Northern Star December 2018

M A G A Z I N E F O R H Q J F C B R U N S S U M - D E C E M B E R 2 017 - J A N U A R Y 2 018

JFC BRUNSSUM:

READY! THE HEADQUARTERS IS CERTIFIED TO LEAD NEXT YEAR’S NRF

T H I S M O N T H ’ S F O C U S : H I G H L I G H T S 2 017

JFC BRUNSSUM •EFP BATTLEGROUPS TRAINING IN SILVER ARROW AND IRON WOLF •NATO BALTIC AIR POLICING AND MARITIME GROUPS IN 2017 •NORWEGIAN ARMED FORCES

n Gelukkig Nieuwjaar! • Chestita Koleda i Shtastliv ova Godina! • Sretan Bozic • Gutes neues Jahr • erry Christmas and a Happy New Year! • Veselé noce a št’astný Nový rok! • Glædelig Jul og godt tår! • Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année! • Fröhliche eihnachten und ein glückliches Neues Jahr! • Kala hristougenna Ki’eftihismenos O Kenourios Chronos ellemes karácsonyi ünnepeket és Boldog újévet! uon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo! • Priecigus emassvetkus un laimigu Jauno gadu! • Wesolych wiat i Szczesliwego Nowego Roku! • Boas Festas e u iz Ano Novo! • Craciun fericit si un An Nou fericit! esele Vianoce a stastny novy rok! • Feliz Navidad Merry Christmas and Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Próspero Año Nuevo!

• Noeliniz a Happy Year! sun! • Gleðileg jól ogNew Hamingjusamur Nýtt Ár! • Ve žic in srecno novo leto! • Gëzuar Krishlindjet Vitin Ri! • Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!

Chestita Koleda i Shtastliva Nova Godina! • Sretan zic • Gutes neues Jahr • Merry Christmas and a appy New Year! • Veselé Vánoce a št’astný Nový rok Glædelig Jul og godt nytår! • Joyeux Noël et Bonne nnée! • Fröhliche Weihnachten und ein glückliches eues Jahr! • Kala Christougenna Ki’eftihismenos O nourios Chronos! • Kellemes karácsonyi ünnepeke Boldog újévet! • Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo riecigus Ziemassvetkus un laimigu Jauno gadu! • esolych Swiat i Szczesliwego Nowego Roku! • Boas stas e um feliz Ano Novo! • Craciun fericit si un An

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M A G A Z I N E

CONTENTS

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DEC. 2017 / JAN. 2018

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COMMANDER’S ADDRESS

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HIGHLIGHTS 2017

Lt. Cdr. Davide Galli (ITA Navy) Editor in Chief and Senior Photo Editor

8. EXERCISE SILVER ARROW

Lt. Col. Marco Schmidl (DEU Air Force) Deputy Chief Editor and Air Force Editor

10. EXERCISE IRON WOLF II

Lt. Cdr. Piotr Wojtas (POL Navy) Assistant Editor and Navy Editor

12. THE YEAR IN THE MARITIME DOMAIN FOR NATO

Cpt. Aouatef Zimrani (FRA Army) Assistant Editor, Army Editor, Layout

14. BALTIC AIR POLICING IN 2017

Lt. Cdr. Jerry Parker (GBR Navy) Assistant Editor, Copy Editor

16. NORWEGIAN ARMED FORCES 18. COMMANDER VISITS THE BALTIC COUNTRIES

CPO Jerome Claudon (FRA Navy) Editorial Staff Coordinator

20. REMEMBRANCE

Mr. Barry Mellor (GBR Civ) Copy Editor and Marketing Director

22. INTERNATIONAL CHRISTMAS CRAFT MARKET

Lt. Col. Paul Van Harten (NLD Air Force) Air Force and Host Nation Editor

25. DUTCH NATURAL GAS DISCOVERY

Cpt. Linda Schrader (NLD Army) Army and Host Nation Editor

27. VISITS AND ACTIVITIES

Adj. Leo Roos (NLD Army) Adj. Shirley Ham-Ter-Haar (NLD Marechaussee) Photographers and Photoeditors

28. #WEAREJFCBS

Col. Roberto Lanni (ITA Army) Contributing Editor Ms. Louise Bicknese (NLD Civilian) Assistant Editor CONTRIBUTORS: Mr. Derk Smid / DFS Creative, Ms. Anda Bergmane (NFIU Latvia), Lt. Col Karsten Dyba (MN HQ Ulm), Maj. Justyna Balik (Polish Armed Forces), Ms. Caroline Sawbridge and Emilia Mazzeo (Brunssum International Club), Ed Frieser

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EDITORIAL STAFF Col. Frank Warda (DEU Army) Editorial Director

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ABOUT THE COVER Kadaga (Latvia), October 2017 — A Spanish soldier of the enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup leads a ‘Pizarro’ Infantry Fighting Vehicle through the terrain of the training area used during exercise Silver Arrow 17. (Photo: Eriks Kukutis, Latvian Armed Forces)

PHOTO CREDITS: Lithuanian Armed Forces, British Army, Norwegian MoD, Armins Janiks, Eriks Kukutis, Normunds Mežinš (Latvian Armed Forces), Latvia Youth Guard and Infor­ mation Center, Ole-Sverre Haugli (Norwegian Armed forces), Sebastian Grünberg (German Armed Forces), Dana J.Butler, Bera Bartosz (Polish Armed Forces), Frank Crebas, Pablo Blanco, Christian Timming, Bart Rosselle, Christian Valverde (NATO Maritime Command), eFP Battlegroups in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, Spc. Brandon Best (US Army Europe), Egdanis Torres Sierra (Resolute Support Mission)

www.jfcbs.nato.int The NORTHERN STAR is a publication, published with the assistance of ‘t Swarte Schaap, in co-operation with and at no cost to HQ JFC Brunssum. Opinions herein do not necessarily reflect official NATO or HQ JFC Brunssum policy. The appearance of advertisements, including inserts, does not constitute endorsement by NATO or HQ JFC Brunssum of the products or services offered. Deadline for articles, advertisements and photographs is on the Monday at close of business prior to the week of publication.

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COMMANDER’S ADDRESS What a year … and more to come!

My dear soldiers, sailors, airmen, mariners and civilian personnel … #WeAreNATO. As 2017 comes to a close and the holiday season approaches, I believe it is a good time to reflect upon the many accomplishments of JFC Brunssum over the past year and look forward to the many challenges we will face together in 2018. This HQ has continued to impress me with its diligence, innovation and professionalism and I am certain that 2018 will continue to be another fruitful year.

I am proud to be in Command of this Joint HQ, which will remain on the forefront of NATO operations and adaptation efforts, daily contributing to the cohesion of the Alliance.

Our security situation is as complex as ever. The character of warfighting has changed. Symmetric threats combined with asymmetric elements provide a challenge within a challenge. The cyber threat continues to grow, terrorism and hybrid activities that increasingly involve the civil­ ian population have caused warfighting to become more and more blurred. Traditional adversaries pose an ever more complex environment which requires flexibility and focus, so that we do not get diverted from our main effort. We truly must plan and prepare across 360 degrees of our Alliance, adapting our structure, plans and forces for tomorrow’s challenge.

Some things remain the same. NATO and JFC Brunssum remain committed to our three core tasks of Collective Defense, Crisis Man­agement and Cooperative Security. In 2017 we showed this commitment with accomplishments across the breadth of our missions and activities. I would like to give you a short “year in review” of the many things that JFC Brunssum has done to lead the NATO alliance to ever “more together!”

