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Cooperative Security : The Foundation of Military Cooperation
By Capt . Mike Linnington ( USA )
A Jordanian Super Puma Helicopter arrives inbound during MEDEVAC operations at the Zarka Training Center just outside of Amman , Jordan .
“ can ’ t surge relationships and you can ’ t surge trust ,” a key catch-phrase mentioned numerous times over the last few years as nations continue to draw down forces throughout Europe and North America . As our world continues to witness conflict in an ever changing environment , coalitions and alliances are paramount to the success of our militaries . More than just a political statement , our militaries must be able to work together , side by side , through a set of shared standards . The implementation and evaluation of these standards is how Allied Land Command ’ s Military
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Cooperation ( Mil Coop ) Branch in coordination and cooperation with other LC Divisions connects various , unified militaries together for future operations . Regardless if units are just beginning training in an academic environment or are participating in full , in-depth field training during a NATO evaluation , the process of interoperability starts with standards .
To successfully work alongside one another , established and implemented standards are vital in a partnership and are just as important as any type of skillset or asset one may possess ; a concept that was readily observed and practiced during operations throughout ISAF over the last 10 years . As nations worked hand and hand during unified missions , interoperability amid the ranks became the norm and fluid operations ensured , creating an ideal paradigm within the alliance . These acquired tactics , techniques , and procedures are unfortunately quite perishable in a post conflict environment and can easily be lost if not maintained through proper training and assessments . Thus , forthcoming opportunities to unify and collaborate with partner nations must continue to be on the forefront of NATO ’ s spectrum of operations as the alliance looks to the future .
Allied Land Command ’ s Mil Coop strives to implement interoperability , operational readiness , and implication of standards to the fullest as a base foundation of future alliances and coalitions throughout the NATO Partner community . Through the connecting forces initiative , the Mil Coop community unites NATO and its ’ Partners through sponsored training , mentorship , and evaluations . These training exercises and evaluations are truly paramount to the success of future engagements and collabo-