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MAGAZINE FOR HQ JFC BRUNSSUM - 2020

NATO’S ENHANCED FORWARD PRESENCE BATTLEGROUPS THE STRENGTH OF THE ON THE NORTHEASTERN FLANK

THIS MONTH’S FOCUS: NATO EFP BATTLEGROUPS

• EXERCISE SABER JUNCTION 20 • NEW CHIEF OF STAFF AT JFC BRUNSSUM JFC• DANISH ARMED FORCESBRUNSSUM

MAGAZINE FOR HQ JFC BRUNSSUM

CONTENTS OCTOBER 2020 EDITORIAL STAFF Frank Warda (DEU ) 5 COMMAND CORNER Editorial Director 6 NEW CHIEF OF STAFF AT JFC BRUNSSUM Captain Aouatef Zimrani (FRA Army) 8 ENHANCED FORWARD PRESENCE – AN OVERVIEW Chief Editor 10 HQ MMNCNE – FROM POLITICAL SYMBOL TO REGIONAL RESPONSIBILTY Captain Tobias Luckau (DEU Air Force) 14 EFP BATTLEGROUP Assistant Editor 17 EFP BATTLEGROUP Adjudant Leo Roos (NLD Army) 20 EFP BATTLEGROUP Assistant Editor 22 EFP BATTLEGROUP Veerle Dandoy (BEL Civilian) 28 EXERCISE SABER JUNCTION 20 Assistant Editor 30 JFCBS PARTICIPATES IN THE CLEANUP DAY Sergeant- Peter van Bastelaar (NLD Navy) 32 VISITS AND ACTIVITIES Assistant Editor 34 THE ARMED FORCES OF Warrant Officer Marc-Andre Gaudreault (CAN Army) 36 #WEAREJFCBS Assistant Editor

CONTRIBUTORS: Commander Salvatore Di Pietro, JFCBS J35; (GS) Ulrich Pfützenreuter, MNC NE J5 Branch Head Policy; Sveinn Helgason, eFP Battlegroup Lithuania; Captain Nathaniel Metherel, eFP ABOUT THE COVER Battlegroup Latvia, Mr Oliver Omar, UK Permanent Joint Headquarters Media Office; Major Mirjana Kiš, eFP Bat- tlegroup Poland Public Affairs Office; Sergeant Amanda Canadians and Slovakians from the eFP Fry, US Army ; Mr Oliver Smith, JFCBS PAO; Battlegroup Latvia participate in Exercise HAVOC SOARING. Camp Adazi, Latvia, August 2020. Major Jacob T.B. Brond, JFCBS CO DCOS MGT. Photo : eFP BG Latvia PAO PHOTO : NATO Flickr channel, HQ MNCNE Public Affairs Office, eFP BG Latvia Public Affairs Office, eFP BG Lithuania Public Affairs Office, eFP BG Estonia Public Affairs Office, eFP BG Poland Public Affairs Office, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Garrick W. Morgenweck, U.S. Army Sgt. John Yountz; U.S. Army Spc. Ravenne Eschbach; (U.S Army Spc. Audrequez Evans.

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Kasteelhoeve de Grote He e  Landgoed Schinvelder Hoeve Rebelle Maastricht  Waterstraat ­ Brunssummerstraat €‘ Kesselskade ‰Š €‚ƒ„ AJ Thorn €‰‘ƒ CR Schinveld €‹ƒƒ EN Maastricht www.degrotehe‡ e.nl www.schinvelderhoeve.nl www.rebellemaastricht.nl COMMAND GROUP CORNER LIEUTENANT KRZYSTOF KRÓL

“We are a strong and We can all benefit by learning from each other professional team!” My previous appointments have also taken I feel privileged to be appointed the Chief in operational tours with the United Na- of Staff at Joint Force Command Brunssum tions in and, again in NATO, in and thank the directorates and divisions for Multinational Central South, in assisting my induction and setting the con- . Whether deployed on operations or in ditions for what promises to be a busy, but other positions, I have come to value mul- rewarding tour. It is obvious that we have a tinationalism throughout my career, in the great staff team in the headquarters and I belief that there is a spirit in the coopera- look forward to working with both military tion of many nations. I believe that we can and civilian personnel alike in the months all benefit by learning from each other’s dif- ahead. fering experiences and that every individual has something to offer – something I want As Chief of Staff, I am keen to make best use to reinvigorate and encourage between staff of my previous, and directly-related, expe- members. rience in my appointment. By profession, I am a Combat Engineer but have served in We are in an exceptionally busy period many diverse posts, at company, , divisional and levels. As a graduate In my first few weeks, it has become appar- from the Academy of National Defence, in ent that this remains an exceptionally busy , I am equally well versed in dealing period as the headquarters. At the political with issues at the military/strategic level. level, there would appear to be encouraging signs of progress in our RESOLUTE SUP- My previous experience with NATO PORT Mission in . We remain on standby for the NATO Response Force In 2000, I was proud to be in the first and have and we are making good head- group of Polish officers to take up a NATO way in the implementation of the ongoing post which, for me, was Joint Headquar- NATO Command Structure – Adaptation ters Centre, Heidelberg, before being re- programme while also dealing with the im- ise our peacetime procedures in our battle directed to Regional Headquarters South, pact of the Covid 19 pandemic, the seasonal rhythm; and continue the ongoing reform in Naples. In subsequent years, I served as turn-over of staff and a demanding training to our supporting staff processes. a Brigade Commander and Com- and exercise programme. mander of Multinational Corps Northeast, I cannot promise any slow-down in the in Stargard and , Poland, respec- Optimism and confidence will guide us current tempo of operational, planning, tively. I participated in the implementation training or support. However, my first im- of the outcomes from the Wales Summit, My overall approach is one of optimism and pressions are that Joint Force Command in 2014, and the Warsaw Summit, in 2016, confidence as we navigate our way through Brunssum is a strong professional team and was NATO’s Representative in the set- complex staff issues. I have to declare that with a commendable reputation, in and ting up and inauguration of some of our I am, by nature, a self-confessed ‘worka- outside NATO. I am here to play my full NATO Force Integration Units. As such, holic’ and have a PhD based on the ‘Pro- part and work together with you all to build I have felt connected to NATO and Brun- cess of achieving operational capabilities our operational readiness and outputs on ssum – almost as a ‘family member’ – for in the ’. I am therefore all fronts. Thank you again for your much many years and have a close affinity with poised to bring this experience to support appreciated support to date. Stay healthy our northern having served and vis- the Commander’s direction to: embrace and stay safe. ited widely within its boundaries that have and align with the new NATO Military extended from the Norwegian Fiords, the Strategy and their two supporting strategic Krzysztof Król, PhD Arctic Circle in , through to Esto- concepts; extend our linkages NATO’s De- nia and the in . My most fence Planning Process; and add value to recent position as the Deputy Chief of the operations in a multi-domain environment. will also permit me to More generally, I am also seeking to devolve offer a first-hand perspective to the Com- some flag and other responsibilities, where mand Group on regional issues, where ap- necessary; bring greater coherence to ‘top- propriate. down’ direction and guidance; operational-

5 JFC BRUNSSUM WELCOMES NEW CHIEF OF STAFF REGIONAL FOCUS

STORY BY JFCBS PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

On the 27th of August 2020, Joint Lieutenant General Król comes to JFCBS Commander JFCBS, General Jörg Vollmer, Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS), from Poland where his last appointment was thanked Lieutenant General de Reviers de mindful of COVID-19 restrictions, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Mauny for his dedication and achievements conducted an official ceremony to say Armed Forces. during his tour at JFCBS. He commended the work he has completed throughout his time farewell to the Chief of Staff (COS), Before departing, Lieutenant General de Re- as COS and his positive encouragement to all Lieutenant General Hubert de Reviers viers de Mauny reflected fondly on his time at staff to continue learning and work as a team. de Mauny, , upon his re- JFCBS as this marks, not only the end of his tirement, and extend a warm welcome time in Brunssum, but the completion of his All JFCBS personnel wish Lieutenant Gener- to the new COS, Lieutenant General military career, a career that has spanned 39 al de Reviers de Mauny a well-deserved, long Krzysztof Król, Polish Army. years of Service. and happy retirement.

6 CHIEF OF STAFF Lieutenant General Krzysztof Król

Lieutenant General Krzysztof Król Corps Headquarters, in Kraków. In 2012, was born on 1st of 1968 in he was appointed as the Commander of Ciechanów, Poland. He began his mili- the Command Support Brigade Multina- tary career as an officer cadet in 1987 tional Corps Northeast, Stargard, Poland. at the Military College of Engineering, In 2016, he was then appointed as Dep- Wrocław, and was commissioned in 1991 uty Commander of Multinational Corps as a Combat Engineer. Northeast, in Szczecin, Poland, where he was able to defend his PhD thesis on the From 1991 to 1997 he served in a variety Process of achieving operational capabil- of command positions in the Command ities in the Polish Armed Forces, earned Support in the Ministry of In- at the University of National Defence. terior and the 1st Engineering Battalion of the 1st Division. It was during In August 2018, the Minister of National this period that he deployed to Lebanon Defence of the of Poland ap- where he served as both the Deputy and pointed him to the position of Deputy the Commander of the Engineering Com- Chief of the General Staff of the Polish pany seconded to United Nation Interim Armed Forces. On June 29, 2020, Major Forces. General Krzysztof Król was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and, on 1st By 1999, he had graduated from the 2020, took up his current ap- Academy of National Defence, Warsaw, pointment as the Chief of Staff of Allied and successfully completed postgraduate Joint Force Command Brunssum. study at the Security and European In- tegrity in Humanistic Academy, Pułtusk. His decorations include the Cross of This was followed by a short tour as the Merit in Gold (Polish), the Army Com- Military Assistant in the office of the mendation Medal (US), the Joint Service Commander of the . Commendation Medal (US) and Medal of Respect (). In 2000, he was assigned within the first group of Polish officers to take up posts He is married to Donata and blessed with across NATO. He was appointed as the two adult sons, Mateusz and Filip, along Senior Staff Officer at the Training and with the fifth member of the family – Exercise Division G7 in the Joint Head- their Maltese dog, Luna. quarters Centre, Heidelberg, Germany. In 2001, he was re-directed to Regional Headquarters South, in Naples, , AWARDS AND DECORATIONS: where he filled the post of Senior Staff • Golden Cross of Merit Officer- in the Political Adviser’s • Medal of the Armed Forces in the Office and spent part of his tour deployed Service for the Fatherland – Silver in the KFOR mission. Class From 2003 to 2005 he was assigned to • Medal of Merit for Country Defence – Golden Class the Training and Exercise Branch within • Medal for Long Meritorious Service – the G3 Division of the Polish Land Forces Silver Class Command in which he was the , • Joint Service Commendation Medal and then senior specialist, for operational (US) Iraq Star work-up training at corps, divisional and • Medal of Multinational Division CS brigade level. In 2005, he deployed to Iraq Iraq as Chief of G3 Operations in Mul- • The Army Commendation Medal (US) tinational Division Central South, in Ad • Iraq Star Diwaniyah. This was followed by a 4-year • Medal for the Mission in Kosovo tour as Officer of the Com- (KFOR) mander of the Polish Land Forces, until • UN Peacekeeping Medal for Lebanon 2 2009. (UNIFIL) • Medal of Recognition of the UA In 2010, he completed the National Secu- Ministry of Defence rity Programme at the Canadian Forces • Official 25th College, Toronto. From this, he was ap- Anniversary Commemorative Medal pointed as Chief G5 in the 2nd Polish