We started the year in January completing the project of former years when we welcomed NATO Force Integration Unit Slovakia as the last of our 8 NFIUs, completing multiple years of work to ensure logistical preparedness for forward deployments. Then we jumped into preparing and

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planning for Exercise TRIDENT JAVELIN, a year-long process culminating in our certification to lead the enhanced NATO Response Force in 2018.

In February we began the implementation well ahead of timeline of the most visible sign of deterrence on our Eastern flank seen since the Cold War, when the enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup led

by Germany arrived in Lithuania. Less than 7 months since the Warsaw Summit envisioned the deployment of 4 combined-arms Battlegroups to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland with forces on the ground contributing to deterrence across the Alliance..

Also in February I took the first of two trips to Afghanistan to personally take stock of the status of the Resolute Support Mission and gain insight into the challenging situation for inclusion in our Periodic Mission Reviews on behalf of the mission. I was able to meet with Afghan leaders such as President Ghani, CEO Abdullah, Nation­al Security Advisor Atmar and Defense Min­ister Bahrami. I engaged with RSM Commander Gen Nicholson and his staff and fully understand the changing security environment. My appreciation for NATO’s conditions-based approach and the need for a comprehensive effort across all instruments of national power was reinforced by ground-truth data that showed improvements in all four areas of the Afghan Roadmap, particularly in improvement of Afghan National Defense Force leadership and offensive capabilities. We are truly showing the insurgents that they cannot win and must meet us at the negotiating table or face irrelevance!

In March JFCBS hosted Iceland and Norway’s senior leaders to NATO and immediately thereafter I led a delegation from Brunssum to Oslo and Reykjavik to meet with their Chiefs of Defense to final­ ise NATO’s newest planning for the “high North.” Also in March we celebrated a bitter­sweet goodbye to our DCOM, Gen Alejandre, as we bid him farewell to become the new Chief of Defense for Spain. Less than two months later we welcomed in LTG Campins, who picked up as my right-hand

man.

The following months saw fruitful efforts building relationships across the alliance.

We hosted the NRF Commanders’ Conference with our brothers and sisters from JFC Naples. We held Key Leader Training Events for hundreds of military leaders and staffs preparing for deployment to Afghanistan.

On the last day of May we celebrated a milestone event much closer to home, as I stood alongside Brunssum Mayor Luc Winants to welcome King Willem-Alexander, NATO Deputy Secretary Ms. Rose Gottemoeller and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Curtis Scaparrotti as they joined us to celebrate the 50th anniversary of NATO in Brunssum. We spent an unforgettable day surrounded by the wonderful community of Limburg with ceremony and family fun as together we shared the memor­able celebration of our unity, solidarity and friendship.

June saw the welcome ceremony for the final eFP Battlegroup, led by Canada, in Latvia. We also welcomed the certification as “Fully Operational” the MultiNational Corps-North­east HQ. This mile­ stone event solidified the persistent relationship between JFC Brunssum, a NATO Command Structure entity with its stand­ ing Corps HQ, a NATO Force Structure unit. The growth of this essential chain of command for the effectiveness of the Battle­groups across the Baltics and Poland contin­ues to prove its worth.

We held the 4th Northern Headquarters Conference in Szekes­fehervar, Hungary to bring together leaders from across Implementation Area-North. We hosted the eFP Commanders’ Conference, Bi-JFC Vision Conference, bringing together stakeholders with the common goal of bolstering NATO’s deterrence and defence posture.

July was perhaps my proudest moment to lead this HQ, as I was honoured to accept the Atlantic Council Freedom Award on behalf of our four Battlegroups and eFP Chain of Command as they recognised our

General Salvatore Farina takes a look back to 2017 with all JFCBS achievements and tells us what challenges are ahead for 2018.

contribution to “defend and advance the cause of freedom.” Standing alongside Dr Zbigniew Brzezinski’s son and accepting the same award offered to such visionary lead­ ers as John McCain, Hillary Clinton, Guido Westerwelle, Lech Walesa, Václav Havel, and even former SACEUR Admiral James Stavridis I was delighted to represent all the men and women from JFCBS, MNC-NE and across the Battlegroups.

In August we concluded our implementation of the eFP battlegroups and formally moved into the deterrence phase when the Battlegroup in Latvia achieved final certification. This kicked of our current efforts to use our lessons learned from their deployment and continued training and exercising as a catalyst for progress across the Alliance.

In September we bid farewell to our beloved Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Adamczak, reminding us that over 30% of our staff has changed out in 2017 alone! It also remind­ ed us of the value of our people and social relationships we have made through the many clubs and organisations in the area.

Whether it is spouses’ club coffees, nation­ al day celebrations, memorials to those who have gone before us, or just an enjoyable outing with friends (in my case, to the golf course…although very rarely!) all of us have taken the time along the way to invest in deep relationships and meaningful cultural experiences. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of shared experiences and the familiarity it brings. The life-long bonds across borders and distance forged here during your time at JFC Brunssum will for­ ever enrich the lives of all who have served here.

October and November saw our focus shift solely to NRF certification as we provided High Command inputs for BRILLIANT LEDGER, SWORD, MARINER and ARROW to ensure the integration and cap­ ability of all NRF components. We then closed November with a successful execution of TRIDENT JAVELIN and a tour of our eFP Battlegroups in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania where I passed SACEUR’s vision for 2018 and beyond and laid out my five

Lines of Effort to be followed to ensure the improved deterrence capabilities of each unit.

Finally, in December we capped off the year by hosting the Bi-JFC Vision Conference where we coordinated with JFC Naples to take over the 2018 standby responsibility.

What a year…and more to come!

2018 promises to be another challenging year, and I would be remiss if I did not spend a few words to remind us of some of the challenges that lie ahead. Shortly I will be issuing my Commander’s Directive for 2018 which will complement the newly approved Brunssum Operational Approach. As I have prepared it I cannot help but notice that 100% of my goals for JFCBS in 2017 were either resoundingly achieved or significantly advanced. In 2018 our goals will be equally ambitious and I expect equal results. They will revolve around continued readiness as standby NRF Joint HQ, con­tinued support to the RS Mission and con­tinued improvement of our eFP Battlegroups along the 5 Lines of Effort. We will continue to invest in relationship building across the Implementation Area, across services and across nationalities. We will continue to adapt and improve our processes and cap­abilities both as a Joint Headquarters and contributing the NATO Command Structure Adaptation efforts at SHAPE. There is much more to come in 2018, but just like always, we will complete all of our

efforts “more together”!

Now, as we approach the Holiday season, I would take the time to encourage you to enjoy a well-deserved respite with friends and family. Before we enter another highpaced year, I entreat you to spend qual­ity time focused on family and refreshment during the holidays. Europe offers a myr­ iad of travelling opportunities and beautiful experiences to be had! This is the time to spend quality time together and put the cares of service aside for a time so that you may return resilient and prepared for what­ ever challenge may face you, whether it be deployment, exercise or simply the daily grind. Our families are so important, and I appreciate the increasing presence of spouses and children at the many social events throughout the year and especially now as we celebrate our many different cultural traditions during this festive season.

They have brought a greater sense of fam­ ily and cohesion to the wider Brunssum family and I hope you will spend a joyful time with them during the holiday break.

