jAN - jUN 2010

Exercise Steadfast Juncture 2010 - Phase III at Valdahon (France)

HQ FC MADRID CHANGE OF COMMAND

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The Informer

Serving the HQ FC Madrid Community

Lt Gen Alfredo Cardona TorresCommander

LTC José Sanchez RequejoManaging Director

CPT Gianluca ManfredelliCPT Francisco Ortega-Villaizan

Editors

PO2 Jose M. LópezSAmn Ignacio ReinaGraphics Designers

PO2 Jose M. LópezSAmn Ignacio Reina

Photographers

Ninth edition. The Informer is an authorized

unofficial publication. Its aim is to inform the Headquarters personnel and

their family members.

Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not reflect

official policy.

Suggestions for articles, comments and contributions are welcome and should be

directed to the Editor.The Editor reserves the right to revise

submissions.

Public Affairs OfficeCarretera Boadilla del Monte

Km. 3,400 Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223

Madrid (Spain)Phone: 91-512-6431

Fax: 91-512-6469E-mail: dospio@lamd.nato.int

antonio.ruiz@lamd.nato.int

Printed by CC-Land Madrid HQSGGraphics and Reproduction Section

Commander’s Message

Battle Staff Training (Steadfast Juncture 2010)

Battle Staff Training Noble Jewel 2010

Transition Parade

Headquarters Allied Force Command Madrid Change of Command

JLSG-2 Change of Command

CIMIC Seminar

NATO Linguistic Service

Allied Chief of Army Staff Talks (ACAST)

Standby DJSE´s Operational Liaison and Reconnaissance Team receives its new

4x4 vehicles

NCOs´ Triathlon Mixed Team Competition

Spanish National Support Element (Monographic)

The Experience of a Forward ElementPublic Affair Member on Deployment

NCO’s Corner

International Food Festival 2010

Visitors

Prevention Measures in Summer

IN THIS ISSUE

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Three months ago I took command of HQ Allied Force

Command Madrid. I received command just a few days after the

transition from CC Land HQ to HQ Allied FC MD took formally

place but, even so, I found a well experienced and established HQ

that, in fact, has been already training and working with the new

organization for some time before.

This Headquarters has made a truly superb effort over the

last few years, transforming its structure and incorporating and

developing new concepts and procedures in a permanent process of

evolution to adapt to the new challenges and demanding requirements.

I have not been an outsider to this transformation process or unacquainted with the

achievements of this Headquarters. From my previous assignment, I have had the chance to observe

at first hand the high standard of professionalism among its personnel and the level of operational

preparedness it has achieved.

You have also worked on some other important aspects of the Alliance, among them the

Military Cooperation, which includes all those activities regarding the promotion of peace, cooperation

and understanding among many of the partner nations in Europe and the Mediterranean region.

Now, members of Allied HQ Force Command Madrid, let me share some thoughts with you.

With the last two exercises you have just carried out (Steadfast Juncture 10 and Noble Jewel 10) you

have just successfully entered a new phase in the ten years of existence of this young but experienced

and soundly established Headquarters. In a short period of time you have already demonstrated our

operational capabilities as DJSE by taking part in the NRF rotations and in KFOR with the JLSG.

This has been worked with the three Joint Commands trying to standardize procedures to work

following the “plug and play” concept.

But by no means have we come to the end of our road. I call on you, I entreat you to remain

loyal to the Force Command motto “Further Beyond”, and to anticipate and be prepared to face

future challenges by always looking ahead.

COMMANDER’S MESSAGE

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We, at Force Command Madrid, shall continue our training to improve our performance

in order to offer our experience and capabilities to the Joint Force Commands to support the

operational responsibilities as deemed necessary. I want this HQ has and put into practise three main

features to cope with the challenging situation we are going to face: flexibility, rationalization and

anticipation.

I want to have a dynamic and flexible HQ, either in its organization as well as its attitude, to

immediately react to any circumstance that may arise. We need to rationalize all our actions in a way

that we can achieve most goals or effects at the same time with less effort and actions. And finally,

I ask from you anticipation, based on a good programming, founded on its tour on a good work in

prospective and in an efficient Management Plan.

I also encourage you to give the best of yourselves in fulfilling these other tasks related with

regional stability and mutual understanding, comprehension and cooperation among nations. Thus,

we will contribute to the common security architecture through the application of a comprehensive

approach.

All this have to be done adhering strictly to all the necessary security exigencies, which is a

paramount in my style of Command. An exact compliance with every regulation and security matter

in all fields will be permanently demanded to all. I call on you to continue to do your work with the

same dedication and generosity you have shown up to now, and encourage you to maintain the same

enthusiastic attitude, to keep up your teamwork and cooperative approach and to maintain, as Force

Command Madrid, the “esprit de corps” you have cultivated as CC-Landers.

