Brunssum, the Netherlands - Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS) hosted Resolute Support Key Leader training 18-2 (RS KLT 18-2) for the mission in Afghanistan from 29th to 30th of November 2018. After an initial day at SHAPE Headquarters in Mons, Belgium, the officers tasked to join the Resolute Support Mission (RSM) in early 2019 arrived at JFCBS to receive training on the operational environment in Afghanistan.

Before jumping deep into the operational overview of their missions, the first day of Key Leader Training was devoted to a geostrategic overview given by the JFCBS Commander, General Riccardo Marchiò. He welcomed the participants of the 8th iteration of RS KL 18-2 and underlined the JFCBS role as the supporting HQ for Resolute Support HQ. Com JFCBS provided an overview of the support from JFCBS given to RS, highlighting good working relationships as a key factor. Additionally he gave his perspective of the RS Mission, covering the actual situation and expectations for the future.

JFC Brunssum is the out-of-theatre operational headquarters for NATO’s RSM in Afghanistan and has conducted NATO pre-deployment training since 2015 in support of all Troop Contributing Nations supporting RS mission in training key elements, staff officers and advisors that will work in HQ RS.