NATO'S ENHANCED FORWARD PRESENCE BATTLEGROUPS
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M A G A Z I N E F O R H Q J F C B R U N S S U M - O C T O B E R 2 0 2 0
NATO’S ENHANCED
FORWARD PRESENCE
BATTLEGROUPS
THE STRENGTH OF THE ALLIANCE ON THE
NORTHEASTERN FLANK
THIS MONTH’S FOCUS: NATO EFP BATTLEGROUPS
JFC BRUNSSUM
• EXERCISE SABER JUNCTION 20
• NEW CHIEF OF STAFF AT JFC BRUNSSUM
• DANISH ARMED FORCES
M A G A Z I N E F O R H Q J F C B R U N S S U M
CONTENTS OCTOBER 2020
EDITORIAL STAFF
Colonel Frank Warda (DEU Army)
5 COMMAND GROUP 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 LITHUANIA Assistant Editor
17 EFP BATTLEGROUP LATVIA
Adjudant Leo Roos (NLD Army)
20 EFP BATTLEGROUP ESTONIA Assistant Editor
22 EFP BATTLEGROUP POLAND
Veerle Dandoy (BEL Civilian)
28 EXERCISE SABER JUNCTION 20 Assistant Editor
30 JFCBS PARTICIPATES IN THE WORLD CLEANUP DAY
Sergeant-Major Peter van Bastelaar (NLD Navy)
32 VISITS AND ACTIVITIES Assistant Editor
34 THE ARMED FORCES OF DENMARK
Warrant Officer Marc-Andre Gaudreault (CAN Army)
36 #WEAREJFCBS Assistant Editor
CONTRIBUTORS:
Lieutenant Commander Salvatore Di Pietro, JFCBS
J35; Lieutenant Colonel (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 soldiers from the eFP
Battlegroup Latvia participate in Exercise HAVOC
Fry, US Army Europe; Mr Oliver Smith, JFCBS PAO;
SOARING. Camp Adazi, Latvia, August 2020. Major Jacob T.B. Brond, JFCBS CO DCOS MGT.
Photo credit: eFP BG Latvia PAO
PHOTO CREDITS:
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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COMMAND GROUP CORNER
LIEUTENANT GENERAL 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 Lebanon and, again in NATO, in
and thank the directorates and divisions for Multinational Division Central South, in
assisting my induction and setting the con- Iraq. 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, brigade,
divisional and corps 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
Warsaw, 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 Afghanistan. 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-
pact of the Covid 19 pandemic, the seasonal ise our peacetime procedures in our battle
directed to Regional Headquarters South,
turn-over of staff and a demanding training rhythm; and continue the ongoing reform
in Naples. In subsequent years, I served as
and exercise programme. to our supporting staff processes.
a Brigade Commander and Deputy Com-
mander of Multinational Corps Northeast,
Optimism and confidence will guide us I cannot promise any slow-down in the
in Stargard and Szczecin, Poland, respec-
current tempo of operational, planning,
tively. I participated in the implementation
My overall approach is one of optimism and training or support. However, my first im-
of the outcomes from the Wales Summit,
confidence as we navigate our way through pressions are that Joint Force Command
in 2014, and the Warsaw Summit, in 2016,
complex staff issues. I have to declare that Brunssum is a strong professional team
and was NATO’s Representative in the set-
I am, by nature, a self-confessed ‘worka- with a commendable reputation, in and
ting up and inauguration of some of our
holic’ and have a PhD based on the ‘Pro- outside NATO. I am here to play my full
NATO Force Integration Units. As such,
cess of achieving operational capabilities part and work together with you all to build
I have felt connected to NATO and Brun-
in the Polish Armed Forces’. I am therefore our operational readiness and outputs on
ssum – almost as a ‘family member’ – for
poised to bring this experience to support all fronts. Thank you again for your much
many years and have a close affinity with
the Commander’s direction to: embrace appreciated support to date. Stay healthy
our northern region having served and vis-
and align with the new NATO Military and stay safe.
ited widely within its boundaries that have
extended from the Norwegian Fiords, the Strategy and their two supporting strategic
concepts; extend our linkages NATO’s De- Krzysztof Król, PhD
Arctic Circle in Sweden, through to Esto-
nia and the Danube in Hungary. My most fence Planning Process; and add value to Lieutenant General
recent position as the Deputy Chief of the operations in a multi-domain environment.
