Training and operations within the NATO construct is synchronised through the Long Term Rotation Plan (LTRP) and the NATO Military Training and Exercise Programme (MTEP). Unfortunately while the LTRP synchronises the operational commitments the MTEP does not synchronise the exercise and training commitments at HRF/GRF(L) HQ level creating a rush on scarce resources such as HICON and EXCON staff during peek periods. In order to deconflict and coordinate needs the G7 community organise a biannual conference. The G7 Workshop is hosted by one of the GRF(L) HQs in order to, exchange mutual training support requests, share best practices and to synchronise training programmes and opportunities. The workshop itself is co-chaired by the hosting unit and Force Command Heidelberg Training and Exercise (TREX) branch. It is run over 3 days with representation from all levels from Allied Command Operations, SHAPE, Air / Maritime Components, Force commands and Corps level HQ’s.
HQ ARRC hosted the first meeting of 2012 here in Imjin Barracks. 40 delegates attended over three days. The format of the conference was adjusted to incorporate a one on one workshop, which was extremely well received and will now be adopted as standard practice along with a formal briefing template. The inspiration for this came from the old adage that more gets done in the coffee breaks and side bars than in the conference. By providing an informal but controlled "speed dating” setting delegates where able circulate within set times and formalise offers, opportunities and agreements for Mutual Training Support as well as record training and exercises on the Mutual Training Support Matrix, which is available via the G7 page on ARRCweb.
There were also a number of informative presentations from outside speakers (available via the G7 page on ARRCweb). Of note were presentations from SHAPE, Allied Command Transition, FC Heidelberg and FC Madrid outlining the timeline for transition to Land Command to LC Izmir and division of responsibilities, which will present a number of challenges not least of all being the
geographical separation of ACT and LC Izmir. NRDC SP, RRC FR and NRDC IT presented on their JTF HQ concepts and their programmes of work as they currently stand. What was clear was that
Spain and
Italy are positioning themselves for
Spain to field the first JTF HQ in 2015 followed by
Italy in 2016. Under current planning and commitments the ARRC may be in a position to adopt a JTF role in the 2017 timeframe.
The next G7 workshop will take place in
Poland where HQ ARRC will be asked to provide Mutual Training Support to formations who are exercising in 2013. Clearly while the HQ will be keeping a eye on developments in
Afghanistan with a view to our 2014 preparation and 2015 commitment, the opportunity to influence the development of the JTF HQ by the provision of staff to other formations exercise as EXCON, HICONs and individual augmentee’s, remains high on the agenda.