MAGAZINE
SPRING 2021
from the
COMMANDER
“ An organization ' s ability to learn , and translate that learning into action rapidly , is the ultimate competitive advantage .”
- Jack Welch
By the time this is published I will be almost nine months into my time as Commander of Allied Land Command . While the months flew by , they were incredibly productive . With two successful Combat Readiness Evaluation ( CREVAL ) experiences under my belt – one with Allied Rapid Reaction Corps ( ARRC ) for their role as NATO ’ s Warfighting Corps , and the other for NATO Rapid Deployable Corps ( NRDC-T ) as the NATO Response Force ( NRF ) 2021 Land Component
( LC ) – I can say I ’ m excited with the direction we are going . In my short time here we ’ ve accomplished a lot , and refined LANDCOM ’ s mission to serve NATO and the Land Forces that defend this great Alliance . I can see the hallmarks of LANDCOM as a learning organization , an important characteristic to have as NATO ’ s leader in the Land Domain .
In February I held a week-long session of academics called Loyal Vision with my senior staff members . This was our annual internal event designed to refine the plan we set for 2021 and establish a common benchmarklevel understanding of specific topics in preparation for our major tasks . In addition to confirming the way ahead for exercises like our battle staff training Loyal Bonus in April , a big focus was on the conduct of the three CREVALs we are responsible for this year . In October we will evaluate NATO Rapid Deployable Corps-Spain ( NRDC-SP ) to assume the role of NATO Warfighting Corps ( WFC ) and Multinational Corps North East ( MNC-NE ) as a regional LC . In December we will evaluate Rapid Reaction Corps France ( RRC-FR ) for their role as the NRF 2022 LC . Based on my own CREVAL observations I ’ ve directed my staff to implement additional changes to the tailored , commander-driven CREVAL process LANDCOM first implemented in late 2019 . Now , in addition to this more focused regimen , we ’ ll be evaluating with a mindset to also train , advise , assist , mentor , teach , and support our evaluated counterparts . I think this will instill and support an organisational culture of a learning .
Beyond CREVAL , my top priority for LANDCOM is preparing for a permanent role as Multi-Corps Land Component Command ( MC-LCC ) to extend beyond our current MC-LCC commitment through 2024 . As our
number one task , we need to be ready . We ’ ll do this through Exercise Loyal Bonus , by leveraging every training opportunity to inject ourselves as MC- LCC ( or as a response cell ), soaking up Lessons Identified from across the NATO Force Structure ( NFS ), and establishing tighter collaborative relationships with sister commands within the Alliance to include U . S . Army Europe and Africa . And above all , to grow our capacity and capability to fulfill the MC-LCC mission on a permanent basis will require creativity , adaptability and initiative to navigate the changes this transformation will require .
Change is inevitable and necessary in what we do . Learning organisations adapt to stay relevant . LANDCOM is learning , growing , and adapting to meet the needs of Alliance . We recognize what is required and we are doing it to accomplish our mission : Readiness in the Land Domain for credible deterrence and defence , and the ability to achieve lethality and decisiveness through overwhelming combat power and effects when needed for the Alliance . LC
For the Soldier !
ROGER L . CLOUTIER JR .
LANDCOM Commander
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