You can rely on my full support in doing so. I pledge my full commitment and my professional

skills, efforts and energy to Force Command Madrid to attain those goals.

Alfredo Cardona TorresLieutenant General, ESP A

COMMANDER’S MESSAGE continuation

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Alfredo Cardona TorresLieutenant General, ESP A

STEADFAST JUNCTURE 2010 EXERCISES

CERTIFIED!Written by CPT Gianluca MANFREDELLIAllied Force Command MADRID Public Affairs

The STEADFAST Series Exercises are recurrent drills aimed at developing NATO expeditionary capabilities. One of the most significant activities of this type is STEADFAST JUNCTURE 2010 (SFJE10), a Command Post Exercise focused on training and certifying the NATO Response Force rotation 15 (NRF 15) Command and Control structure, through the Deployable Joint Staff Element (DJSE) concept.

T h e Exercise was performed at three levels: Strategic (Allied Command O p e r a t i o n s ) , Operational (Joint Force Command) and Tactical ( C o m p o n e n t Commands). Such multiple levels implied multiple locations: the execution phase of the Exercise was, in fact, simultaneously conducted in Brunssum, Netherlands; Valdahon and Toulon, France; and in Ankara and Izmir, Turkey, from 5 to 15 May 2010.

Considering the aim, extent and characteristics of the Exercise, the training audience for SFJE10 was definitely robust and well articulated. In accordance with the DJSE concept (one Headquarters, two locations) Joint Force Command

Brunssum led the whole activity through its Main and the Forward Element, which was provided by Allied Force Command Madrid. The Land, Maritime and Air Component Commands were respectively played by the EUROCORPS, FRMARFOR and CC AIR IZMIR. Along with the above mentioned Components, Madrid Joint Logistic Support Group and German POTF, SOCC and CBRN provided assets for the Exercise.

Despite the fact that SFJE10 was not actually the first NRF Exercise for the training audience, some new elements

contributed to make the whole event far more challenging and exciting.

F i r s t , the scenario, fictitious as usual, and placed in an Eastern African region, envisaged the d e p l o y m e n t of the NATO

Response Force (named NATO Interim Multinational Force, NIMFOR) as an entry Force in charge of performing a UN-mandated Crisis Response Operation (CRO), under Chapter VII of the Charter.

Then, the mission, aimed at stabilizing the region and at enabling the efficient delivery of humanitarian aid. Such a context implied specific, demanding tasks, such as land and sea patrolling, weapon registration, process implementation monitoring, reacting to airspace violations, Search and

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STEADFAST JUNCTURE 2010EXERCISES

Rescue, humanitarian assistance, natural and artificial disaster response, emergency management and crisis communications.

In all these missions, the entire training audience was called upon to respond to the numerous injections the Exercise Control provided through several skilled role-players. Madrid DJSE 2 in particular, as a Forward Element of the Joint Force Command, reacted excellently to a multifaceted spectrum of activities: The Joint Coordination Centre, by appropriately planning and tasking; the Situation Cell, by constantly providing situational awareness; and the Theatre Engagement Cell, by effectively interacting with the regional authorities, such as institutional, political and military leaders and International Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations. In such a hectic context, any

injection, any reaction, any posture, and any decision drove participants to deal with every ramification of a political, legal, and communicative nature, therefore forcing the Special Staff, a team of skilled personal advisors to the Force Commander, to bear a continuous and heavy workload.

Besides the training and operational points of view, the experience prompts a noteworthy logistical remark: The Forward Element worked throughout the whole Exercise in the CP 156, an innovative structure conceived to house a Headquarters deployed for more than six months in the most extreme conditions. Allied Force Command Madrid was not new to such an experience, having previously used CP 156 during Exercise NOBLE LIGHT 2008 with its Joint Logistic Support Group. This time, a larger number of people to accommodate and a more varied training audience allowed the structure to display the full scope of its capabilities.

Luckily, six months by far exceeds the required period for an NRF certification Exercise. Eight days after the start of the Exercise, ENDEX was reached and, along with it, certification for NRF 15.

Well done!

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STEADFAST JUNCTURE 2010EXERCISES

BATTLE STAFF TRAINING “NOBLE JEWEL 10”EXERCISES

DJSE1 DEBUTS!In accordance with the recently

revised NATO Military Structure, Allied Force Command Madrid mission is to train and to prepare two Deployable Joint Staff Elements (DJSEs) to act as Forward Elements of a Joint Force Command. DJSE 2 achieved its operational capability by undergoing the related certification processes for NRF 14 and 15.

Now time had come for DJSE 1 to get started by taking part, from 27 May to 1 June, in E x e r c i s e N O B L E J E W E L 2010 (NOJL10) a combination between a Battle Staff Training and a Command Post Exercise aimed at familiarizing the training audience with the DJSE Concept before the approaching STEADFAST JUNO, the NRF16 Certification Exercise to be performed in Stavanger (Norway) later this year.

