MAGAZINE FOR HQ JFC - MARCH 2017

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FIRST ENHANCED NATO HUNGARIAN DEFENCE FORWARD PRESENCE PARLIAMENTARY FORCES COMMITTED BATTLEGROUP ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT TO NATO-LED DEPLOYS TO VISITS JFC BRUNSSUM CRISIS RESPONSE LITHUANIA OPERATIONS TAX FREE SHOPPING AT MEDIA MARKT

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Heerlen ABOUT THE COVER

Dutch F-16 belonging to 322 Squadron, Leeuwarden airbase, takes off for a Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) mission while on standby for the BENELUX air policing. Photo by Kelyn Yeutukhovich

3 ABOUT THE COVER 18 CONTINUES AUGMENTING BALTIC 4 COMMAND GROUP CORNER AIR POLICING 6 VISITS AND ACTIVITIES 20 THE HUNGARIAN DEFENCE FORCES IN 8 COMMANDER JFC BRUNSSUM WELCOMES NATO-LED CRISIS RESPONSE OPERATIONS FIRST ENHANCED FORWARD PRESENCE 22 HOW DOES IT FEEL TO COME BACK? BATTLEGROUP DEPLOYED TO LITHUANIA 23 JFC BRUNSSUM GOLF SOCIETY - 10 THE PRESIDENT OF THE NATO CALLING ALL POTENTIAL GOLFERS PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY 24 DUTCH SECURITY FORCES VISITS JFC BRUNSSUM 25 OUR VISION FOR A BETTER FUTURE 12 IMM – THE FORMULA ONE 26 DID YOU KNOW OF NATO-SKILLS 28 ONE OF US 14 SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES AT HIGH ALTITUDE 30 MOVIE SCHEDULE 16 EXERCISE DYNAMIC MOVE 31 CIRCLE 100 2017 BEGINS IN BELGIUM 32 BOOK REVIEW

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

3 COMMAND GROUP CORNER Composed by: General Salvatore Farina, (ITA A)

FC Brunssum Team, strengthened just knowing I opportunity to prove themselves It is very true: could rely on such a dedicated as “operationally capable” of time flies! and capable staff. Immediately exercising command and control after I assumed command, I was of the NFIUs and Operational JIt seems like it was only yes- completely involved and ready Control of a VJTF 1* HQ. The terday, but in fact it was over to go. With so much going on successful events and extremely a year ago when I took over around us, I quickly set my positive results, combined with command of JFC Brunssum, priorities and with the support the full establishment of the on a very typical day of my staff, the way forward NFIUs, completed the tasks marked by black sky, cold, was set in motion. After only directed from the Wales Summit driving wind, snow and sleet. two weeks, I journeyed with that have been, in my opinion, Even with the harsh weather, Major General Smith (JFC a great achievement, especially it was a wonderful day as we Brunssum Deputy Chief of considering the very short honoured the outgoing com- Staff Operations) to visit the timeframe. mander, General Domröse, Resolute Support (RS) Mission and with the blessing of Gen- in Afghanistan, where we had an In early spring my leadership eral Breedlove (SACEUR at opportunity to get up to speed team and I completed several that time) I was charged with on the latest developments in key leader engagements with the great privilege and enor- theatre and share insight with authorities and commanders in mous responsibility of being General Nicholson. Within the Baltics, Poland and Spain. your commander. Indeed the days of our return, we put The engagements were extremely burden has been even great- the finishing touches to the valuable, not only for the conduct er taking into account that Spring 2016 Periodic Mission of assurance measures and their it was the first time that the Review and moved right into a role in training and exercises, rotation between German refinement of our training and but also for the completion and Italian commanders took exercises for 2016. of our advance planning place after many years of efforts. Additionally, I had the German leadership. The 2016 Brilliant series of opportunity to engage with the exercises was designed to Single Service Commands and Two of my basic principles are prove the concept of NATO’s our sister headquarters, Joint my commitment to continuity Readiness Action Plan as one of Force Command Naples, thereby and a proactive approach. By the most important deliverables reinforcing the relationships continuity, I am not referring resulting from the 2014 NATO that will enable complete to something that is inflexible Summit in Wales. Brilliant integration in a joint operational and unchanging, but rather Jump 2016 demonstrated a environment. the unbroken and undisturbed prepared and capable Very High execution of our mission. By Readiness Joint Task Force Even while we were completing taking a proactive approach and and the NRDC Spain Corps our tasking from the Wales eliminating problems before Headquarters, deploying within Summit, Warsaw was already they have a chance to appear, a few days to Poland by air, sea on the horizon. We quickly we can make things happen - and land, with critical support refocussed our efforts and instead of waiting for things to provided by Multinational Corps started our internal thinking in happen to us! Northeast (MNC-NE) and the order to elaborate and advance NATO Force Integration Units new ideas and concepts to Despite the many responsibilities (NFIUs). For MNC-NE, exercise operationalize the decisions facing our headquarters, I felt Brilliant Capability 2016 was an made at the political level and

4 to implement the strategic the Enhanced Forward Presence everything from hybrid and cyber directives issued by SHAPE. (eFP) Battle Groups. A truly warfare to terrorist and radical In the second part of 2016 headquarters-wide effort, the threats, both within and beyond we expanded our key leader intensive work brought together our borders. By incorporating engagement with political and the Framework Nations, strategic communications into military leaders across the Troop Contributing Nations, all our operations and planning, implementation area, starting Host Nations, Single Service we can contribute positively with our Finnish and Swedish Commands and SHAPE, and took and directly in achieving the partners and continuing with most of our time from November successful implementation of key NATO nations including all the way into February. As NATO political and military Germany, UK, the Netherlands the year drew to a close, we objectives. and Hungary. These personal completed a very successful visit interactions with military by the on All of you – my team – are very commanders and civilian 28 November focussed on eFP, capable, responsive, flexible, and authorities continue to help us and turned over our role as the open-minded professionals who build relationships over time so NATO Response Force Standby have supported me throughout we can support each other both Command to JFC Naples. If my first year in command. in peacetime and during times that is not enough, I should Without your tremendous effort of crisis. mention our involvement in the we would not have been able to development of our Graduated accomplish such a demanding In August we once more visited Response Plans, and of course range of achievements. I am the Resolute Support Mission in we look forward to the coming proud to be your commander Afghanistan, where I was able months as we continue our and am grateful to lead such a to increase my understanding preparations for Exercise proficient and dedicated team. and exchange information and Trident Javelin in November. I am also grateful to have had views on the progress of the RS the opportunity to meet your Mission with General Nicholson. After one year I firmly believe families during our many social At the Joint Operational level that with our commitment to events, and I urge you to take we completed our 3rd Northern continuity and a proactive care of your loved ones just as Headquarters Conference in stance, the relevance and they take care of and support Bodo, , where we stressed credibility of JFC Brunssum you. the importance of partnership, has been maintained. We find transparency and collective ourselves very deeply involved Thank you for your efforts, and I defence in the Northern flank in a great number of endeavours am certain that throughout this of the Alliance. The Northern that encompass the three core next year we will achieve even Family continues to get stronger tasks of our Alliance, and I am more together! and stronger. sure that we will continue to do so. General Farina Building on the decisions made during the Warsaw Summit, With our focus on a balanced, and in a clear demonstration determined and proportional of Alliance solidarity and non-escalatory approach, determination, this headquarters JFC Brunssum remains at the began the challenging process forefront of the Alliance’s efforts to conceptualise and develop to address the changing security the implementation order for environment that encompasses

5 VISITS AND ACTIVITIES Prepared by: Adjutant Shirley Ham-ter Haar (NLD MP)

JFC Brunssum HQ Enlargement 20 JAN 2017

Brunssum, Netherlands - Thursday 19 Janu- Brunssum in 2012. The work comprises con- ary, all JFC Brunssum staff had the opportu- struction of a new wing, providing 2,015 m2 of nity to have a look inside the new wing, which offi ce space, a new staff restaurant, a new VVIP is currently under construction. Visitors saw entrance as well as renovation works in the for themselves that since the ground break- existing building to enhance the entrance area ing ceremony on 14th March 2016 by the JFC and to realize suffi cient un-classifi ed confer- Brunssum Chief of Staff (COS), Lieutenant ence facilities. General Adamzcak, we are steadily approach- ing completion and hope to have everything up and running before the grand opening in the summer.