7 A HISTORY OF NATO’S ENHANCED FORWARD PRESENCE (EFP): From the Wales Summit to combat-ready Battlegroups e FP SPECIAL EDITION

STORY BY LIEUTENANT COMMANDER SALVATORE DI PIETRO, JFCBS J35

This special edition of the Northern The : vironment offers unique training opportu- Star focuses on the four eFP Battle- The establishment of the nities to the servicemen and women of the groups. This article underlines the Battlegroups; from fighting in woods and history of the establishment of the concept of eFP forests to urban operations; individual cold concept for the Battlegroups and weather training to Battlegroup live field paves the way for the articles of Mul- During the 2016 Warsaw summit the firing supported by air, aviation and artil- tinational Corps Northeast and the concept of enhanced Forward Presence, lery; manoeuvre to defence in depth opera- individual Battlegroups on the fol- known simply as eFP, was established. It tions; fighting as part of a national grouping lowing pages. was agreed that four multinational Bat- to operating as part of a multinational unit. tlegroups would be stationed in Estonia, The challenges of integration have been The 2014 Wales Summit: Latvia, Lithuania and Poland as a demon- overcome, the procedures refined, well- Reinforcing collective stration of alliance resolve and capability rehearsed and are now second nature, the deterrence and defence to defend if required to do so. The United force is ready to standby the nations in de- Kingdom, , Germany and the Unit- livering NATO’s first line of defence. ed States each agreed to lead a Battlegroup At the 2014 Wales Summit, following the and have received significant support from As the concept has matured over the last 4 Russian annexation of the Crimea, Ukraine, a multitude of NATO nations on a rotation- years and around 20,000 NATO personnel the political decision was taken for an ad- al basis. Commencing deployments in 2016 have rotated through the region, the inten- tion has remained the same; deter adversar- justment in NATO’s posture with the pur- and being fully established in 2017, their pose of reinforcing collective deterrence ial aggression through demonstration of al- presence in the region continues to make a liance resolve and capability to defend. But and defence across Europe; the intention clear statement to any potential adversary being to deter adversarial aggression and the plans have evolved. eFP battle groups that an attack on any Ally will be considered have strengthened relations with their Host reassure threatened nations along NATO’s an attack against all 30 Alliance members; eastern flank – the end state, maintaining Nation fighting brigade headquarters, de- while careful non-escalatory posture man- veloped a greater understanding of national peace. The means of achieving this was agement of the force ensures NATO does home defence plans and learnt how to op- through the establishment of Air Polic- not increase tensions but robustly display erate alongside national forces as part of a ing Missions and NATO Force Integration its readiness and willingness to defend. wider NATO response force. At the higher Units, with refinement to existing plans to tactical levels, synchronisation and liaison increase NATO’s ability to exercise com- between the components becomes ever mand and control of forces across the Eu- Training opportunities for more robust and training opportunities ro-Atlantic region. These new tactical com- multinational integration continue to increase. mands and enabling headquarters created greater agility while strengthening opera- While NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence Throughout their time in the tional capacity across all of the warfighting continues to evolve and may look differ- domains. With operations in the Middle and Poland, units have found themselves ent again in another 4 years, the constants East drawing down, nations were able to conducting Battlegroup and brigade level will remain the same; a mission defensive rapidly refocus efforts and resources to training events in the context of a joint in nature, proportionate to the challenge address emerging threats much closer to multinational defensive operation; Land, and fully in line with NATO’s international home, showing unwavering commitment Air and Maritime forces operating in har- commitments – the Alliance remains un- to the Alliance and support to one another. mony to protect Alliance territory. The en- breakable.

8 Organization North Atlantic Treaty Organization www.nato.int/factsheets Factsheet www.nato.int/factsheets Factsheet October 2019 October 2019 NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence NATO has enhanced its presence in the eastern part of the Alliance, with four multinational battlegroups inNATO Estonia, has Latvia,enhanced Lithuania its presence and Poland.in the eastern These part battlegroups, of the Alliance, led by withthe fourUnited multinational Kingdom, Canada,battlegroups Germanyin Estonia, and Latvia, the UnitedLithuania States and respectively, Poland. These are multinational,battlegroups, led and by combat-ready, the , demonstrating Canada, theGermany strength and of the the United transatlantic States bond.respectively, Their arepresence multinational, makes clear and that combat-ready, an attack on demonstrating one Ally will be consideredthe strength an of attack the transatlantic on the whole bond. Alliance. Their NATO’s presence battlegroups makes clear formthat anpart attack of the on biggest one Ally reinforcement will be ofconsidered NATO’s ancollective attack ondefence the whole in a generation.Alliance. NATO’s battlegroups form part of the biggest reinforcement of NATO’s collective defence in a generation. The table below illustrates national contributions to the four battlegroups. The personnel and force numbers areThe based table on below information illustrates provided national by contributions contributing to nations the four and battlegroups. may include forcesThe personnel deployed and in aforce support numbers role. Numbersare based shouldon information be taken providedas indicative by contributing as they change nations regularly, and mayin accordance include forces with deployed the deployment in a support procedures role. ofNumbers the contributing should be nations.taken as indicative as they change regularly, in accordance with the deployment procedures of the contributing nations. Battlegroup led by the United Kingdom, operatingBattlegroup with Estonian led by the forces United in Kingdom,Tapa, Estonia Contributor operatingTroops with EstonianForces forces in Tapa, Estonia UnitedContributor Kingdom 800Troops •Forces 1 x Armoured battalion with battle and United Kingdom 800 • armoured1 x Armoured fighting battalion vehicles with main battle tanks and • Supportedarmoured fighting by self-propelled vehicles artillery and air defence assets, • engineers,Supported anby intelligence,self-propelled surveillance artillery and and air reconnaissance defence assets, groupengineers, and anlogistic intelligence, support surveillanceelements and reconnaissance 330 • 1group Mechanized and logistic infantry support company elements (3 mechanized France 330 • (VBCI),1 Mechanized 1 heavy infantry armoured company platoon (3 (LECLERC),mechanized platoon 1 engineer platoon,(VBCI), 1 artilleryheavy armoured element) platoon (LECLERC), 1 engineer • Nationalplatoon, 1support artillery element element) • LogisticsNational elementssupport element (movement, maintenance, medical) ; • SignalLogistics element elements ; (movement, maintenance, medical) ; • StaffSignal officerselement ;integrated in battlegroup in Tapa and eFP HQ • inStaff . officers integrated in battlegroup in Tapa and eFP HQ Denmark 3 Supportin Tallinn. to brigade headquarters IcelandDenmark 13 1Support x Strategic to brigade communications headquarters civilian 1 Approximate1 x Strategictotal communications number: 1134 civilian Approximate total troop number: 1134

Battlegroup led by Canada, operatingBattlegroup with Latvian led forces by Canada, in Adazi, Latvia Contributor operatingTroops with ForcesLatvian forces in Adazi, Latvia CanadaContributor 525Troops •Forces 1 x Mechanised infantry battalion with armoured fighting Canada 525 • vehicles1 x Mechanised infantry battalion with armoured fighting • Combatvehicles support company • SupportCombat elementssupport company • ContributionSupport elements to battlegroup headquarters 21 Mobility• Contribution explosive to battlegroupordnance disposal headquarters engineers CzechAlbania Republic 5521 1Mobility x explosive platoon ordnance and support disposal element engineers ItalyCzech Republic 16655 1 x MechanisedMortar platoon infantry and support company/ element Mountain troop Italy 166 company1 x Mechanised with armoured infantry company/fighting vehicles, Mountain Joint troop Terminal Air Controllerscompany with and armoured teams, fighting mortar vehicles, and anti- Joint Terminal unit Air 10 1Controllers x Combat andengineer sniper , teams, mortar contribution and anti-tank to battlegroup unit Montenegro 10 headquarters1 x Combat engineer squadron, contribution to battlegroup Poland Up to 200 1headquarters x Tank Company, national contribution to battlegroup HQ, Poland Up to 200 support1 x Tank elements Company, national contribution to battlegroup HQ, Up to 152 •support Mechanised elements infantry company Slovakia Up to 152 • ContributionMechanised infantry to battlegroup company headquarters • SupportContribution elements to battlegroup headquarters • Support elements 33 • 1 x Engineer platoon Slovenia 33 • 1 x Engineer platoon Slovenia 33 • 1 x TacticalEngineer Air platoon Control Party team • 1 x Tactical Air Control Party team • 1Contribution x Tactical Air to Control battlegroup Party headquarters team 350 • 1Contribution x Mechanised to infantrybattlegroup company headquarters with tanks and armoured Spain 350 • 1Contribution x Mechanised to infantrybattlegroup company headquarters with tanks and armoured Spain 350 • 1fighting x Mechanised vehicles infantry company with tanks and armoured fighting vehicles • fightingMobility engineersvehicles and support elements • Mobility engineers and support elements • MobilityLogistic elements engineers and support elements • Logistic elements • LogisticContribution elements to battlegroup headquarters Approximate• Contribution total troop number:to battlegroup 1512 headquarters Approximate• Contribution total troop number:to battlegroup 1512 headquarters Approximate total troop number: 1512 Battlegroup led by Germany, Battlegroup led by Germany, operating withBattlegroup Lithuanian led forces by Germany, in Rukla, Lithuania operating with Lithuanian forces in Rukla, Lithuania Contributor operatingTroops with LithuanianForces forces in Rukla, Lithuania Contributor Forces ContributorGermany Troops560 Forces1 x Armoured infantry company, combat service, combat Germany 560 1 x Armoured infantry company, combat service, combat Germany 560 1service x Armoured support infantry company, combat service, combat service support 262 service1 x Armoured support infantry company with national support Belgium 262 1 x Armoured infantry company with national support Belgium 262 1element x Armoured and staff infantry officers company for battlegroup with national headquarters support element and staff officers for battlegroup headquarters 35 element• 1 x Electronic and staff warfare officers element for battlegroup headquarters Czech Republic 35 • 1 x Electronic warfare element Czech Republic 35 • 1Support x Electronic elements warfare element • Support elements Iceland 1 •Public Support Affairs elements Civilian Iceland 1 Public Affairs Civilian IcelandNetherlands 1270 Public1 x Mechanised Affairs Civilianinfantry company with armoured fighting Netherlands 270 1 x Mechanised infantry company with armoured fighting Netherlands 270 1vehicles x Mechanised infantry company with armoured fighting vehicles 120 vehicles1 x Armoured infantry company with armoured fighting Norway 120 1 x Armoured infantry company with armoured fighting Norway 120 1vehicles x Armoured infantry company with armoured fighting vehicles Approximatevehicles total troop number: 1248 Approximate total troop number: 1248 Approximate total troop number: 1248

