achieved our the staff, the components and external el- crisis rapidly develop. This exercise will also certification to command the NRF for 2018. ements; this required the headquarters to test our ability to understand the second Now we are being given an opportunity to conduct intense coordination and to look and third order effects and implications of show our intellectual agility and flexibility. I closely at their own processes to ensure that military decisions taken at the operational see this every day as I walk around the head- the correct actions were taken. A full arsenal level. The scenario is a complex crisis situ- quarters and the tents, seeing for myself the of novel problems involving hybrid warfare, ation that requires the headquarters to take physical coordination between so many dif- cyber warfare and information warfare has a ‘comprehensive approach’ to the friction ferent units. Despite the many different uni- been set by the JFTC for the HQ to resolve— generated by multiple headquarters, host forms, we are not so different as operators. and of course, our ability to coordinate com- nation allies, international organisations, I would like to give you an example to bat actions is also being thoroughly tested. non-governmental organisations, the me- illustrate my points. During this exercise This is a challenge—not least because we dia and other actors involved in the region. some of the staff were tasked to take part have also split our headquarters to test our Together with the other exercises that the in a table-top war-game exercise to test and ability to reach-back and coordinate opera- headquarters participates in, this allows us examine the psychological motivations of tions from a split location. to generate continuity and shared values; scenario nations and to use war-gaming to these allow us to be ‘stronger together’. assess likely actions—based upon the psy- Did we pass the test? chological assessments and leverage avail- Of course, we will review the findings of For those of us taking part, the able to those nations’ leaders. This exercise this exercise with the exercise staff, note exercise seems a little different was not for senior leaders—the participants the lessons and conduct a comprehensive from the typical crisis response were drawn from all parts of the HQ and review. But as I said earlier, we are already exercises that NATO conducts. from all rank levels. It was facilitated by ex- certified. We are here to move to the next
6 COMMANDER JFC BRUNSSUM ON General Riccardo Marchiò takes the opportunity of this year’s first major training event for the HQ to speak about BRILLIANT JOUST 2018 the exercise, the NATO Response Force and more.
level. To understand and to set the condi- back at his or her previous commands— and that such a deterrent effect is of great tions to thrive in complexity. And I will from platoon through to the higher levels— value. Having a credible and well trained also add I am being challenged too by this with great affection, but I also have great response force sends a significant message exercise—we are all learning new ways of pride seeing the integration of the NRDC to any potential aggressor. You may not re- dealing with challenges, such as the media, with the French maritime forces, the Ger- member, but NATO has deployed elements that are becoming more critical at the oper- man air component and the Spanish special of the NRF during disaster relief operations ational-strategic level. forces component, not to mention the in- in Pakistan and to support Afghan elections tegration with our, already integrated and in the past. The NRF training cycle, through So what are your first impressions multinational headquarters. The pride that organisations like the JFTC, also provides of your new command? Is the HQ all of have in serving in NATO is remark- NATO with a tool to train units throughout pulling its weight? able; we are all brothers and sisters in arms. the alliance in the latest doctrine and for Ok, I am not here to give anyone an them to take the lessons learned back to easy ride. I have worked in NATO for many Can you explain for us what their national militaries. NRF is, therefore, years and have deployed operationally with the NRF18 is and what this also a mechanism to raise standards and in- NATO on many occasions. I know the ex- commitment means to JFCBS? teroperability throughout the alliance. pectations that SACEUR has of us and I NRF is NATO’s high readiness force that know the successes that NATO has experi- is prepared, capable and ready to provide an Do you have anything else that you enced in the past. I also know many mem- immediate response capability to support would like to tell our readers? bers of the staff and I have previously com- every task from humanitarian assistance I would like to, again, thank all partici- manded the NRDC-ITA, that is here as our and disaster relief to peace-support opera- pants from the components and the JFTC land component. This is why I can say with tions and war-fighting. JFCBS is providing that are reading this article. Their efforts great confidence that you, as a headquar- the headquarters command and control el- were critical to make our training both re- ters, are exceeding my expectations. But ement, which is rotated between us and our alistic and challenging. Their hard work we must not rest on our laurels. This is our sister command in Naples [JFCNP]. is greatly appreciated by me. And finally, I year and we will have many opportunities would like to thank the headquarters—the to continue to develop our skills. Thank you. A cynic might say that staff that deployed forward to Bydgoszcz, the the NRF is merely a tool to sabre- staff in reach-back at Brunssum and the sup- Speaking of the NRDC-ITA, did you rattle in front of potential threats? port staff. We are truly ‘stronger together.’ enjoy working with your old unit? Well first, we should not forget that the Well of course! Every commander looks NRF capability is indeed partly a deterrent
7 READINESS THROUGH TRAINING BRJT18
Story by Lt. Cdr. Piotr Wojtas, JFCBS PAO Photos by JFTC PAO and Lt. Cdr. Piotr Wojtas, JFCBS PAO
Bydgoszcz, Poland – Components comprising NATO Response The exercise planning team comprised of Forces differ each year and hence there is subject matter experts from across NATO. welve days of intensive a need for the Joint HQ (in this case JFC In addition to producing a demanding and training, all four NATO Re- Brunssum) to ensure proper communica- credible environment for the trainees, the sponse Force 2018 compo- tion and coordination between all subor- planning team had to organize virtually nents, and more than six dinated nodes. The process of prepara- everything from chartering a plane to sup- Thundred personnel … this is Brilliant tion for the stand-by period starts a year plying trainees with highlighters and the Joust in numbers. The exercise, con- before assuming command of respective like. All this wouldn’t be possible without ducted at Joint Force Training Centre components. Last year’s Brilliant series of the extensive help of Joint Force Training in Bydgoszcz, Poland, allowed NATO exercises were designed to certify all com- Centre, which is designed for this exact pur- Response Force 2018 (NRF18) per- mands separately (Ledger, for the Land pose and is prepared to support the most sonnel to interact on the operational domain; Arrow, for the Air Force; Mariner, demanding training regimes for NATO. level and created a unique opportu- for the Maritime forces; and Sword, for (We have a separate story on this subject— nity for Joint Force Command Brun- Special Operations Command). Brilliant for details turn to page XX). ssum to analyse second- and third- Joust 2018 held in Bydgoszcz, from 12 to Within the exercise the fictitious scenario level implications of the decisions 22 March, was the venue for all previously developed for Brilliant Joust simulated all taken at the operational level. certified components to train together and major areas of a joint operation: a chal- The main reason for all NRF18 compo- forge working-level relationships. lenging adversary; a complicated political nents to meet in Bydgoszcz was to cooper- The first preparatory meetings for Bril- environment; simulated interaction with ate together in a controlled environment. liant Joust 2018 were held in January 2017. military and political players; and adverse
8 Exercise BRILLIANT JOUST 18 in Poland allowed personnel READINESS THROUGH TRAINING from the NATO Response Force components to interact at operational level in an intensive training environment.