Scheduled and conducted by Joint Force Command Naples, EX NOJL10 was a two-level Exercise: Operational (Joint Force Command) and Tactical (Component Commands). In fact, along with Joint Force Command Naples (Main) and Allied Force Command Madrid DJSE1 (Forward), NRDC-T and MCC Naples participated in the Exercise respectively playing the role of Land and Maritime Components, while

ACC Ramstein provided response cells for the Air Component Command.

The Scenario, consistent with the aim of the Exercise, was a Crisis Response Operation implying the deployment of a UN Mandated force to a fictional area in order to restore peace and security and to prevent further destabilization of a weak nation. Hence, the tasks: control of the territory across land and sea, anti embargo and anti piracy operations, Cease Fire Agreement monitoring, enabling delivery of Humanitarian Aid, search and rescue, hostages rescue, disasters response.

Such a demanding range of missions implied strong coordination with the regional authorities under the direct supervision of the Force Commander, deployed to theatre along with his Special Staff.

To the newly built-up DJSE 1 team, Exercise NOJL10 represented a real challenge, won through great commitment and professionalism, as well as incessant dedication.

Such a remarkable debut legitimates great expectations for the upcoming Exercise Steadfast Juno 2010.

Keep up, folks!

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On a cold morning at the end of February 2010 Headquarters Allied Force Command Madrid transformed into its new functional structure. NATO´s new tools, the two Deployable Joint Staff Elements (DJSE-1 and 2) were taking shape through the appointment of their respective Commanders, BG Feliu (ESP-A) and BG Savarese (ITA-A).

This was the beginning of radical conceptual change, on the one hand, and a physical departure from our former well-loved environment known as CC-LAND.

This represents the Retamares HQ´s undisputed vocation to renew itself and adapt to the times in order to fulfil its important role supporting all three Joint Force Commands in the NATO military structure, Naples, Brunssum and Lisbon, in their Command and Control management operations.

Since 26 February, therefore, personnel, structures, allocations and all material means are undergoing a continuous adaptation process in order to be ready to accomplish their newly assigned tasks with the utmost effectiveness.

We could say, dear reader, that in the face of the coming summer weeks, much has been done but much has still to be achieved, taking into account that our roll-out day, the participation of our first DJSE in ISAF 2012, is nearer than expected.

DJSE-2 will therefore be the first to demonstrate that the challenge taken on by Headquarters Force Command Madrid started on that cold and sunny February morning parade is now ready to deploy in support of at least one of the two Major Operations that the three Joint Force Commands have to face. In this particular case, DJSE-2 MD is to provide Command and Control to the ISAF operation in Afghanistan.

TRANSITION PARADE

CEREMONIES

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CHANGE OF COMMAND AT HQ FC MADRID

As forecast, the weather on 6 April was cold and wet as Headquarters Force Command Madrid members stood ready for the Change of Command Parade.

Guests were protected from the rain under a canopy set up specially for the occasion. Accredited members of the press from many different papers came to cover the event.

As is customary at such events, I n f a n t r y R e g i m e n t Inmemorial del Rey Número 1 was charged with paying honours, first to the Spanish flag and then to Admiral F i t z g e r a l d , Commande r Joint Force Command Naples, as the Military Authority presiding this solemn act at Headquarters Force Command Madrid.

At the appointed time outgoing COM LTG Miró Valls and incoming Commander LTG Cardona Torres were waiting under the rain to salute the Spanish National

Flag and Commander JFC Naples, Admiral Fitzgerald.

The poor weather conditions forced the transfer of authority to be conducted indoors, in the Multipurpose Conference Centre which has sufficient capacity for a large audience.

Thus sheltered, the temperature of this emotive event rose by several degrees as the outgoing Commander, LTG Miró Valls, expressed his gratitude to all those present and the incoming COM, LTG Cardona Torres, declared his deep respect for the honour bestowed upon him. Admiral

Fitzgerald’s warm and optimistic address closed the event.

HQ FC Madrid has received its new Commander with a daunting array of challenges.

After the official Transfer of Authority both generals and the admiral held a brief i n f o r m a l m e e t i n g with the members of the press.

CEREMONIES

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JLSG-2 CHANGE OF COMMANDCEREMONIES

BG HANS-JOACHIM FISHER TAKES COMMAND OF THE JLSG-2 AT HQ FORCE COMMAND MADRID

In late April, HQ FC Madrid gathered once again to bid one of its members farewell. On this occasion, it was BG Feliù (ESP-A), Commander of the JLSG that supports DJSE-2 when deployed.

BG Feliù had received just one week earlier his transfer notice.

As soon as incoming Commander BG Fischer arrived, both generals discussed all the issues included in the handover protocol, such as personnel and material management in their logistic unit. Everything was prepared for BG Fischer in order to have all the required information ready for a smooth handover process.

