Commander JFC Brunssum Visits Afghanistan

BRUNSSUM, The Netherlands – From 11. to 13. August, the Commander JFC Brunssum, General Jörg Vollmer, paid his first visit to the Resolute Support Mission (RSM) in Afghanistan, in his new capacity. The first stop of his duty trip was the Train, Advise and Assist Command North (TAAC N), stationed in Camp Marmal, in Masar-i Sharif. The TAAC-North is German-led under the command of Brigadier General Jürgen Brötz, who briefed COM JFC Brunssum on the present situation in his area of responsibility. Brig Gen Brötz is in the process of handing over his command to Brig Gen Ansgar Meyer, thus COM JFC Brunssum had the chance to welcome the incoming commander as he prepares to take over as COM TAAC-N next week. During his visit, General Vollmer was introduced to the role and capacities of the Air Wing and the Force Protection units stationed in Camp Marmal. COM JFC Brunssum’s specific interest was in the current situation and the special challenges of the core tasks the multinational NATO forces in the North are performing, which is training, advising and assisting the two Corps of the Afghan National Army (ANA) stationed in that part of the country.

During his visit to RSM Headquarters in Kabul, he focused on his meeting with General Austin Miller, US Army, Commander of Resolute Support and his staff. Gen Vollmer gained a first-hand perspective and updates of ongoing developments to sustain NATO’s commitment to Afghanistan through continued emphasis on the provision of advice and assistance to government ministries, military and police forces. Gen Vollmer emphasized NATO’s continued support for the mission by JFC Brunssum as the supporting out-of-theatre Headquarters, in the NATO command chain. Gen Vollmer and Gen Miller are working as a team to ensure success for the mission.

In Kabul, Gen Vollmer also met with NATO’s Senior Civilian Representative, Ambassador Stefano Pontecorvo, to gain an understanding of the development of the Inter Afghanistan Negotiations and efforts to find a lasting peace. In his meeting with the Afghan Minister of the Interior, Major General Massoud Andrabi, efforts on improving policing throughout Afghanistan were discussed. Again COM JFC Brunssum expressed NATO’s commitment to the government and people of Afghanistan in their effort to find a long term peaceful solution.

Story by Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum Public Affairs Office