In closing, I personally want to salute your fantastic efforts this past year and I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, nice Holiday Season and a joyful New Year!

General Salvatore Farina Allied JFC Brunssum Commander

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HIGHLIGHTS 2017

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The year about to end has been memorable for JFC Brunssum: on the forefront of NATO operations and adaptation efforts, the Headquarters in 2017 showed its commitment to our three core tasks of Collective Defense, Crisis Management and Cooperative Security.

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LAND - eFP

EXERCISE SILVER ARROW

Story by Major Mairita Senkevicina, PA Department of the Ministry of Defence of Latvia Photos by Latvian Armed Forces

Latvia –

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rom 16 to 29 October, more than 3,500 troops from Albania, USA, Estonia, Italy, Canada, Latvia, UK, Poland, Slovenia, Spain and Germany took part in the multinational military exercise ‘SILVER ARROW 2017’ in Latvia, at the Ādaži Training Area and in the Ape, Gulbene and Alūksne regions. Around 200 National Guard and 30 reserve soldiers took part in the exercise to enhance and refresh their military knowledge and skills.

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The main goal of the exercise was to enhance the interoperability between Nation­ al Armed Forces and Allied troops, and to conduct integrated joint planning, defence operation training and combat support element training.

The National Armed Forces integrated MOBILISATION EXERCISE 2017 into SILVER ARROW 2017 — mobilisation notices were sent out for specific support to the exercise, for example, to move military vehicles or to ensure road maintenance.

The exercise also coincided with another drill — army reserve training.

The Canadian-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battle Group Latvia

joined SILVER ARROW 2017. Self-propelled artillery systems M109A5Oe Type A howitzers, recently bought by Latvia from Austria, were also revealed during the exercise.

“NATO eFP battle group soldiers, with their vehicles and equipment, trained shoulder to shoulder with the Land Forces Mechanised Infantry Brigade. The primary aim was to boost interoperability as, typically, there is a lot of cross-fertilisation tak­ing place during joint training and exercises. Participating nations efficiently tackled tactical challenges by cooperating closely, confirming that command teamwork is good and that common military protocols work well. We think SILVER ARROW 2017 was a success,” stressed

National Armed Forces and Allied troops show unity and ability to work closely together during Silver Arrow military exercise in Latvia

Brigadier General Ivo Mogiļnijs, Chief of Staff of the National Armed Forces Joint Headquarters.

“There is no doubt that NATO eFP Battle Group Latvia has managed to successfully integrate into Land Forces Mechanised Infantry Brigade. This military exercise is held annually, yet the main task this year was to complete the merging of NATO eFP Battle Group Latvia and Land Forces Mechanised Infantry Brigade, which began almost 6 months ago. I am happy with the result and successful completion of the integration process,” underlined Colonel Ilmārs Atis Lejiņš, Commander of Land Forces Mechanised Infantry Brigade.

“Undeniably, as became apparent during the combined training, the ability of the National Armed Forces to protect Latvia has grown significantly. Moreover, NATO eFP Battle Group Latvia, together with other NATO eFP Battle Groups in Estonia, Lithuania and Poland, can be an important addition in case of crisis. This training is yet more proof of Land Forces Mechanised Infantry Brigade’s role in making the decisive blow, no matter who the opponent is. We are like a skilful and fierce fighter. And now, when our allies are here to support us, we have become even stronger. We are united, just as our motto says: together we are a force,” said Colonel Lejiņš.

SILVER ARROW 2017 is a military exercise hosted by Land Forces Mechanised Infantry Brigade.

Military exercise SILVER ARROW began as series of national military manoeuvres, however, in 2014 numerous Allied and partner countries joined the exercise and it became multinational.

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LAND - eFP

EXERCISE IRON WOLF II

Story by eFP Battlegroup Lithuania Media-Service Photos by eFP Battlegroup Lithuania, German Armed Forces, Norwegian Armed forces

Lithuania –

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reparation for IRON WOLF II had developed through several steps aimed at optimizing co-operation and communication, combining Lithuanian capabilities with those of the MultiNation­ al Battle Group, in order to form a cohesive NATO-stronghold in the Baltics. Exercises WILD WOLF and ENGINEER THUNDER marked 2 major steps towards the certification of combat readiness.

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Operations and tactics

Lights are dimmed within the Battle Group’s command post. Tactical information is displayed on monitors. Multinational command post personnel work intensively on tactical maps. Cryptographic channels of communication are used. Continuous assessment of the situation is followed by precise orders. During computer aided exercise (CAX) WILD WOLF, the Battle Group’s staff is confronted with an enemy whose movements and actions are realistically simulated though electronic means. The exercise’s aim: to train command post capabilities. Effective communication procedures and command structures are

decisive elements for success in battle.

Combination of capabilities

A Lithuanian community occupied by (sim­ ulated) hostile forces. In the training scenario the enemy has unexpectedly crossed Lithuania’s state border. The Battle Group’s combined forces from Belgium, Germany, Luxemburg, the Netherlands and Norway, together with their Lithuanian comrades, have contained the first wave of attack. The enemy was ‘fixed’ and fortified its posi­tion with obstacles ranging from fences to mine fields. While Lithuanian mechanised infantry conducts covering fire, the Battle Group’s engineers demolish fences, cut tracks into

Exercise IRON WOLF II has recently marked the culmination of enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Lithuania’s second rotation. Excellent co-operation with Lithuania’s armed forces has led to battle-readiness-certification. These manoeuvres had been prepared for through intensive previous training.

the minefield and bridge anti-tank-trenches.

Together they force their way into the settlement and finally drive the enemy out.

During Exercise ENGINEER THUNDER, Lithuanian infantry and multinational engineers formed a dynamic fighting-alliance.

Keep NATO territory free

IRON WOLF II finally proves the value of preliminary training. The scenario’s first phase shows a delay operation. An approaching enemy is hindered from advancing into Lithuanian territory. The hostile forces’ foray is slowed down by surprise attacks from well-camouflaged positions, weakening the enemy and finally bringing

them to a standstill. The second phase then sees counter-attack operations as collective defense, naturally, includes the task to drive hostile forces out of NATO-territory.

Through heavy terrain …

So far the heavy terrain that defines Lithuania’s landscape has bolstered enemy defensive actions. Now the Battle Groups mixed assets, ranging from armored infantry to “Leopard II” main-battle-tanks (MBTs), provided by the Dutch, Germans and Norwegians also prove to be effective in counter attack. This combination of capabilities and skill finally forces the enemy to retreat.

… to approval

IRON WOLF II has led to the Battle Group’s combat-readiness certification. It gives evidence of the effective multinational co-oper­ ation between eFP Battle Group Lithuania and the Lithuanian IRON WOLF Brigade.

“We stand together and we defend side by side,” states Lieutenant Colonel Thorsten Gensler, the German Battle Group Commander. “With further exercises we are now going to consolidate our common capabilities as we will continue to foster multi­ national comradeship.”

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MARITIME

2017 IN THE MARITIME DOMAIN FOR NATO

Story by Lt. Cdr. Piotr Wojtas, JFC Brunssum PAO Photos by MARCOM

017 was a busy year for NATO land forces, mainly due to the multinational deployment of the “enhanced Forward Presence” to the eastern flank of the Alliance. NATO’s Air Component is constantly engaged in the Air Policing mission and numerous exercises aiming to further advance their inter­ operability with the other components. Because of its very nature, the maritime domain is seldom visible.

