Brunssum, Netherlands - From 26 to 30 June a small team from JFC Brunssum conducted an Expert Team Visit (ETV) in Kazakhstan, on the subject of CIMIC.

 

The team, led by Lt Cdr Michelle Ward of the J9 MILPART branch, comprised Lt Col Peter Houdijk and Maj Jaro Kostrej, both from J9 CIMIC, in addition to Lt Col Paul van Harten from PAO. The ETV was held at KAZCENT, the PfP Training Centre in the eastern Kazakh city of Almaty. It began on the Monday with a host nation presentation on the training facility and its functions, followed by general presentations on NATO from the JFC Brunssum team.

 

Over the next 4 days a wide range of briefings were given, on topics that included Support to the Force, Working with Interpreters, NATO Media Relations, and Building Integrity. The ETV was well received by the Kazakh audience, who eagerly participated in syndicate work and practical exercises, and who demonstrated a high level of English language skills.

 

There was also time for a social event on Thursday evening, which allowed both NATO and Kazakh officers to become better acquainted in a less formal setting. The next ETV to Kazakhstan is scheduled to take place in the capital city Astana, at the end of the year. 

 

Story by Public Affairs Office JFC Brunssum