weather that impeded pre-planned opera- mand were all present in Bydgoszcz to in- deliver better joint plans and actions and, tions. The process-driven exercise was de- teract, not only within the confines of the as a consequence, better anticipate the evo- signed to enable every branch to contribute scenario, but, more importantly, to discuss lution of the campaign design. to the overall effect and the decision-making real-life implications following “war gam- Brilliant Joust 2018 was the first com- process at the joint and operational level. ing” of the NRF18 stand-by period. bined NRF exercise this year but it will not JFC Brunssum deployed with around An important factor to comprehend dur- be the last. Throughout the year, the com- 280 personnel, the remainder of the staff ing the exercise was that Air, Land, Mari- ponents will continue totrain and some will remaining in the static location in The time and Special Forces components have engage JFC Brunssum in the Autumn to ex- Netherlands, supporting the exercise from their own priorities and requirements if ecute Brilliant Jump. A number of NATO distance. Among those deployed was Gen- they are to fulfil their given tasks. The joint exercises are planned throughout the year eral Riccardo Marchiò (who assumed com- headquarters staff—JFC Brunssum person- but the Alliance’s 2018 training programme mand just two weeks earlier), the Chief of nel—are challenged to develop processes concludes with the second high-visibility Staff together with his deputies, and rep- and procedures to best combine existing event since the end of the International Se- resentatives of all branches and divisions. and available NRF18 assest to achieve de- curity and Assistance Force mission, in Af- NRF Components: NATO Rapid Deploy- sired effects. ghanistan—Exercise Trident Juncture 2018 able Corps Italy (for the Land domain), the The biggest added value in this type of which is designed to certify the NRF com- French Maritime Task Force Command(for exercises is the “so what” effect. As we be- ponents for 2019 under Joint Force Com- the Maritime component), the German gin to comprehend other player’s needs in mand Naples lead. Joint Forces Air Component (Air) and the the process, our mind-set shifts to another Spanish Joint Special Operations Com- gear. This understanding allows us then to
9 DIRECTING EXERCISE BRILLIANT JOUST BRJT18
Story by Radosława Kubiczek, JFTC PAO, and Lt. Col. Piotr Kozłowski, JFTC Training Division Photos by JFCT PAO
With more than 600 participants in place—including JFCBS personnel, as well as members of four NRF 2018 component commands (NATO Rapid Deployable Corps–Italy, French Maritime Force, German Joint Force Air Command, Spanish Joint Special Operations Command, and Joint Logistic Support Group)—the exercise was extremely demanding with regard to both training and real-life arrangements. To meet all the exercise objectives and to fulfill the ODE responsibilities, the preparation phase had to be initiated far in advance. The JFTC team commenced their efforts already in the first quarter of 2017.
Bydgoszcz, Poland – dedicated to the exercise. Altogether, 50% form of enhanced response cells and more of JFTC staff—close to 70 soldiers and ci- than 20 other headquarters, units and or- t was the second time the Al- vilians—were involved in various phases of ganisations. They all provided their person- lied Joint Force Command the event. Numerous coordination meet- nel to support JFTC and JFCBS in bringing Brunssum (JFCBS) exercised ings, conferences and workshops held in the exercise to a highest possible level. in Bydgoszcz, Poland, as the many locations in Europe, 60 travel days Exercise Brilliant Joust 2018 was the INATO Response Force (NRF) lead and thousands of working hours—all these third “Joust” exercise conducted at JFTC headquarters. Building on firm foun- created a solid basis for successful execu- since 2016 for NATO Command Structure dations, laid down during previous tion of the exercise. and NATO Force Structure. Such events are events devoted to NATO Command As soon as basic presumptions and the extremely challenging, in both preparation Structure and NATO Force Struc- level of ambition for the exercise were and execution phases, due to the unique ture, the Joint Force Training Centre agreed upon between the main stakehold- character of various headquarters and, (JFTC) directed yet another complex ers—JFCBS (Officer Scheduling Exercise which is even more important, diversity of computer assisted exercise based on and Officer Conducting Exercise) and JFTC training objectives. To meet the Allied Joint a fictitious, non-Article 5 crisis re- (ODE) in coordination with NRF 2018 com- Force Command Brunssum’s requirements, sponse operation scenario. Brilliant ponent commands—exercise objectives as JFTC used a fictitious scenario which al- Joust 2018 was executed between 7 well as budget, timeline and manning could lowed for execution of a non-Article 5 crisis and 22 March 2018 with JFTC as the be discussed. The final exercise design in- response operation. Officer Directing Exercise (ODE). cluded JFCBS as the primary training au- The scenario, however, is just a basis Preparations for the exercise specifica- dience, represented by Joint Task Force which needs to be complemented by lists of tion conference, conducted in March 2017, Headquarters deployed to Bydgoszcz and events and incidents that will be a part of launched 12 months of intensive work for “reach back” team in Brunssum, compo- the exercise play (main event list and main JFTC. The centre formed a robust team nent commands deployed to Bydgoszcz in a incident list—MEL/MIL). Only with prop-