Polish General Staff 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
REGIONAL FOCUS
JFC BRUNSSUM WELCOMES
NEW CHIEF OF STAFF
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, French Army, 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 December 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 Battalion in the Ministry of In- at the University of National Defence.
terior and the 1st Engineering Battalion
of the 1st Infantry Division. It was during In August 2018, the Minister of National
this period that he deployed to Lebanon Defence of the Republic 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 September 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 Polish Land Forces. Commendation Medal (US) and Medal of
Respect (Ukraine).
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, Italy,
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
where he filled the post of Senior Staff • Golden Cross of Merit
Officer-Kosovo 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 specialist, • 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 Executive 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 • United Nations Official 25th
College, Toronto. From this, he was ap- Anniversary Commemorative Medal
pointed as Chief G5 in the 2nd Polish
7
eFP SPECIAL EDITION
A HISTORY OF NATO’S
ENHANCED FORWARD PRESENCE (EFP):
From the Wales Summit to combat-ready Battlegroups
STORY BY LIEUTENANT COMMANDER SALVATORE DI PIETRO, JFCBS J35
This special edition of the Northern The 2016 Warsaw Summit: vironment offers unique training opportu-
Star focuses on the four eFP Battle- nities to the servicemen and women of the
groups. This article underlines the
The establishment of 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
to defend if required to do so. The United force is ready to standby the nations in de-
deterrence and defence livering NATO’s first line of defence.
Kingdom, Canada, Germany and the Unit-
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-
justment in NATO’s posture with the pur- tion has remained the same; deter adversar-
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 wider NATO response force. At the higher
Units, with refinement to existing plans to its readiness and willingness to defend.
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
tional capacity across all of the warfighting Throughout their time in the Baltic States
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.
8North Atlantic Treaty Organization
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
www.nato.int/factsheets Factsheet
www.nato.int/factsheets Factsheet
October 2019
NATO’s
NATO’s Enhanced
Enhanced Forward
Forward Presence
October 2019
Presence
NATO has enhanced its presence in the eastern part of the Alliance, with four multinational battlegroups
NATO has Latvia,
in Estonia, enhanced its presence
Lithuania in the eastern
and Poland. These part of the Alliance,
battlegroups, withUnited
led by the four multinational battlegroups
Kingdom, Canada,
in Estonia,and
Germany Latvia, Lithuania
the United andrespectively,
States Poland. These are battlegroups,
multinational,led bycombat-ready,
and the United Kingdom, Canada,
demonstrating
Germany
the strengthandofthe
theUnited States bond.
transatlantic respectively, are multinational,
Their presence makes clearandthat
combat-ready,
an attack ondemonstrating
one Ally will be
the strengthanofattack
considered the transatlantic
on the whole bond. Their NATO’s
Alliance. presence battlegroups
makes clear that
formanpart
attack on biggest
of the one Allyreinforcement
will be
considered an attack on the whole Alliance.
of NATO’s collective defence in a generation. 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
The table on
are based below illustratesprovided
information national by
contributions
contributingtonations
the fourand
battlegroups.
may includeTheforces
personnel andinforce
deployed numbers
a support role.
are based should
Numbers on information
be taken provided by contributing
as indicative nations
as they change and may
regularly, include forces
in accordance withdeployed in a support
the deployment role.
procedures
Numbers should be taken
of the contributing nations. as indicative as they change regularly, in accordance with the deployment procedures
of the contributing nations.
