MAGAZINE
Another tone-setting training objective was the implementation of cross-cutting topics such as Protection of Civilians ; Children and Armed Conflict ; Cultural Property Protection ; Women , Peace and Security ; and Building Integrity , as well as challenges related to the comprehensive approach , crisis management , migration and handling dis- or misinformation campaigns .
SPRING 2021
Road to Joint Task Force : challenges A thorough preparation along with due diligence was key to the sustainable success of the learning process involved in STJUJA20 . Tailored to the restrictions of COVID , 1GNC began its training early . A crisis response planning and a pre-exercise battle staff training completed the process , among other additional training .
In late autumn the pressure of the increasing COVID circumstances led to the decision that rather than exercising at the training area of Bergen / Germany , the HQ setup was relocated to 1GNC ’ s main headquarters in Münster . In a very short time , the supporting battalions set up an already existing high mobile command post infrastructure right at Münster Schloßplatz HQ area . In a united effort of the various branches and supported via Joint information bypass traditional channels and made its way into the system via Social Media , but it also proposed a new challenge to each segment : dissecting fake news . Intelligence already played a major role in previous exercises but the very high requirements this exercise has placed on them was astounding . It turned out to be useful to integrate CEMA ( Cyber Electro Magnetic Activities ) experts and augmentees , professionals in their fields . Enhancing intelligence and adding an agile , inter-connected analysis cell could be a successful option . In the near future , the ability to adapt and react to new cyber threats will be a crucial test for all exercises and deployments .
It is not sufficient to merely up the number of involved intelligence and analysts . Rather , the metric of commitment to common purpose must be focused on programmes within NATO or its ally countries that produce useful capabilities against commonly perceived threats .
Warfare Centre , it was possible to adapt , redraft and amend where necessary . While the pandemic certainly presented challenges to execute large exercises , 1GNC and involved components of STJUJA20 found a way to achieve the training objective within the pandemic restrictions . It also proved that it would be possible to deploy and operate under pandemic conditions , as long as protections measures are put into place . And it was not all sweat and tears : a series of identified lessons were worked out that will be of value for 2021 and any future situation that may challenge to be unpredictable . It will also greatly benefit the further development of the Corps Warfighting Concept and the adjustment of procedures .
Information environment The ever-changing Information Environment ( IE ) was of high importance during the exercise and sufficiently matched the challenges of information we face in real life . Not only did
Mission readiness The overall aim of a stand-by phase is to establish mission readiness , i . e . fulfil all military and personal requirements that enable a military entity to execute its mission in case of activation . The well-adjusted and experienced forces of 1GNC were already serving as part of the NATO Response Force ( NRF ) multiple times . Yet , continuous training and new personnel required extra thorough preparation . Despite COVID pressure , this had been done continuously in the months preceding the exercise . This was predominantly visible by the performance of the Joint Operation Centre ( JOC ) but also by the well-functioning relationships with other components , especially the ones not on site and the ad hoc planning teams . Having COVID implemented in the scenario was , among other novel threats , another upping of the challenge which was well mastered by all participating components .
Their initial intensive training and willingness to adapt and overcome IT-related or situational challenges helped the overall workflow and led to a visible cohesion within the branches . Having achieved mission readiness , however , does not mean to take a step back and rest . For the good part of 2021 , 1GNC will continue to maintain the momentum and improve despite the challenges imposed by COVID .
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