The project was created to meet the require- ment for additional offi ce space to cope with the uplift of personnel allocated to JFC

Chief of Italian Chaplains Visits JFC Brunssum 20 JAN 2017

Brunssum, Netherlands – On Thursday 19 January the Italian Chief of Chaplains, The Archbishop celebrated Holy Mass for the Archbishop Santo Marciano’, visited the Italian personnel and their families at the East Headquarters. Following an offi ce call with the Chapel. Commander JFC Brunssum, General Salvatore Farina, he met with the Italian delegation and His Excellency Marciano’, during his address representatives of the NATO Airborne Early to the Italian delegation, emphasized the Warning and Control Force Command’s E-3A importance of dialogue and cooperation eff orts Component (NAEW&CF E3-A Component) at made by NATO in these ever changing times, (Germany) and the European as well as the unique capability of the Alliance Air Transport Command (EATC) based at to pragmatically encourage member states to Eindhoven (Netherlands), during his fi rst trip work together creating fruitful synergies. to the Netherlands in this position.

Commander JFC Brunssum Participates in Slovakian NFIU Inauguration Ceremony 24 JAN 2017

Brunssum, The Netherlands - Commander JFC dignitaries, by the Slovakian Minister of Brunssum, General Salvatore Farina, took part Defence (Mr Peter Gajdoš), NATO’s Assistant in the inauguration ceremony of the Slova- Secretary General for Public Diplomacy (Am- kian NATO Force Integration Unit (NFIU) bassador Tacan Ildem), the Deputy Chairman in Bratislava on Tuesday 24 January; this is of the NATO Military Committee (Lieutenant the eighth and last NFIU to offi cially join the General Steven M Shepro) and the Slovakian network established along the Eastern fl ank of Chief of Defence (General Milan Maxim). the Alliance. The NFIU in Slovakia will achieve its full capa- The ceremony was attended, amongst other bility in June 2017 after a validation exercise. 6 January 2017 / February 2017

General Farina Addresses Military Attachés at the Italian JFC Brunssum HQ Enlargement 27 JAN 2017 Embassy in Berlin

nations at the Italian Embassy in Germany a 360 degree operational capability. Based on during their annual conference in Berlin. his headquarters’ responsibility for enabling NATO’s Resolute Support Mission in Afghani- Invited to present an operational perspective stan, he specifi cally stressed the importance on NATO’s role in the new security environ- of a comprehensive joint combined multi-year ment, General Farina provided a broad picture approach. of today’s challenges and shared his view on how to foster stability and security. In a fi rst part, he elaborated on the deterrence and defence posture and emphasized NATO’s enhanced forward presence in Eastern Europe Brunssum, Netherlands - On 23 January 2017, as further milestone to be realized in 2017. In General Salvatore FARINA, Commander the second half of his speech, General Farina Joint Force Command Brunssum, addressed addressed NATO’s projecting stability eff orts the Military Attachés of the NATO member outside NATO’s borders and its realization by

Exercise TRIDENT JAVELIN 2017 Academics Mark the Start of 30 JAN 2017 NRF 2018 Certifi cation for JFC BRUNSSUM

setting – this was the content of the Exercise The purpose of TRJN17, conducted as Trident Javelin 2017 (TRJN17) academic Command-Post/Computer Assisted Exercise seminars conducted 23 - 27 January at JFC (CPX/CAX), is to train the NATO Command Brunssum. Structure and prepare it for future challenges. The autumn exercise represents the fi nal step TRJN17, scheduled for November 2017, will be in the certifi cation process for the command an exercise showcasing NATO’s determination and control elements of the NATO Response and commitment to the collective defence of Force (NRF) for 2018, where JFC Brunssum the Alliance. Based on an artifi cial scenario, will be the Standby Command for the year. JFC Brunssum and other participating NATO Brunssum, The Netherlands - Outcomes of Headquarters in Europe, will combine their NATO’s previous exercises and missions, con- eff orts to conduct a joint operation of a scale ceptual discussions and unparalleled scenario unmatched by any previous NATO exercise.

15 FEB 2017 Healthy Heart Run at JFC Brunssum

February to burn off the Valentine’s Day sug- The fi rst placed man was Ashley Lawes, who ary chocolates and extravagant dinners from came in at 20 minutes 43 seconds. The fi rst the night before. Some couples made a date of placed woman was Helena Slaatmo at 24:42, the run, encouraging their spouse to keep up. who also took fi rst woman’s place in last One couple was even spotted holding hands November’s Fun Run. The Fitness Centre is during their fi nal up-hill ascent towards the already planning the next running event, which fi nish line. Gym staff were elated to don hearts is rumoured to be 10k. Keep training, runners! on their clothes and welcome the runners, to Brunssum, Netherlands - The JFC Fitness Cen- include JFC Brunssum Commander, General tre hosted a Healthy Heart 5k Fun Run on 15 Salvatore Farina. 7 COMMANDER JFC BRUNSSUM WELCOMES FIRST ENHANCED FORWARD PRESENCE BATTLEGROUP DEPLOYED TO LITHUANIA

Composed by: JFC Brunssum Public Affairs Offi ce Photo by: Alfredas Pliadis, Lithuanian MOD

General Salvatore Farina delivers his speech at the welcoming ceremony in Rukla, Lithuania

n 07 February General and soldiers from different units Salvatore Farina, Com- of the Lithuanian Armed Forces The German-led multinational bat- mander JFC Brunssum, joined the event. tlegroup is the first of four that welcomed the first comprise NATO’s forward presence troopsO of the NATO enhanced In her remarks the Lithuanian Pre- in the area to ‘demonstrate the Al- Forward Presence (eFP) battle sident emphasized how this battle- liance’s readiness and resolve to de- group upon their deployment to group represents ‘the strongest secu- ter and defend’ - said General Farina Lithuania. In a ceremony hosted rity shield in our region arriving at - ‘representing not just four battle- by the President of the Republic the right time and place’, and assured groups, but the whole of NATO in a of Lithuania, Dalia Grybauskaitė that ‘Lithuania will provide a high unity of effort’. Contingents from - with the Minister of Defense of Germany, Ursula von der Leyen standard of Host Nation support’. Norway and Luxembourg - as well in attendance - eFP contingents as Croatia and in 2018 - will from Germany, Belgium and the The Minister of Defense of Germany, join the battlegroup at Rukla over Netherlands participated in a Ms von der Leyen, stated ‘today we the coming months, increasing the formal welcome parade at the have come together as NATO partners total number of troops deployed to home of the Lithuanian Training to reassure our strong commitment to approximately 1200; the size and Regiment ‘Radvila’ in Rukla. the future of Lithuania’, which is now composition of each battlegroup, U.S. and Czech rotational troops, ‘protected by the greatest military al- however, will differ from country to deployed for training purposes, liance of our times’. country.