The Transfer of Authority ceremony celebrated on 26 April 2010 was presided over by LTG Cardona Torres (ESP-A) Commander HQ FC Madrid.

The JLSG handover ceremony featured the solemn passing of the guidon from the outgoing general, BG Feliù, to his superior, MG Carvalho (PRT-A) Chief

of Staff HQ FC Madrid, who then handed the guidon to the incoming authority. This tradition is to symbolize that the command is never left without senior leadership.

An official group photograph was taken by the Public Affairs Office staff following which LTG Cardona, Commander HQ FC Madrid, proceeded to close the act.

HQ FC Madrid wishes BG Feliù every success in his new appointment, and is confident that BG Fischer will surmount all the challenges he will be facing when, in January 2012, ISAF claims Logistic Support from us.

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JLSG-2 CHANGE OF COMMAND

From 16 to 18 March Headquarters Allied Force Command MADRID hosted a CIMIC Seminar open to NATO Partner countries (Partnership for Peace, Mediterranean Dialogue and Istanbul Cooperation Initiative).

The aim of the Seminar was to enhance interoperability with NATO Partners in Civil and Military Cooperation. Further, the Seminar covered the whole spectrum of CIMIC activities in an operational environment.

Lieutenant General Alfredo CARDONA TORRES, Commander Allied Force Command MADRID, opened the convention warmly welcoming the audience. Then, the attendees – coming from Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Ireland,

Moldova, Morocco, Tunisia and Ukraine – went through an overarching series of lectures and discussions.

The Seminar is part of a comprehensive programme Allied Force Command MADRID is carrying out to boost interoperability with NATO Partner countries.

The 2010 Spring session of the NATO Linguistic Services Conference was hosted by HQ Force Command Madrid on 29 and 30 March, with a turnout of 25 linguists from NATO HQs and agencies (SHAPE, HQ NATO - IS TRANSLATION SERVICE, NATO DEFENSE COLLEGE, JFC Naples, NHQS, CC-AIR IZMIR, E3A, KFOR HQ, NSA, NHQT – ALB, ISAF, HQ NATO-RUSSIAN SERVICE and NHQSA) and external organizations (USEUCOM, EUROCORPS and BUNDESWEHR).

This conference is held every six months to maintain the NATO linguistic

community current with any developments, changes or other events liable to affect the provision of linguistic services. As these

ACTIVITIES

CIMIC SEMINAR

NATO LINGUISTIC SERVICE

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vary from single translators working alone to large teams of translators, interpreters and revisers, different topics have a varying degree of impact but ultimately affect the entire community, directly or indirectly.

To strengthen the NATO linguistic community’s links with other official agencies, linguists from external organizations are invited as observers.

LTC Bonal, Military Assistant to the COM, welcomed participants on behalf of the Commander. CPT Manfredelli of the Public Affairs Office kindly gave an informative presentation on the current status of FCMD.

The conference concluded successfully on Tuesday at 13:00, when Ms Wintle, Force Command Madrid Senior Translator, thanked participants for attending and all the Headquarters Services for their support to the Conference.

NATO LINGUISTIC SERVICE - Continuation -

ACTIVITIES

ALLIED CHIEFS OF ARMY STAFF TALKS (ACAST)&

LAND COMMANDER´S CONFERENCE (LCC)The fifth edition of the Allied Chiefs

of Army Staff Talks and Allied Land Corps Commanders’ Conference was held this year from 15 to 17 June in Zagreb (Croatia). Chaired by Lieutenant General Alfredo Cardona Torres, the conference was organized by HQ Force Command Madrid with support from the Army of the Republic of Croatia. Attendees included Chiefs of Army Staff from 23 NATO member nations, as well as 12 Partnership for Peace (PfP), Mediterranean Dialogue (MD) and Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) countries: Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Switzerland, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Israel.

The venue began on the evening of 15 June, at the welcome cocktail reception hosted by the Commander of the Croatian Army, Lieutenant General Mladen

Kruljak. On the 16th, as a prelude to the working sessions for the day, the President of the Republic of Croatia and Supreme Commander of the Croatian Armed Forces, Dr. Ivo Josipovic, addressed his welcome remarks to participants in the conference, to which Lieutenant General Cardona Torres (FC HQ Madrid),Lieutenant General John W. Morgan III (FC HQ Heidelberg) and Lieutenant General Kruljak replied.

The Conference was divided into

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two groups, one for Members of the Alliance and the other for partner n a t i o n s . Thus, those representing p a r t n e r n a t i o n s visited a NBC Battalion and the Regional Arms Control Verification and Implementation Assistance Centre (RACVIAC) and Croatian Army Peace Support Operations Centre (CAPSOC), while NATO members proceeded to the conference hall to attend presentations on the following topics: NATO, a role in the 21st century, given by Ambassador Jiri Sedivy (Assistant Secretary General for Defence Policy and Planning), The new NATO Command Structure / NATO in Transformation, given by Rear Admiral Jorgen Berggrav (SACTREP Europe), and NATO-Operations in Afghanistan, given by DCOM ISAF Lieutenant General Sir Nick Parker.