So here is a short summary of the continuous effort of our colleagues in “dark blue,” comprising NATO’s maritime component.

Standing NATO Groups:

NATO has 2 maritime immediate reaction forces: the Standing NATO Maritime

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Groups (SNMGs): comprised of SNMG1 and SNMG2, and the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Groups (SNMCMG): comprised of SNMCMG1 and SNMCMG2.

Throughout the year these 4 groups sail around Europe conducting operations, exercises and contributing to NATO’s readiness in the maritime domain. Over the last 12 months, ships belonging to all 4 groups visited 82 ports in 31 countries (including 8 outside NATO). They also participated in 20 major naval exercises and 12 historical ordnance disposal (HOD) operations in the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean.

The Standing NATO Maritime Groups are a multinational, integrated maritime force made up of vessels from various allied countries. These vessels, including their air assets, are permanently available to NATO to perform different tasks, ranging from

participation in exercises, to intervention on operational missions. These groups provide NATO with a continuous maritime capability for operations and other activities in peacetime and in periods of crisis/conflict.

They also help to establish the Alliance presence, demonstrate solidarity, conduct routine diplomatic visits to different countries, support NATO transformation, and provide a variety of military maritime capabilities to ongoing missions.

Operation Sea Guardian:

Operation Sea Guardian is a standing Maritime Security Operation with 3 main tasks: Maritime Situational Awareness, Counter-Terrorism and Regional Capacity Building. As a standing operation it is continually active through a network of ships and maritime operations centres, provid­

A short summary of the continuous effort of our colleagues in “dark blue,” comprising NATO’s maritime component.

ing information about Maritime Situational Awareness. This baseline is augmented by Focused Operations (FOs) that concentrate on specific areas of interest.

FOs have various types of assets dedicated to them (under NATO operational control) for developing and maintaining an accurate picture of daily activity in various parts of the Mediterranean Sea. This information builds ‘Maritime Situational Awareness’, which is shared across the Alliance and can be used to help identify possible security concerns, while at the same time increasing cooperation, flexibility and strength through unified effort.

Submarine Escape Exercise — Dynamic Monarch:

Once every 3 years NATO conducts an exercise designed to demonstrate multinational

submarine rescue cooperation and interoper­ ability. Centred around the International Submarine Escape and Rescue Liaison Office (ISMERLO), which is an international hub for information and coordination on submarine rescue, the exercise promotes the sharing of ‘Submarine Escape and Rescue’–related knowledge amongst worldwide partners.

This year, Exercise DYNAMIC MONARCH was conducted off the coast of Turkey. It was a multi-national and multilayer exercise that included 9 NATO Allies participating with either assets or personnel, running multiple scenarios focused on both support to escaping submariners and the rescue of submariners trapped in a submarine at depth. In total, the exercise included approximately 1,000 personnel, 3 submarines, 4 submarine rescue ships with US submarine rescue chambers and NATO

Submarine Rescue System onboard. Additionally, 4 patrol boats, 4 aircraft (helicopters, Maritime Patrol Aircraft and a C-130), diving and medical teams, and a Submarine Parachute Assistance Group took part.

The maritime component has also supported the eFP deployment this year by escorting civilian vessels that are transporting military equipment across the Baltic Sea. The Commander of JFC Brunssum is currently promoting his vision on the Alliance’s enhanced Forward Presence, which he described as a ‘catalyst for (wider NATO) progress’. According to this plan, the land-based eFP battlegroups will integrate their deterrence and defence efforts with both air and maritime assets to fully enable their joint military capabilities. We are therefore looking forward, in expectation that 2018 will be even more demanding for the maritime domain.

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AIR

BALTIC AIR POLICING IN 2017

Story by Allied Air Command PAO Photos by B.Bartosz, B.Rosselle, C.Timmig, P.Blanco, F.Crébas, J.Butler

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hen the Baltic States joined NATO in the spring of 2004, the airspace over Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania became Allied airspace. Since the three Baltic States do not have the necessary air capabilities to conduct peacetime Air Policing, an agreement was established to ensure the same standard of airspace security within SACEUR’s area of responsibility. This special case of Air Policing was termed Baltic Air Policing, and since 2004 NATO Allies have continuously taken turns in providing fighter jets to safeguard

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the airspace in the Baltic region. The jets take off from the Lithuanian Air Force Base at Šiauliai in the north west of the country.

In 2014, in response to the Russian illegal annexation of Crimea, the Allies decided to introduce Assurance Measures with the goal to demonstrate the collective resolve and defensive nature of the Alliance and deter Russia from aggression or the threat of aggression against NATO Allies. Under these Assurance Measures, a second base for enhanced Air Policing was opened at Ämari, Estonia, and has since seen the continuous deployment of a second augmen-

ting detachment of Allied fighter aircraft.

So far, 17 NATO nations have participated in the Baltic Air Policing mission, which is a standing peacetime mission and as such an important confidence-building measure to demonstrate Alliance solidarity and resolve to both current members and Partners and future potential members.

NATO takes its responsibility to ensure safety and integrity of its airspace very seriously. When an aircraft approaches NATO’s airspace without prior coordination or planning, both commercial and military air traffic could be placed in danger. In such cases, NATO’s Combined Air Operations Centres (CAOCs) launch alert aircraft

NATO fighter jets have been safeguarding Baltic skies all throughout the year

within minutes to fly up to visually identify the unclear situation and assist as required.

All scrambles are conducted with NATOassigned aircraft.

NATO’s 24/7 Air Policing mission over the territory of European Allies rests under the oversight and guidance of Allied Air Command while the mission is executed by the two CAOC at Uedem, Germany, and Torrejon, Spain. The CAOCs monitor the whole operation and report to Allied Air Command where all information about intercepts is registered in the Air Policing and Reporting section.

Baltic Air Policing in 2017

Lead Nation at Šiauliai, LTU

Augmenting Nation at Ämari, EST

January to April

Netherlands, F-16 jets

Germany, Eurofighter jets

May to August

Poland, F-16 jets

Spain, F-18 jets

September to December

United States, F-15 jets

Belgium, F-16 jets

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NATIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS Story by Colonel Rune Haugdal, JFC Brunssum Norwegian Senior National Representative Photos by Norwegian Ministry of Defence, eFP Battlegroup Lithuania, Lithuanian Armed Forces

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he Norwegian Armed Forces provide for Norway’s national security, and are divided into five branches: the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Home Guard and the Cyber Defence and a number of joint departments.

The formal Commander-in-Chief is King Harald V; and the Chief of Defence is Admiral Haakon Bruun-Hansen who is also the top military advisor for the Ministry of Defence. The Norwegian Joint Headquarters (NJHQ), is located in North Norway, is responsible for planning and commanding the Armed Forces operations NJHQ was a participant in the recent exercise Trident Javelin 2017.

Budget and Personnel

The defence budget for 2017 amounts to a total of 4,85 billion EURO. This constitutes

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NORWEGIAN ARMED FORCES

the largest per capita defence budget among European NATO allies and is among the 10 largest defence budgets in Europe.

The Armed Forces have about 16,500 employees; 11,500 of them are military and 5,000 are civilians. Norway is the first European and first NATO country to make military service compulsory for both genders. We have annually 7000 conscripts, and of those 16 % females.

