NATO Response Force Commanders Meet at JFC Brunssum

Brunssum, Netherlands – The NATO Response Force Commanders’ Conference marks the conclusion of an intense 2016 for Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFC Brunssum). The conference, attended by NATO Response Force (NRF) Commanders for 2016 and 2017 was held on Tuesday, 13 December, at JFC Brunssum.

Chaired by General Salvatore Farina, Commander JFC Brunssum, the conference was deliberately scheduled at the conclusion of the 2016 NRF cycle to discuss lessons learned throughout the past year and establish close links between next year’s NRF Commanders.

The conference proved the perfect opportunity to confront some persistent challenges facing the Alliance - in particular, the joint initiative for deterrence and collective defence and their correlation with the NRF. During discussion attention inevitably focused on the ‘Enhanced Forward Presence’ and ‘Tailored Forward Presence’, initiatives designed to enhance allied security on both the north-east and south-east flanks of member nations’ territory.

During his intervention General Farina remarked how the NRF is employed throughout a 360 degree spectrum, prepared for both Article V (Collective Defence) missions and Crisis Response Operations (CROs). With regard to the latter activity the General added that this task has gained a significant interest for NATO in the south where the Alliance is about to establish a ‘Hub for the South’ centred on Joint Force Command Naples.

For 2017, standby command responsibility for the NRF, will be held by JFC Naples.

Story by JFC Brunssum Public Affairs Office