8 The Minister of Defence of Germany, Ursula von der Leyen, during her welcoming remarks

The other three multinational bat- and resolve to defend the people of tlegroups will be deployed to Latvia, its member nations against any pos- Estonia and Poland by the summer of sible aggression’ while ‘avoiding pro- this year in order to enhance allied vocation and preventing escalation’. presence in the eastern part of the Al- This is also ‘part of NATO’s larger liance, as agreed by NATO Heads of effort to adapt to the challenges we State and Governments at the Sum- face’, the General noted. By adop- mit in Warsaw last year, in order to ting ‘a 360-degree approach to secu- respond in a proportionate and mea- rity’ supported by the integration of sured way to the changed security en- all domains - ‘land, air, maritime and vironment. special operations forces meld seam- lessly together in support of NATO’s In his speech General Farina under- efforts’. lined how the establishment of the first of these battlegroups marks a ‘strengthening of the Alliance’s mili- tary capacity’ and, at the same time, demonstrates ‘NATO’s commitment

9 THE PRESIDENT OF THE NATO PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY VISITS JFC BRUNSSUM

Composed by: Colonel R Lanni, (ITA A) Photo by: Adjutant Shirley Ham-ter Haar (NLD MP)

meeting, aimed at streng- sement of the International Community, JFC Brunssum in 2016 was the Head- thening relations between provides the Afghan Defence and Secu- quarters responsible for the command the NATO Parliamentary rity Forces as well as Institutions with and control of the NATO Response For- Assembly (NPA) and the training, assistance and advice. The ce (NRF) – the force capable of respon- Aoperational level of the military arm General underlined how ‘the process in ding rapidly to crisis anywhere across of the Alliance, took place on 9 Febru- Afghanistan is not a rapid one’, since the the globe – maintaining its readiness to ary 2017 at JFC Brunssum, between situation in the country is ‘complex, fra- deploy in case of activation following a the President of the NPA, the Italian gile and continuously evolving’. decision by the North Atlantic Council Mr Paolo Alli, and General Salvatore (NAC). In 2016 the NRF had its troops Farina, Commander JFC Brunssum. With regard to defence and deterrence increased to 40.000 and could count for tasks, the Commander highlighted the the first time on its new high readiness Mr Alli was keen to gain a deeper know- commitment of his staff in providing component, the Very High Readiness ledge of NATO’s operational structure, in the Supreme Allied Commander Europe Joint Task Force (VJTF): these measu- his new position as President of a body (SACEUR) with the highest number of res were part of the “Readiness Action comprising 257 members drawn from options and tools for him to use in or- Plan” (RAP) agreed in 2014. the national Parliaments of the 28 Allies. der to ‘deter any potentially aggressive This objective was fulfilled by the Com- posture’, according to NATO’s inherent Currently ongoing is the deployment mander, who provided a comprehen- flexibility and adaptation. General Fa- phase of NATO’s enhanced Forward sive overview of the activities led by the rina also said that the JFC monitors the Presence (eFP) on the north-eastern Headquarters in Brunssum as well as its operational picture from a 360-degree flank of alliance territory, with four current and future responsibilities. perspective and ‘will keep this mind- multinational battlegroups being esta- set while focusing on the north-eastern blished in the Baltic States and Poland. General Farina emphasized the top pri- flank of the Alliance, without disregar- On the 7th of February General Farina orities for JFC Brunssum, starting with ding the southern one, which nowadays welcomed the first battlegroup establis- the Resolute Support mission in Afgha- carries a broad spectrum of risks and hed in Lithuania in an official ceremony nistan which, since 2015, with the endor- potential threats’. hosted by the Lithuanian President.

10 The other three battlegroups will be de- ployed in Estonia, Latvia and Poland by the summer of this year, as agreed by Allies at the 2016 summit in Warsaw, in order to respond to the changed security situation in the region.

These measures, together with the others included in the RAP, increase the Alliance’s response capabilities in order to protect and defend its Allies.

The President of the NATO Parliamen- tary Assembly appreciated the update on the operational situation and com- mended the Commander for the impor- tant tasks and responsibilities carried out by JFC Brunssum within the Alli- ance. Mr Alli finally emphasized how visits by parliamentary members allow the political level to have direct awa- reness of the operational-military level contribution, and praised General Fari- na in particular for his balanced appro- ach, at 360-degrees, aiming at security while promoting dialogue.

11 IMM – THE FORMULA ONE OF NATO-SKILLS

The Bundeswehr invites you to a challenging NATO competition at Moenchengladbach in July 2017.

y joining the famous Inter- tionships are vital to the Alliance. Unity Minister of Defense, Mrs. Ursula von national Military Skills Com- is our center of gravity and the IMM der Leyen. petition (IMM) in Moenc- exemplifies our solidarity. hengladbach you will meet In 2013 and 2014 JFCBS personnel from Blike-minded people; specifi cally, you The organizers call it the Formula One five NATO countries gave a strong perfor- will be able test your military skills of NATO-skills: intelligence, strength mance and won a number of prizes. Last and abilities; and may go home with and fitness are tested in equal mea- year a team of four German reservists medals and prizes. The oldest lon- sure during the IMM. Twelve tasks, from Marbach in the state of Hessen, gest-running international military negotiated along a 12-km-marching and two teams from Denmark (taking skills contest in Europe is scheduled route, have to be tackled. They in- positions 2 and 3), were the top compe- to take place this year on Saturday, 8th clude rafting, shooting, first aid, ge- titors. Cups are traditionally awarded to July 2017. Be part of it! neral military knowledge, an infantry the first, second and third teams overall, course with tasks that might be met the top non-German active and reserve Three letters, many nations - the IMM on operations, and even an assault teams, the top mixed teams (male/fema- has one important aim: the promotion of course. A total of 120 starters from le), the top female teams, the top mixed international contacts within the frame- seven nations participated in the last NATO-Teams (from various nations) work of NATO. Two of its side-effects year’s IMM, which was organized by and the best team of every nation. have been the founding of a British-Ame- the German Army’s Landeskommando rican family and a Greek marriage in Bel- NRW and the Lower Rhine section of Last date for registration is 19th June gian territory. ‘The IMM also provides the Reservists’ Association. Parti- 2017. For more information visit the an opportunity to develop relationships cipants from as far afield as Ports- IMM website at: www.imm-bundes- and, in the heat of competition, you will mouth (UK), Paris (France), Rome wehr.de Or ask: Oberleutnant dR forge new friendships with fellow NATO (Italy) and a host of other locations Stefan Thies, Tel.: 0049 2161 58520 Service members‘, stated SACEUR, (Ge- compete for the much-desired cham- or send an e-mail to: moenchenglad- neral Curtis M. Scaparrotti). These rela- pion’s trophy, donated by the German [email protected].