10 The challenges for the Joint Force Training Centre in order to meet the objectives of a demanding exercise.
erly implemented events and incidents, on the first day of the exercise General Grün ecution of this type of exercise, the training does the scenario become a complete tool encouraged the participants to take full ad- audience could train in a very realistic and that enables proper meeting of the training vantage of the exercise, as it was a chance to comfortable environment. With its state- objectives. Creation of the MEL/MIL is al- gain knowledge and better overview of the of-the-art facility and capabilities devel- ways one of the most important ODE’s re- operational side. He also underlined that as oped throughout the years, the Joint Force sponsibilities. So it was this time. Starting a non-certification exercise, Brilliant Joust Training Centre ensured high-level condi- in November 2017, the scripting team, led 18 gave more flexibility in practicing inter- tions for the training audience which con- by JFTC, met several times. Their task was action between the NRF lead headquarters tributed significantly to smooth and profes- completed in February 2018. They devel- and component commands. This “special” sional execution of the exercise. oped storylines and main injects, ensuring environment created at JFTC enabled free During the closing ceremony, General an adequate coverage of the training objec- operational level thinking, testing new solu- Riccardo Marchiò, JFCBS Commander, tives and also a realistic flow of events dur- tions in the Joint Task Force Headquarters thanked General Grün and his staff for ing the execution. structure and procedures, and more inter- their support to the exercise as “one of the Exercise Brilliant Joust 18 was divided action with political, diplomatic as well as drivers of success”. Exercise Brilliant Joust into two phases. It began on 7 March with other non-military players, such as interna- 2018 was a successful test of proficiency for five days of preparatory period for trainers tional organisations and non-governmental JFCBS and also for JFTC, which yet again and experts (Exercise Control), and then organisations. Yet, it has not lost anything confirmed its position of a key venue and continued with the execution held between from its truly joint character. a perfect partner for NATO exercises and 12 and 22 March. The JFTC team, led by Conducting such a complex exercise training, as well as its important role in Major General Wilhelm Grün, the centre’s would not be possible without a proper shaping NATO’s future. Commander and Exercise Director, provid- infrastructure. Thanks to the newly built ed the trainees with assistance and expertise training area, equipped with all installa- throughout the whole execution. Already tions and security systems required for ex-
11 NATO BATTLE GROUP POLAND: eFP FIRST YEAR OF PROGRESS
Story by Capt. Gary Loten-Beckford, Battle Group Poland Photos courtesy US Department of Defence
Bemowo Piske, Poland – and maintaining the common operating The Deputy Secretary General closed out picture. her visit with statements to the press along- ATO Deputy Secretary Gen- Gottemoeller met with battlegroup lead- side leadership of the battlegroup, where eral Rose Gottemoeller vis- ers briefly to discuss the mission and status she recognised Poland for their contribu- ited the NATO Enhanced of the unit over the past year. She also took tions to the Alliance in both capabilities and Forward Presence Battle time to speak with troop of the battlegroup growth and finished by thanking the daily NGroup Poland for the battlegroup’s about how their deployment has been contributions of the soldiers. one-year anniversary and to discuss and some of the elements that each group The US-led squadron completes its rota- accomplishments of the battlegroup brings to the overall composition. tional deployment next month, after which over the past 12 months at Bemowo “I would like to thank military leaders, most of the multinational units of Battle Piskie, Poland, 16 March 2018. military personnel and most of all the citi- Group Poland redeploy to their home coun- The NATO 2016 Warsaw Summit en- zens of Poland for your vital role in hosting tries. The Battle Group Poland transfer of dorsed plans for the enhanced Forward and contributing to this battlegroup”, said authority is scheduled on 20 April 2018. 1st Presence (eFP) of four battalion-sized bat- Gottemoeller. “Your public has been so very Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment will be tlegroups, deployed on a persistent rota- supportive of NATO’s work here.” the lead US element replacing 3rd Squad- tional basis, to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, The NATO Deputy Secretary General ron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment as they redeploy and Poland. took time to view military weapon systems to Germany. Battle Group Poland is one of four and vehicles at a capabilities static display Battle Group Poland helps in supporting NATO multinational battlegroups arrayed and spoke with the soldiers of the battle- Atlantic Resolve and in demonstrating the across NATO’s eastern flank in the Baltic group, Gottemoeller offered words of affir- U.S. commitment to the security of NATO region and Poland with the mission to deter mation to the group and a brief press con- and NATO allies. This unique, multination- aggression and defend the Alliance’s bor- ference with local media. al battlegroup comprised of US, UK, Croa- ders if required. “I see soldiers here representing the US, tian and Romanian soldiers serve with the Battle Group Poland participated in UK, Romania and Croatia it is an extraor- Polish 15th Mechanized Brigade as a deter- numerous multinational operations and dinary tribute to what NATO stands for”, rence force in northeast Poland in support exercises with allies. Most of these focused said Gottemoeller. “The battlegroup sym- of NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence. heavily on testing the battlegroup’s facets bolises the spirit of our Alliance, which is of interoperability, communicate as a bat- best summed with a powerful set of seven tlegroup, deploying as a multinational force words: All for one and one for all.”
12 SACEUR VISITS ENHANCED FORWARD PRESENCE BATTLE GROUPS
Story and photos by SHAPE Public Affairs Office
Mons, Belgium – curity of the northeastern flank of NATO— enables them to better defend the Alliance”, a responsibility I know you take very seri- said General Scaparrotti. “The eFP battle upreme Allied Commander ously”, said General Scaparrotti. “Allies groups have demonstrated their robust Europe (SACEUR), General from multiple nations, working together abilities as well as their determination to Curtis M. Scaparrotti, visited within a Corps Headquarters such as yours, defend NATO territory against any poten- the four NATO enhanced For- are a visible demonstration of the Alliance’s tial threats.” Sward Presence (eFP) battle groups in commitment to Article V of the Washing- The visit concluded with troop engage- Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Esto- ton Treaty, which enshrines the principle ments in Estonia where General Scaparrotti nia, 3–6 April,where he met with bat- that an attack against one ally is an attack met new recruits and observed officers in tle group personnel as well as politi- against all.” training at the Warrant Officer’s Command cal and military leaderships. The delegation continued on to Lithu- Leadership and Management Course. At his first stop in Poland, General Scap- ania and Latvia to visit NATO leaders and Overall the visit to the four battle groups arrotti spoke to Multinational Corps North- troops where SACEUR was able to witness provided insight into the level of training east of the importance of eFP as well as the the multinational battle groups refining in- within these multinational NATO elements contribution of those supporting it. teroperability and capability through train- and how they will continue to sustain a high “You, individually and collectively, all ing and exercises. level of readiness in the future. play a key part in the defence of the Alli- “Rigorous and realistic training like this ance, with specific responsibility for the se- enhances the readiness of our soldiers and 13 EXERCISE WINTER SUN LAND
Story and photos by SHAPE PAO
Boden, Sweden – ‘‘Exercises like WINTER SUN underpin ‘’Ex WINTER SUN is a high tempo ex- the operational importance of maintain- ercise where Swedish forces are conducting perating in near arctic ing our cold weather military skills. This defensive operations from multiple attacks conditions demands cer- is a harsh and unforgiving environment across many fronts. The interoperability tain skills set that must be that requires personal discipline and the and co-operation between Sweden and the maintained whenever pos- ability to maintain equipment in extreme United States Marine Corps has been ben- Osible. Exercise Winter Sun 18 held in conditions,’’ said Major General Odd Egil eficial for both. In our battalions we have Boden Sweden is an annual Swedish Pedersen Norwegian Army, Director of the been able to test tactics, techniques and Home Defence Exercise that tests de- Military Partnerships Directorate. ‘’I am procedures and I am very proud of our fensive joint operations in a challeng- delighted that a highly experienced partner achievements’’ said Lieutenant Colonel Mi- ing environment. Some 1400 person- such as Sweden provides training opportu- chael Carlén Swedish Army, Commanding nel from the Swedish Armed Forces nities and through testing tactical scenari- Officer 192nd Mechanized Battalion. “The and United States Marine Corps have os, we are able to learn from each other.’’ global security environment has changed been conducting high tempo battle Exercise WINTER SUN 18 reflects what and this exercise has shown that the Swed- drills in order to repel a fictitious en- partnerships and training can achieve ish armed forces have adapted accord- emy crossing Sweden’s border. where combined Cold Weather operations ingly,’’ he added. ‘’We look forward to our Exercising with NATO’s partners pro- must be practised and practised. The Swed- participation in Exercise TRIDENT JUNC- vides opportunities that reinforce many ca- ish armed forces are extremely capable in TURE 2018 later this year.’ pabilities with the opportunity to exercise operating in such conditions and this ex- with nations where it is second nature is ercise has mirrored the importance of NA- hugely beneficial. TO’s 360 degree approach to defence. 14 The Armed Forces of Sweden, a key NATO partner nation, together with the US Marine Corps, have been conducting defensive operations in the snow.