Army

The Army’s role is to operate on land and control territory and people, if necessary with force. During international operations the army’s units have proved their relevance in every area from armed conflicts to humanitarian emergencies. The backbone of the Army is the Brigade North providing modern warfare combined arms capabilities.

Air Force

The Royal Norwegian Air Force utilises modern warfare capacities, but are into a replacement process with fighters and MPAs. The F-16 will be replaced by 52 F-35, and the three first F-35 have arrived in Norway, and a new era in Norwegian F-35 history has begun. The MPA P-3 Orion will soon be replaced by P-8 Poseidon aircraft. The Air

Force also has a strong focus towards international operations but collective defence is absolutely a priority.

Navy

The Royal Norwegian Navy (RNoN) celebrated its 200th anniversary last year. Main naval units include the frigates, submarines, corvettes and MCMVs. The Norwegian Coast Guard is organised within the RNoN to ensure synergies with respect to education, manning and maintenance.

Home Guard

The Home Guard’s task is to protect the local population and the essential functions of society. This includes helping to maintain Norwegian sovereignty, national crisis management, the reception of allied reinforcements and contributing to the safety and security of society. Home Guard operations are often integrated with the land, naval and air force.

Cyber Defence Force

The Cyber Defence Force was established as its own branch on 18 September 2012 responsible for military communications and defensive and offensive cyberwarfare in Norway. The Cyber Defence runs, secu-

Norway’s National Security Providers

res and defends the Armed Forces’ computer systems, networks and high-technology platforms from attacks in and from cyber domain. The Cyber Defence also provides other military departments with sensor and radar data.

Special Forces

Norwegian Special Forces (NORSOF) consists of the Norwegian Special Operations Command (NORSOCOM) and two sub units; the Norwegian Special Operations Commando (NORSOC) and the Norwegian Navy Special Operations Commando (NORNAVSOC). In addition the RNoAF Special Operations Air Squadron is dedicated to support NORSOFs missions.

NORSOF is relevant across the full range of military operations and is on standby for national crisis response in support of the Norwegian police and on high readiness for operations abroad. NORSOF core activities are special reconnaissance, direct action and military assistance. NORSOF main deployments have been to Afghanistan and the Middle-East.

Cold Weather Operations

Cold Weather Operations are an important part of Norwegian Armed Forces operati-

ons, and Norway is a long and rugged country, with great opportunities for winter training and education. Years of training and operating in harsh, arctic winter conditions have given the Norwegian Armed Forces great expertise and knowledge on winter operations. The Centre of Excellence for Cold Weather Operations (COECWO) has been prepared to accommodate a variety of requirements – from individual training to unit level training, certification, courses, seminars, literature or advice. The Centre conducts its own research in support of the Alliance’s transformation effort, and is prepared to support Concept Development and Experimentation (CDE) initiatives from our allies or partners.

Training

Training and exercises with Allied and Partners are key elements in our armed forces activities. And in 2018, Norway will host NATO’s high-visibility exercise Trident Juncture. Tens of thousands of soldiers are expected to participate in the major exercise. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This will be a major, high-visibility exercise in the Alliance’s northernmost area.

As NATO’s military action in Afghanistan winds down, it is important for the Alliance to keep up its military cooperation, and

continue integrating the skills and the experience it gained during many years of international operations With 35,000 troops from around 30 nations, exercise Trident Juncture 2018 in Norway will be an important milestone for NATO. Renewed focus on the alliance’s core, collective defence, will be key and with large-scale exercises we can demonstrate our capacity and uphold our credibility.

International Operations

International Operations have been a central part of the Norwegian Armed Forces’ operations – from the brigades in Germany in the late 1940s, to complex and advanced military operations in Afghanistan in the 2000s. Today, several hundred people from the Norwegian Armed Forces work all over the globe on behalf of the UN, multinational coalitions and NATO.​​​Personnel from the Norwegian Armed Forces participate in several international operations in the Middle East, MINUSMA in Mali, the UNMISS mission in South Sudan, MFO in Egypt and military contribution to the international coalition established to counter ISIL in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition Norway is participating in the enhanced Forward Presence in Lithuania.

17

REGIONAL FOCUS

COMMANDER JFC BRUNSSUM VISITS THE BALTIC STATES

E

Story and Photos by Lt. Cdr. Piotr Wojtas, JFC Brunssum PAO

nhanced Forward Presence Battlegroups are nested under, and work on a daily basis with, the national brigades of the respective countries in which they are based. In reality, all these battlegroups are considered by their host nation to be additional battalions adjoined to the existing defense structure. When visiting the 3 Baltic States the JFCBS commander met with both the national brigade and the eFP Battlegroup commanders, who shared their impressions of the current state of the deployment and the way ahead for 2018.

From 01 January 2018, JFCBS will be on permanent standby for the NATO Response Force (NRF18), whilst eFP will remain one of its primary efforts as part of a broader capability picture. From the operational perspective, the integration of NATO’s high readiness forces with national assets is one of the keys to fulfil their mission.

NATO Force Integration Units (NFIUs) located in all 3 countries played a vital role in the preparation and the deployment of eFP

18

troops this year. In his meetings with NFIU Commanders, General Farina stressed the role that these units play in ensuring a seamless transition of troops into the nations, on a rotational basis. New countries are volunteering and substituting troops for those which are not planning to extend their mission, so the effort to integrate newcomers is equally important for troops from outside and for those already settled in the eFP realm. During his visit to all 3 countries, General Farina also met the soldiers within the battlegroups and thanked them for their service.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, General Farina also met with the highest military representatives of all 3 countries: Chief of Defence–General Jonas Vytautas Žukas and the Chief of the Joint Staff– Major General Vitalijus Vaikšnoras in Lithuania; Chief of Defense–Lieutenant General Leonĩds Kalninš in Latvia and the Deputy Commander of Estonian Defense Forces–Brigadier General Indrek Sirel in Estonia. The Estonian Chief of Defence visited Commander JFCBS later the same week in Brunssum (this story can be found on the next page). The main theme of the mee-

tings was Commander JFCBS expressing his appreciation to the host nations for their efforts in modernisation, the improvement of their capabilities and their outstand­ing support given to eFP battlegroups, as part of their efforts to guarantee both security and defense in the region.

Throughout his visit, General Farina presented his operational vision of the Alliance’s enhanced Forward Presence, described as a ‘catalyst for progress.’ The Commander wants to use these deployments, not only as a blueprint for possible future deployments within NATO, but as an opportunity to find better solutions for interoperability between all the nations. Addi­tionally, the battlegroups — being the land component of NATO’s deterrence and defence posture in the east — should expand their integration with both air and maritime assets in order to create joint effects. The Commander also emphasised 5 lines of effort that JFC Brunssum would pursue to achieve this, including Capability and Requirement Devel­opment, Cross Domain Collaboration and Contribution, Training and Exercise Synchronisation, Integrated Defence Planning, and Joint Situational Awareness.

REGIONAL FOCUS

From 20–23 November 2017, the Commander of JFC Brunssum visited 3 enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroups in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, also meeting with the commanders of the entities cooperating with NATO’s deployment.