Battlegroup led by the , Battlegroup led by the United States, operating withBattlegroup Polish forces led in by the United (Bemowo States, Piskie), Poland operating with Polish forces in Orzysz (Bemowo Piskie), Poland Contributoroperating withTroops Polish forcesForces in Orzysz (Bemowo Piskie), Poland Contributor Troops Forces ContributorUnited States Troops857 Forces1 x Armoured squadron with combat service and United States 857 1 x Armoured cavalry squadron with combat service and United States 857 1support x Armoured enablers cavalry squadron with combat service and support enablers 80 Self-propelledsupport enablers launcher battery (4 x SPRL 122mm Croatia 80 Self-propelled rocket launcher battery (4 x SPRL 122mm Croatia 80 Self-propelled“VULKAN”) rocket launcher battery (4 x SPRL 122mm “VULKAN”) 120 “VULKAN”)1 x Ground-based air defence battery and support elements Romania 120 1 x Ground-based air defence battery and support elements RomaniaUnited Kingdom 120140 1Light x Ground-based Reconnaissance air defencesquadron battery equipped and withsupport Jackal elements United Kingdom 140 Light Reconnaissance squadron equipped with Jackal United Kingdom 140ApproximateLight total Reconnaissance troop number: squadron 1197 equipped with Jackal Approximate total troop number: 1197 Approximate total troop number: 1197

Approximate total troop number for all four battlegroups: 5091 Approximate total troop number for all four battlegroups: 5091 9 Approximate total troop number for all four battlegroups: 5091

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www.nato.int Graphics NATO 1753-19 & Printing

www.nato.int Graphics NATO 1753-19 & Printing Printed on 100% recycled paper 1753-19 NATO Graphics NATO 1753-19 & Printing Printed on 100% recycled paper Printed on 100% recycled paper Multinational Corps Northeast in Szczecin (Poland) – from political symbol to regional responsibility e FP SPECIAL EDITION

STORY BY: LIEUTENANT COLONEL (GS) ULRICH PFÜTZENREUTER, MNC NE J5 BRANCH HEAD POLICY

In September 2019, Headquarters they are, not taking them for granted . A broad military invasion of West- Multinational Corps Northeast cel- as a permanent state. Multinational ern Europe may no longer be something ebrated its twentieth birthday – the Corps Northeast faces up to any cur- that has to be feared. However, it is also not age of twenty usually being consid- rent and future challenges, true to its possible to generally rule out a regional mil- ered as reaching the peak of one's own motto: “Ready Today – Prepared itary intervention in the Region. capability. Nevertheless, anyone who for Tomorrow – Adapting for the Fu- Russia continues to use every opportunity believes that being just over twenty ture”. to create division within NATO. In times signifies being fully grown is- mis of limited resources, the different priori- taken. The development goes on; es- Continuous change as the ties set by NATO can be ensured best by pecially when it comes to thinking, constant a threat-appropriate re-regionalization of new approaches are formed and the military headquarters. This way, groups of tried and true is rediscovered. Mov- NATO’s relevance as the backbone of Eu- states dedicate themselves to those threats ing with the times also means appre- ropean security remains unbroken. This is that are a priority for them. A great ad- ciating and caring for the strengths particularly true for the Baltic Sea Region, vantage in doing so lies in a close and di- of any period as the temporary gift where NATO territory immediately borders rect cooperation between individual NATO

10 Headquarters building of MNC NE in Szczecin – state-of-the-art infrastructure in Baltic Barrack Foundation of MNC NE in 1999 member states with similar interests. A Transformation accomplished in 2017 with a preparation more regional posture of NATO is to be un- time of only 24 months. Also the structure derstood as an essential contribution to an The decisions of the NATO Summits in of the Corps changed from a headquarters appropriate response capability of the Al- Newport (Wales) in 2014 and Warsaw to a command with subordinate units. The liance. For the Baltic states and the Baltic (Poland) in 2016 marked the first turning Corps is responsible for command and con- Sea Region, this regional responsibility lies point in the orientation of the Corps: In the trol of two newly established multinational with Multinational Corps Northeast based course of the events on the Crimean Penin- divisions (Multinational Division North- in Szczecin, Poland. sula and in Eastern Ukraine in spring 2014, east (MND-NE) and Multinational Divi- the transatlantic Alliance decided to shift sion North (MND-N)); four National Home Political symbol – in the spirit of its main focus back to collective defence. In Defence Brigade Headquarters in Estonia, integration the process of implementing the measures Latvia, Lithuania and Poland; four multi- of the Readiness Action Plan, the Szczecin- national enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Headquarters Multinational Corps North- based Headquarters received a decisive role Battle Groups and six NATO Force Integra- east (HQ MNC NE) was established in the in reinforcing the NATO presence at the tion Units. In this, it is supported by the city of Szczecin in north-western Poland eastern flank of the Alliance. The aim: cred- Command Support Brigade – which in turn on 18 September 1999 upon joint political ible deterrence. consists of three Polish and one decision of Denmark, Germany and Po- German battalion. Thanks to their capa- land. Evolving from German-Danish Corps From headquarters to bilities, HQ MNC NE can be independently LANDJUT, it was the first time that, with command deployed to and employed at any location the Republic of Poland, a new NATO mem- within its of responsibility. ber was integrated into a multinational Within three years, the Corps grew by an- formation. Beyond its immediate military other ten nations to a total of now 25. The tasks, MNC NE thus became a political personnel strength was almost doubled, a symbol of the accelerated transatlantic as new structure adopted and certification as well as process. This a headquarters for high-readiness forces Corps is marked by a number of particulari- – and as Land Component Command – ties concerning its creation, composition, tasks as well as its current and future role. Both within the framework of the second round of NATO enlargement conducted in 2004 and in the course of growing military integration across Europe, these particu- larities were of increasing importance and continue to be so today.

Being the first newly established NATO military body east of the former Iron Cur- tain, the Corps was met with interest from the new NATO member states from the very beginning. Only ten years after the Corps' inception, the number of participat- ing nations had increased by eight more. These were Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania (2004); Slovakia and Czechia (2005); the United States of America (2006) as well as Romania (2008) and Slovenia (2009). Croatia (2012), Hungary (2013), and Swe- den as the first non-NATO partner contin- ued to further this build-up until 2014. “In the spirit of integration” was the then motto of the Corps.

11 Credible deterrence – MNC NE commands major formations in the Baltic Sea Region

In this regard, it is particularly important The enhanced Forward Presence Battle the next “evolutionary stage” – establish- to have recourse to structures that already Groups are the four multinational forma- ing itself as the Regional Land Component exist in the regions, to soldiers who know tions under leadership of lead nations Unit- Command for the Baltic Sea Region. Re- the situation in the field due to their per- ed Kingdom, Canada, USA and Germany gionalization, regional focus and regional manent presence , i.e. who have situational that are providing the visible contribution responsibility may initially sound unfa- awareness. of the Allied land forces to deterrence at the miliar for an alliance with a 360-degree north-eastern flank of NATO on a rotation- defence approach. However, the multitude To this end, MNC NE can draw on the al basis since 2017. These Battle Groups are of unique and exclusive tasks being car- NATO Force Integration Units (NFIUs) in firmly integrated into the respective nation- ried out in the Szczecin-based Headquar- ters leads to the single logical conclusion Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slova- al of their host countries Estonia, of aiming for exactly this status within the kia and Hungary. They serve as “eyes, ears Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. They are a framework of credible deterrence. and mouthpiece” for the NATO Regional significant and highly valued reinforcement Land Component Command in Szczecin. of these brigades. While the permanent tasks associated with crisis response are assigned to the eight They are perfectly integrated with the lo- Regional responsibility other NATO Corps Headquarters on a ro- cal structures and represent the Alliance. tating basis, MNC NE permanently is the Through excellent relations to their respec- The three turbulent and challenging years only NATO headquarters with regional tive host countries, the NFIUs are the ones with the decisions of the NATO Summits responsibility for the Baltic Sea Region. It who enable a rapid deployability of further in Newport in 2014 and in Warsaw in 2016 does not have to be deployed – it already is forces of Allied nations in the first place, consequently lead to new requirements for situated in its area of operations. thus substantially contributing to credible the development of the Corps in Szczecin: Today, Szczecin is more than “just” a corps deterrence and security in the region. MNC NE is in the middle of implementing headquarters. MNC NE is a command with

Lieutenant General Slawomir Wojciechowski, the Commander of MNC NE, with his team during the 12 Baltic Sea Region as permanently assigned area of responsibility and area of operations of MNC NE Griffin exercise series a clear mission, area responsibility and formation between Corps, regional German north-eastern flank of NATO. While it was subordinate units. In addition, the Corps Navy Headquarters in Rostock (Germany) smaller, brigade-size units (about 3000 is the only one that is assigned and subor- and (MAR- soldiers) operating in the and in dinated to a Joint Force Command – JFC COM) in Northwood (United Kingdom), a Afghanistan, here it is about the rapid de- Brunssum – already in peacetime. MNC closer cooperation with the naval forces will ployment, integration and command and NE thus is already “on mission” and per- be established in the future. control of complex major formations in di- manently capable to respond. Maintaining vision or corps strength. Up to 40,000 sol- a common operational picture, planning Derived from the HQ's coat of arms, the diers must be able to arrive and cooperate and exercises as well as conjoint collabora- Pomeranian Griffin, an organic series of in the theatre of operations. tion with military and civilian actors there- exercises called “GRIFFIN” will pool and fore are aligned with the requirements and coordinate efforts of nations in the area of The consultations and detailed planning for contingencies of the real development of responsibility and NATO partners as well this are being stimulated and coordinated the situation. as relieve them by creating synergy effects. during routine duty from Szczecin already today. This daily initiative builds the mu- Ready for action at any time Setting up a uniform data and information tual trust between partners and other ac- tors that has its foundation in the pledge In numerous multinational exercises, the network provides a decisive contribution to interoperability of the individual land of mutual defence in Article 5 of the NATO men and women of MNC NE have dem- Treaty: One for all and all for one. onstrated that, in their function as a corps forces as well as to permanently monitoring and updating the cross-border operational headquarters, they can command and con- Hub for regional cooperation trol major formations, counter emerging picture. crises and defeat threats to security in the The annually completed deployment exer- assigned area of operations – thus being Cross-border cooperation cises of NATO's rapid response force (Very able to act inwards and downwards. The High Readiness Joint – VJTF) challenge now is to develop, implement The desired end state as a recognized Re- across borders under peacetime conditions and live the upward and outward thinking gional Land Component Command will be confirm the effort of the Headquarters' as Regional Land Component Command implemented in an inward- and outward- members to fulfil and demonstrate the role both in the Headquarters as well as on the looking adaptation process. The head- of Regional Land Component Command national and local decision-making levels quarters and personnel structure of HQ every day anew. However, it is indispensa- within the area of responsibility: The objec- MNC NE – only introduced in 2015 – is ble for this success already today that the tive is to further establish HQ MNC NE as currently undergoing a rapid adaptation in national and local decision-making levels the regional responsible entity and point of order to quickly implement the new tasks of all NATO and security partners have the contact as well as to not only maintain its and missions in a more efficient and effec- prevailing confidence and conviction to performance and response capabilities but tive manner with the right man or woman include the Szczecin-based Regional Land to consistently further develop them. The in the right place. Command and control Component Command in every consulta- crucial aspect is to further reinforce the exercises, cross-border deployments of tion, every undertaking and every activ- confidence in cooperation across national units and formations right up to regular ity in the Baltic Sea Region, because only borders, which forms the basis for contin- live-fire exercises serve to constantly fur- then can MNC NE successfully ensure the ued joint effort and necessary investment. ther develop interoperability. In doing so, fulfilment of its permanent mission as land It is all about credible deterrence against tactical English as the common language, force integrator and coordination hub for any threat and aggression towards peace command and control as well as decision- the Baltic Sea Region – true to the motto: and security in the Baltic Sea Region. making processes, technical standards and “Ready Today – Prepared for Tomorrow – IT networks are harmonized and improved. Adapting for the Future”. Far more important, however, are trust- New cooperation partners ing cooperation and information exchange The Baltic Sea is not only the left neighbour with national decision-makers and govern- for the Regional Land Component Com- ment agencies in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia mand – the sea also is the second strategic and Estonia. It is imperative to create the access route to the area of operations apart preconditions with regard to planning, lo- from the Suwalki Gap between Russian Ka- gistics and infrastructure in order to more liningrad and . Through first visits quickly move NATO reinforcement forces as well as mutual exchange of plans and in- to any potential deployment location at the