After a working lunch hosted by COM FC MD, participants joined the cultural programme that included a visit to the Sabor (House of Parliament of the Republic of Croatia) where they were welcomed by its President, Luka Bebic; a walk through the centre of Zagreb; and, finally, a visit to the ‘HS Produkt’ weapons factory in Karlovac. Later that evening, all the principals and their spouses gathered for the official dinner hosted by COM FC MD.

The conference continued on Thursday 17th with a common programme for both groups, comprising the following topics: Croatia, from MAP country to Membership: lessons learned and experience during the process, by

Dr. Vlatko C v r t i l a , Dean of the U n i v e r s i t y of Political S c i e n c e of Croatia; Centres of Excellence: R o l e s ,

Responsibilities and possible assistance for partner nations as an example of the CoE, by Col Santiago San Antonio, Chief of International De-mining Centre in Hoyo de Manzanares, Madrid, and The Future of Military Cooperation, by Brigadier General Schulz, Military Cooperation Division Director, JFCNP. To finish, Lieutenant General Cardona Torres summed up conclusions and, after formally declaring the meeting closed, held a brief interview with the press before proceeding to the standing light lunch hosted by the Croatian Army.

These ACAST, held yearly since the first meeting in Quebec in May 2006, serve to foster dialogue and strengthen ties between NATO military authorities and partners, and are organized on a rotating basis by Allied Force Commands Madrid and Heidelberg. This edition of the conference, besides the outstanding quality of its briefings and briefers, has provided an unequalled occasion for the highest representatives of Allied Armies and other NATO partners to become better acquainted and exchange impressions and ideas. The Republic of Croatia has excelled in the role of Host Nation to the conference, while taking the opportunity to reveal to participating nations how its Army and military industry has progressed in recent years, breaking ground for future candidates’ integration into the Alliance.

NATO LINGUISTIC SERVICE - Continuation -

ACTIVITIES

ALLIED CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF TALKS - Continuation -

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VEHICLE: Land Rover Defender 110 Station Wagon Fitted For RadioHeavy duty chassis and suspension 3500kgAir ConditionABS and Electronic Traction ControlJATE rings (lifting/towing/lashing – 2 front, 2 rear)

NATO tow hookFront-mounted winch Warn 9.5tPioneer kit (Axe, Pickaxe and Shovel)Air compressorPersonal weapons stowageBoiling vesselDriver’s kit (spare parts, oil and lubri-cants, snow chains, high lift jack…)

ESPECIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL EQUIPMENT OF OLRT VEHICLES AND TRAILERS (CP9A1101)

The Capability Package 9A1101 Project started at the beginning of 2009. After a few Users Group Meetings (NAMSA, FC Madrid and FC Heidelberg) to discuss the need for an Operational Liaison Reconnaissance Team (OLRT), the design of vehicles and trailers began on March 2009.

In January 2010, the Ricardo and Penman Company finished the First-off OLRT PVRT special vehicle and trailer (First Article). First Article Factory Test (FAFT) was performed by NAMSA. During the FAFT process, OR-7 Juan Francisco Grande Diaz and OR-5 Jezabel Garcia Gutierrez from HQ FC Madrid, along with OF-4 Heinrich Aldag and OR-8 Jorg Schigowski from HQ FC HEIDELBERG, provided their advice to the chain of production. Everything regarding the user’s point of view was taken into account in reaching the final design.

At the end of March 2010, vehicles and trailers arrived at Madrid and Heidelberg Headquarters. This new demanding concept, the Operational

Liaison and Reconnaissance Team, now had the proper means for deployment. However, some equipment packages were still in the UK pending shipment.

Now, in late June 2010, this entire equipment package is fully installed in both vehicles and trailers, rendering all the OLRT’s transportation assets fully operational and available for use by the Leader, Support & Administrative Cell and, subsequently,

by the Group of Experts when and where they are required to deploy anywhere in the world.

These 4x4 vehicles are destined to play a dramatically important role as the very first step in the JFC’s decision-making procedure.