ESTONIAN DEFENCE FORCES DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL FOR THE COMMANDER JFC BRUNSSUM During his visit in Brunssum on November 24, Estonian Chief of Defence–General Riho Terras presented JFCBS Commander with the Distinguished Service Medal. During the ceremony, the Estonian ChoD said: “In Estonia we celebrate our Armed Forces Day, and one of traditions is to recognise contributions from outside of our structure. I thank you, General Farina, for your personal leadership that steered this headquarters onto your current direction, and I thank you and the whole HQ, for your great effort.” General Terras added, “There is also a saying in Estonia: If I know who stands behind me, I’m not afraid to look ahead, and I present you with this medal for your contribution to strengthening Estonian national defence.”

The visit of Estonian delegation to Joint Force Command Brunssum occurred just after General Farina’s enhanced Forward Presence visit to three Baltic States (see the previous page). The subject of eFP was broadly discussed and the Commander JFC Brunssum reiterated his appreciation for the military capacity and capability of Estonian Defense Forces to support the eFP deployment.

The discussions in Brunssum revolved around current processes, procedures and plans for the nearest future that concern strategic-level command and Estonian Defence

Forces. Since JFC Brunssum will soon take over the lead of NATO Response Force 2018 (NRF18), Estonia’s contribution to various NATO structures and next year’s schedule of exercises were broadly discussed.

The Distinguished Service Decoration of the Estonian Defence Forces was established by the Chief of the Defence Forces Won the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Estonian National Defence Forces and to give recognition to military accomplishments and services in the field of national defence. The Defence Forces Decoration may be awarded to the Estonian citizens, members of the Defence Forces and civilians, as well as to foreign citizens. The Defence Forces’ Decoration denotes recognition for help and award for outstanding merits, as well as inspiration for further aspirations.

The Defence Forces’ Decoration is made of silver. The symbols of the badge commemorate the struggle for independence of the Estonian state and the people, especially stressing the role of the national military forces during the formation of the independent state. The form of the cross is a reference to Christianity, characteristic to the Estonians’ world outlook, and to the firm belief in their ideas. The Defence Forces’ Decoration is awarded by the Chief of the Defence Forces.

19

COMMUNITY

REMEMBERING THE FALLEN

Stories by Captain Linda Schrader, JFC Brunssum PAO Photos by Adj. Leo Roos, JFC Brunssum PAO

Brunssum

Brunssum, 11 November 2017 In conjunction with The Foundation of the Brunssum War Cemetery, the British contingent of JFC Brunssum joined the local Dutch community to pay respect to those who have died in conflict.

The British War cemetery in Brunssum contains 328 graves and, as such, is one of the biggest British War Cemeteries in the Province of Limburg. This is the 99th successive year in which these brave servicemen, who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could enjoy peace, have been honored.

Sittard, 12 November 2017 Once again the Sittard War Graves Committee organised a hugely successful remembrance ceremony starting at St Peter’s Church in the town center before moving to the Commonwealth War Cemetery, Ophoven.

This occasion marked the 71st commemoration in Sittard since the end of WWII and the 50th year that the Sittard War Graves Committee, the Mayor and community of Sittard have come together with members of JFC Brunssum to pay respect to the fallen.

Haelen, 16 November 2017 In a touching ceremony the annual international service of remembrance took place at the Monument of Tolerance in front of the Leudal Museum in Haelen, Limburg.

The monument of Tolerance was unveiled on the 8th March 2001 to commemorate allied service pers onnel who had fallen during the war years 1940-1945; specifically the 687 military from 11 different nations (Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and United States of America), who lost their lives in the Leudal area. In the centre of the monument a CD-Rom is displayed detailing all information but a visit to the museum will enlighten further.

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Sittard They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. – Laurence Binyon

Haelen

In November representatives from JFC Brunssum participated in the Remembrance ceremonies across the Netherlands as a sign of respect for those who gave their lives during any war.

History of the Poppy The poppy as a symbol of remembrance was inspired by the First World War poem “In Flanders’ Fields,” written by a Canadian medical officer, Colonel John McCrae. Since then the Poppy Appeal has been a key annual event for many of the Commonwealth nations. The Flanders Poppy was first described as the “Flower of Remembrance” by Colonel McCrae, who had previously served in the Boer War. At the second battle of Ypres in 1915, during a lull in battle, he wrote the following: In Flanders Fields In Flanders’ fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place: and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders’ fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe; To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high, If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders’ Fields.

In May 1918 Colonel McCrae was brought, as a stretcher case, to a hospital on the coast of France. One evening he was wheeled to his balcony to look towards the cliffs of Dover. The verses were obviously in his mind, for he told his doctor: “Tell them this, If ye break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep.”

That same night, Colonel McCrae died.

At 11:00 on November 11th, the last shot of the war was fired.

For many years Armistice Day was observed on the 11th November, but this has now been replaced by a service on Remembrance Sunday, held on the second Sunday in November.

Influenced by the efforts of an American lady — Miss Moina Michael, who in 1918 first wore a poppy in remembrance — the French Secretary, Madame Guerin, had a practical idea. She visited various parts of the world to suggest that poppies be sold to help ex-servicemen and their dependents.

As a result, the first ever Poppy Day was held in Britain on November 11th 1921. The poppies were obtained from a French organisation, which used the profits to help children affected by the war.

Around the same time, Field Marshal Earl Haig had become the President of the newly formed British Legion and took up the cause of giving practical help to ex-servicemen, war-widows and dependents.

To this aim, in 1922, five disabled ex-servicemen started making poppies in a room over a South London shop. The Royal British Legion’s work continues today in modern premises in Surrey, where 50 disabled ex-servicemen are employed in the manufacture of 30 million poppies, wreaths and remembrance crosses. Today much of the funds raised go to supporting veterans of more recent conflicts.

Bleuet de France In 1918, the end of the First World War left behind more than 20 million wounded and disabled unable to work anymore. During this post-war period, all the country’s efforts are mobilized for an economic, human and material reconstruction. At the same time, associations and solidarity initiatives started to develop: This is the context where the Bleuet de France is born.

The Cornflower as symbol of a new start for the wounded soldiers The history of the Bleuet de France begins in 1925, in the National Institution of Invalides where two nurses, Charlotte Malleterre (daughter of the commander of the Hôtel des Invalides) and Suzanne Leenhardt, organized (for the war wounded) workshops where cornflower badges were made from tissue paper.

These were sold to the public, and the money collected

provided the men a small income. The cornflowers gradually became a symbol of the rehabilitation of soldiers.

Therefore, it was decided, on the occasion of the 11th November 1934, to sell for the first time the cornflower made by the veterans to the public all over Paris: 128,000 flowers were sold!

This success was followed by national recognition, as in 1935 France decided to have an official sale of the Bleuet de France every November 11th and May 8th (decided in 1957 after the Second World War).

The Cornflower as the official symbol of the Remembrance Why this choice? Several hypotheses…

– As legacy of the trenches and the name given by the elders “Poilus” to the novice soldiers in blue uniforms: “cornflower” – The flower continued to grow on the fields of battle despite the chaos.

– In tribute to the blue, first color, of the French flag.

21

COMMUNITY

INTERNATIONAL CHRISTMAS CRAFT MARKET

ll for one and one for all.” That could have been the motto for the men and women who gathered together on Tuesday 28 November. All had worked tirelessly in the days leading up to this event, baking and mak­ ing a myriad of items for the annual JFC Brunssum International Club Christmas Crafts Market. Stalls were creaking under the weight of their wonderful creations.