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Landstraße 48 + 50 · 52511 Geilenkirchen Fon (02451) 98 700 · Fax (02451) 6 67 88 Automobile Geilenkirchen www.jacobs-gruppe.de EXERCISE DYNAMIC MANTA MARITIME
Story by Lt. Cdr. Piotr Wojtas, JFCBS PAO Photos courtesy Allied Maritime Command PAO
rovides NATO navies with Dynamic Manta gives a unique opportu- skills. an opportunity to practice nity to enhance Anti-Submarine-Warfare in Over the period of two weeks (2-16 together in a joint environ- a multinational and multi-threat environ- March), each surface ship has the opportu- ment… offers the ability to ment. Each year navies from across NATO nity to conduct a variety of submarine war- Pfurther develop Allied Anti-Subma- come together with their ships, submarines fare operations. The submarines execute rine tactics and is a three-dimension- and aircrafts to execute one of the most dif- hunting but are also being hunted in co- al exercise, executed under-, on- and ficult arts of maritime war – the hunt for ordination with the air and surface assets. above- the surface of water. Held an- the “silent hunters”. The overarching aim The role of each participant is defined in nually in the Mediterranean, Dynam- of this exercise is to provide all partici- each episode, but the overall performance ic Manta remains one of the most pants with complex and challenging war- depends solely on the ability to cooperate challenging exams for NATO’s mari- fare training to enhance their proficiency and properly interpret the stream of data time assets and personnel. in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare produced by the whole group.
16 Exercising in 3 dimensions: one of the most challenging EXERCISE DYNAMIC MANTA maritime exercises trains aeronaval forces on, under, and above the surface, in the Mediterranean Sea.
The true benefit of DYNAMIC MANTA “The long list of ships, submarines, and and the United States, under the control of exercise lies in the support of the training aircraft participating clearly shows NATO’s NATO Submarine Command (COMSUB- team composed of anti-submarine warfare commitment to maritime training. Our al- NATO), joined nine surface ships from Bel- experts. They analyze anti-submarine war- lied Sailors study and work hard to develop gium, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, fare events in real time and provide feed- their undersea abilities. Dynamic Manta UK, and USA. Host nation Italy was provid- back to ships, submarines and aircrews gives our airborne, surface, and submarine ing support from the Augusta Naval Base, during the exercise. It allows crews to ac- teams a valuable chance to test themselves Catania Harbour and the Sigonella Air Base celerate their process, adjust, improve the during complex scenarios.” in Catania. performance and boost the anti-submarine 2018 edition of NATO’s Submarine warfare readiness. Warfare Exercise Dynamic Manta was ex- As emphasized by Rear Admiral Andrew ecuted off the Sicilian coast. Submarines Lennon, Commander Submarines NATO: from Canada, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey,
17 THE PORTUGUESE CONTRIBUTION AIR TO SAFEGUARDING NATO SKIES
Story and photos by Portuguese Air Force
Monte Real, Portugal – commander at Air Base No. 5. “Besides our has no flight plan filed. The jets will fly up to national commitments, the two squadrons that aircraft to visually communicate with ortuguese F-16M fighter have participated in the common NATO the pilots, e.g., to re-establish radio com- jets at Air Base No. 5 stand effort of Baltic Air Policing in 2007, 2014, munications. ready 24/7/365 to conduct 2016 and again in 2018, Iceland Air Polic- “We execute approximately three hun- NATO’s peacetime mission ing in 2012 and Assurance Measures in Ro- dred flight hours per year on QRA(I) sorties Pof Air Policing, safeguarding the Al- mania in 2015 and 2017.” during active and training scrambles”, said liance airspace on its southwestern But how is a QRA(I) mission activated Lieutenant Colonel Gaiolas. “These are all in flank. within the Portuguese/NATO airspace of support of the Portuguese Air Policing Mis- Since 1994, the Portuguese F-16 Fighting interest? sion under the control of the Portuguese au- Falcon has been the primary air interceptor If the Portuguese Control and Report- thorities and NATO CAOC”, he added. used in the Quick Reaction Alert (Intercep- ing Centre at Monsanto picks up an unclear According to Gaiolas, the professional- tor) or QRA(I) mission, covering both na- situation in or near the Portuguese airspace ism and hard day-to-day training of the tional and NATO commitments. it will inform NATO’s southern Combined Portuguese Falcons and Jaguars make Por- “Currently, two F-16M fighter squadrons, Air Operations Centre (CAOC) at Torrejon, tugal an efficient and capable ally when it the 201—“Falcons” and the 301—“Jaguars”, Spain. Upon evaluation, the CAOC may de- comes to ensuring the execution of NATO comprised of thirty operationally modern- cide it needs eyes on the situation as soon Air Policing—anytime, anywhere required. ized aircraft ensure the air policing mission as possible and can order the Portuguese over the Portuguese mainland and the ar- QRA(I) to launch and visually identify an chipelagos of Madeira and the Azores in the aircraft, e.g., when it is not in radio contact Atlantic”, said Lieutenant Colonel Afonso with the responsible air traffic controllers “Jackal” Gaiolas, the operational group or does not send its identification code, or
18 Portugal’s Air Force, soon contributing to NATO’s Baltic air policing, is already safeguarding the Alliance’s skies over the eastern Atlantic. 25 YEARS OF THE SLOVAK ARMED FORCES NATIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Story by Brig. Gen. Ivan Pach, J ENG Branch Head and Slovakian Senior National Representative at JFC Brunssum Photo courtesy Slovak Armed Forces
his year, people of Slovakia to ourselves and to the world at large that tion of our Armed Forces was and since as well as members of its we deserve it as a nation was stronger and then has been our active participation in Armed Forces celebrate 25 triumphed above everything else”, Defence international operations and missions, par- years of establishment of the Minister Gajdoš said. tially as continuation of former Czechoslo- TSlovak Republic. Slovakia since then has continued to vak Army deployments. Right after Slovak Based on the significant global political transform its political, economic and social Armed Forces establishment, our soldiers and security changes which had happened pillars towards western democratic stand- had proved their professionalism and capa- at the end of 80’s in Central and Eastern ards. Such a transformation effort has ob- bilities during their deployment to Balkans Europe, people of Czechoslovakia changed viously led also to the transformation of in UNPROFOR. the socialistic and nondemocratic regime to our Armed Forces—from a post-Warsaw Second important milestone was when pro-western democracy (in former Czecho- Pact large army (which consisted of 53000 the Slovak Republic as one of the very first slovakia recognized as a Velvet Revolution soldiers, 995 tanks, 1370 APC/IFV, 1053 signatories joined Partnership for Peace which culminated at the end of 1989). artillery systems, 146 combat air fighters program and started to cooperate with the On 1 January 1993, long desired na- and 19 combat helicopters)—to the national NATO organizations. This had led to the tional recognition and emancipation effort defence oriented Armed Forces of a newly final and most important transformational of Slovak people led finally to a peaceful born democratic state. milestone—on 29 March 2004 the Slovak split of the Czech and Slovak Federal Re- By the way, one of significant charac- Republic joined NATO and on 1 May 2004 public into two sovereign states—Slovak teristics of the soviet style army was also we joined European Union. Republic and Czech Republic. “When the its “conscripts” based manpower which in From the early days of independence, independent Slovak Republic came into our case changed on 1 January 2006, when our Armed Forces have been participating existence along with our Armed Forces in the last conscripts left the Slovak Armed and significantly supporting peace pro- parallel, we entered an entirely unexplored Forces and since then we are fully profes- cesses within a global security effort of UN, environment. Against all the odds, our de- sionalised force. NATO, EU or other International Commu- sire to have our own country and to prove First and foremost step in transforma- nity lead military, peacekeeping or observer
20 2018 marks for Slovakia’s people and members of its Armed Forces an 25 YEARS OF THE SLOVAK ARMED FORCES important anniversary since the establishment of the Republic.
