MAGAZINE
FALL 2019
Meet the 19th
SACEUR
LAND POWER MAGAZINE CONNECTED WITH GEN . TOD WOLTERS , THE NEW SUPREME ALLIED COMMANDER EUROPE , TO FIND MORE ABOUT HOW HE VIEWS ALLIANCE LAND POWER AND LAND- COM ’ S CONTRIBUTIONS TO NATO IN THE LAND DOMAIN .
LANDPOWER : As the NATO Alliance celebrates its 70th anniversary this year , what are some of the challenges you see for the Alliance in the land domain ?
TW : Increased threat capabilities , diffusion of disruptive technologies , and ambiguous malign activities below the level of armed conflict are significant challenges in the Euro- Atlantic . Allied Command Operations ( ACO ) will meet these challenges with vigilance and speed across all domains and functions . These efforts ensure the Alliance deters , and if called , defends with victory .
LANDPOWER : How important is land force integration when it comes to deterrence and defence ?
TW : NATO ’ s persistent presence , demonstrated resolve , and human interaction across the land domain is tangible , unique , and strategically vital to deterrence and defence . Having ready ground forces that are responsive , resilient , lethal , and capable of operating at relevant speed and scale enhances deterrence and reduces the potential for miscalculation . Land forces are essential and offer unique strengths , but they should not operate alone in crisis or conflict . If called , ACO will leverage our overwhelming strength in multi-domain and combined arms operations to deliver decisive effects .
LANDPOWER : Speaking of joint effects and integration of enablers to better deter and defend , how do you see addressing the readiness of enablers in the land domain ?
“ ACO will leverage our overwhelming strength in multidomain and combined arms operations to deliver decisive effects .”
TW : A prudent balance between ready forces and supporting enablers is essential . Enablers optimise combat power and sustain operations across the AoR . SHAPE is collaboratively working on initiatives to improve coherence within the pool of ready forces and to apply a more holistic approach to readiness in the near term . Ongoing operations , major joint exercises , and evaluation programs offer regular opportunities to integrate enablers and improve Alliance force posture and responsiveness .
LANDPOWER : From your perspective as SACEUR , how important is the new Combat Readiness Evaluation ( CREVAL ) approach to ensuring readiness and interoperability of NATO ’ s land forces ?
TW : As a pilot , rifleman , logistician , or any professional warfighter , there are few things more critical than mission evaluations . They improve transparency and provide useful milestones for organisational certification . The new CREVAL approach empowers commanders to select focus areas relevant to their mission , providing them with recommendations and feedback to enable learning and assist formations to become more responsive , resilient , and lethal . LC
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