STANDBY DJSE´S OPERATIONAL LIAISON AND RECO NNAISSANCE TEAM RECEIVES ITS NEW 4x4 VEHICLES

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STANDBY DJSE´S OPERATIONAL LIAISON AND RECO NNAISSANCE TEAM RECEIVES ITS NEW 4x4 VEHICLES

EQUIPMENT PACKAGE (to load in vehicle and trailer, it will arrive approximately in September)2.0 KVA Diesel Generator Set (Qty 4)20 Meter extension cord (Qty 8)Power strip, 6 Schuko Sockets (Qty 8)4 Man mountain tent (Qty 2)2 Man mountain tent (Qty 4)Water purification and basic test kit (Qty 1)

Cooking set (Qty 4)Folding chair with armrest – heavy duty (Qty 16)4 Feet folding table – heavy duty (Qty 4)Tent and lighting set (Qty 5)Combat lifesaver kit (Qty 1)Medical stretcher (Qty 1)Miscellaneous storage and retaining straps kit (Qty 4)

TRAILER: Penman NAMSA TrailerWeight unload 620kgWeight capacity 1130kgSecurity cage

3rd NCO TRIATLHON MIXED TEAM COMPETITION Written by SGM Ralph Gossing, OR-9 DEU A.Senior Enlisted Advisor DEU and NCOIC for the NCO Mixed Team Competition in 2008, 2009 & 2010

In this article I’d like to start by giving readers some background information and a brief history of this kind of event as an essential part of our NCO Education and Training programme for 2010.

In 2008, the year declared the ‘The Year of the NCO’ within NATO by former SACEUR, General James L. Jones Jr., USMC (Ret.), our HQ developed for the first time the NCO Education and Training Programme with its NCO National Representative Working Group (NCO NR WG), and was probably the first HQ in the NATO environment in general to develop such a programme.

The overall idea of the Senior NCOs during the monthly NCO National Representative Working Group Meetings, chaired by the Command’s Senior Enlisted Leader and SNCO next to the Commander, was to ensure additional education and training for our NCOs, apart from the activities included in the General Briefing

Series (GBS).With the aim of practising basic

military skills such as swimming and running in mixed teams (different nations, different sex and different ranks) and to strengthen team-building within our NCO Corps, we held these competitions for the first time in 2008.

Though all activities were approved by the Chief of Staff, participation in this event is voluntary and depends on availability and final approval by the respective SNRs, Centre and Cell Chiefs. To increase the number of participants and, most especially, to encourage our junior ranks to take part, the NCOTMTC is always scheduled during a period of 14 days with the opportunity to compete during one of these days. Officers, members of the Guardia Civil and NATO Civilians are also invited to join NCOs in these competitions.

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To ensure the fairest possible conditions, the mixed teams and their respective competition dates are decided in a public draw.

In 2010 this team competition event received a new attribute: Commander Allied Headquarters Force Command Madrid, LTG Cardona, not only fully supports our NCO activities, but is sponsoring the Team Challenge Trophy for the competition. Furthermore, to make this competition even more attractive, we are going to concentrate on team-challenging tasks.

During the 3rd NCOTMTC 10, all teams are going to start the competition with a 200m swim in AF NCO Club ‘Cuatro Vientos’. This is to be followed by a team challenge where teams have to complete a given task. After that, the team has to run 5300 m in BDU with trainers on the former RETAMARES training area. During this phase of the competition, it is up to each team and their Team Captain to decide on the tactics they will employ.

Finally, the respective teams will receive a second team-challenge task: Teams are required to race carrying heavy weights and additional equipment to the finish line inside our HQ, in the shortest time possible. The winning team is the team which completes all disciplines in the

fastest time during one day, counting the total time of each team member during the swimming and running tests plus the time taken to complete the team challenge.

I want to stress the outstanding performance of this year’s five competing

teams with 20 active competitors, OR and OF Grades, from six different nations.

Besides the enthusiasm and competitive spirit displayed by the teams, I’d like to emphasize the great support given by all the personnel assisting me during preparation and execution of this event, which included Officers and NCOs from different Nations, the Guardia Civil, NCSA, the Spanish and German National Support Elements and external personnel from AF NCO Club ‘Cuatro Vientos’ and the military ambulance.

Although our main effort is always focused on fulfilling the many different operational and non-operational tasks assigned to our HQ, I am quite confident that in forthcoming years many more volunteers from more nations will feel encouraged to participate in this competition.

The 2011 edition will be organized by the USA, and Senior Enlisted Advisor, SGM P. Cartledge, will be in charge of the preparation and execution of the event.

SPANISH NATIONAL SUPPORT ELEMENT3rd NCO TRIATLHON MIXED TEAM COMPETITION

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SPANISH NATIONAL SUPPORT ELEMENTMONOGRAPHIC

Written by Col. José de la Cuesta Chief of Spanish NSE

Seldom, if ever, has an article been published at this HQ on the unvoiced work carried out by NSEs at all Allied headquarters, and at ours in particular. Of course, this is not exceptional, if we bear in mind that, as a general rule, the Force has always been the ‘figurehead’ while the supporting units have kept a discreetly low profile, manning the engine rooms, working in the dark, but no less proud of their noble and important mission: To serve others in accomplishing the assigned objectives.

The successful outcome of the Force, therefore, is the sole satisfaction to be gained from the units providing support to the Force. Everyone knows that when logistic and real life support activities are imperceptible, they are doing a truly impeccable job. And unlikely as it may seem, we, your support units, have become accustomed to the knowledge that silence and monotony are the most dependable indicators of efficient service and therefore a source of honest satisfaction.