operations. Since the first deployment, our ond pillar is military hardware, the quite ex- able to guarantee national defence as part of Armed Forces have provided significant pensive segment of capability development. the collective defence within NATO and EU. contribution to the crisis management Its replacement or modernisation is a key Slovakia and its Armed Forces have been operations and missions abroad. Overall, to the overall progress in transforming the active contributors to the security of Euro- 18,000 soldiers from Slovak Armed Forces Armed Forces. Both, the soldiers and their Atlantic sphere and its contribution to the have rotated in and out within the military equipment through high standards train- stabilisation of conflict-torn regions in the deployments abroad. Soldiers have man- ing and through deployments to demand- world has proved that we are stable and well- aged to meet all the demanding opera- ing missions and operations have formed respected partner for the UN, the European tional tasks home and abroad with honour our required capabilities which are dedi- Union, and NATO. To underscore this fact it and very high professionalism, despite the cated not to only Slovak Republic but also to is important to say that since the Slovak Re- fact that the active participation of Slovak NATO and EU overall defence capabilities. public joined NATO, Slovak Armed Forces Armed Forces in crises operations around As such our transformational effort con- have deployed number of its personnel to the world have also resulted in number of tinues as we want to achieve our ultimate various positions within NATO Command our fallen soldiers within our ranks. The ul- goal—to have the Armed Forces which are: as well as Force Structure, the contribution timate sacrifice of those who lost their lives Mobile; in JFC Brunssum being the largest. in the line of duty will not be forgotten. Operationally Ready; Nowadays, Slovak soldiers’ active roles To increase readiness, interoperability Defensive Oriented; in Afghanistan, Iraq, Cyprus, Bosnia and and the war-fighting ability of our Armed Effective and Economically Sustainable; Hercegovina as well our deployment to Lat- Forces two key pillars of their transforma- Relevant; via as part of NATO eFP attest to the fact tion have been identified. First, human re- NATO‑Interoperable. that the Slovak Republic is an active mem- sources, as the most valuable asset we have. The expected end-state is to have mod- ber of the NATO, EU and UN and their The emphasis has been laid on increasing ern, credible, operationally ready Armed peace and stability effort. the moral qualities, level of education and Forces consisting of enhanced capabilities expertise of professional soldiers. The sec- providing interoperability with allied forces,
21 WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY: SHIFTING FROM RHETORIC TO PRACTICE NATO REVIEW NATO
Story written by Christine Chinkin and published in NATO REVIEW website on 8 March 2017 Photos from NATO archive
aunched in February 2015, the Centre for Women, Peace and Security at the London School of Economics, devel- Loped out of the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative championed by former UK Foreign Minister William Hague and the Special Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Angelina Jolie. How- ever, the Centre is not solely focused on the issue of sexual violence but on the wider agenda for Women, Peace and Security set out in United Na- tions Security Council Resolution 1325, adopted in 2000. This Resolu- tion brings issues relating to women and armed conflict directly into the War and conflict have a disproportionate effect on women and children and yet histori- cally women have been left out of peace processes and stabilisation efforts. political agenda of the Security Coun- cil, which has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international negotiations, electoral processes (both can- lars on participation and protection. The peace and security. An important ob- didates and voters), UN positions, and the pillar on participation and representa- jective of the LSE Centre is to be a hub broader social-political sphere. tion, especially emphasised at the outset of of cross-sectoral partnerships and Conflict prevention—Incorporation Resolution 1325 itself, presents women as engagements, to support the policy of a gender perspective and the participa- agents, as active players in issues of peace agenda through academic thinking, tion of women in preventing the emer- and security. It stresses the importance of research and education. gence, spread, and re-emergence of violent their ‘equal participation and full involve- Resolution 1325 was widely celebrated conflict as well as addressing root causes ment in all efforts for the maintenance and by women’s non-governmental organisa- including the need for disarmament. Ad- promotion of peace and security’. tions, which had advocated globally for its dressing the continuum of violence and adoption. It was the first time that the Se- adopting a holistic perspective of peace Protection curity Council had devoted a full session to based on equality, human rights and hu- In contrast, the pillar on protection fo- debating women’s experiences during and man security for all, including the most cuses on women as victims who need to be after conflict, and drawn attention to what marginalised, applied both domestically protected, especially from sexual violence have been termed the ‘inextricable links and internationally. as a tactic of war. Resolution 1820 gives between gender equality and international Protection—Specific protection of the greater prominence to this pillar, setting peace and security’ (‘High-level Review on rights and needs of women and girls in out a number of demands on all parties to Women, Peace and Security: 15 years of Se- conflict and post-conflict settings, includ- conflict to take measures to enhance such curity Council resolution 1325’). It has been ing reporting and prosecution of sexual protection including: enforcing appropriate supplemented by further resolutions: 1820 and gender-based violence; domestic im- military disciplinary measures; upholding (2008), 1888 and 1889 (2009), 1960 (2010), plementation of regional and international the principle of command responsibility; 2106 and 2122 (2013) and 2242 (2015). laws and conventions. training troops on the categorical prohibi- Relief and recovery—Access to health tion of all forms of sexual violence against The four pillars services and trauma counselling, including civilians; debunking myths that fuel sexual These resolutions build on each other for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence; vetting armed and security forces and underpin what are often termed the violence. to take into account past actions of sexual ‘four pillars’ of the Women, Peace and Se- The four pillars are therefore an essen- violence; and evacuation of women and curity agenda set out in Resolution 1325: tial subject of contemporary foreign and children under imminent threat of sexual Participation—Full and equal par- military policy. violence to safety. ticipation and representation at all levels of There has been some shift in emphasis Both the Women, Peace and Security decision-making, including peace talks and in the Resolutions between the two key pil- agenda and the Preventing Sexual Violence
22 WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY: This month, following the International Women’s Day celebrations, from the NATO Review we feature SHIFTING FROM RHETORIC TO PRACTICE an article originally published 8 March 2017.