Battlegroup led by the United Kingdom,
Battlegroup
operating led by the
with Estonian United
forces in Kingdom,
Tapa, Estonia
Contributor operating
Troopswith Estonian
Forces forces in Tapa, Estonia
Contributor
United Kingdom Troops
800 Forces
• 1 x Armoured battalion with main battle tanks and
United Kingdom 800 • armoured
1 x Armoured battalion
fighting with main battle tanks and
vehicles
armoured fighting
• Supported vehicles artillery and air defence assets,
by self-propelled
• engineers,
Supported an by intelligence,
self-propelledsurveillance
artillery and
andairreconnaissance
defence assets,
engineers,
group and an intelligence,
logistic supportsurveillance
elements and reconnaissance
France 330 group and logistic support elements
• 1 Mechanized infantry company (3 mechanized platoon
France 330 • 1(VBCI),
Mechanized
1 heavy infantry company
armoured platoon(3 (LECLERC),
mechanized platoon
1 engineer
(VBCI),
platoon, 11 artillery
heavy armoured
element)platoon (LECLERC), 1 engineer
platoon, 1 artillery
• National support element element)
•• National support element
Logistics elements (movement, maintenance, medical) ;
•• Logistics elements
Signal element ; (movement, maintenance, medical) ;
•• Staff
Signalofficers
element ;
integrated in battlegroup in Tapa and eFP HQ
• in
Staff officers integrated in battlegroup in Tapa and eFP HQ
Tallinn.
Denmark 3 in Tallinn.
Support to brigade headquarters
Denmark
Iceland 31 Support
1 x Strategicto brigade headquarters
communications civilian
Iceland 1 Approximate
1 x Strategic
total troop communications
number: 1134civilian
Approximate total troop number: 1134
Battlegroup led by Canada,
operatingBattlegroup
with Latvianled by Canada,
forces in Adazi, Latvia
Contributor operating
Troops with Forces
Latvian forces in Adazi, Latvia
Contributor
Canada Troops
525 Forces
• 1 x Mechanised infantry battalion with armoured fighting
Canada 525 • vehicles
1 x Mechanised infantry battalion with armoured fighting
vehicles support company
• Combat
•• Combat support company
Support elements
•• Support elements
Contribution to battlegroup headquarters
Albania 21 •Mobility
Contribution
explosiveto battlegroup headquarters
ordnance disposal engineers
Albania
Czech Republic 21
55 1 x Mortar platoonordnance
Mobility explosive disposal
and support engineers
element
Czech Republic
Italy 55
166 11 xx Mortar
Mechanisedplatoon and support
infantry company/ element
Mountain troop
Italy 166 1company
x Mechanised infantry company/
with armoured Mountain
fighting vehicles, Jointtroop
Terminal Air
company
Controllers withandarmoured fighting
sniper teams, vehicles,
mortar Joint Terminal
and anti-tank unit Air
Montenegro 10 1Controllers
x Combatand snipersquadron,
engineer teams, mortar and anti-tank
contribution unit
to battlegroup
Montenegro 10 1headquarters
x Combat engineer squadron, contribution to battlegroup
Poland headquarters
Up to 200 1 x Tank Company, national contribution to battlegroup HQ,
Poland Up to 200 1support x Tankelements
Company, national contribution to battlegroup HQ,
Slovakia Up to 152 support
• Mechanised elements infantry company
Slovakia Up to 152 •• Mechanised
Contributioninfantry company
to battlegroup headquarters
•• Support
Contribution
elementsto battlegroup headquarters
• Support elements
Slovenia 33 • 1 x Engineer platoon
Slovenia 33 • 1 x Engineer platoon
Slovenia 33 • 1 x Tactical EngineerAir Control Party team
platoon
• 1 x Tactical Air Control Party team
• Contribution
1 x Tactical AirtoControl
battlegroup
Partyheadquarters
team
Spain 350 •• Contribution
1Contribution
x Mechanised to infantry
battlegroup headquarters
company with tanks and armoured
Spain 350 • 1 x Mechanised to infantry
battlegroup headquarters
company with tanks and armoured
Spain 350 • 1fighting vehicles infantry company with tanks and armoured
x Mechanised
fighting vehicles
• fightingMobilityvehicles
engineers and support elements
• Mobility engineers and support elements
• MobilityLogistic elements
engineers and support elements
• Logistic elements
• LogisticContribution
elementsto battlegroup headquarters
•
Approximate Contribution to battlegroup
total troop number: 1512headquarters
• Contribution
Approximate to battlegroup
total troop number: 1512headquarters
Approximate total troop number: 1512