Everybody is in their right place at MNC NE 13 NATO eFP Battle Group Lithuania: MULTINATIONAL DEFENCE AND ASSURANCE e FP SPECIAL EDITION

STORY BY SVEINN HELGASON ( ISL), PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER, EFP BATTLEGROUP LITHUANIA

“The NATO enhanced Forward Pres- NATO’s collective defence in a generation. and 60 from the Czech Republic. Belgium, ence (eFP) Battle Groups in the Baltic The Battlegroup in Lithuania is therefore Iceland and have small con- countries and Poland demonstrate an important part of the overall defence tingents but all nations play an important Alliance solidarity, determination posture of NATO. role. Croatia has also been a vital contribut- and ability to defend the population ing nation to the Battlegroup. and territory against any possible “Our aim is to preserve peace and prevent aggression,” says Lieutenant Colo- conflict. My mission as the Commander of Lieutenant Colonel Papenbroock is the nel Peer Papenbroock, Commander the eFP Battle Group in Lithuania is to de- commanding officer of the Armoured Bat- of eFP Battlegroup in Lithuania. liver credible deterrence based on our mili- talion 104 in Pfreimd, Germany, since Around 1200 soldiers make up this tary capabilities, training and readiness,” 2018. The 104 Armoured Battalion is also multinational military force, based says Lieutenant Colonel Peer Papenbroock providing the core of the Battlegroup. Lieu- in Rukla, near the city of . The who took over as Commander when the 8th tenant Colonel Papenbroock was also the Battlegroup represents cooperation rotation of the Battlegroup replaced the 7th Commander of the 5th rotation of the Battle- and strength of eight Allies. Germany rotation on 4th of August this year. Every six group in 2019, so this is his second time in is the framework nation with contri- months the troops in the Battlegroup ro- Lithuania. Deputy Commander is Lieuten- butions from Belgium, The Czech Re- tate, starting with the 1st rotation in 2017. ant Colonel Rob Opmeer, from the Dutch public, France, Iceland, The Nether- 43 Mechanized Brigade. lands, Norway and Luxembourg. Defensive but ready for combat The Battlegroup has four battle companies NATO leaders decided in Warsaw in 2016 from France, Germany, The Netherlands to deploy four multinational Battlegroups The multinational nature of the Battlegroup and Norway – consisting of soldiers on to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. is reflected in the battle cry “TOGETHER! the ground, heavy military hardware and Their presence makes clear that an attack STRONG!”. Germany contributes almost supporting elements. The companies use on one Ally will be considered an attack on half of the current rotation, or 530 soldiers. Leopard-2 and Leclerc main battle tanks the whole Alliance. NATO’s Battlegroups 300 are from France, around 240 come in addition to armoured fighting vehicles form part of the biggest reinforcement of from the Netherlands, 120 from Norway – tracked and wheeled. The combat troops,

14 infantry and armoured, are supported by es. Commander of the Iron is Colo- Exercises to test and train the multinational elements such as engineers, nel Mindaugas Petkevičius. The bond with troops logistical experts and soldiers specialised in the host nation is strong and is reflected in close air support and aviation. The medical close cooperation, mutual respect and joint personnel has armoured trucks, the Boxers, exercises. The soldiers of eFP Battlegroup in Lithu- to recover and carry wounded or injured ania have maintained readiness at all times soldiers. The multinational “The enhanced Forward Presence is very through the COVID 19 pandemic. Exercise also has an important role, both on and off important and valuable in terms of de- EAGER LEOPARD at the end of Septem- the base, for example during movement terrence and defence of the region,” says ber and beginning of October tested the and transport of troops and vehicles. Raimundas Karoblis, Minister of National multinational capabilities in defensive op- Defence in Lithuania. “We are happy to erations of the battle company level. In No- The Staff in the headquarters of the Battle- have German leadership in the eFP Battle vember Exercise IRON WOLF, the biggest group directs the overall operations - com- Group and it is a very stable mission,” says exercise of the current rotation, is aimed at mand and control, planning, security and the minister. “We are doing our best so the demonstrating the coordination of the Bat- intelligence in addition to Public Affairs eFP nation troops which are deployed here, tlegroup within the and other functions. A military mission has have the best possible living and training Brigade Iron Wolf and certifying operation- many moving parts, geared towards being conditions. al readiness of the troops. ready for combat - to defend and deter. All forces are deployed in coordination with It is our priority and we will continue on The Battlegroup seeks every opportunity to NATO partners and in close cooperation that path,” says Minister Karoblis, pleased strengthen multinational and regional co- with Lithuania, the host nation. The Rukla with the overall commitment of the eFP na- operation. Exercise Furious Wolf in Estonia military base is like a small international tions contributing to the Battlegroup. and Lithuania from last summer brought village where different live together 9 NATO Allies, including troops together under the NATO banner. This is A recent example of good cooperation be- from the Battlegroup. Specialized soldiers military life where the soldiers are always tween NATO allies is a new shooting range on the ground, Joint Terminal Attack Con- on duty and stay alert. in the Pabrade training area. This is a joint trollers (JTACs), trained with Allied fighter Lithuanian-German project and a Leop- jet crews. The troops focused on Close Air Strong bond with the Lithuanian tank with Commander Papenbroock Support tactics and skills to regain tactical hosts in charge, tested the range in September. advantage and win the ground battle. This A new target construction system enables is also a clear example of good coopera- both the Lithuanian Land Forces and the tion with the Baltic Air Policing, based in The Battlegroup falls under the command Battlegroup to train even more effectively Šiauliai in Lithuania. of the Mechanized Infantry Brigade Iron with main battle tanks and mechanized in- Wolf, part of the Lithuanian Armed Forc- fantry vehicles.

15 The Battle Group participates also in the group in Lithuania to highlight Allied soli- replace France as a contributing nation in tank competition IRON SPEAR conducted darity and meet the soldiers. January 2021 and deploy a company to by the eFP Battle Group in Latvia. IRON Lithuania. SPEAR 2020 test specific tank crew skills Erna Solberg, Prime Minister of Norway, from eFP Battle Groups by demonstrating visited a unit of the Norwegian Telemark Peace in challenging times the readiness and the strength of the Al- Battalion, a part of the Battle Group, in liance. Last but not least the Battlegroup th Pabrade on 8 September. Prime Minis- NATO membership and the presence of cooperates closely with the NATO Forces ter Solberg expressed Norway’s continued Integration Unit Lithuania on a daily basis. NATO forces enjoy strong support and rec- commitment to the eFP mission and high- ognition among . The nation lighted the overall security assurance of knows that the eFP Battlegroup is ready to In fact the soldiers and other elements of NATO membership. She and other guests the Battle Group are constantly training, join the and fight also watched a capabilities exercise by the any potential aggressor. This solidarity also testing combat capabilities and other skills th Norwegian 4 Battle Company and a multi- exemplifies the nature of our Alliance for to meet any challenge at the highest profes- national static display. sional level. The Battlegroup also adapts over 70 years, based on shared values to to the ever changing political and security defend freedom and democracy. Article 5 th environment. Recent developments in Be- On 29 of September the President of the on collective defence in the North Atlantic larus, next door to Lithuania, require the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, Treaty from 1949 is still relevant. Battlegroup to focus on defensive opera- showed also his commitment visiting the tions and training, sending a clear message French contingent of the eFP Battle Group History teaches us we should never take of NATO . in Rukla barracks together with host na- peace for granted and vital security and tions President Gitanas Nausėda. France political interests have to be protected. Heads of States visiting replaced Croatia in the mission last July The eFP Battle Group in Lithuania is ready and will contribute to the eFP Battle Group for the next challenge, preserving peace in until the end of December this year. Early challenging times. This fall two heads of state from eFP con- next year French troops will deploy to the tributing nations have visited the Battle- eFP Battle Group in Estonia. Belgium will

16 THE ENHANCED FORWARD PRESENCE BATTLEGROUP LATVIA: ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL e FP SPECIAL EDITION

