Brunssum, the Netherlands – On the occasion of his departure from the Headquarters, the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann, took a final opportunity to address JFC Brunssum personnel.
The General began by reminding the JFC Brunssum staff that they would be at the forefront of any future operational and security challenges that NATO might face. He highlighted lessons learned in recent exercises (primarily Trident Javelin & Brilliant Joust) and how they have been feeding NATO’s continual evolution.
General Rittimann touched upon the ongoing NATO Command Structure Adaptation initiative and the unique challenges that are being met by the efforts of the JFC Brunssum Human Resources team. He also spoke of the dangers of bureaucracy and his efforts to minimise time lost in unnecessary staff processes and briefings, emphasising that his aim had been to give the staff time to work and for them to understand how they contribute to the bigger picture.
General Rittimann finished by thanking General Marchiò (Commander, JFC Brunssum) for providing the vision, stability and guidance that enabled him to do his job. He also thanked the Commander for recognising the hard work of the staff, correcting it when necessary and providing this "great assembly of men and women, military and civilian” with the support they need.
In response General Marchiò emphasized the enormous dedication of the Chief of Staff, stating that JFC Brunssum has a terrific staff today largely as a result of the outstanding work of General Rittimann. The Commander then reminded all present of General Rittimann’s extensive operational career, and considerable NATO experience, before offering his personal thanks - noting that it was easy for him to work with someone who was "first class.” General Marchiò finished by wishing General Rittimann good luck in his new post (Vice Chief of Staff, SHAPE) remarking that we will continue to be "stronger together.”
"Stronger Together”
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Story by JFC Brunssum Public Affairs Office