Among the various NSEs at FCMD, the Spanish NSE, as well as supporting all Spanish military and civilian personnel posted at the headquarters, plays another leading role of great responsibility: To handle all the extra challenges that inevitably confront the Host Nation.

The Spanish NSE was set up in 1998 as an embryo support element to the first Foundational Nucleus established on these premises, initially intended as a temporary installation. This rudiment, after several transformation processes, would later become today’s HQ FC MD. From the very beginning the Spanish NSE has provided support to the ambitious project embodied by JCSW looking ‘Further beyond’, then to our former and well loved CC-LAND, which reached FOC certification with Exercise Noble Lynx in 2005.

The NSE in those early days was mainly occupied with the challenge of ‘bringing up’ the new-born JCSW headquarters and all the hard work that entailed. Now, the Spanish NSE faces the equally challenging task of supporting the new, more dynamic, more operational and therefore more demanding structure.

Thus, the Spanish NSE in 2010 is an experienced organization undergoing constant development that has adapted its supporting capability to the new specific requirements of each structural model this HQ has gone through.

The Spanish NSE depends organically upon the COM and functionally on the Spanish Defence Staff (EMAD) and the Directorate General for Defence Policy (DIGENPOL) for all SOFA-related issues.

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The COM, in his capacity as the most senior Spanish officer, represents Spain as Senior National Representative (SNR), although he delegates this function in the Chief of the Spanish NSE for executive matters, as well as for maintaining functional relations with the SNRs of other nations represented at our HQ.

The Spanish NSE is made up of the following Sections and Departments:

Personnel section. This section provides administrative support to Spanish personnel posted to HQ FC MD, keeping records of personal documents, service records, publication of vacancies, awards proposals, leave requests and travel orders, missions, courses and in general any personnel related administrative tasks. This section also acts as NATO Sub-registry for the custody and processing of security clearance accreditation for Spanish personnel.

SOFA Office. This section supervises and enforces compliance with the SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement), providing information to foreign personnel regarding the responsibilities and privileges or any other aspect of this Agreement that are relevant to them, such as the management of military documentation, weapons documentation, tax exemptions, registration and deregistration from Spanish official bodies such as the ministry of finance, interior or foreign affairs, requests for military residences, relations with other

NSEs, etc. In particular, and despite the fact that this is external to this HQ, this office also supports military personnel from other nations party to the agreement who are posted to other missions, such as IAFF and EUROFIGHTER at the Getafe Air Base, Madrid.

Services unit. This unit is responsible, among other tasks, for maintaining the NSE’s premises, armament, and materiel inventory; for the distribution of items of uniform and equipment, and for maintaining the vehicles assigned to the NSE. The section is also responsible for providing the HQ’s First Aid post which is available to all members, Spanish and foreign.

Procurement section. This department handles office supplies for printing and IT equipment, purchases small items, and keeps invoicing records, expenditure proposals, etc.

Secretariat and Registry. This section is responsible for the reception, control and distribution of official documentation.

It must be pointed out that the Spanish NSE activities are not limited to the needs of Spanish personnel at our HQ. As Host Nation, its support to the international community is threefold: Integration and documentation, morale and welfare and training. With regard to the latter, the Spanish NSE liaises with

MONOGRAPHIC

SPANISH NATIONAL SUPPORT ELEMENT

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The InformerMONOGRAPHIC

other NSEs to procure the use of firing ranges for periodic training sessions, medical support for physical fitness tests and hikes, medical examinations and vaccination programmes for deployability certificates, as well as other assistance of a similar nature.

The Spanish NSE, however, despite making an effort to satisfy any request for additional or special support, suffers from some limitations, most notably regarding material, finance and personnel. These difficulties are overcome either with the NSE’s own resources, or through requesting support from sources other than the Spanish Defence Staff or the Spanish Army.

There is no doubt that, occasionally, the NSE’s duties, capabilities and shortcomings are not fully understood. This explains the occasional bewilderment of personnel on hearing that the NSE is unable to provide certain support or information on a given subject, such as schools, housing, leisure activities and the like.

Effectively, the NSE is not conceived to provide comprehensive support to

families of members posted to our HQ. Nevertheless, the NSE has always endeavoured to go beyond its remit and give the maximum assistance possible in these spheres, in a spirit of hospitality and neighbourliness.

As a result, the NSE staff will always try to help; even if in doing so they have to exceed their duties, without infringing national regulations. As a consequence of this, certain actions which are offered freely out of friendship and kindness are taken for granted and considered as a

part of the NSE staff’s obligations.

Spain is a delightful country and, like any other, it has its own idiosyncrasy. Likewise, the Spanish are captivated by all your nations’ charms, and if there is one thing we have learned within the NATO community, it is to appreciate the wonderful things each different nation has to offer.