STORY BY CAPTAIN NATHANIEL METHEREL, , ENHANCED FORWARD PRESENCE BATTLE GROUP LATVIA The Canadian-led enhanced Forward stant basis. As can be imagined, training Latvia is an extraordinary tribute to what Presence battlegroup in Latvia (eFP in a coalition Battlegroup has its challeng- NATO stands for. BG Latvia) is a clear demonstration es. To start, all of the nine nations speak of the NATO Alliance’s solidarity, a different language. The ways in which Training at Camp Adazi is ongoing and determination and ability to defend they each conduct training in their home demanding. The training builds from the Latvia against aggression. The bat- country varies from nation to nation. Each platoon and company level to large battle- tlegroup represents Canada’s largest country has their own unique equipment group and Brigade exercises which involve mission in Europe since the collapse and weapon systems, with different doc- the Latvian host nation for integration. In of the . It was first -es trines and standard operating procedures. these large exercises, each of the eFP BGs tablished in June 2017 near the Lat- The rank systems are unique to each coun- cooperate with the other Battlegroups de- vian Capital of at Camp Adazi as try and they each have their own military ployed across the to ensure in- a direct response to the situation in customs and traditions. These many chal- teroperability and the capability for mutual Ukraine that began in 2014. It aims to lenges soon become strengths. support. Each exercise has a focus and a preserve peace and prevent conflict primary training audience with an end goal and forms part of a broader effort to Making the Battlegroup in mind. Training often follows the craw, reinforce NATO’s deterrence and de- stronger walk, run approach where soldiers mas- fence posture. ter the basics and build on those skills in a series of exercises adding additional chal- The Battlegroup consists of nine nations. When the Battlegroup works together to lenges and layers of complexity all the while Alongside Canadians are NATO members train, one of the first aims is to establish a retaining the lessons learned from previous from Albania, Czech Republic, Italy, Mon- common way to work together and estab- exercises. tenegro, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and lish NATO standard operating procedures. Spain working with the Latvian Armed These are created by exchanging knowledge Diverse and eventful exercises Forces. All members represent a wide array and expertise between nations, to come up of trades; there are cooks, medical staff, lo- with the most efficient and effective meth- gistics support, mechanics, weapons techs, ods to get the job done. Incoming units ar- Exercises are diverse, eventful and build signalers, intelligence cells, electronic war- rive and learn to recognize the equipment, off of one another. For example, Exercise fare specialists, engineers, and combat uniforms and ranks of the other NATO na- FIRST CONTACT provided an opportunity arms trades such as infantry, armour and tions. Good coordination and communica- for NATO members to familiarize them- artillery. All trades work together to ensure tion is critical when working in a multina- selves with foreign weapons, share a living that the Battlegroup is completely self- tional Battlegroup and for this reason the area together and get to know the people in sustainable and fit to fight should the need universal language in use is English. Exer- the Battlegroup they will be training and arise. cises are conducted to ensure interopera- working with for the duration of their de- bility, lessons are learned and revisions are ployment. The Baltic Sniper Concentration Multinational training - made to the standard operating procedures included participants from Latvia, Estonia, challenges become strengths in order to make the Battlegroup stronger. Lithuania, Canada, Great Britain, Spain, In this way, training together provides an and Slovakia. There were repre- opportunity to learn, share ideas and expe- sented from all the eFP Battlegroups across In order to maintain readiness, the Battle- riences in a very real and meaningful way. the Baltics. In this exercise, integration was group trains and works together on a con- The multinational character of the eFP BG a key component. Snipers from different 17 An Italian tanker from enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup Latvia is conducting counter-attack operations during Exercise BEAST STRIKE where the Battlegroup set the conditions for Exercise SILVER ARROW, September 2020, Camp Adazi, Latvia. countries were able to share their work ex- Training highlights many activities within Camp Adazi that the perience, learn, adapt, and build partner- members enjoy such as learning Spanish, ship cohesion. Exercise SILVER ARROW participating in the various events such as was a combined arms combat readiness There have been many memorable mo- the Baltic Warrior, the Run evaluation with an aim to increase the ments for the battlegroup. Most members and the Slovakian lead Štefánik Race. This Battlegroup’s standard of integration and would agree that the ability for nations to cross pollination of equipment and events readiness. cross train and use each other’s equipment was a huge success of integration. It was is one of them. For example on Exercise made clear through these experiences that The IRON SPEAR competition will occur in FIRES PRIME, which was a multinational the lasting bonds of friendship between October and it is the largest international artillery exercise with Spanish, Slovakian, members of NATO nations have been built tank and infantry fighting vehicle competi- Slovenian, Czech, Montenegrin and Cana- and bonded. Through the development of tion in the world. dian artillery working together. Slovenian these many relationships at all levels, eFP gunners were integrated on the Canadian BG Latvia is a tangible reminder that an at- It will be held in Camp Adazi training gun line and had the opportunity to use tack on one is an attack on all. area alongside the other eFP Battlegroups their equipment and pull lanyards on Cana- throughout the Baltics, Poland and the Lat- dian M777 Howitzers. Likewise Canadian Stronger together vian Armed Forces. The eFP battlegroups gunners were able to drop mortar bombs such as the one in Latvia symbolise the and participate in Slovenian fire missions. spirit of our Alliance, which is best summed Other highlights include trading rations We all felt the warm welcome by our Lat- with a powerful set of seven words: All for with other nations, sharing meals together vian host nation. They have been very sup- one and one for all. and trading unit patches. There are also portive and eager to work with the eFP

Snipers from Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Canada, Great Britain, Enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup (eFP) Latvia, Estonia and Poland Spain and Slovakia participate in the conduct Exercise JOINT CABRIT to increased operability and cooperation of Baltic Sniper Concentration held in eFPs Mini Unmanned Aerial System capabilities, Camp Adazi Latvia, August Latvia, August 2020. 18 2020. Canadians and Slovakians soldiers from enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup Latvia participate in Exercise HAVOC SOARING in which they conducted an air assault with the 5th Battalion, 101st Aviation from the United States of America, Camp Adazi, Latvia, August 2020.

Battlegroup. Although the NATO nations gained a new family in their NATO allies. By presently in Latvia come from all walks of living and working alongside each other, an life they are unified in both purpose and enduring friendship has been made between resolve to defend and protect the interests soldiers and between nations. Together of Latvia. They know the history and the with the Transatlantic Alliance’s eFP Bat- hardships endured by the Latvian people in tlegroups in Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland, the past. Each Battlegroup member under- we know that we are stronger together. stands and empathises with the desire of the Latvian people to remain a free and inde- pendent democratic nation. Their presence in Adazi represents NATO’s firm commit- ment to peace and stability for Latvia and the Baltics.

In Latvia it is clear that the members of the Polish members of the enhanced battle group have put service before self. There are countless members who have Forward Presence Battlegroup Latvia left the comfort of family and loved ones, participate in the Slovakian lead Štefánik missed the birth of a child, or have been ab- Race in Camp Adazi, Latvia, August sent from a funeral in order to be here. In 2020. Camp Adazi with eFP Battlegroup they have

The Slovenian artillery company from enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup Latvia participate in Exercise FIRES PRIME where they shoot mortars alongside other nations, Camp Adazi, Latvia, August 2020. 19 NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battlegroup Estonia e FP SPECIAL EDITION

STORY BY MR OLIVER OMAR, UK PERMANENT JOINT HEADQUARTERS MEDIA OFFICE NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence “There is a long historical partnership be- Forward Presence in Estonia, adding that consists of four multinational Battle- tween British and Estonian soldiers and we careful planning had taken place in liaison groups deploying on a persistent ro- are proud of our leading role in the NATO with Estonian authorities to ensure compli- tational basis to Estonia, Latvia, Lith- eFP Battlegroup to fulfil our mission as a ance with COVID-19 measures. uania and Poland to demonstrate the credible deterrence force," said Lieutenant Alliance’s determination and ability Colonel Jim Hadfield, Commanding Officer During this summer, the FIRST FUSI- to act as one in response to any ag- 5 . Uniquely, one-fifth of this Bat- LIERS achieved a lot from their deploy- gression against its members. tlegroup have returned after serving on the ment. In August, they delivered their first first ever eFP Battlegroup in Estonia. bespoke Potential Non-Commissioned Of- UK Armed Forces have a leading role in ficers (PNCO) course in 10 years. NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) A challenging, but rewarding in the Baltic States in order to enhance Eu- time Selecting future leaders: The ro-Atlantic security, reassure our Allies and PNCO course deter our adversaries. 800 FIRST FUSILIERS soldiers from the The eFP BG in Estonia is led by the returned home after complet- The British-led Allied Battlegroup had em- Army’s 5 RIFLES. Over 800 UK personnel ing their 6-month deployment. Lieutenant braced the new Army Leadership Develop- of the Battlegroup are currently attached Colonel Chris Head, Commanding Officer ment Program by planning and delivering to the 1st Estonian Infantry Bde, as part of FIRST FUSILIERS, who is about to leave this invaluable opportunity to train in a NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence. Estonia, said that the six months spent in unique environment with the innovative Estonia have been challenging but reward- use of resources. The Danish VIDAR Company is also fully ing. "We have maintained readiness during integrated into the eFP Battlegroup, as a unprecedented circumstances. The five-week course saw 40 soldiers of partner Troop Contributing Nation. mixed cap-badges from across the NATO Together with our partners from the Royal eFP Battlegroup, including Estonian and 5 RIFLES is the Danish Army, we have truly integrated into Danish soldiers, taking part in this physi- lead unit a stronger Battlegroup," said Lieutenant cally and mentally demanding challenge. Colonel Head. “I’m proud of the new and This was a pivotal moment in the soldiers’ innovative training and engagement op- professional working lives. As the first ca- In September 2020, a historic occasion was portunities we have developed that not only reer course they have undertaken, it is argu- marked by the Transfer of Authority pa- benefits the eFP Battlegroup, but also the ably the hardest they will ever experience. rade, where 5 RIFLES replaced the FIRST Estonian and Estonian De- FUSILIERS as the lead unit within the fence League.” The programme saw students focus on four NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle- key areas: Leadership, Mentoring, Coach- group in Estonia. "We are grateful for the collaboration and ing and primarily tactics. Tactical skills support from our partner organisations, were aimed at developing the students’ 5 RIFLES is the first unit to deploy on Oper- who have enabled the smooth transition of ability to command and administrate a ation CABRIT twice, after leading the first the Battlegroups," said Colonel Paul Clay- Section of soldiers, especially in pressured ever eFP Battlegroup in Estonia in 2017. ton, Commander of the NATO enhanced situations. They routinely rotated through

