Brunssum, The Netherlands – On 20th and
21st March, Headquarters Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum (HQ JFCBS)
hosted a visit of 200 senior French and international officers of all services currently
attending the Higher Staff Course at the French Armed Forces
Higher Staff College ‘École de guerre’ in Paris. The group was led by Major General
Philippe Pottier, the Director of the College.
These visits help in building a cohesive and well-informed alliance, ensuring that military leaders from different nations are well-prepared to work together in joint operations.
On behalf of the Commander JFC Brunssum, General Guglielmo Luigi Miglietta, the visitors were welcomed by the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Jean-Pierre Perrin, himself an officer of the French Army and former attendee of the college.
Following the welcoming remarks, the senior officers were familiarised with the role, responsibilities, processes, and current challenges of an operational-level NATO military headquarters. They received in-depth briefings on functional areas of the HQ and their contribution to the Operational Planning Process, in the light of the changing security posture in Europe and Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
Lt Gen Perrin noted: “In particular for your future most likely postings within NATO and other international command structures, a subtle understanding of the functioning of an operational NATO HQ is irreplaceable. Take the chance to deep-dive into the topic. These visits help in building a cohesive and well-informed alliance, ensuring that military leaders from different nations are well-prepared to work together in joint operations.”
The ‘École de Guerre’, situated within the historic École Militaire complex in central Paris, prepares French and foreign officers from the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and the Gendarmerie for obtaining highest positions in both the French Armed Forces and international Headquarters and Commands.