Initiative give some effect to the recogni- has also given rise to institutional innovation, ity argument, is too often disregarded as tion of conflict as gendered—understood especially with respect to representation and having no practical benefit. and experienced by women and men dif- participation. One example is the nomina- Recent research has made the case in ferently because of their gender. Both rec- tion of gender advisers in military forces and strong instrumental terms that highlight ognise how the incidence of sexual violence women protection officers in peacekeeping the illogicality of premising the possibilities in armed conflict undermines international operations to support commanders in ensur- of peace on a narrow base that reinforces peace and security through its contribution ing that a gender perspective is integrated the pre-conflict power structures and fails to the displacement of peoples and refugee into all aspects of an operation. to take into account the widest possible flows, and without steps to address it post- The appointments of the Special Rep- range of views, capabilities and lived knowl- conflict, through its continuing divisiveness resentative of the UN Secretary-General edge of those who endured the conflict. The on communities and society. Accordingly on Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict (fol- Global Study cites evidence-based research both initiatives emphasise the importance lowing the adoption in 2009 of Resolution to the effect that in 40 peace processes of making accountable and prosecuting 1888) as well as a Special Representative adopted since the end of the Cold War perpetrators of genocide, crimes against to the NATO Secretary General on Women, there was not one single case where organ- humanity, and war crimes (including such Peace and Security in 2012 are further exter- ised women’s groups had a negative effect crimes involving gender-based and sexual nal indications of the significance accorded on the process, which was not the case for and other violence against women and to issues related to women and conflict. girls) to put an end to the impunity so often In 2015, the Security Council welcomed enjoyed by such persons. efforts to increase the numbers of women However, the Preventing Sexual Vio- in militaries and police in UN peacekeeping lence Initiative is explicitly a gender neutral operations and urged further efforts in this initiative. Its focus on prevention of and regard (Resolution 2242). This of course tackling impunity for conflict-related sex- assumes the importance of women within ual violence is with respect to all victims, armed forces, an approach that NATO has women and girls, men and boys, and those long fostered with its formation in 1976 of targeted for their (real or perceived) sex- the Committee on Women in NATO Forces ual or gender identity. But only one of the (now the NATO Committee on Gender Per- Women, Peace and Security Resolutions spectives). refers to the reality that such violence also A global study (‘Preventing Con- affects men and boys as well as ‘those sec- flict, Transforming Justice, Securing the ondarily traumatized as forced witnesses Peace’)—commissioned to inform the dis- of sexual violence against family members’ cussions of the UN high-level review of the (Resolution 2106). implementation of Resolution 1325, fifteen A Swedish female liaison officer serves as As an important output of the Preventing years after its adoption—pushes for greater part of a military observer team, deployed under the NATO-led, UN-mandated Inter- Sexual Violence Initiative, an International participation of women in peace processes national Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Protocol on the Documentation and Inves- to increase the chances of producing sus- in Afghanistan. ISAF ended its mission tigation of Sexual Violence in Conflict was tainable peace or stable post-conflict socie- in December 2014. (Photo courtesy of the adopted to increase effective criminal pros- ties. It notes that ‘more than half of peace Swedish MoD) ecutions, both to enhance deterrence and to processes that reach an outcome lapse back deliver justice in individual cases. This is a into conflict within the first five years’. other social actors. Specifically, women’s practical tool kit setting out good practice Arguments for the inclusion of greater inclusion in peace-making creates a greater in response to the reality that criminal tri- numbers of women in peace processes and chance of agreement being reached and als of perpetrators of sexual violence are post-conflict state-building (as well as in of that agreement lasting. Other research seriously impeded by the lack of evidence peacekeeping operations) have tended to has shown that, when controlling for other appropriate for use in criminal processes rest on one of two grounds: that women variables, peace processes that included and, moreover, that any trial may only be ‘are good at peace’, are in some sense in- women as witnesses, signatories, media- possible long after the commission of the stinctively able to foster peace, or that this tors, and/or negotiators demonstrated a offences by which time evidence may have is required by general principles of equality 20% increase in the probability of a peace been lost or become unusable. The Protocol and specifically by the 1979 Convention on agreement lasting at least two years. The has been tried in some pilot areas, gaps and Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination, percentage increases over time. A substan- other deficiencies identified, and a second articles 7 and 8. Neither of these arguments tive gender perspective is also more likely edition has recently been completed. necessarily carries much weight. The first, where women have been involved. an essentialist concept of biological deter- The global study refers to the peace Participation and representation minism, is strongly contested as having no agreement reached between the Govern- The Women, Peace and Security agenda empirical basis while the second, the equal- ment of the Philippines and Moro Islamic
23 Liberation Front (MLF) in March 2014 af- ter many years of conflict in Mindinao and 17 years of negotiations, by which time one third of the people at the table were wom- en. The Agreement has strong provisions on women’s rights with eight out of its 16 articles providing for women in positions of governance and protection against vio- lence. It also sets out special economic pro- grammes for decommissioned female fight- ers from the MLF—a category of women often overlooked in programmes for disar- mament, demobilisation and reintegration or for protection against violence. Never- theless, and despite some slow progress, such instances are rare and women remain greatly under-represented in peace-making and peace-building. The Government of the Philippines and Moro Islamic Liberation Front signed a peace agreement in March 2014 after 17 years of negotiations, by which time one third of the Identifying gaps and people at the table were women. Women’s inclusion in peace-building creates a greater addressing challenges chance of agreement being reached and of that agreement lasting. The Preventing Sexual Violence Ini- tiative and the Global Study on Resolution two dimensions—human rights and secu- together with partner countries in 2010) 1325 have both identified gaps that remain rity—may be in tension giving rise to the can be made more inclusive, more effective to be filled. The latter also highlighted warning in the Global Study that ‘attempts and adequately resourced. emerging trends and priorities for ac- to “securitize” issues and to use women as The Centre aims to take advantage of tion. It asserted that ‘Resolution 1325 was instruments in military strategy must be its position as an academic research body conceived of and lobbied for as a human consistently discouraged’. with direct links to government, the mili- rights resolution that would promote the As indicated, much research on Women, tary, international governmental and non- rights of women in conflict situations.’ As Peace and Security has been carried out but governmental institutions to contribute to such, Women, Peace and Security is a hu- more knowledge is needed. The LSE Centre the intellectual development of conceptual seeks to become a world-leading education foundations and practical tools. It is en- provider and a research forum that brings visaged that its normative input—with an together scholars, activists, UN experts, emphasis on peace, justice and women’s practitioners and policy-makers. We need human rights—will contribute to reshaping to shift rhetoric to practice by asking and and enriching the discourse on issues re- exploring further questions, for instance, lated to women and conflict. In this way, it about: how patterns of sexual and gender- will help secure more effectively the trans- based violence relate to different forms of formative ambitions of the United Nations contemporary conflict and how different Women, Peace and Security agenda. responses are needed—one size does not fit all victims and survivors; the connections Christine Chinkin is director of the Centre Ambassador Marriët Schuurman of the between the political economy and violence for Women, Peace and Security at the Netherlands serves as the current Spe- in conflict and post-conflict; how to change London School of Economics and co-author cial Representative to the NATO Secretary social attitudes that allow perpetrators to of The Boundaries of International Law: A General on all aspects of NATO’s contribu- continue their lives with impunity while Feminist Analysis (2000), The Making of tions to the Women, Peace and Security survivors live with stigma, isolation and agenda. © NATO International Law (2007), and International poverty throughout their lives; what capac- Law and New Wars (forthcoming 2017). ity building is needed in different contexts man rights agenda for the enhancement of to develop effective programmes for com- What is published in NATO Review does not necessarily represent the official position or women’s human rights, elimination of dis- batting violence against women in conflict; policy of member governments, or of NATO. crimination on the basis of sex and gender and how National Action Plans on Women, and promotion of women’s empowerment. Peace and Security (and those of organisa- Subscribe to NATO Review: However, it is located within the security tions, such as the plan for the implementa- www.nato.int/review framework of the UN Security Council. The tion of Resolution 1325 developed by NATO
24 JFCBS TEAM AT ITALIAN MOUNTAIN TROOPS SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS COMMUNITY
Story by Lt. Col. David Colussi, JFCBS J5 Photos courtesy Italian Army; Location: Piedmont, Italy
multi-national team from This was the 70th anniversary of the the Italian ‘Alpini’ Association and other JFC Brunssum took part competition where more than 1500 Alpini multinational headquarters. In particular, in the Alpini Troops Ski troops were competing in the 2006 Olym- these races were run together with the col- Championships held in the pic winter park with partners and allies. leagues from HQ ARRC and NRDC-ITA VialatteaA ski resort in Piedmont (Ita- The activities were conducted in a wide area in an inexpressible feeling of comrade- ly) 05th to 10th March. The aim of this involving all municipalities of the Vialattea ship solving technical problems and shar- event is to verify the level of training resort. The over-arching theme of the event ing fatigue and satisfaction for all single reached by the units in a sportive en- was safety in a winter mountain environ- performances. In fact, skiing at more than vironment where the bonds of friend- ment. The theme was delivered through 2.000 meters of altitude and moving with ship with the Alpini National Associa- a conference and a set of displays and ex- ski-touring skis night time not only it was tion, allied and partner countries. ercises of military and civilian capacities a great challenge for all participants but it The championship (Campionati Sciis- demonstrating the high level of interac- was an experience that increased self-con- tici delle Truppe Alpine (C.a.S.T.A.)) are tion among all these actors. This approach fidence on personal skills and limits. The organised by the Italian Alpini HQ since demonstrates the full interoperability of all whole activity was considered by all a won- 1931. It is a military version of the “Win- entities involved in winter mountain res- derful opportunity to engage and strength- ter Olympics games” which combines the cue that usually operate together in such en the bonds of partnership in peculiar and peculiar aspects of the Alpini being: train- demanding and critical environment. The unusual environment. ing, professionalism and connection with organisational effort put in place during The importance of the event has been social reality. The term “championship” the Ca.S.T.A. was extremely significant in highlighted by the attendance of the ma- could be misleading because the sport is consideration of the consistent number of jor Italian civilian and military authorities only one aspect of this massive event. In troops involved both in the competitions to some of the key activities like exercises, fact, the primary aim is the verification of and in the support required for all concur- opening and closing ceremonies. The inter- the level of training achieved by the units rent events. national flavour of the championship was in the challenging winter environment. In All competitions that took place during pointed out during many speeches and the this context, survival, mobility and tactical the Ca.S.T.A. provided unique opportuni- colourful composition of the parades dur- skills are paramount to be effective in this ties and experiences to the participants en- ing two unforgettable snowfalls was the challenging setting. Sport competitions are hancing the cohesion of the units and HQs best proof of it. To keep and enhance this only one of the means to train the soldier teams. The JFC Brunssum Team competed great and valuable spirit the organisation and make him fit to conduct operations in in the Friendship Trophy together with has made an appointment at the next edi- adverse environmental conditions. eleven national teams, representatives of tion of the championship!
25
IN REMEMBRANCE
22 March 2018 JFC Brunssum Community Commemorates Beloved Member Gail
Brunssum, The Netherlands – As another year goes by, we take a moment of silence to remember the Martinez family and their story. On 22 March 2016, Gail was found shielding one of her children and was killed in a ter- rorist attack at Brussels airport. This past Friday marks the second year of remembering this tragedy and JFCBS members gathered to remember the loss of Gail Martinez, beloved wife, mother, daughter, coach, secretary, cheerleader, friend, and shield. Gail was an active member of our community and loved being active— both physically and in and around the community. In memory of her pas- sion for being active, the US Air Force Element hosted a 5K Memorial Run as a remembrance. Lieutenant Colonel Jacqueline Bvlgari shared with the runners, “Today, I remember the words of Kathleen Mills, who said, ‘The quiet hero does not walk into war’. I can’t help but remember Gail Martinez. We as military members volunteer to risk our lives every day to safeguard our family, our friends, and our countrymen, but somehow in this rare moment, a military spouse was killed by enemy action. The battlefield was not Afghanistan, Iraq, or somewhere in Africa—the battlefield was an airport—Brussels air- port. And in this one act, the relevance of the quiet hero becomes clear.”
28 March 2018 French delegation Honors Colonel Arnaud Beltrame
Brunssum, The Netherlands – Wednesday 28 March Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum French contingent observed one minute of silence to honour the sacrifice of Colonel Arnaud Beltrame of french Gendarmerie nationale who saved the life of a civilian hostage, and showed exceptional courage and self-sacrifice. Af- ter the moment of silence, Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann, Chief of Staff Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum, adressed the French conti- gent and stressed Colonel Arnaud Beltrame level of dedication and France determination : ‘His sacrifice testifies the commitment of those in uniform and demon- strates once more that military and police service is not a job like the oth- ers. This sense of service to the nation and its citizens, to the point of sacrific- ing his life, is what differentiates the military/police from the others. Colonel Beltrame did much more than its duty. He is a new symbol in the long list of our martyrs who tells our enemies that France does not give in, that France is stronger than their hatred, that France will survive them. Our thoughts go to his wife and his relatives. And I refer you to what they said about him and his action. There is no more beautiful tribute, more honourable, more vibrant, despite their suffering.’