20 command appointments to test and devel- sian-border , on Friday 21st Au- our defensive role here”, says Colonel Clay- op their knowledge, skills and experience, gust. ton. “But it is just as important that we go with the end goal being to promote the next out and meet the Estonian public and do generation of junior leaders. “This will be a remarkable show of the our best to earn their welcome and sup- unity and spirit of cooperation that is long port.” Unique training facilities and established between the Estonian Defence environments Forces and the British and Danish forces Working and training together with other that make up the NATO Battlegroup,” says Battlegroups Colonel Paul Clayton, Commander of the Exploiting the opportunity of being de- NATO enhanced Forward Presence in Es- Earlier, in June, the Battlegroup travelled ployed on operations, soldiers benefited tonia. “The added bonus is the opportunity to Latvia to conduct complex live firing from unique training facilities and envi- to enjoy the beautiful Estonian countryside across a range of weapons systems on Adazi ronments. In the climatic phases of the while physically challenging ourselves.” ranges. This was a Battlegroup routine 15-day final exercises, students conducted validation of capability, to test the contin- force-on-force training at the location of a NATO Velo began in , where the team gent's readiness to perform a full range of former maximum-security prison, before embarked on the longest leg of the tour operations. the course deployed to Estonia’s north- – 170 kilometers to Pärnu. From Pärnu, eastern coastline. In close collaboration the , , Using Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks, with the , similar joined the team for a full leg on Sunday 16th Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicles, CV90 to the British Army Reserve, the course August, leading the team onto her native is- Infantry Firing Vehicles, and Supported conducted an amphibious insertion to Ped- land of Saaremaa. by AS90 155mm Artillery, the Battlegroup assaar for a tactical raid to complete practised defensive operations and live fir- the exercise. The President believes that NATO Velo is a ing tactics in the challenging demanding good opportunity to show the “great natu- terrain of Adazi ranges. Historic cycling event over more ral beauty” of Estonia to soldiers who would than 1000 kilometres usually only see military camps and train- Careful planning took place in liaison with ing areas. "It is one way to showcase our Estonia and Latvian authorities and the beautiful country," the President said. Latvian Defense Forces kindly agreed to Another pioneering project for eFP Esto- support the exercise as the host nation. The nia, also in August, was the historic cycling “Meet the soldiers” events all Battlegroup had to work closely with our event to demonstrate the friendship be- over Estonia Allies to ensure the safe delivery of compre- tween NATO Allies and local communities hensively planned operational training in across Estonia. Latvia, as well as to ensure compliance with Throughout the tour, the NATO Battle- COVID-19 measures. Launched in Tartu on Saturday 15th August, group hosted “meet the soldiers” engage- a team of 30 Estonian, British and Danish ment events, coinciding with the cycling Looking ahead, the new 5 RIFLES Battle- soldiers and officers has completed a cycle team’s arrival in Tartu, Pärnu, Haapsalu, group will be deploying on a series of exer- ride of more than 1000km from South to Tallinn and Narva. At these events, the cises immediately after arriving in Estonia, West to North, covering the whole of Esto- Estonian public enjoyed the opportunity as a validation of their mission-readiness. nia. to meet and greet NATO soldiers, see some of their equipment (from small arms to ar- They will be travelling across the Baltic Called "NATO Velo", the team cycled from moured vehicles) and learn about NATO States to operate alongside wider NATO Al- Tartu in the south to coast of Es- and the enhanced Forward Presence. lies across the Baltic States, demonstrating tonia, across the of Saaremaa and the eFP’s defensive and logistical capability, Hiiumaa, before riding northward to the “The equipment and heavy armour which whilst underlining the strong cross-border capital, Tallinn, and finishing in the Rus- we bring to Estonia is an important part of cooperation between the Alliance.

21 The enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Poland e FP SPECIAL EDITION

US M777 at exercise Fire

STORY BY MAJOR MIRJANA KIŠ, BG POLAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

Introduction – History and Purpose Multinational Composition fire support missions. The Battlegroup also NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence contains extensive indirect fire capabilities Battlegroup Poland established in which includes the ’s MLRS 2017 is a multinational Battlegroup Located at the Bemowo Piskie Training Battery. The “Seamounts” utilize self- comprised of units from four na- Area, in the Warmian-Masurian Voivode- propelled multiple launch rocket systems tions: Croatia, Romania, the Unit- ship, Battlegroup Poland is comprised of which can rapidly fire 122mm up ed Kingdom and the United States. units from Croatia, Romania, the United to twenty kilometers. For more precise tar- Their mission is to contribute to and Kingdom, and the United States. The part- gets, the Battlegroup also has a battery of strengthen the NATO Alliance’s de- ner countries assign rotational units to the M777 howitzers from Bulldog Battery, 2nd terrence and defensive posture in Battlegroup. Currently, the United States Cavalry Regiment which can engage targets Poland. They operate in concert with Army’s 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, with near pin-point accuracy. Finally, the the host nation’s 15th Mechanized “Cougars”, make up the majority of the per- Romanian Army’s “Blue Scorpions” provide Brigade headquartered in Gizycko, sonnel in the Battlegroup as the framework air-defense capabilities to the Battlegroup. Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship. unit. Cougar Squadron is equipped with As part of their mission, Battlegroup the Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle, an Training and Battle Rhythm Poland is continuously executing advanced and fast-moving wheeled vehi- training exercises to enhance their cle, which gives the Battlegroup the ability readiness and ability to operate to rapidly move soldiers across the As NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence as a multinational, combat-ready of operations as well as maneuver them in the region, Battlegroup Poland remains force. This training is accomplished around the battlefield. Legion Troop, from ready to respond at a moment’s notice through the joint efforts of the mul- the United Kingdom’s Light Dragoons, to defend against threats to the Alliance. tinational staff at Battlegroup Head- serves as the Battlegroup’s primary scouts In order to fulfill this mission, the Battle- quarters in conjunction with the 15th and reconnaissance unit. As a reconnais- group operates on a nearly ceaseless train- Mechanized Brigade. The partner- sance unit, they specialize in the ability to ing schedule to ensure that it can maintain ships forged within and outside the move quickly and stealthily in of the the high level of readiness to “fight tonight”, Battlegroup continue to promote the Battlegroup in order to gather informa- and if necessary to defend against aggres- cooperation and strong that tion and communicate it back to the com- sion. To accomplish this, the partner units are fundamental to NATO’s enhanced mander. They are equipped with Jackals in the Battlegroup must work constantly Forward Presence mission. vehicles which were specifically designed to maintain their individual unit readi- for deep reconnaissance, rapid assault and ness through physical fitness training and conducting maintenance on vehicles and 22 AH-64 Apache helicopters from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, which took part in the exercise as part of their Atlantic Resolve rotational as- signment. The Apaches had the opportuni- ty to call for fire and observe fires from both the Battlegroup’s Croatian MLRS and U.S. M777s Howitzer. Furthermore, the training provided the Croatian, UK and US forward observers the opportunity to work with the Apaches under day and night live fire con- ditions.

One of the principal goals of this exercise was to develop shared procedures that can be utilized by all of the units in the Bat- tlegroup so that they can operate together more effectively and efficiently. Comment- ing on the success of the exercise Captain Antonio Burazer, Seamount Battery Com- other equipment. Each unit in the Battle- role for the Battlegroup’s operational capa- mander noted: “All elements of the exer- group also conducts their own role-specific bilities because they provide opportunities cise were integrated into the unified system training which focuses on improving pro- for Allied countries to integrate their assets through procedures of the call for fire, fire ficiency in their fundamental skills and and methodology and establish standard execution and fire support. Conducting jobs before proceeding to more complex operating procedures that strengthen the the exercise during night, accompanied training events. As an example of this, the collaborative ability and effectiveness of with the , was particularly challenging. Stryker infantry units in the Battlegroup NATO’s forces. However, our continuous training and co- started their training cycle by validating operation gave us confidence and produced their marksmanship with individual and Operation Wojtek Fires: Taking results”. Captain Coleman Gracey, the Bat- crew-served weapon systems. After con- the training to an advanced tlegroup’s Fire Support Officer, emphasized firming their proficiency with individual level the long-term benefit that this event will weapons, the units then advanced to their provide to the Battlegroup, “through plan- collective training events that test the abil- ning a multinational fires exercise based off ity of (9 Soldiers), (40 Sol- From September 15th to 17th, Battlegroup of a complex scenario, Battlegroup Poland diers), and finally troops (150 Soldiers) to Poland conducted Operation WOJTEK was able to create shared Tactics, Tech- maneuver together and conduct operations FIRES in the Bemowo Piskie Training Area niques, and Procedures and execute in a in increasingly complex training exercises. which tested the Battlegroup’s ability to co- realistic tactical environment. The lessons Along with each unit’s training to sharpen ordinate and execute its extensive fire sup- learned during Wojtek Fire will be codified their own skills, the partner nations in the port capabilities. In comparison to the pre- in the Battle Group Standard Operating Battlegroup collaborate through multina- ceding Cougar Crawl Live Fire Exercise in Procedure and utilized by future rotations.” tional training events. These exercises allow August, which tested fire integration within The Battlegroup’s Fires Standard Operat- the partner nations to learn from one an- the Battlegroup, WOJTEK FIRES took the ing Procedure will ease the transition of fu- other and establish best practices that will training to a more advanced level. It intro- ture rotational units into the Battle Group help them to improve their performance in duced a new challenge to the Battlegroup and will establish increased multinational subsequent multinational exercises. These by tasking it to simultaneously integrate its cooperation and understanding. exercises serve a particularly important organic artillery assets with five U.S. Army

Exercise Bull Run 12 -water crossing 23 Romanian Air Defence Oerlicons

The exercise demonstrated not only the im- Mechanized Brigade, as a subordinate unit, 20 exercise to train on defensive opera- portance of technical interoperability, but knowing that each partner can benefit from tions, battle tracking, and Command Post also the advantages provided by the posi- their shared relationship. Both units con- operations. At the same time their respec- tive professional and personal relationships sistently find ways to train alongside one tive staffs are also developing plans for up- that make the Battlegroup into a more co- another which enhances the value of the coming exercises such as BULL RUN 13 and hesive team. During WOJTEK FIRES, for- training for all of the nations involved. This TUMAK 20, which will further strengthen ward observers from Legion Troop took collaboration demonstrates their unity of their maneuver, fires, and reconnaissance the opportunity to cross-train on the U.S. effort and builds trust which is essential for interoperability. Notably, this BULL RUN M777 howitzers and gained a better un- the stability and security of the region. Exercise will be the 13th iteration of the ex- derstanding of the crew drills required to ercise in the history of the Battlegroup. This process fire missions. Captain Bryce Hig- During this rotation, Battlegroup Poland exercise is especially important because it ginbotham, Bulldog Battery Commander, and the 15th Mechanized Brigade have tests the Battlegroup’s ability to alert, mar- highlighted the importance of such rela- joined forces to conduct multiple multina- tial, and deploy and demonstrates its abil- tionship for the success of the exercise, “the tional exercises. In September, a team from ity to respond rapidly in defense of the al- bond between Bulldog Battery and Legion the Battle Group’s staff integrated within liance. Troop undoubtedly has made this process the 15th Mechanized Brigade for their DZIK- more efficient…WOJTEK FIRES is yet an- other great example of how we are building technical and procedural TTPs all the while strengthening the human element of inter- operability.” The human connections that are strengthened through training together in the Battlegroup not only makes it a more effective fighting force but also strengthens the bond between the respective nations and NATO as a whole. Excellent relationship with the Host Nation

The Battle Group has also taken advantage of the opportunity to build strong connec- tions by training alongside its host-nation partners in Poland. The Battlegroup staff works closely with the Polish Army’s 15th Mechanized Brigade within which it is inte- grated in the mission to provide assurance and deter aggression in northeast Poland. Battlegroup Poland has always maintained a cooperative relationship with the 15th