Battlegroup led by Germany,
Battlegroup led by Germany,
Battlegroup
operating with Lithuanianledforces
by Germany,
in Rukla, Lithuania
operating with Lithuanian forces in Rukla, Lithuania
Contributor operating
Troops Lithuanian
with Forces forces in Rukla, Lithuania
Contributor Troops Forces
Germany
Contributor 560
Troops 1 x Armoured infantry company, combat service, combat
Forces
Germany 560 1 x Armoured infantry company, combat service, combat
Germany 560 service supportinfantry company, combat service, combat
1 x Armoured
service support
Belgium 262 1service
x Armoured
supportinfantry company with national support
Belgium 262 1 x Armoured infantry company with national support
Belgium 262 element and staff
1 x Armoured officers
infantry for battlegroup
company headquarters
with national support
element and staff officers for battlegroup headquarters
Czech Republic 35 •element
1 x Electronic
and staffwarfare
officerselement
for battlegroup headquarters
Czech Republic 35 • 1 x Electronic warfare element
Czech Republic 35 • 1Support elements
x Electronic warfare element
• Support elements
Iceland 1 •Public Affairs
Support Civilian
elements
Iceland 1 Public Affairs Civilian
Netherlands
Iceland 270
1 1Publicx Mechanised infantry company with armoured fighting
Affairs Civilian
Netherlands 270 1 x Mechanised infantry company with armoured fighting
Netherlands 270 1vehicles
x Mechanised infantry company with armoured fighting
vehicles
Norway 120 1 x Armoured infantry company with armoured fighting
vehicles
Norway 120 1 x Armoured infantry company with armoured fighting
Norway 120 1vehicles
x Armoured infantry company with armoured fighting
vehicles
Approximate total troop number: 1248
vehicles
Approximate total troop number: 1248
Approximate total troop number: 1248
Battlegroup led by the United States,
Battlegroup led by the United States,
operating withBattlegroup ledin
Polish forces byOrzysz
the United States,
(Bemowo Piskie), Poland
operating with Polish forces in Orzysz (Bemowo Piskie), Poland
operating withTroops
Contributor Polish forces
Forcesin Orzysz (Bemowo Piskie), Poland
Contributor Troops Forces
United States
Contributor 857
Troops 1 x Armoured cavalry squadron with combat service and
Forces
United States 857 1 x Armoured cavalry squadron with combat service and
United States 857 1support enablers
x Armoured cavalry squadron with combat service and
support enablers
Croatia 80 support enablers
Self-propelled rocket launcher battery (4 x SPRL 122mm
Croatia 80 Self-propelled rocket launcher battery (4 x SPRL 122mm
Croatia 80 “VULKAN”) rocket launcher battery (4 x SPRL 122mm
Self-propelled
“VULKAN”)
Romania 120 1“VULKAN”)
x Ground-based air defence battery and support elements
Romania 120 1 x Ground-based air defence battery and support elements
United
Romania Kingdom 140
120 1Light Reconnaissance
x Ground-based squadron
air defence equipped
battery and with Jackal
support elements
United Kingdom 140 Light Reconnaissance squadron equipped with Jackal
United Kingdom 140Approximate
Lighttotal troop number:
Reconnaissance 1197 equipped with Jackal
squadron
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: 5091eFP SPECIAL EDITION
Multinational Corps Northeast in Szczecin (Poland) –
from political symbol to regional responsibility
STORY BY: LIEUTENANT COLONEL (GS) ULRICH PFÜTZENREUTER, MNC NE J5 BRANCH HEAD POLICY
In September 2019, Headquarters they are, not taking them for granted Russia. 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 Baltic Sea 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 BarrackFoundation 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,
the process of implementing the measures Latvia, Lithuania and Poland; four multi-
integration 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 battalions and one
decision of Denmark, Germany and Po- German battalion. Thanks to their capa-
land. Evolving from German-Danish Corps bilities, HQ MNC NE can be independently
LANDJUT, it was the first time that, with
From headquarters to
deployed to and employed at any location
the Republic of Poland, a new NATO mem- command within its area 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 European integration 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.
