Brunssum, Netherlands – Major General Anders Brännström, the Project Manager and Director of Exercise VIKING 18 visited HQ JFC Brunssum on 7 March. Hosted by the Deputy Chief of Staff Plans, Rear Admiral Simon Hardern, a range of topics were touched upon covering support to the Swedish exercise VIKING 18 and other military cooperation activities.
Major General Brännström also met with the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Janusz Adamczak, and Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations), Major General Scott Smith, and Deputy Chief of Staff (Support), Major General Walter Ohm. The outcome was most positive confirming the strong links that exist between NATO and Sweden and also outlining further opportunities for collaboration in the run up and during this important Swedish organised and executed Exercise. It will certainly help keep our focus on the importance of having a Comprehensive Approach toward conflict prevention and avoidance.
Background:
The Swedish Armed Forces have been instructed by the Swedish Government to plan for and execute the Computer Assisted Exercise VIKING 18. It is an exercise "In the spirit of Partnership for Peace” and is scheduled for 16-26 April 2018. The Exercise will be planned and conducted jointly by the Swedish Armed Forces (SWAF), the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA) and the Swedish Defence University (SEDU) and in close cooperation with other relevant Swedish agencies such as the Swedish National Police and the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB). JFC Brunssum will support elements of the planning and execution of the exercise.
The aim of VIKING 18 is to train and educate participants - civilian, military and police - to meet the challenges of current and future multi-dimensional crisis response and peace operations. This includes planning and conducting a UN mandated Chapter VII peace operation in an unstable environment, based on a comprehensive approach and focusing on co-operation and co-ordination between all relevant actors.
Exercise VIKING will see up to 40 personnel from JFC Brussum deploy to Sweden in April 18 to support the Exercise, where staff will benefit with training experience by operating in a multi-national military and civilian force and therefore preparing themselves better for any potential NATO missions that require a comprehensive response.
Story by JFC Brunssum Public Affairs Office