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n 2015 the Netherlands, pabilities, including the ability to mented next year which is intended to Belgium and Luxembourg protect the sovereignty of their air- take every situation into account. signed an agreement with space around the clock. the intention to regulate A distinction should be made between jointI air defense operations car- However, this is nothing new in Eu- NATO obligations and tasks at the ried out in their airspace. rope, where air arms are trying to em- national level. NATO is responsible brace the “pooling and sharing” con- whenever a possible military threat The agreement was signed by the cept to save some money and where appears, while national authorities Ministers of Defense of the Nether- NATO has carried out regional Air Po- focus on a possible terrorist threat. lands and Belgium, and Luxembourg’s licing missions, including the one in The QRA fighters are initially subor- Dutch Ambassador. The document, the Baltic (BAP), for quite some time dinate to NATO. After taking off, due which ratifies that the signing coun- now. to an alert of an unidentified aircraft, tries will rotate their air policing du- and positive identification of a hos- ties, is a follow-up to a letter of intent The fighter forces of Belgium and the tile aircraft, NATO remains respon- signed by the countries in October Netherlands will defend the countries sible. To be specific, NATO’s CAOC 2013. by providing proper QRA (Quick Re- (Combined Air Operations Centre) in action Alert) capabilities. Obviously, Uedem, Germany, coordinates these The memorandum may be treated as not only will the defensive operations operations. a precedent by other European Union cover the issue of military threats, Member States whose air forces, as but they will also be dealing with ren- Occasionally, Russian long-distance a consequence of ever shrinking de- egade aircraft. This means that a new bombers fly over the North Sea. This fense budgets, lack some (basic) ca- scheme of air policing is to be imple- is a military matter and thus, a NATO

14 F-35 – Future air asset for Benelux Air Policing

issue. It is a so-called international er different. The country has no jet only been active in the Baltic area so Air Space, meaning that the Russian fighter force; hence help from the far, but also within the airspace of the airplanes have the right to be there. neighbors is required to provide air UK, often skirting even the Dutch air- Shooting down of Russian aircraft is policing. space. not on the agenda because they always remain in international airspace. The situation is also interesting Nevertheless, such actions by the Rus- equipment-wise, since the Royal sians are not desirable because most Netherlands Air Force is looking for- likely there is no flight-plan submit- ward to replace its F-16s with F-35s, ted and it is unknown where they are due to arrive between 2019 and 2024. heading. Moreover, they usually have The Belgians are going to replace no transponders (electronic identifi- their F-16s, as well. In Belgium the cation) enabled, causing it not to fol- Raffaele is a viable candidate; though low by air traffic controllers. Keeping the joint air policing operations may civilian aircraft away, which is the so- lead to different choices (including called de-confliction, would be possi- the F-35). ble if these airplanes were monitored by NATO fighter aircraft which could However, we can’t help but notice pass on the airplanes’ positions and that the joint air-policing initiative headings. is probably aimed at bolstering the Benelux capabilities to deter poten- In Luxembourg the situation is rath- tial Russian intruders, who have not

15 EXERCISE DYNAMIC MOVE 2017 BEGINS IN BELGIUM Composed by: MARCOM Public Affairs Offi ce

xercise Dynamic Move name of Dynamic Move in 2011, although Additionally, the exercise prepares Stand- 2017 (DME17), an annual it has run for decades under other names. ing NATO Mine Counter Measure Groups two-week Allied Maritime (SNMCMG) for NATO Response Force Command (MARCOM) DME17 aims to enhance participants’ abil- (NRF) certifi cation and constitutes an el- Etactical-level Mine Counter Measure ity to conduct mine counter measure op- ement of the training period for SNMC- (MCM) exercise, began Monday (30 erations in support of littoral operations, to MGs. The current Standing NATO Mine January 2017) with more than 150 include communicating threat information Counter Measure Group 1 staff are partici- participants representing 15 coun- to maritime traffi c and civil authorities. In- pating in DME17 and working alongside tries, including Partnership for clusion of NATO and non-NATO nations the incoming SNMCMG1 commander and Peace (PFP) countries Finland and lends to enhanced learning and mutual un- members of his staff , allowing for informa- Sweden. derstanding amongst partner nations. tion exchange between the incumbent and incoming command staff s and sharing of The Belgium-Netherlands Naval Mine “Conducting mine warfare training bet- current operational experience. Warfare School EGUERMIN annually ter prepares NATO and partner nations hosts this exercise and is supported by to provide a safe and secure environment “We have 15 nations here playing together,” the co-located NATO Naval Mine War- for civilian shipping,” said Lieutenant said Peter Van Mierlo (NLD), Staff Offi cer fare Center of Excellence in the execution Commander Jeremiah Petersen (USA), a (Operational Analysis). “That increases of DME17. The exercise began under the NATO Shipping Centre staff offi cer. your interoperability while practicing

16 NATO tactics and techniques, and there is their equipment which is used to look for “By conducting in-stride reconstruc- no other equivalent [training in NATO].” and destroy mines.” tion and analysis of all events and in- corporating a daily debriefing by se- EGUERMIN’s Naval Mine Warfare Gam- From the start, participants are split into nior naval officers we are accelerating ing System (NMWGS) has been used in three task groups, each training separately the lessons learned process and boost- Dynamic Move since 2015. NMWGS cre- in parallel scenarios. During phase one of ing command and control readiness,” ates an interactive scenario in a naval mine the exercise, participants plan and issue said Van Mierlo. counter measure environment and allows their operational objectives and prepare for players to receive immediate feedback. phase two. During phase two, they plan and “For MARCOM this is an important ex- execute naval mine counter-measure op- ercise where the mine counter measure “NMWGS is unique because it is the only erations in a scenario-based environment. community in NATO gather and learn war gaming system that simulates naval to operate together,” said Captain Svein mine warfare in the world,” said Lieutenant This year exercise planners have al- Erik Kvalvaag (NOR), DME17 Exercise Commander Filip Clauwaert (BEL), Head located time for daily discussions be- Director. “The training audience is not of Simulators for EGUERMIN and the ex- tween previous SNMCMG commanders training only mine counter measures ercise logistics coordinator. “It simulates and exercise participants to analyse the but also force protection, logistic coor- the interaction between mines and ships day’s events and make adjustments to dination, naval coordination and guid- underway at sea, the environment, and improve the next day’s performance. ance of shipping.”

17 GERMANY CONTINUES AUGMENTING BALTIC AIR POLICING

Composed by: AIRCOM Public Affairs Offi ce

ermany is now the another. Instead of preparing and load- “Our detachment has been able to draw third nation to con- ing containers with materiel to be rede- on the lessons learned during previ- duct a back-to-back ployed, extensive lists are produced of ous deployments in 2014 and 2015 deployment at Amari the equipment to be handed over; all in to execute a flawless job on behalf of AirG Base, following an internal all more than 32,000 individual items, NATO in the Baltic skies,” said outgo- ceremony on Thursday, 05 Janu- including the same Eurofighter jets. ing detachment commander, Lieuten- ary 2017. ant Colonel Johannes Durand. “We While typically Allied detachments have maintained the required level of Instead of handing over the mission stay in place for four months, the operational readiness throughout a to another Ally, the Tactical Air Wing Germans are the third NATO nation challenging Estonian winter. We have 74 from Neuburg, in the south of Ger- to execute an extended tour, actually clearly confirmed our Air Force’s flaw- many, passed the baton to Tactical Air a double detachment. In early 2015, less reputation in this important NATO Wing 71, from Wittmund, in the north. Italy had been lead nation and, sub- mission,” he added. In late August 2016, five German Eu- sequently, the augmenting nation at NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission, rofighter Typhoon jets together with Šiauliai, Lithuania for eight months. which operates out of both Lithuania their pilots, maintainers, civilian and Meantime, Belgium augmented the and Estonia, illustrates the ability of military support staff, arrived at the mission for almost seven months at the Alliance to share and pool existing Estonian Air Base to take over the mis- Malbork, Poland – the base had been capabilities. It started in April 2004 sion from the Royal Air Force. activated temporarily to host NATO and has been executed continuously detachments assuring Allied nations ever since. So far, 17 NATO nations Things go differently when nations after Russia’s illegitimate occupation have participated in this demonstra- hand over internally – from one wing to of Crimea. tion of Allied solidarity and resolve.