11Credible 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 brigades 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
Baltic Sea Region as permanently assigned area of responsibility and area of MNC NE, with his team during the
12 operations of MNC NE Griffin exercise seriesa 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 Allied Maritime Command (MAR- soldiers) operating in the Balkans 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-
network provides a decisive contribution tors that has its foundation in the pledge
In numerous multinational exercises, the of mutual defence in Article 5 of the NATO
men and women of MNC NE have dem- to interoperability of the individual land
forces as well as to permanently monitoring Treaty: One for all and all for one.
onstrated that, in their function as a corps
headquarters, they can command and con- and updating the cross-border operational
trol major formations, counter emerging picture. Hub for regional cooperation
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 Task Force – 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 Belarus. 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
13eFP SPECIAL EDITION
NATO eFP Battle Group Lithuania:
MULTINATIONAL DEFENCE AND ASSURANCE
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 Luxembourg 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 Kaunas. 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,
14infantry and armoured, are supported by es. Commander of the Iron Wolf is Colo- Exercises to test and train the
multinational elements such as engineers, nel Mindaugas Petkevičius. The bond with
logistical experts and soldiers specialised in the host nation is strong and is reflected in
troops
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 Military Police “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 Mechanized Infantry
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 nationalities 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 ard 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.
15The 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 Pabrade on 8th September. Prime Minis-
cooperates closely with the NATO Forces NATO membership and the presence of
ter Solberg expressed Norway’s continued NATO forces enjoy strong support and rec-
Integration Unit Lithuania on a daily basis. commitment to the eFP mission and high- ognition among Lithuanians. 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 Lithuanian Armed Forces and fight
also watched a capabilities exercise by the any potential aggressor. This solidarity also
testing combat capabilities and other skills Norwegian 4th Battle Company and a multi-
to meet any challenge at the highest profes- exemplifies the nature of our Alliance for
national static display. over 70 years, based on shared values to
sional level. The Battlegroup also adapts
to the ever changing political and security defend freedom and democracy. Article 5
environment. Recent developments in Be- On 29th 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 unity. 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.
replaced Croatia in the mission last July The eFP Battle Group in Lithuania is ready
Heads of States visiting for the next challenge, preserving peace in
and will contribute to the eFP Battle Group
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
16eFP SPECIAL EDITION
THE ENHANCED FORWARD PRESENCE BATTLEGROUP
LATVIA: ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL
STORY BY CAPTAIN NATHANIEL METHEREL, CANADIAN ARMED FORCES, 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 Eastern Bloc. 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 Riga at Camp Adazi as try and they each have their own military ployed across the Baltic region 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
made to the standard operating procedures included participants from Latvia, Estonia,
Multinational training - Lithuania, Canada, Great Britain, Spain,
in order to make the Battlegroup stronger.
challenges become strengths In this way, training together provides an and Slovakia. There were snipers 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
17You can also read
