BRUNSSUM, The Netherlands – On 27th March, Headquarters Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS) received the visit of the Chief of Defence (CHOD) of the Belgian Armed Forces, General Frederik Vansina.
We are very thankful for the engagement the Belgian Armed Forces have shown for so many decades in supporting our deployments and missions and the work within our HQ
On his first visit to the HQ JFCBS in his capacity as Belgian CHOD, Gen Vansina was warmly welcomed by the Commander, General Guglielmo Luigi Miglietta. During his stay, Gen Vansina received a series of briefings covering the tasks and responsibilities of the HQ and discussed the ongoing planning activities and operations as well as the current situation at NATO’s Northern and Eastern Flank in the light of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
The Commander emphasised the Belgian contribution to the Alliance’s deterrence and defence posture in the frame of the Belgian Land Component support to NATO Multinational Battlegroups on the Eastern Flank (such as in Lithuania), the regular participation of the Belgian Air & Space Component in the Baltic Air Policing mission and the engagement of the Belgian Naval Component in the Baltic Sea. At HQ JFC Brunssum, the Belgian Armed Forces are permanently present with staff in almost all branches, headed by a Brigadier General.
General Miglietta noted: “We are very thankful for the engagement the Belgian Armed Forces have shown for so many decades in supporting our deployments and missions and the work within our HQ. I really cherish the good neighbouring relationship we have with the Kingdom of Belgium and its military and the fruitful cooperation with the Belgian colleagues here in Brunssum.”
After the briefings and discussions, General Vansina met with the Belgian Delegation of JFC Brunssum to learn first-hand about their experiences working in the HQ.
General Vansina summarised his visit: “It was a very interesting stay at JFC Brunssum, and I am very grateful for the deep insight I was provided in the HQ’s current planning and operations. The Belgian Armed Forces will continue to provide their share to NATO’s deterrence and defence efforts in JFC Brunssum’s area of responsibility. It was also nice to meet my countrymen and –women and gain a valuable understanding on their work and life here in Brunssum.”