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+++ www.jacobs-gruppe.de +++ THE HUNGARIAN DEFENCE FORCES IN NATO-LED CRISIS RESPONSE OPERATIONS

Composed by: Lieutenant Colonel Jozsef CSOSZ, HUN F Courtesy of contributions by: Major General (Ret.) János Isaszegi, PhD, hon. university professor

ungary became a member mission in which Hungary, as a prospective and girls, assisted with the creation of a better of NATO in 1999. Our mem- NATO member state, took part under NATO life for the Afghan people, including women bership in the Alliance set command and control. The Hungarian En- and children, developed medical services, new tasks for the Hungar- gineer Contingent of SFOR accomplished its and worked on the establishment of security. Hian Defence Forces (HDF). As a result, mission in May 2002 and was replaced by an With their service in Afghanistan our soldiers Hungary gradually adopted a profes- HDF Military Police Contingent, deployed to earned the respect of the people of the coun- sional army composed of volunteers Camp Butmir, in Sarajevo. try, of our allies, and not only did they improve and contracted personnel. Since 2004, the good reputation of Hungary, but they also only professional and contracted sol- KFOR (Kosovo, June 1999 – to date). gained combat experience. For six and a half diers serve in the HDF. Currently near- – Since 1999 the Hungarian contingent has years, the HDF participated in nearly 1,000 ly 1,000 soldiers of the HDF are serving changed its structure and locations (Pristina, projects, contributed to the development of in UN-, OSCE-, NATO-, or EU-led mis- Pec, Prizren, etc.) and has been participating the province, and to the improvement of the sions, or in international peace sup- in the Kosovo mission. living standards of the population there. port, crisis management, and counter- terrorist operations in the countries of AFOR, Albania, (27th April – 2nd Septem- NATO Training Implementation Mis- Europe, Africa, and Asia. ber 1999). – A 35-strong HDF Public Health sion in Iraq (NTIM-I), July 2004 – De- and Epidemiology Surveillance and Analysis cember 2011). – In the Training Mission in Major NATO-led crisis response opera- Group was deployed with responsibilities in- Iraq the HDF participated with 18 staff offi - tions with Hungarian participation cluding disinfection, control of drinking water cers and training personnel. and food supplies, epidemiological preven- Yugoslavia’s disintegration in the 1990s and tion, and various laboratory tests. NATO Resolute Support Mission in Af- the confl ict that followed meant a new task ghanistan (Jan 2015 - to date). – Since for the newly transformed HDF, as the south- ISAF - HDF PRT, Baghlan Province, Af- January 2015 the HDF have participated in ern borders of the country needed increased ghanistan (15th September 2006 – 31st the NATO mission in Afghanistan with ap- defence. The end of the Balkan confl ict March 2013). – The HDF Provincial Re- proximately 130 troops comprising: a special brought a new form of mission for the HDF: construction Team (HDF PRT) was one of the operations contingent, training offi cers, na- the Hungarian troops participated in NATO’s most signifi cant contributions of the Hungar- tional support element, and staff offi cers. IFOR mission. The success of this operation ian Defence Forces to the ISAF mission. It in- led to increasing participation of the HDF in volved the operation of an independent Hun- Seventeen years after our joining the Al- peace-making and peacekeeping missions garian camp, and the assistance to a province liance, having participated in several NA- carried out in multinational coalitions. of the size of a quarter of Hungary with the TO-led multinational crisis management task of peace building and improving the living missions, the HDF have signifi cantly dif- IFOR, Bosnia and Herzegovina (20th standards of the people. The multifaceted ac- ferent and improved capabilities as well as December 1995 – 20th December 1996); tivities of the Hungarian troops based in Camp a reinforced and steadfast commitment to later in SFOR (20th December 1996 – Pannonia, Pol-e Khomri, speak for them- the maintenance of international peace and 2nd December 2004). – The multinational selves: they built roads and bridges, drilled security, and the active promotion of our Implementation Force (IFOR) was the fi rst wells, organised the schooling of young boys shared values within NATO.

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OFFICIAL VOLVO MILITARY/DIPLOMAT SALES AGENT - FOR ALL EUROPEAN, US, CANADIAN & UK NATO AIRBASE GEILENKIRCHEN, U.S. ARMY GARRISSON & 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 HOW DOES IT FEEL TO COME BACK? Composed by: Pauline Klein, former AFNORTH International School Student

arely does chance After some research I came across Sten- dents so that I could hear what they were play a role in such a den University with its unique Bachelor saying when they were not talking; so that way that it can change programme of International Teacher’s I would know when to give challenge and one’s life. For me, it Education for Primary Schools and be- when to give guidance. I began to cher- wasR the luck of being put into AF- gan my studies in September of 2016. ish student growth; to see each student as NORTH School that changed who Stenden University is located in Meppel, the unique individual they are. With the I am and who I will be. a small in the North of the Neth- wonderful help from my mentor teachers, erlands, and has attracted 92 first year Mrs Geilen-Rosenberg and Mrs LeRoy, I During my two years as a student in the Ca- students beginning their four-year path grew in confidence and my ability to re- nadian Section at AFNORTH International to becoming teachers in International flect on teaching in depth improved. I School I learned to cherish the enriching Schools. Soon I learned that after only learned not be afraid of the risks in striv- international community it off ered me: six weeks of lectures I would get to step ing for improvement. from the interesting perspectives I heard into the shoes of the student teacher for in classroom discussion to volunteering in the first time. My excitement was already But most of all, it was the students that French classes for younger students. These significant but exponentially increased taught me my most valuable lesson as a experiences helped me to develop my pas- when I learnt that I would spend four trainee teacher: To be myself in the class- sion for working with children. weeks in two Kindergarten classes of the room. On my last day the student that American Section at AFNORTH Interna- decided to observe me in the very begin- The fi rst lesson I learned as a student tional School. ning came up to me and told me with a teacher is that the student’s trust must smile: ‘’I’m not really suspicious of you be earned. During my fi rst teaching ex- But how was it to be back and this time in anymore. I like you here.” periences a student came up to me and the seat at the other side of the desk, as a remarked “I am suspicious of you!” I was student teacher? During these four weeks And after such a response how could I baffl ed by how quickly the roles reversed I learned so much more than planting not want to become a teacher? It was an from being an observing student-teacher knowledge in the young learners. I care- incredible first experience as a student to being the one observed by my students. fully built up relationships with the stu- teacher and wonderful to be back.

