MAGAZINE
FALL 2021
THE MAKING OF A CFIT
By British Army Major Will GEORGE , LANDCOM G3 , CFIT
has met on the way , and provide some thoughts on how the concept will mature and develop into the future .
THE CONCEPT The LANDCOM CFIT is responsible for developing and coordinating a continuous process for increasing interoperability and enhancing pre-planned and prepared , mission-critical non-NATO Command Structure capabilities for the delivery of effects . The CFIT also acts as the NATO Force Structure ( NFS ) information collection focal point within LANDCOM . By enhancing linkages and coordination with National Military Representatives ( NMRs ), NATO agencies , and other important actors in the capability development field , CFIT will increase NATO visibility and awareness of nationally retained capabilities and improve Mutually Agreed Access ( MAA ) between both the NATO Command Structure ( NCS ) and NFS , and with NATO ’ s strategic partners .
ASthe ancient Chinese proverb says , ‘ Every great journey starts with a single step ’. For the LANDCOM Capabilities and Force Integration Team ( CFIT ), this single step occurred on October 1 , 2019 when the LANDCOM Chief of Staff signed Directive 080-005 outlining the roles and functions of CFIT . In the pre-COVID 19 days , where there was freedom to travel and entering a shop did not require a temperature check , ambitions for this new concept were high . The time that has elapsed since October 2019 has been unprecedented due to disruptions in everyday life and working practices . What started as a localized problem quickly developed into a global issue that has affected all levels of society . Regardless , CFIT ambition remains high , even as the size of the task and the difficulties of the COVID crisis have slowed progress .
THE JOURNEY We see two primary meanings to this Chinese proverb . The first is that to complete any task ( journey ), the first initial step must be taken – no matter how long the journey or how laborious the task – a simple movement is required to start it . Great things can emerge from a simple beginning . Secondly , the proverb uses two paradoxical phrases , ‘ great journey ’ and ‘ single step ’, which suggests difficult tasks or long journeys can be broken down into constituent parts or tasks . The completion of each section will lead to a successful outcome and mission accomplishment . This article will introduce the CFIT concept , outline the ‘ steps ’ LANDCOM CFIT has taken so far on its journey to Full Operational Capacity ( FOC ), the challenges it
CFIT DEVELOPMENT The genesis for the CFIT concept was the BI-SC NATO Command Structure Implementation ( 25 April 2018 ). This identified the requirement for improved situational awareness and understanding to enhance the ability to synchronize and coordinate beyond the NCS . Strategic Commands ( SC ) require the flexibility to rapidly integrate additional functionality , including national effects , into the command structures as new security challenges emerge . Importantly , this could include drawing on functionalities found in nationally retained capabilities as well as the declared NFS . The establishment of CFITs aimed to assist in the revitalization of the credible deterrence posture , improve warfighting readiness and meet the strategic challenges of the day .
The concept proposed stronger relations with multinational and national command entities networked through CFITs to establish direct and persistent relations with the NFS and nations to strengthen interoperability , integration , and mutual knowledge between the NCS , NFS , and nations . CFITs require connectivity with these non-NCS entities during baseline activities and current operations ( BACO ) to enable a secure and stable transition from BACO , through Crisis , to Maximum Level of Effort . CFITs therefore , represent an essential tool enabling greater reliance on the NFS and tapping into the full potential of the Alliance .
LANDCOM CFIT - THE STEPS SO FAR A fundamental tenant of the CFIT concept is the development of habitual relationships between LANDCOM , Land Force Commands , and key NFS elements . One of the earliest steps of CFIT was , therefore , to reach out to NFS to establish a point of contact , develop a relationship , build trust , and arrange faceto-face meetings . Like any role in the military , people are at the
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