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VISITS AND ACTIVITIES HQ Activities in March 2018
9 March 2018 Swedish Joint Defence Staff Policy and Plans Department Deputy Head Visits JFC Brunssum
Brunssum, The Netherlands – Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann, Chief of Staff Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum, welcomed Brigadier Gen- eral Michael Claesson, Deputy Head of the Policy and Plans Department of the Swedish Joint Defence Staff today. Following discussions with the Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Claes- son met with representatives of the headquarters, led by Major General Karl Ford, Deputy Chief of Staff (Plans) at JFC Brunssum, for a mutually beneficial round table discussion. The visit objective was to discuss further developments with regard to military cooperation. Sweden has been an active member within the Alli- ance’s Partnership for Peace programme since 1994 and, as an Enhanced Opportunity Partner, makes particularly significant contributions to NATO operations and other Alliance activities.
16–17 March 2018 Commander German Air Operations Command Visits Exercise Brilliant Joust 2018
Bydgoszcz, Poland – Commander German Air Operations Command, Lieu- tenant General Joachim Wundrak, visited Exercise Brilliant Joust 2018 (BRJT18) at the Joint Force Training Centre (JFTC). The German Air Operations Command provides the framework for the Joint Force Air Component Headquarters (JFAC HQ) for the NATO Response Force 2018 (NRF18) force package. General Wundrak met with Commander JFC Brunssum, General Riccardo Marchiò, who shared his first impressions of this critical NRF18 training event as a very good baseline to build integra- tion and interoperability. Lieutenant General Wundrak was grateful for Gen- eral Marchiò’s unfiltered insights into the exercise, as well as the opportunity for a direct conversation with the NRF18 Commander. BRJT18 is the first major NRF18 training event of the year. It is designed to test and refine the interoperability of the tactical joint force elements (air, land, maritime and special operations). JFTC Bydgoszcz provides NATO with the professional training facilities and staff that are essential to deliver this critical joint tactical level training.
26 March 2018 Maastricht University Masters Students Visit JFC Brunssum
Brunssum, The Netherlands – Monday 26 March 22 Masters Students from Maastricht University accompanied by their Course Director, Dorcas Mbuvi, visited the headquarters in order to gain a deeper comprehension of NATO and, specifically, the ways in which the military interact with the civilian community. Lieutenant Colonels Jose Rodriguez from JFC Brunssum’s Civil/Mili- tary Plans, Policy and Operations Section and Marco Schmidl from the Public Affairs Office, together with Mr Barry Mellor (Deputy Chief of Public Affairs) briefed the visitors and participated in a highly interactive ques- tion and answer session. The students are pursuing the “Risk & Vulnerability Specialization” i.e. one of the six tracks available within an MSc in Public Policy and Human Development. The MSc programme is jointly offered by the United Nations University (UNU-MERIT) and the Maastricht Graduate School of Govern- ance (part of Maastricht University). The visit from Maastricht University was a fruitful exchange of knowl- edge. JFC Brunssum welcomes similar visits from university and school students into the future. 27 fantry company commander withinthe to JFC Brunssum was asan Airborne In- my last appointmentbefore assignment in the7th mechanised brigade HQ, and ing onfrom thatIwas Operations Officer advice to partner (PfP) countries. Follow training courses, training assistance and and Czech team which provide military visory Training Team)British combined Officer withinBMATT (British Military Ad- tank battalion. Mynext position was Team ment was aplatoon commander in73rd a Lieutenant in2006 and my first appoint I graduated from University of Defence as Tell usaboutyour career. military Matter Expert (SME)Land. I have beenposted to the JOC asSubject I arrived intheNetherlands July 2016. Headquarters? and whatisyour jobatthe When didyou arrive inBrunssum COMMUNITY 28 #WEAREJFCBS - - ity whichhave aneffect on JFC Bruns national exercises, activ orothermilitary any ongoing activities inourimplementa- for landunits. On adailybasis Imonitor updates of Common Operational Picture the landsituationinregion, including and recommendations onallaspects of and providing information, assessment Team withresponsibility for monitoring In the JOC Iwork withintheRegional Focus of challenges you have to face. Tell usaboutyour jobandwhatkind tion area, includingeFP activities, NATO to theMalian Armed Forces. protection for the HQanddeliver training Training Mission tasked to provide force a Czech contingent commander intheEU ANA rifle company and, in 2014, to Mali as as aMentor Team Leader attached to an Afghanistan in2011 withtheCzech OMLT 74th lightinfantry battalion. Ideployed to Advisory Group information needsof HigherHeadquarters situational awareness to the JFC HQandsupports the Joint Operations Centre (JOC): Staff OFFICE: NATION: SERVICE: RANK: NAME: Chief ofStaff sum. Operations Deputy JOC or JOINT OPERATIONS CENTRE(JOC) CZECH REPUBLIC ARMY MAJOR MICHAL MAMKIN - environment. challenge isworking withinmultinational or even openmedia. Ofcourse, another such asotherHQs, nationalinformation Commander, usingallavailable sources, get allthenecessary information to the Brief. Probably biggest challenge isto the Commanders Situational Awareness assessed and are presented as part of All these activities needto beanalysed, ing cycling. Here intheNetherlandsI’mreally enjoy and of course allkindof sportactivities. In my spare timeIlove to travel, skydiving What are your hobbies? a lotof friends here. No, I’mhere withoutfamily, butI’ve made Is your family here withyou? Chief ofStaff Deputy Plans Chief ofStaff Commander Deputy Commander Chief ofStaff Support Deputy provides continuous Management Director of Budgeting Command Senior J8 Enlisted Leader - OFFICIAL VOLVO MILITARY/DIPLOMAT SALES AGENT - FOR ALL EUROPEAN, US, CANADIAN & UK NATO AIRBASE GEILENKIRCHEN, U.S. ARMY GARRISSON SCHINNEN & JFC BRUNSSUM NATIONALITIES SERVING NATO - LEADING TAX-FREE MILITARY AND DIPLOMATIC VOLVO SUPPLIER - GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICE - ALL PAYMENTS DIRECT TO THE VOLVO FACTORY IN GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN - HOME SHIPMENT PROGRAM INCLUDED* - US, CANADIAN AND EUROPEAN SPECS SERVICE & MAINTENANCE - BODY AND PAINT SHOP - VOLVO DEALER SINCE 1965 *ONLY U.S. & CANADIAN SPECS
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