22 JFC BRUNSSUM GOLF SOCIETY - CALLING ALL POTENTIAL GOLFERS Composed by: WO Gareth Whiffen (GBR F)

id you know that JFC begins on 7 Apr and runs through calendar is the Ramstein UK In- Brunssum has a thriv- to 22 Oct 17 . The focus is on hav- ter-Station and UK v US Ryder Cup ing Golf Society that is ing an enjoyable time in a relaxed Competitions which are both held at open to all NATO per- environment, socialising and making Ramstein Air Base, Woodlawn Golf sonnelD and their dependants? A new friends. The JFC Brunssum Golf Course and this year the event will webpage, with lots of information Society runs two competitions each take place 19 – 20 May. Please note can be found at: https://sites. month in different formats (e.g stabl- again that the focus is on enjoyment google.com/site/jfcgolf/home. eford, medal, greensomes, four ball, and having some fun whilst playing The Society has local member- better ball, etc.) and uses the USGA golf and this opportunity is open to ship of the Brunssummerheide handicap system. Moreover, every all standards/handicaps. It is an as- Golf Club that provides unre- Saturday morning at 0830 on the Red piration to enter 2 x 4 player teams stricted access and unlimited Course 1st Tee, players of all standards for this event and, subject to inter- play on all 5 courses (Full = Red, are actively encouraged to participate est, it will be strictly managed on a Blue & Yellow 9 hole courses), in a round of golf. In the summer the first come, first served basis. If you Par 3 and Green Course. Full/ society will also target a time/date have any interest in joining the JFC Limited memberships are nego- during the week to encourage mem- Brunssum Golf Society or would like tiated at an excellent rate (e.g. bers to play more golf. more information about playing golf 2017 local annual membership is in the Netherlands, please visit the Euro 1100 but the JFC Brunssum As part of the golf calendar, away-days JFC Brunssum Golf Society web- Society Annual Fee is Euro 650) are also arranged for all members and page and/or do not hesitate to con- and can be paid over two instal- this presents a great opportunity to tact Gareth Whiffen, President, JFC ments of Euro 325 on 1 Mar & 1 play challenging courses across North Brunssum Golf Society on 045 526 Jun 17. West Europe (e.g. Germany, France, 2506/email EJSU-Brunssum-Head- Belgium, Netherlands etc.). NSE at your convenience. An annual competition programme held at the Brunssummerheide GC One of the highlights of the golfing DUTCH SECURITY FORCES, TOGETHER WITH JFC BRUNSSUM AND AFNORTH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, CONDUCT TABLE-TOP EXERCISES BASED ON UPDATED INTERVENTION PROTOCOL.

Composed by: Major Mark Helgers (NLD MP) Photo by: Adutant Shirley Ham-ter Haar (NLD MP)

n 13 and 20 February the Royal Marechaussee. The Dutch to handle various incidents. Special JFC Brunssum hosted National Police however, also has ju- attention was given to the rapid iden- two ‘police-blue’ table risdiction and is therefore allowed tification of, and response, to an inci- top exercises during and required to intervene if needed. dent and on coordination between the whichO the recently updated in- To meet this responsibility Royal various parties. tervention protocol for the AF- Marechaussee and national police NORTH International School crisis-response experts, together with The results of the exercises were posi- (AIS) was tested and evaluated specialists from the Host Nation MOD tive and used for further fine-tuning before final approval. Guard Force and JFC Brunssum’s Se- the intervention protocol. Based on curity and Emergency Services Branch feedback from the participants, Roy- The AIS is a private school on JFC (SES), have evaluated the updated in- al Marechaussee and national police Brunssum property. This signi- tervention protocol for the AIS. crisis-response experts are planning fies a joint responsibility for secu- further exercises. rity shared between the School, JFC During the recent table top exercis- Brunssum and the Host Nation. In- es the Director and Vice-Director of tervention in case of serious incidents the School, Duty- and Dispatch Of- is a responsibility of the Host Nation ficers as well as intervention experts - both MOD guards and the police and trainers from the national police, forces. As JFC Brunssum and the AIS Royal Marechaussee and the Host Na- are on military premises the primar- tion MOD Guard Force worked jointly ily responsible police organisation is with the JFC Brunssum SES Branch

24 OUR VISION FOR A BETTER FUTURE Composed by: Erich Remisch and Dr. Uwe Bettscheider

his year both JFC world with a generation of thinkers, hard work it took to prepare was re- Brunssum HQ and AF- doers, and problem solvers. We need ally worth it because everyone was NORTH International rational people who can understand happy.” Jennifer School will celebrate the world and the culture they live Ttheir fiftieth anniversary. The in, who can adapt to the latest tech- “It was a great day because every- world we live in and daily life nology and who can engineer or cre- one participated and we all learned has changed significantly in the atively design new solutions to solve something and all of the exhibits and last 50 years. It’s no wonder problems together. presentations were really good. Yes- that students ask questions like: terday was worth it!” Soul, who pre- “How will we live in 50 years’ In the light of this insight the school sented on DNA. time? How will the world look widened the culture day this year to a like when the school is celebrat- “Culture and STEAM”- day. Students “I think it was a great day and it ing its 100th anniversary? These of all ages and staff of all sections proved to everyone that if you work questions formed the basis to prepared, with great commitment, a hard you can learn something you dedicate the school’s tradition- variety of ambitious projects (about didn’t know about. I liked it because al culture day this year to these 60 projects!) and presented them on it showed creativity in others and it topics, and to ask the next gen- February 16th; a day that fuelled the was fun!” Ara, who researched and eration what their visions for a learning energy of AFNORTH stu- presented about magnets and their better future are. dents and staff. role in the future.

We have learned over the last 50 Impressions from AFNORTH Interna- years that the influence of Science, tional School students: Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics were crucial for our de- “I think the best part about STEAM velopment and it will be crucial for day was working together to make a our future. We need to create a better great day for all the viewers. All the

25 THE ʻBUITENRINGʼ RING ROAD PROVIDES EASY INTERNATIONAL ACCESS.

Composed by: Ed Frieser (NLD C) Sources: www.buitenring.nl , Project team Buitenring, Province of Limburg.

ndoubtedly you must place to allow the Rode or ‘Red re-constructions. The ring road has have noticed all the Brook’ that comes from the Brunssum a length of 26 kilometres with new infrastructural and heath to stream in open air and not as connections at the A76 near . This road construction before underneath a huge hill of mining new ‘Turbo Roundabout’ near Nuth has Uworks going on in the Parkstad debris. Thus allowing nature to further only been previously constructed once Limburg area, in particular in develop and as a consequence enhance near Rotterdam. Once completed it and around the Brunssum . What flora and fauna near Brunssum. The will be the gateway to Parkstad. The are they doing? An update should many cyclists will be able to make use of ring road will have two lanes into both help you in understanding this new cycle roads and enjoy the beautiful directions with a max speed of 100 km’s large-scale project. nature that surrounds us. / hour. Near preserved natural areas such as the Brunssum Heath and the Parkstad is a highly fractured built up Geleen brook valley the maximum speed area. Not easy to navigate in. Therefore The Project will be 80 km’s per hour. Additionally, the Parkstad Buitenring or Parkstad Parkstad Limburg and the cities some 14 km’s of secondary roads will Ring road is a new road system that of Brunssum, Heerlen, , have to be adjusted and become part of provides easy access to the Parkstad Landgraaf, Nuth, , the Ring road; 12 km’s secondary roads Limburg region. It is a new road that Schinnen in close conjunction with will have to be newly built, 39 special many welcome to overcome poor air the Limburg Provincial Government constructions like bridges, tunnels quality and noise hindrance near their and the Ministry of Infrastructure and and viaducts etc.; 25 noise protective homes. Because the ring road should Environment co-financed the project. screens, 120 fauna tunnels and 2 large relieve the daily traffic jams in built up The discussions already started in Eco-ducts, at Brunssum heath and areas and also provide easy connectivity the seventies and finally came to a Teverener heath. The Brunssum heath for industry and businesses. The definite plan in the first decade of the Eco-duct will be some 50 metres wide. project will make the fractured Parkstad 21st Century. Total costs of the project The construction of the ring road will area better laid-out and attractive to amount to some € 450 million. But result in much better connectivity to comfortably live and work in. Lots of what does the road look like and what national and international road systems nature and recreational- and touristic can be expected for the coming year(s)? with a positive effect on traffic safety services will be available and within easy The ‘Buitenring’ project will not only and the accessibility of Parkstad. The reach. Also close to the headquarters, an include the construction of a ring regional roads N298, N299 and N300 immense ground displacement has taken road, but also many infrastructural will be improved and result in a fine