Everything from fine macramé jewellery to moose-milk was on offer. Items handcrafted and reflecting the traditions and culture of the different nations taking part.

fered an astounding range of hot and cold pastries, soups, drinks and cakes, again reflecting the na­tions and regions of the International Club members.

Lunch could be enjoyed while watching the brilliant Tri-border Brass Band, who had people tapping and singing along to a suitably eclectic playlist.

Some stalls ran raffles. Some offered samples of the food or drink on sale. Within moments of its appearance: “have you tried the chocolate liquor?!”, rippled through the crowd (it sold out in minutes).

But all there had one goal in mind: working together to raise as much money as possible for the 13 charities chosen by Club Members this year. Husbands, wives, senior officers, friends and family — all united to support each other’s causes. It is the very essence of the International Club and proves, once again, that working together works.

Doors opened at 10am and visitors from all walks of NATO and local life poured in. The atmosphere was as sparkly as the decorations. The ‘Crafty Café’ of-

UPDATE: Funds raised at the Crafts Market are still being counted but run in to the thousands.

Story by Caroline Sawbridge, JFC Brunssum International Club Photo’s by Adj. Leo Roos, JFC Brunssum PAO

A

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Nations unite to fundraise for charity. The traditional Christmas craft market is also an opportunity to know more about the JFC Brunssum International Club through an interview with the club Chairperson, Mitzi Larsen.

INTERVIEW WITH THE JFC BRUNSSUM INTERNATIONAL CLUB CHAIRPERSON Interview and photos byJFC Brunssum PAO

It’s really good to meet you, Mitzi.

Can you tell me a bit about the history of the International Club?

The International Club was established in 1970, so we turn 48 in January. It was then, and still remains, an international group of members, spouses and partners who hold NATO identification cards. We have members from 19 different nations at the moment, from far and wide in the local community.

Why was the Club set up?

Mitzi Larsen is chairperson for the JFCB International club this year. Before taking on this role, Mitzi was a member of the club. As part of Scandinavian Delegation, she worked on the club board, together with the team of board members and other volunteers, to make the club year as eventful as possible. We met to talk at one of the two big events in the International Club calendar, the Charity Craft Market.

It was a way of connecting people from different nations to engender friendship, support, and an under­ standing of different cultures. Beyond that, we also raise money for charities from across those nations. The chari­ ties are chosen by our members. Last year, we raised an amazing €12,000.

It makes me very proud to be part of that, and to be part of such an amazing team of board and club members.

What has been happening recently?

As well as planning and preparing a whole raft of events throughout the year, we have been reviewing ways to improve communication and get more members even more involved. We have

a new, clearer logo and soon we’ll have a really simple, collaborative website, which will hopefully help people plan.

There is always something to be part of with the International Club!

What events are coming up?

Today (28 November) it is our Crafts Market! I look forward to this every year because our members work really hard to produce the most wonderful gifts and food, typical of their nations.

Every month we have ‘Coffee & Culture’ mornings, hosted by different nations. The effort that goes in those is remarkable. We just had a full-blown USA/Canadian Thanksgiving… there was so much food!

The next big event is our Charity Night on 13th April. This year we have the theme ‘1950s.’ As well as dinner, live music, and lots of dancing, we’ll have a raffle and lots of fun together raising money for our charities. It’s perhaps worth me saying now: If anyone is able to donate a raffle prize, we would love to hear from them!

How can I find out more?

While our new website is being final­ ised, the best way is to find out more is to email us at jfcbic@gmail.com.

23

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HOST NATION

DUTCH NATURAL GAS DISCOVERY How this resource impacted on Limburg’s mining industry and NATO

T

Story By Ed Frieser

his year the headquarters celebrated its fiftieth anniversary being in the city of Brunssum. Prior to the headquarters’ inauguration in 1967, a drastic change in the Dutch energy situation took place. This change affected the mining industry in South-Limburg. Ultimately it made the transfer of our headquarters from Fontainebleau to Brunssum possible to take its new seat in the former State Mine Hendrik.

Natural gas discovery

Already in 1959, the ‘Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij’ (NAM) or Dutch Crude Oil Company, a joint venture of Esso and Shell, announced the discovery of an immense natural gas field in the Dutch northern Province of Groningen. A minuscule announcement in the Dutch newspapers of Wednesday 5 august 1959 of not more than four lines revealed the discovery of natural gas near the village of Slochteren. But soon it became clear that it was an incredible massive gas field. A gas field with a surface of some 900 square kilometres, containing some 2800 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Safely captured in sandstone under very high pressure (300 Bar) covered by a thick layer of salt at a depth of some 3000 meters. At that time the third biggest natural gas field in the world with natural gas contained in one big gas field and not like many other gas fields in the world scattered in a cluster of many smaller gas fields.

Dutch energy consumption

To understand its impact, we must bring energy consumption of households vice versa the vast content of the Groningen gas field into perspective. An average household in the Netherlands uses approximately some 2000 cubic meters of energy equivalents per annum. In other words, if the Netherlands would use all this gas solely for the domestic household market it would take some 1400 million years before all this natural gas would have been used. The Dutch Government expected nuclear power to take over within a couple of decades and assessed that natural gas had to be used and sold as fast as possible. It was decided that industry would, as much as possible, switch from the use of oil to natural gas with the additional advantage that it would be less polluting. Some 50% of all this natural gas had to be exported and sold abroad in Europe. With the income out of gas exports the imports of energy from abroad could then easily be financed. Furthermore, all households in the Netherlands had to switch to the use of natural gas for heating and cooking. Except for those living in very remote areas. The Dutch assessment though had to be reconsidered. But still today 99% of all households are connected to the gas distribution system.

Infrastructure change

A massive operation started in the Netherlands in the nineteen-sixties to modify all burners of gas cooking and heating appliances to make them suitable for the use of natural gas. Natural gas had a higher caloric value than gas that

was produced out of coal. Gas production facilities and a vast network of trunk lines linked to a regional network had to be built throughout the Netherlands, to supply the local gas networks.

That was realised by a company called N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie, a joint venture of Esso, Shell, DSM Aardgas b.v. and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Within ten years the entire Dutch energy market as well as a part of Europe had switched from coal to natural gas.

Gas Production

At the NAM production centre in Slochteren over 300 wells are controlled by only a handful of people who initially produced some 1 billion cubic metres of natural gas per year but within a few years increased to 80 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually. Today that production figure has been reduced to some 30 billion cubic metres per year due to the use of other sources and the many earthquakes in Groningen. It provided the Dutch Government up to now wi th more than 210 billion Euros. Approximately 80% of the total natural gas revenues. Only a handful of people produce more energy equivalents per hour than what 15,000 miners in those days could produce in one year. At Gasunie in Groningen a newly built central command post monitors and operates the entire gas transportation system throughout the Netherlands and looks after the export to Belgium, Germany, France and Italy. Belgium for an extended period relied even 100% on Dutch natural gas. Today also Great Britain imports natural gas from the Netherlands.

The Limburg economy

Meanwhile the South-Limburg coal production with associated industries like coal gas- and electricity production facilities in Limburg had to compete with the much cheaper and easier to transport natural gas and cheaper coal abroad.

The Dutch Government for some time even had to subsidise the mining industry in Limburg.

This was economically not sustainable. And not surprisingly, the Dutch Government choose to make the switch from coal to gas. The flourishing mining industry in Limburg however was once the major energy supplier for Dutch society. But the coal production could impossibly keep up with the pace of growth in energy consumption.

