JFC Naples completes NRF exercise, tests new JTF capability#News247WorldPress

3_151117-n-ns602-081 — Allied Joint Forces Command Naples staff members brief mission status updates inside the Joint Operations Center during exercise “Naples Journey 2015.” The mission of JFC Naples is to prepare for, plan and conduct military operations in order to preserve the peace, security and territorial integrity of Alliance member states. NATO Photo by U.S. Navy Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Roland A. Franklin.

23 NOV 2015

NAPLES, Italy –– Allied Joint Force Command Naples completed exercise “Naples Journey 15,” as well as tested a new joint task force concept, Nov. 23.

“Naples Journey 15” trained personnel of the headquarters as they currently serve as the standby command and control element of the NATO Response Force for 2015.

“Naples Journey was a successful exercise,” said Canadian Forces Lt. Gen. Alain Parent, JFC Naples deputy commander. “The training objectives have been achieved due to the high level of commitment and motivation from all exercise participants. I am glad to lead such a well-trained and professional team. Teamwork has been evident in all aspects of the work conducted over the past week.”

In addition to familiarizing JFC Naples staff members with contingency operations procedures, “Naples Journey 15” enabled JFC Naples to assess a new concept, the Forward Command Liaison Element (FCLE), in a mock contingency operation.

The FCLE provides a fully capable forward command liaison platform in the location of any contingency operation. Its main mission is to provide a stable point of contact for situational awareness and forward engagement. This is the first time the FCLE was tested by a NATO entity.

“With a continuous change in the security environment it is important to remain flexible and exercise all aspects of the headquarters,” said Lt. Gen. Parent. “The successful deployment of the Forward Command Liaison Element Concept offers an additional option for NATO command structures to react appropriately to any threat the Alliance may face.”

NATO’s two Joint Force Commands alternate operational command of the NRF. JFC Naples will hand over lead of the NRF to JFC Brunssum in the Netherlands at the start of 2016.

The NRF is a highly ready and technologically advanced multinational force made up of land, air, maritime and Special Operations Forces (SOF) components that the Alliance can deploy quickly, wherever needed. In addition to its operational role, the NRF can be used for greater cooperation in education and training, increased exercises and better use of technology.

Source: NATO

L. J. De Rothschild

Senior Editor

NATO Section