24 Croatian MLRS during exercise Cougar Crawl ROADCRAFT DIPLOMATIC / MILITARY

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STORY BY SERGEANT AMANDA FRY, US ARMY HOHENFELS, Germany - Saber Junc- fied Land Operations and contingencies. act with residents, and conduct themselves tion 20 completed Aug. 27, 2020, Supporting the Combatant Commands, around civilians in both friendly and hostile marking the end of more than three NATO, and other national requirements, situations. Working against the training weeks of intense field training for the 7th Army Training Command is centrally units is OPFOR (Opposing Force), which U.S. Army soldiers, located among the highest concentration of acts as the enemy force. Throughout the units, and personnel from seven U.S. Allies and Partners in the world. The scenario, OPFOR fights against the training NATO Allies and Partner nations. institution is dedicated to efficiently and ef- units by occupying territory and villages, The exercise tested the abilities of the fectively providing innovative multination- as well as engaging with the training units military leaders and their soldiers, al training solutions. One of many training in a series of battles. All interactions take and fostered interoperability and exercises organized by JMRC throughout place in real time, and the progression of multinational relations for the coun- the year, Saber Junction 20 hosted ap- the training depends on how soldiers and tries and units involved. The exercise proximately 4,200 participants from the leaders interact with the role players and faced unique challenges, from the im- US Army and seven other NATO Allies and enemy forces in the training area. plementation of a brand-new train- Partner nations. OPFOR are central to trainings hosted by ing process, to ensuring the soldiers’ Participating countries included Alba- JMRC. OPFOR for Saber Junction 20 also safety as precautions were taken nia, , Latvia, Lithuania, , consisted of soldiers from the 1st Battalion, against the spread of COVID-19. Held , Romania, Ukraine, and 4th Infantry Regiment, as well as multina- Aug. 3-27, Saber Junction 20 was a 7th the United States. Each country involved tional units from Albania, Latvia, and Ro- Army Training Command conducted, played an active role, not only in the day-to- mania. OPFOR’s actions and movement U.S. Army Europe directed combat day scenarios within the training, but in the hinge on how the allied forces, comprised training rotation designed for the overall planning of the event itself. of the remaining units involved, respond to U.S. Army’s situations that arise in the training area. at the Joint Multinational Readiness Realistic training situations in an Center’s (JMRC) Grafenwoehr and immersive scenario Repetitive training in defensive Hohenfels Training Areas. and attack As with all training exercises planned by 4200 participants from the US th Army and seven NATO Allies JMRC, Saber Junction 20 provided realis- Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Ryan, the 4 Inf. tic situations that helped immerse soldiers Regt. commander, and said that in prepara- and Partners and leaders in the training environment. tion for Saber Junction 20, a new approach The training area includes several mock was taken as JMRC and multinational lead- As part of U.S. Army Europe, the 7th Army -villages, which hold role players who act as ers planned the training exercise. Training Command provides dynamic civilian residents in the simulated scenario. “Saber Junction was different than any training and prepares forces to execute Uni- The civilians test soldiers’ ability to inter- other rotation we have done,” Ryan said, 28 noting that the training was designed with five battle periods for the battalions. Shift- ing to this format allowed for the individual battalions to get repetitive training, both in defense and attack, which helped maximize the overall training exercise.

“This model ensured that the battalions were all involved in the fight, and they all had multiple repetitions in both attacking and defense, as well as move of contact,” Ryan said. “All of this makes the battalion commanders and the soldiers better at their trade.”

While the planning and training approach is a recent development, Ryan said that the ultimate training objectives remained the same as they have always been for JMRC. “We are still focused on the fundamen- tals,” Ryan said. “The fundamentals of fire ensured the health of soldiers, it allowed tion. Each country’s representative has a and maneuver, planning and preparing for JMRC to continue to provide training to voice, and provides invaluable input into combat, executing that combat, and assess- multinational troops during the pandemic mission and training objectives, exercise ing the best way go into the next battle pe- and JMRC to continue to transport mili- deliverables, and the force structure.” riod.” tary personnel, including U.S. National Learning from the mistakes made in a bat- Guard soldiers, into the training area, and Helping each other to get tle situation also serve to provide valuable helped maximize the potential of the train- better knowledge for the forces involved in the ing event. training. Once cleared for training with a clean bill “Hopefully, we are learning from the les- of health, soldiers were able to head out to In order to ensure the optimal training set- sons that we realized during the last battle the field and begin the three-week exercise, ting, Olson said that extensive planning period,” Ryan said. “We are modifying our and focus on the purpose of building a mul- is utilized for JMRC exercises, with an in- behavior, and then fine tuning those modi- tinational coalition that is trained to win in novative event design that incorporates a fications in the next battle period to get combat situations. “lessons-learned” strategy through various even better.” planning conferences, both before and dur- The multinational approach in ing the exercise. Necessary measures to prevent planning and training the spread of COVID-19 were Ultimately, Saber Junction 20 succeeded in place in providing multinational forces the op- The multinational partnering that takes portunity to meet and train in a real-world place at the JMRC training areas allows environment, testing their ability to work Utilizing a new training plan was not the NATO allies and partnering nations to learn together and find solutions and strategies only aspect of Saber Junction 20 that pro- how to interact and train with each other. to win. vided new challenges for leadership. Built Planning for these training events is typi- into the training that took place this year cally done on a multinational level as well. For Ryan, working with multinational forc- were precautions for military personnel’s Captain Chase Olson, the multinational in- es further enhances the training experience health and well-being, as the U.S. Army teroperability officer for JMRC, said that for U.S. Army forces who are involved with continues to take all necessary measures although the planning procedures were the exercise. Working with NATO Allies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among modified this year due to COVID-19 pre- and Partners, as well as the National Guard training personnel. cautions and regulations, the nations in- Soldiers who travel in for training, all serve Soldiers and participants traveling to the volved in the exercise still played an active to create a cohesive force. Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels Training Ar- role in the planning and execution of Saber eas for Saber Junction 20 were required Junction 20. “They fought alongside us, and made us to go through a 14-day restriction of move- even stronger,” Ryan said. “We learn about ment period, as well as regular COVID-19 “All countries played an integral part in each other, we learned about our different testing to protect all personnel against the planning efforts of the exercise,” Olson cultures, and we learned what our strengths the spread of the virus. Additionally, sol- said. “There was an inherent expectation and weaknesses are in order to help each diers were continuously monitored during for involvement, from the plans inception other get better. the exercise. These precautions not only to execution of the execution of the rota-

29 JFC BRUNSSUM PARTICIPATING IN THE HQ 2020 WORLD CLEANUP DAY

STORY BY MR OLIVER SMITH, JFCBS PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

Every year, on the 3rd Saturday of Sep- Security programme (SPS). It is to the ben- learned about World Cleanup Day; estab- tember, there is a worldwide effort to efit of the Alliance to constantly act in mind lished in 2018, this fast-growing global get as many people as possible out and of environmental protection and security. movement, sees volunteers come together clear as much rubbish off the streets as across the world, to collect litter through they can. This is known as ‘World Clean- ‘World Cleanup Day’ is led by an Estonian organised clean-ups, and conduct waste up Day’. This year (19th September) the based organisation ‘Let’s Do It World’, and mapping initiatives, in a bid to make the global effort was joined by a joint team aims to mobilize as many people as possible environment a cleaner and safer place. of motivated local residents, and JFC to engage in local environmentally-positive Brunssum (JFCBS) personnel, who events. ‘World Cleanup Day’ has an aspira- This year for World Cleanup Day 2020, spent their own free time out work- tional target of reaching 5% of the world’s pop- we wanted to go bigger and better, the aim ing at bettering our local environment. ulation. Despite not reaching this ambitious was to host an official NATO JFC - Brun The team was joined on the ground goal, event organisers can hardly be disap- ssum clean-up. The interest was there by the Commander of JFCBS, Gen- pointed with the end result of directly mobi- from the start and grew rapidly. Volun- eral Jörg Vollmer, who personally as- lizing over 18 million people in 180 countries. teers from the international headquarters sisted in the litter-picking campaign were quick to sign up, military, civilian across Brunssum, and the Mayor The day went ahead always mindful of the and parents with children; each person of Brunssum, Wilma Van der Rijt. presence of COVID-19, social distancing, with the same goal: to make a difference. in keeping with the Netherlands govern- This is one of the many ways in which JF- ments’ recommendations at the time, was The event gained the attention of the May- CBS tries to support their hosts, build- practiced to the letter throughout the day. or of Brunssum, W. J. F. Van Der Rijt and ing community spirit and continuing the JFCBS Commander General Jörg Vollmer, positive working relationship that is shared The events of the day were a demonstration both of whom participated in the clean-up. with the town of Brunssum. Whilst out of the combined resolve of JFCBS and Brun- Deputy Commander JFCBS, Lieutenant and about cleaning in Brunssum, the vol- ssum town to a future less dominated by the General Stuart Skeates praised the team- unteers were met with friendly smiles and environmental catastrophes which will affect building aspect of the initiative, comment- nought but positive feedback from all those us all, and will continue to affect subsequent ing that he was “immensely proud that who they encountered; some of whom were generations for thousands of years to come. such a junior member of this multi-national pleasantly surprised to see such dedica- headquarters took the initiative to bring to- tion to grass-roots environmental activ- A personal account gether JFCBS’s effort for this great cause”. ism in their community. We can all be taking opportunities like these to set an ex- A personal account of the day’s events from As a in the Royal Air Force working ample of environmental consciousness to all. Corporal Monica Dunkley, one of the two organ- in a 4* NATO headquarters, I am very proud isers and advocates for the initiative, follows: to have organised this highly successful event NATO, as an organisation of a huge and mul- and hope that more organisations will follow. tifaceted scope, has a clear vested interest in “Everywhere I look, I am constantly re- For me, I will continue to do my part for the maintaining an environmentally conscious minded of the human impact on our natural environment, inspired by the knowledge that modus operandi. The Alliance has under- environment, whether it’s a news report on there are many like-minded individuals who taken measures to that effect since 1969 with climate change or plastic bottles and sweet also want to make positive contributions to the establishment of the Committee on the wrappers which have been carelessly dis- our planet, now and for future generations. Challenges of Modern Society, whose re- carded on the ground, the effects are clearly sponsibilities are now encompassed within visible, and so I ask myself “what can I do?” - Corporal Monica Dunkley the remit of the NATO Science for Peace and Last year, my colleague Kirsten and I RAF, JFCBS J8 30 We off er taxfree opti ons + 10% discount upon presentati on of this ad!

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31

VISITS AND ACTIVITIES AUGUST - OCTOBER 2020

26 AUG 2020 GENERAL VOLLMER VISITS THE GOVERNOR OF THE PROVINCE OF LIMBURG

Wednesday 26 August General Jörg Vollmer conducted his first official call on Mr Theo Bovens, King’s Commissioner for the Province of Limburg (Governor) at the latter’s offices, in Maastricht. Discussion ranged across a number of topics that, amongst others, included: the seamless integration of NATO personnel and their families into the Province; the economic impact of JFC Brunssum on the local economy; opportunities that might be exploited/further exploited such that the Province and JFC Brunssum can derive mutual benefit; and the impact of COVID-19.

A thoroughly beneficial meeting concluded, on both sides, with a renewed deter- mination to broaden and deepen relations.

28 AUG 2020 SITTARD-GELEEN MAYOR VISITS JFC BRUNSSUM

Friday 28 August the Mayor of Sittard-Geleen, Mr Hans Verheijen, visited JFC Brunssum for discussions with the Commander, General Jörg Vollmer. This was the first meeting of the two leaders.