Hence the Dutch Government decided to give up the coal mining industry in South-Limburg. An enormous amount of mining infrastructure became unneeded. Much of this infrastructure had to be demolished, but some buildings remained and could be used for other purposes. France’s

decision not to participate anymore in the NATO integrated Military Command Structure in 1966 coincided with the Dutch energy developments.

The Dutch Government opted for the transfer of HQ AFCENT to Brunssum in Limburg. Consequently, they offered State Mine Hendrik to NATO. It would help South-Limburg to contribute to its economy and lessen the agony of its economic disaster. In 2007 it was studied that South-Limburg clearly benefits from our headquarters and its community. Some 100 million Euro’s goes directly into the Limburg economy each year.

Closure of the mines

Hence, it was an unpleasant message that Minister of Economic Affairs, late Joop den Uyl, had to convey to the Limburg community in Heerlen on 17 December 1965. At the end of the 1950s beginning 60’s, more than 55,000 people were employed in the mines. At the peak of the mining industry in 1960, 70% of the population of the Limburg mining region was directly or indirectly dependent on the mines. When the last mine closed its doors in 1976, 45,000 people had lost their jobs. In addition, another 30,000 indirectly linked jobs with supply industries, particularly in building and the metal sector, were lost. The newly unemployed had difficulty finding other work. Their training and education was usually inadequate or completely related to the mining industry. In 1977, Limburg’s unemployment figure was therefore twice as high as in the rest of the Netherlands.

Present situation

This year it has been more than 50 years that Limburg saw its mining industry disappear. A vast reconstruction and infrastructure programme in the seventies and eighties named from “Black to Green” was made possible through the “Limburg Perspectieven Nota,” a reconstruction fund that was provided by the Central Government and made possible because of the enormous natural gas revenues. Today the remnants of the former mining industry are hardly visible. NATO has been in Brunssum for 50 years and our inter­ national community and the headquarters have contributed to the Limburg economy to overcome the dramatic events of the Limburg mine closure.

Hence another reason to celebrate and commemorate this with the local population. To speak with former Minister of Defence Jeannine Hennis-Plasschaert: “JFC Brunssum has contributed remarkably to the well-being of all of us. And I am convinced that this will remain in the future.”

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VISITS AND ACTIVITIES October – November 2017

29 October 2017 JFCBS Expert Team Visit to Tashkent, Uzbekistan Tashkent, Uzbekistan – Military partnerships have been particularly important to NATO since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Indeed, the cooperative security effort has been one of NATO’s three core tasks since the NATO Lisbon Summit in 2010.

As part of the military outreach activities that NATO conducts, a team of 4 experts from Joint Force Command Brunssum Headquarters were in the Academy of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from the 23rd to the 26th of October 2017 in order to brief and discuss on operating procedures.

The delegation, consisting of Commander Kenarov, Major Cinque, Captain Rakower and Sergeant First Class Turner, conducted a series of briefings, discussions and syndicate work oriented on NATO information operations and psychological operations for the benefit of 20 senior officers at the academy.

31 October 2017 Commander JFCBS visits MNC NE Szczecin, Poland – Commander JFC Brunssum, General Salvatore Farina, paid his first official visit to Headquarters Multinational Corps North-East (MNC-NE), in Poland, 30 / 31 October.

He met with the commander, Lieutenant General Manfred Hofmann, and his staff in order to discuss current challenges, future activities and the status of ongoing MNC-NE tasks. A range of topics were discussed importantly including: NATO’s command and control relationships with non-NATO units in the region; and the integration of enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battlegroups with both Host Nation and non-NATO Forces.

The MNC-NE Joint Operations Centre presented a brief on the current laydown of NATO and Non-NATO Forces, their ongoing tasks and operations, as well as an intelligence update. During the visit COM JFC Brunssum also presented the “Commanders Coin” to 4 members of MNC-NE for outstanding service.

7 November 2017 JFCBS Mobile Training Team visits Georgia Tbilisi, Georgia – JFC Brunssum sent a Mobile Training Team (MTT) to Tbilisi, Georgia, 29 October to 04 November. This Military Out­ reach and Engagement activity was planned prepared and executed by the JFC Brunssum Military Partnership Branch, in cooperation with the Georgian Armed Forces General Staff, as part of the Partnership Cooperation Menu agreed between NATO and Georgia for 2017.

The MTT comprised three Subject Matter Experts who conducted a number of interactive lectures explaining the NATO Operations Planning Process to a training audience of 15 students from the Georgian Armed Forces General Staff. The curriculum deliberately included time allocated to syndicate work where the ideas and concepts taught could be fully explored with the aim of maximising comprehension.

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COMMUNITY

#WEAREJFCBS NAME: BOGDANA ANDANOVA RANK: SERGEANT (OR-5) NATION: BULGARIA SERVICE: ARMY OFFICE: BASE SUPPORT COORD. CELL Headquarters Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum

Staff Advisory Group

Deputy Chief of Staff Operations

Commander Deputy Commander Chief of Staff Deputy Chief of Staff Plans

Deputy Chief of Staff Support Protocol

J8 Budgeting

Director of Management

Business Information Management

Base Support Group

Base Support Group (BSG): The Base Support Group is responsible to the Director of Management (DOM) for: providing material, warehousing, and property management. Coordinating Host Nation Liaison, facility engineering and maintenance, transportation, TDY travel, health and environmental safety and fire prevention in support of the HQ and supported elements as directed by SHAPE and in accordance with HN support agreement.

When did you arrive in Brunssum and what is your job at the Headquarters?

I arrived in the Netherlands in September 2016 and I have been posted as a Staff Assistant (Coordination) within Base Support Coordination Cell. Our team serves a Single Point of Contact and helpdesk within the Base Support Branch. We provide service support and manage equipment requests from both the individuals and organisations of JFC HQ and its elements.

Tell us about your military career I started military service 10 years ago in 1st Reconnaissance Regiment. It was a time full of challenges. During my service in the 1st Reconnaissance Regiment I fulfilled two deployments in Kosovo. In 2012 I had the oppor­tunity to complete several international courses.

Next chapter in my career started

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when I graduated from The 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Grafenwoehr. After the graduation from the NCO Academy I became a staff sergeant. For the last 4 years I’ve served in the S3 section in ISTAR battalion, 61st Mechanized Brigade in Bulgaria and, from there, I was assigned to JFC Brunssum.

Tell us about your job and what kind of challenges you have to face.

Working in an international environment becomes an everyday challenge. Serv­ ing in peace sentinel organisation such as NATO represents an undisputed challenge for each one of us. Here in the Base Support Coordination Cell we have our challenges on a daily basis and we are dealing with them in a successful manner as a team.

One of the biggest challenges for our team is the annual Deployment Readiness Test. DOM BSG BSM BSCC

conducts a Deployment Readiness Test to provide assurance to HQ Command Group that all deployable personnel are trained, prepared and equipped to deploy. We are responsible for all requests through the Customer Requisition (CUSTREQ) system. I am responsible for the administration of the system, new users’ accounts and for submitting approval for requested work orders.

Is your family here with you?

No, I do not have my family here with me, but the friends I’ve made here compensate this.

What are your hobbies?

I have a wide variety of interests as reading books, playing softball and spinning classes. Photography is something that I really like as well.

www.nato.int/wearenato/

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