26 dense road-system with many good Tunnels and Plans 2017 connections to the present inner ring road. However it is also a project consequence for JFC In Nuth the reconstruction of the that many dispute, because of the Brunssum Randweg passing Hoensbroek implications for existing nature, will continue. The N298 will be environment and property. Despite Rimburgerweg that passes by the reconstructed and new roundabouts all the challenges, the project has headquarters will cross the ring and viaducts will be completed to come into the final phase and is road through a tunnel. The present make the connections to the A76 clearly visible at many locations N299 that runs from the roundabout possible. The ‘Turbo’ roundabouts around Parkstad. opposite the Rembrandtstraat construction however will only start (adjacent to the JFC swimming pool end 2018 beginning 2019 and should be / tennis courts) to the ring road completed by 2021. The construction Special construction will be removed and restructured works in Brunssum reach their final works as a nature area. The Golf terrain phase by placing noise protective will be accessible from Brunssum screens near the flats at the Henri Part of the project is several special and Landgraaf however the road Dunantstreet in Brunssum North. construction works. Such as the near the Golf hotel will be closed Mid-2017 the large Eco-duct will be connection to ‘Avantis’ the first for transit traffic. This has been finalized and plantation will complete German-Dutch business park located planned in such a way to avoid the arrangements. The viaduct will be directly on the border between cut-through traffic and reduce the constructed over the Rimburgerweg, Aachen and Heerlen. This special emission of Nitrogen. which will be the link between the connection is co-financed with money Between the Nieuwenhagerweg and Kranenpool industrial area, where the from the European Fund for Regional the Rimburgerweg a horse riders, NATO Industrial Site is located, and the Development within the framework of pedestrians’ and mountain bikers’ reconstructed N299. In Landgraaf the the European Innovation Programme tunnel is in use. This tunnel will N299 reconstruction as a ring road will South-Netherlands (OP-South). be extended but temporarily closed continue to be completed. Noise screens Furthermore, in Brunssum you until April 2017. However, the will be placed near the Knieberglaan, will find the Nature-2000 area, the horse tunnel will be open and can Hoogstraat and the Apollolaan. Brunssum Heath. Nitrogen emission still availaible for use throughout Following the carnival week, second restrictions have been taken to reduce the construction period. The week in March, reconstruction works the influence of the ring road traffic connection to the Brunssum heath will start at the Hoogstraat. Finally, in on this nature preserved area. Hence will be open by mid-May 2017. Kerkrade, a part of the Hamstraat will the speed limit at this point that When the ring road is ready, traffic be reconstructed as a ring road. Prior will be 80 km’s per hour to reduce will be able to reach the Heikop to the start the parallel road next to the Nitrogen emission. To also link the of the Brunssum Heath near Hamstraat will be constructed to make presently fractured nature areas, a Nieuwenhagen only from Landgraaf the Gracht housing area and Industrial large Eco-duct of 50 meters wide that via the Toeristenweg running Zone ‘Willem Sophia’ accessible. In can be used by a variety of faunae will parallel to the ring road. From conclusion, the Parkstad Buitenring is be built. In this way the Brunssum Brunssum the Heikop will not be a massive undertaking with enormous heath, the Brandenburg nature accessible anymore for motorized implications. However, politicians preserved area in the north and the traffic to protect the Brunssum and project management teams do Teverener heath will be inter-linked Heath. Only slower traffic coming everything within their capabilities to and allow animals like badgers and from Brunssum, such as bikers and make it a success. Once completed, deer, but also smaller animals like pedestrians, will be able to reach in 2018, the ring road will be a huge martens, reptiles, and amphibians, to the Heikop. Employees, visitors to infrastructural improvement to safely migrate between these different and from the headquarters, will now this area and might even make new ecological systems. This sub-project have a very convenient connection initiatives such as the Grand Canyon should be completed in the course of to the A76 via this new ring road. Amusement Park possible. 2017.

27 ONE OF US ADJUDANT CHEF JEAN-CHRISTOPHE SAILLOUR, (FRA A)

Scan the qr-code for more interesting information about France WHEN DID YOU ARRIVE IN THE NE- in Mali, the United Nations Multidimen- THERLANDS AND WHICH POSITION sional Integrated Stabilization Mission HAVE YOU TAKEN? in Mali (MINUSMA), and the European Union Training Mission (EUTM) in MALI, ONE OF US I arrived in the Netherlands in July 2013 to where I was working with four German fi ll the position of “staff assistant supply” C-160 aircraft, one Danish C-130, and at the supply & warehouse base support one Spanish C-130. If you can speak En- group. glish… in the French Army you can apply for interesting mission! TELL US ABOUT YOUR MILITARY CAREER. TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOB AND WHAT KIND OF CHALLENGES YOU HAVE TO After two years of study in the history FACE. department of the University of Bretagne occidental, I joined the French Army in In the warehouse I am in charge of the 1992. I started in the Signal School af- stocks of furniture, preparation of the ter my graduation. Subsequently I was expendables delivery and management posted to the “Hades“ Nuclear Force at of the Human Resources Branch protec- the 53rd Signal Regiment. I stayed seven tive equipment for the deployment of years in this unit with various functions the NATO civilians. This means I need to (radio operator, inmarsat group leader, plan the order of furniture, the renewal crypto custodian, radio relay Platoon of branch equipment in the HQs, and the Leader). In 2000 I was posted to Nor- deliveries to customers. mandy to help create a new signal regi- ment; in 2002 the French Armyʼs human The warehouse team has a central role resources branch decided to change my in enabling the deployment of the HQs. military trade to “maintenance & logis- Amongst other things we do this by chec- tics”. In 2006 I was posted to French king luggage and freight and despatching Guyana as the Communication and Infor- it to the airport. mation Systems (CIS) materiel accounting manager for all units in French Guyana. The biggest challenge I have to face is In 2008 I returned to France as Company completing all my allocated tasks with a Sergeant in a signal unit supporting the very small team. land force command HQs in Lille. 2010 I joined the maintenance division of the IS YOUR FAMILY HERE WITH YOU? French land force command where I was in charge of signal equipment and asso- My family (my wife Alexandra, my sons ciated software for the direct support of Liam and Hayden) are here in the Nether- 80 regiments who were under our super- lands, my daughter Ifa is studying charte- vision. red certifi ed accountancy in France.