Over lunch a range of issues were discussed including: JFC Brunssum’s role and responsibilities as an Operational-level military headquarters in the NATO com- mand structure; the economic impact of JFC Brunssum; and ways in which the headquarters and people of Sittard-Geleen might better support each other to mutual benefit.

27 AUG 2020 COMMANDER LANDCOM VISITS JFC BRUNSSUM

On Thursday 27 August Commander Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS), General Jörg Vollmer, welcomed Commander (COM LANDCOM), Lieutenant General Roger L. Cloutier Jr.

This was the first visit of Lieutenant General Cloutier to JFC Brunssum since as- suming command of LANDCOM at the beginning of August. The purpose of the visit was to provide Lieutenant General Cloutier the opportunity to further his understanding of the ways in which JFCBS supports NATO’s three core tasks of Crisis Management, Cooperative Security and Collective Defence. This broader and deeper comprehension of JFCBS’ tasks and responsibilities will enable COM LANDCOM to prioritise and synchronise the work of his HQs in support of ongo- ing Alliance missions, operations, exercises and other activities.

03 SEP 2020 DESIGNATED CHIEF OF STAFF SHAPE VISITS JFC BRUNSSUM

Admiral Joachim Rühle of the , the designated new Chief of Staff (COS) of Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), visited JFC Brunssum and its Commander, General Jörg Vollmer.

Prior to Admiral Rühle assuming his new post, the visit served as an introduction for the new COS SHAPE into the work of JFC Brunssum. It provided an oppor- tunity to demonstrate the capabilities of the Command and helped to deepen understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and authorities of this Headquarters.

32

16 SEP 20 JFCBS COMMANDER VISITS LATVIA

JFC Brunssum Commander, General Jörg Vollmer, visited Latvia 16th and 17th of September.

This trip was part of an ongoing series of visits to enhanced Forward Presence Battle Groups (eFP BGs) and NATO Force Integration Unit (NFIU) Host Na- tions to underline the importance of operational readiness and the Alliance’s unwavering commitment to Collective Defence.

“NATO stands together as one. We Are NATO!”

In a prepared statement, NATO’s position of united strength was reiterated, as was Latvia’s integral role in the future of the Alliance.

22 SEP 2020 LANDCOM CORPS COMMANDERS CONFERENCE

JFC Brunssum Commander, General Jörg Vollmer, spoke at the 16th annual LANDCOM-led Corps Commanders Conference (LC3) at the Multinational Corps North East HQ (MNC NE) in Szczecin, Tuesday 22 September. Com- manders from across NATO member states dialled in to the LC3 to hear speakers discuss a range of topics related to the ongoing and future chal- lenges facing the Alliance.

01 OCT 2020 GENERAL VOLLMER ATTENDS ANNUAL BALTIC CONFERENCE ON DEFENCE

JFC Brunssum Commander, General Jörg Vollmer, was invited to speak as part of a panel of experts at the 14th Annual Baltic Conference on Defence (ABCD), on the topic of ‘Deterrence and Defence in the Baltic Sea Region.

The General spoke in the second of three sessions of panel discussions, all of which were unified in tackling ongoing security and defence concerns facing the Baltic States, NATO, and the EU. Following his address General Vollmer en- gaged in discussion focused on the direction of future security mechanisms/ structures/processes in the Baltics.

05 OCT 2020 SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE HELD FOR CREW O F LANCASTER R5701

A service of remembrance was held at Brunssum’s Lancaster Bomber Memo- rial to pay tribute to the sacrifice of the crew of Lancaster R5701; 7 young men who lost their lives in the course of their duty flying a sortie over occupied Netherlands, in WWII. This marks the 78th anniversary of this tragic event. Members of the and wider defence community stood alongside Brunssum community leaders and the general public, in respectful contemplation of the harsh consequences of War.

33 DANISH ARMED FORCES NATIONAL NATIONAL CONTRIBUTION

STORY BY MAJOR JACOB T.B. BROND, JFCBS CO DCOS MGT

Introduction Danish Army as well as logistic, engineer, signals and other support units. 2. Brigade is a more , composed of both regu- The Danish Armed Forces consists of The Army is the assurance that Den- lar troops, as well as conscripts. Further- five operational commands, the army, mark at any given time, can deliver more, 2 Brigade is responsible for the navy, air force, special operations com- a robust brigade sized unit, to be de- final training and preparation for troops mand and the artic command. ployed abroad, or for national duties. being deployed abroad. The army’s core tasks are international conflict prevention, crisis management, The Danish Armed Forces are responsi- Danish Navy collective defence, defence of the King- ble for the enforcement of the sovereign- dom of Denmark, and its adjacent ar- ty of the Kingdom of Denmark, which eas. The army consists of two brigades, Denmark’s role as one of the world’s includes the Faeroe Islands and Green- with 1. Brigade being the army’s quick leading maritime nation, means that the land. Furthermore, the Danish Armed reaction brigade, which is able to deploy Danish Navy has an important task with Forces are a part of the national emer- worldwide, if needed. 1 Brigade con- regards to the contribution to global gency services. sists of a number of manoeuvre units, maritime security, which is needed for a

34 peaceful development of the world. The Danish Air Force Worldwide Danish homeland security, welfare and growth, is to some extent based on the ability to use the sea as a safe mean of As well as the navy, the Danish Air Force Currently, the Danish Armed Forces have transportation. has a lot of domestic tasks. The overarch- a number of locations around the globe, ing task is to control the Danish airspace where it’s contributing. The deployments with regards to military flights and to vary in numbers and sizes, with one of the Within the Kingdom of Denmark, which keep a high readiness at all times in or- smallest ones being single personnel de- includes and the Faeroe Is- der to be ready to intercept unknown air- ployed into UN observation posts, rang- land, the Danish Navy is responsible for crafts entering Danish airspace. Further- ing up to Multinational Corps Northeast the training and deployment of naval more, the Danish Air Force is responsible located in Szczecin, Poland, where Den- forces, in order to enforce Danish sover- for within Denmark. mark is one of the framework nations. eignty, as well as to conduct search and 24 hours every day during the whole Denmark is also the lead-nation of Multi- rescue missions, surveillance at sea, in- year, there are three rescue helicopters at national Division North, in Adazi, Latvia. spection of fishermen and many more short notice to move. These rescue heli- tasks. copters are also used for transport of se- Denmark has put a lot of effort and man- rious ill patients between the regions in power into Multinational Corps North- The Danish Navy is organized into three Denmark, when needed. east and Multinational Division North, as squadrons, each with their own scope. 1 these two locations are just in the back- Squadron comprises of multi-role frig- The Danish Air Force is organized into yard of Denmark. ates and Arctic ships, and focuses five wings. Three of them operate air- on domestic operations, primarily around crafts, while the two others are support Going beyond the borders, Denmark has Greenland and the Faeroe Islands. wings. The Fighter is on a short other forces deployed around the globe, notice to move, 24 hours a day, 365 days with larger contributions being in Ko- 2 Squadron is built around the core task a year. The Fighter Wing operates F-16 sovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. In Kosovo, of international operations and combat – which will be replaced by F-35 in the the army is responsible for the security at operations; it consists of frigates, com- upcoming years. The Helicopter Wing the French camp Novo Selo. Up until re- mand and support ships, patrol vessels operates EH101 Merlin, Seahawks and cently, Denmark was present at Al Asad and mine clearing assets. Fennec AS 550, and the Air Transport , in order to conduct training of Wing operates C-130 Hercules and CL- Iraqi Security Forces. From the end of 3 Squadron is primarily dedicated to na- 604 Challengers. this year, Denmark will be leading the tional operations, maritime surveillance NATO mission in Iraq. In Afghanistan, and enforcement of and sup- The two wings in support are the Air the Armed Forces are supporting the Af- port to civil society – specifically with en- Control Wing and the Operations Sup- ghan National Security Forces in a train, vironmental protection assets. port Wing. advice and assist role.

35 paratrooper where I completed primary training and jump school. jump a and training primary completed I where as paratrooper Army Italian the in 1991 June in career military my began I inthe hardest the family. working fireman, a currently is who brother, my and seamstress, extraordinary an is who mother, my me), than fa- ther, my from Sicily, who worked for parents: years as a miner immigrant (a harder worker to Germany in born was I but , of part southern the in town small a Aprilia, from am I Originally, Brunssum? Tell usaboutyourself, coming to before so manydifferentsituationsthatIcouldneverhaveimagined. to to contribute opportunity have learnedeachdayandI the I amount the imagined have not could I afternoon. late the until work at hard be will you that sure be can you and morning the in early begin we office, front COM’s the In team. the of part integral an be to happy very am I and job important an has team the of ber mem- Every Staff. COM’s the with collaborate to lucky am really I here atJFCBS? Tell us somemore aboutyour positon ers innerofficetofillPAdutieswhennecessary. Command- the in assist also I and Commander the of team trative I arrived last summer, in July 2019. I am a member of the adminis- When didyou andwhat isyour arrive job? COMMUNITY 36 #WEAREJFCBS ITALY month deployment to South Africa to assist in the test in test flight the 2006. ItissomethingIwillneverforget. in assist to Africa South to deployment two a month was me for experience amazing and memorable most The and flightdemonstrationsinAirshows. activities ofparticipatinginvarious operational pleasure had the I period; this in flights their during pilots of lot a accompanied I rience ofaMulti-NationalCommandatJFCBrunssum. expe and challenges the for well me prepared it believe I English. portunity to continue to improve my language skills in German and try tolivewith the Dutchapproachof“enjoy yourlife”. family a as have, we we importantly Most languages. and time habits new learn and abroad, the of advantage take to like would I area inallfourdirections. this beautiful sightseeing to begin I hope professional cameratophotograph myfamilymembers. my using enjoy I time, have I when Also, most. the music lounge enjoy I but mood, my on depending music, of kinds all to tening lis- I like countryside. walking andbikinginthe like ending. Ialso great a love I screen. big the and home at own my cinema, love I What are your Hobbies? perience. ex- learning the enjoyed have and comfortable quite grown they have curriculum, Italian the to different quite is it although and, AFNORTH attend children My world. the around from and area, they feel free to go around on bicycles and to meet people from the here; it love Kids My Brunssum. JFC at here me joined have (13), Adriano and (15) Ottavio sons, two my and Filomena wife my Yes, Do you here? have family 4 the at Italian Airforce the of Quarters Head the at 10 years I spent Pilots andAstronautsinItaly. best the supporting involved day my and job My Mare. di Pratica in Volo) Sperimentale (Reparto Airforce Italian the of Centre Test I worked for 17 years near Rome at the glorious and historical Flight was my goal, and I was lucky to have the chance to pursue this path. a Warrant Officer in the Italian Airforce. I chose the Airforce as this between joining the Italian Finance Police or to begin my career as Thanks to my language skills, I obtained the opportunity to choose th Department of Logistic. I was fortunate to be afforded the op- the afforded be to fortunate was I Logistic. of Department NATION SERVICE RANK NAME : Italy :  : OR-9 : MassimoVolanti (Italian AirForce)(Italian Aeronautica Militare - Cafe & Restaurant

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