BRUNSSUM, The Netherlands: Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS) hosted General Luciano Portolano, Chief of Defence (CHOD) of Italy, for a visit focused on strengthening NATO’s operational priorities and Italy’s contributions to the Alliance on 27th January, 2025.
This visit underscores the importance of Italy's role within NATO and its unwavering commitment to our collective mission
The visit was the final event of a common battlefield circulation that had led the two generals to visit NATO units in Latvia and Hungary over the previous two days.
A series of briefings and discussions, provided an opportunity to review the strategic role of JFCBS in NATO’s operations and Italy’s contributions to collective defence.
"This visit underscores the importance of Italy's role within NATO and its unwavering commitment to our collective mission," General Miglietta said. "JFCBS serves as a critical hub for coordinating operations that maintain peace and security across the Alliance."
During the visit, General Portolano received an overview of JFCBS’s mission, including its command responsibilities for NATO’s eastern flank Multinational Battlegroups. Discussions emphasised Italy’s leadership in NATO’s southern flank and its engagement for the common deterrence and defence posture of the Alliance.
Then, General Portolano was invited to visit the Joint All Domain Operations Centre (JADOC), the operational nerve centre of the headquarters, where the area of responsibility is monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and where he was shown how JFCBS manages its day-to-day security commitments.
Reflecting on the various meetings with senior staff and discussions on enhancing interoperability and joint planning, General Portolano echoed General Miglietta's sentiments, underlining the central role of JFCBS in ensuring NATO's readiness and cohesion, as well as Italy's important role in supporting NATO's objectives and strengthening Allied unity.
General Portolano finally met with Italian military and civilian personnel serving at JFCBS headquarters and other NATO entities in Brunssum, and at the nearby Airborne Early Warning and Control Force base in Geilenkirchen, Germany, where he thanked his countrymen for their dedication and professionalism.