BRUNSSUM, The Netherlands – Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFC Brunssum) hosted a delegation from the Italian Joint Command and Staff College Course, consisting of 142 Senior Officers from the Italian Armed Forces, Carabinieri and Guardia di Finanza and 2 civilians, accompanied by the Course Director.
Today's visit constitutes a significant occasion for professional development for the course attendees, providing them with the chance to directly observe a concrete demonstration of NATO's operational readiness
Commander JFC Brunssum, General Guglielmo Luigi Miglietta, welcomed the Senior Officers, offering an insight of the current complex international security scenario. "We are living in a time of unprecedented geopolitical shifts," he stated. "As future senior leaders, you must understand NATO’s strategic role and the importance of maintaining stability in our region."
General Miglietta emphasized JFC Brunssum’s key role in overseeing a huge operational area, including much of NATO’s eastern flank bordering Russia. Highlighting the need for adaptability, he underscored the importance of preparing for multi-domain operations and the re-emergence of conventional warfare, as demonstrated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Discussing the evolving security environment, Commander JFC Brunssum urged the Senior Officers to develop innovative strategies against emerging threats. "Credible deterrence and defence in central Europe are essential to our Alliance’s security," he affirmed. "One billion NATO citizens depend on our strength, and we must be ready to respond when called upon."
General Miglietta concluded by stressing the importance of leadership, stating that setting a strong example and inspiring others would be among the most critical responsibilities of future military leaders.
The Course Director, Brigadier General Danilo Morando, thanked General Miglietta for the opportunity saying: "It is a great honour to be received, together with the delegation of the 27th Course, at this prestigious Operational Headquarters. Today's visit constitutes a significant occasion for professional development for the course attendees, providing them with the chance to directly observe a concrete demonstration of NATO's operational readiness".
During their time at JFC Brunssum, they attended a series of briefings by staff members, covering key aspects of the Command’s mission, including an operational overview, an update about the planning of exercises, some insights regarding the complexity of the support to the operations, an update on the regional plans and an overview about Strategic Communications. A key highlight was their visit to the Joint All Domain Operational Centre (JADOC), the heart of JFC Brunssum. Operating 24/7, JADOC monitors military activities, ensures situational awareness, and is ready to manage crisis responses when they arise.
Discussions with key experts at the JADOC highlighted the increasing significance of multi-domain operations, addressing emerging threats such as cyber-attacks, space security, underwater operations, and hybrid warfare. Tackling these challenges demands a modern leadership approach that blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience. As global security issues become more interconnected, the need for senior military leaders capable of navigating geopolitical complexities with innovative solutions has never been greater.
The visiting Senior Officers are currently attending a one-year course at the “Centro Alti Studi della Difesa” in Rome, aimed at enhancing their professional training and cultural knowledge. The program prepares them for high-level assignments within national and international military structures, including joint and multinational commands.
This visit formed a key component of the Senior Officers training, reinforcing their understanding of NATO’s operational framework and preparing them for leadership roles. As part of their learning program, they regularly engage with national and international military and institutional bodies, deepening their knowledge of European institutions and NATO’s structures. These interactions also enhance their ability to develop and promote operational plans, key themes, and messaging, preparing them for high-level assignments.