DO YOU HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE WITH WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES? OTHER INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS? I like reading and travelling around the My international experience started in world, spending time with my family, kite- 1997 with my fi rst mission SFOR , where surfi ng when the sea is warmer than here I served for fi ve months on Igman Mount and I support Toulon Rugby Club. (deployed personnel comprised seven What do you like in your job? French signallers, 3 Italian signallers, and a German mountain infantry platoon of In common with a number of other nati- circa 15 soldiers for force protection). In onal armies my fi rst job is that of soldier; my 25 years of service Iʼve done lots of my second job is that of a supply/logistics missions that have all been in internatio- technician. I like to work in a multinati- nal environments e.g. Multinational Task onal environment as you learn how the Force South East HQs at Mostar, Bos- other nations work …you can share your nia, attached to SFOR; European Union experience and take the best from them… Force in Bosnia; Kosovo Force (KFOR) you learn by mixing with people from – once attached to the Hellenic Batta- other cultures and backgrounds. lion & once attached to the Danish Bat- talion; United Nations Interim Force in 1 The Stabilization Force (SFOR) was a NATO-led Lebanon(UNIFIL); and fi nally last in Se- multinational peacekeeping force deployed to Bos- negal, where I was in the Logistic Opera- nia and Herzegovina after the Bosnian war. Alt- tions team on Ouakam airbase in charge hough SFOR was led by NATO, several non-NATO of the deployment of materiel and per- countries contributed troops. sonnel to: the French ʻServalʼ operation 29 FAMILY SUPPORT FAMILY SUPPORT MORALE MORALE &WELFARE F&AMIWELFARELY SUPPORTFAMILY SUPPORT MORALE &MORALE WELFARE & WELFARE WHEN YOU WORK, WE WORKWHEN YOU WORK, WE WORK WHEN YOU PLAY, WE WORK HARDER WHEN YOU PLAY, WE WORK HARDER

GET OUT 03 MAR 2017 FRI Allison Williams 103 min 1900 Lakeith Stanfi eld

04 MAR ROCK DOG 2017 SAT Luke Wilson 80 min 1600 Eddie Izzard

COLLIDEom Hanks 04 MAR 2017 SAT Nicholas Hoult 99 min 1900 Felicity Jones

LOGAN 10 MAR 2017 FRI Hugh Jackman 135 min 1900 Patrick Stewart ROCK DOG 11 MAR 2017 SAT Luke Wilson 80 min 1600 Eddie Izzard

THE SHACKMatilda Lutz 11 MAR 2017 SAT Sam Worthington 132 min 1900 Octavia Spencer

17 MAR KONG: SKULL ISLAND 2017 FRI Tom Hiddleston 120 min 1900 Corey Hawkins

BEAUTY AND THE BEASTAnd 18 MAR 2017 SAT Dan Stevens 129 min 1600 Emma Watson LOGAN 18 MAR 2017 SAT Hugh Jackman 135 min 1900 Patrick Stewart

POWER RANGERS ICE Cube 24 MAR 2017 FRI Elizabeth Banks 1900 Bryan Cranston

And 25 MAR BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 2017 SAT Dan Stevens 129 min 1600 Emma Watson CHIPS 25 MAR 2017 SAT Michael Peña 100 min 1900 Dax Shepard

LIFE 31 MAR 2017 FRI Rebecca Ferguson 1900 Jake Gyllenhaal WORLD PREMIERE: TASCHEN EXHIBITION IN

n 2016 Benedikt Taschen The exhibition also features a the nearby restaurants. There is also received the Photographic number of tailor-made bookstands, a nice brasserie/grand café located Publishing Award from considered part of a Gesamtkunstwerk in the museum where you can have a The Royal Photographic in TASCHEN’s Art and Collector’s great lunch. SocietyI for “his outstanding Editions and conceived by top achievement in the field of designers such as Philippe Starck The museum is open from 10 - 17.30 photographic publishing”. and Marc Newson. An XXX room hours from Tuesday - Sunday. Closed (adult content) will showcase some on Monday. For the first time an exhibition about of TASCHEN’s more explicit titles, the TASCHEN phenomenon has been regarded as controversial by some, set up in a musuem. It is oriented but an integral part of the editorial BENEDIKT TASCHEN (born 10 around the library of one of the world’s list. The exhibition ends with a February 1961), is a famous German greatest TASCHEN collectors. Through “please touch room” where visitors publisher and contemporary art his eyes we view the boldness, vision can browse the books themselves. collector. He is the founder and and variety of TASCHEN’s program managing director of the publishing across art, photography, sports, ‘A Passion For TASCHEN’ a collector’s house TASCHEN, one of the most history, nature, society, and eroticism. view can be viewed until August 27th, successful international publishers, Presenting Art and Collector’s editions, 2017. The museum is on the Vrijthof with illustrated publications on a range original photographs, bestsellers and square in the centre of Maastricht. You of themes including art, architecture, objects from the TASCHEN archive can park your car right underneath design, fi lm, photography, pop culture, the visitor experiences the thematic the Vrijthof, just follow the signs. and lifestyle. diversity and artistic quality of the publishing house, as well as their A visit to the exhibition is easily roster of leading creative collaborators, combined with a shopping spree including Helmut Newton, Sebastião (that’s what Maastricht is famous for) Salgado and Annie Leibovitz. as well as some good food in one of 31 Fitland XL Sittard WIN TICKETS FOR Winners TASCHEN exhibition Terracotta

• We have 6 tickets for TASCHEN exhibition in Maastricht! Jesus Lanza (Col Esp) OPS J3 E&I • In order to win the tickets, please answer the following question: Christelle Wolff er (OR-9 Fr A) J4 What is the name of the restaurant/Grand Café in the museum? LOGFAS Fill in this coupon and send it to PAO, or send an e-mail to [email protected], before 17 March 2017. welcome! • For NATO ID card holders only • The winners will be announced in the next edition of the Northern Star Always Answer: Division: Full name: Extension: 5 SPECIAL OFFERS FOR ID CARD HOLDERS

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The debut psychological thriller that will forever change the way 25 minute facial treatment 50 00 you look at other people’s lives. normally € 36, for € 25, www.sanavisiebeauty.nl | till 31st of March 2017 EVERY DAY THE SAME Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning and night. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to 1 hour bowling for free daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their www. tlandbowlen.nl | till 31st of March 2017 deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. Jess and Jason, she calls them. Their life— as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost. Hotel Special UNTIL TODAY 1 x overnight stay | 1 x breakfast | 1 x entrance ticket wellness area (spa) And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a Normally € 119,00 for € 95,00 minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to www. tlandhotelsittard.nl | till 31st of December 2017 herself, Rachel goes to the police. But is she re- ally as unreliable as they say? Soon she is deeply entangled not only in the investigation but in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more Enjoy endlessly harm than good? Normal dinner price of € 32,50 reduced to € 28,50 www.restaurantmedals.nl | till 31st of March 2017

ERRATA Whilst the editorial staff make every eff ort to ensure the facts represented in this magazine are correct, on occasion a mistake is made. This is taken very seriously and, once identifi ed, mistakes are corrected. In the February 2017 Fitland XL Sittard edition of the Northern Star the ‘North Atlantic Council Visits JFC Brunssum’ article that appeared on page 19 was mistakenly attributed to Mr Andries Bosma (NLD C). This was an error as the JFC Brunssum Public Aff airs Milaanstraat 115 | 6135 LH Sittard Offi ce should have been credited for the article. Apologies to Mr Bosma. The digital version on the JFC Brunssum +31 (0)46 - 870 00 90 | hotelsittard@ tland.nl website has been corrected.

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Alwayswelcome!

5 SPECIAL OFFERS FOR ID CARD HOLDERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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