The essence of our organization is our deeply ingrained vocation to serve others, and we treasure this as our greatest asset, guiding our daily work.

SPANISH NATIONAL SUPPORT ELEMENT

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The Informer PAO

THE EXPERIENCE OF A FORWARD ELEMENT

Written by CPT Ortega-VillaizanDJSE-2 SO PIC

Madrid, May 2010It was exactly 7 months ago when I arrived at the former CC-LAND Madrid, now Headquarters Force Command Madrid, it is the same place, but now so different.This article is written from a Public Affairs Officer’s perspective. I had to start by studying the new NATO structure and concepts to be ready to answer any question from the press regarding with the so called concept. I have to admit that I had no clear of how I, or my office would function on deployment.I had to imagine the relationships between Force Command and Public Affairs Office and how Component Commands would link up with us in the new deployment concept. Everything seemed so complicated that, to be honest, I had my doubts about how should it work.The Battle Staff Training in the middle of March helped me to make clear my doubts. Injections from the exercise controllers were solved so rapidly that it was almost impossible to follow the process taking place between the decision taking

elements, and those who were in charge of conducting the planned Operations. How it all worked was a mystery to me. It looked so artificial. I was not aware of the connection between Main Headquarters

and its Forward Element. I did not detect how they were linked by people in such important elements as Situation Cell, Joint Coordination Centre and Theater Engagement Cell.Battle Rhythm was such a complicated document that one barely expected to succeed with it.But my biggest problem was related with real life. What in the world would I tell to the local and i n t e r n a t i o n a l press when they asked for information?An overall view of the new concept would not be enough. Only by interacting deep inside the system, can one survive in this process, and this requires a comprehensive knowledge of the scenario. But above all, training was the secret. Training makes you aware of how Main Headquarters supported in the field by the Forward Element and finally the responsible of conducting all planned Operations such are the Component Commands are working all together towards the same objective.Deployment day arrived and all my theoretical expectations, regarding what I thought, could happen were swept by real situations. On arrival at our destination airport, the Real life support’s work started to materialize before me. Everything was flowing automatically. Everything was arranged. Almost three hours after disembarking, we reached the main gate of the Military Unit in which the exercise will take place in the following days. The wonderful landscapes of eastern France, near the Swiss border were real.

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The Informer

THE EXPERIENCE OF A FORWARD ELEMENTPAO

PUBLIC AFFAIRS MEMBER ON DEPLOYMENT

Petraceros, Kamon (simulated countries in conflict) and the awful weather were the NIMFOR personnel’s toughest enemies throughout their particular injections.Setting up press points, making arrangements with the local and international press or preparing

Commander’s statements for release were a frantic part of our daily tasks inside the Special Staff tent.Our main concern was to preserve the capability of making the Commander’s aims known through the

Media. In this particular case and from our position in the Forward Element, we were handling the Local press while Main in Brunssum, dealt with the International Media.The presence of Mr. Pete Dubois and Laura Loflin, well-known masters of Journalism, Media Press and body language was a luxury for NIMFOR exercise. They provided training and advisory service to our C o m m a n d e r s and Key Leader members. Once again, their wisdom in how to act and respond was gratefully taken by the NIMFOR Public Affairs Office as a valuable gift.

All personnel, from the NIMFOR Commander to the Chief of Joint Coordination Centre were aware of the importance of the Public Affairs Office in the management of the solutions of the conflict. All successfully conducted operations should be shown to the population of the countries involved in the proper manner. We have only one way to do this: through the local press which highlights the good and the bad news every single day. UN Representatives and Civilian Authorities from the countries in conflict appeared continuously with our Commander in frequent Press Conferences and Public Statements. Our advisory was ready and available at all times.Another thing is that It is no so easy to appear in front of the cameras. Even when you are fairly skilled at your job, journalists can make you fail. To avoid that, no detail was overlooked. Everything had to be done to

the highest possible standards to prove to Cerasian society (simulated) that the NIMFOR presence was necessary to facilitate their everyday activities and alleviate their hardships. That was our job.From my personal point of view, I firmly

believe that we succeeded and now Deployable Joint Staff Element number 2 is “ready to go”

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The Informer

Written by CSM Joaquin Cordoba HQ FC Madrid Senior NCO

2010 is proving to be, in my opinion, quite a productive year with regard to NCOs. A great effort is being orchestrated at all levels to publicize the aspirations of NCOs within NATO and to find solutions that will help them achieve their objectives.

On 16 March, just ten days after taking command of this HQ, Lieutenant General Cardona attended the monthly NR NCO WG meeting where we had the opportunity to offer the Commander a full update on the NCO Internal Training Programme and to inform him of all our aspirations and projects. Our Commander assured us of his full commitment to NCOs’ issues and of the great importance he attaches to our work, pledging his full support.

On March 23, on the occasion of the SACEUR C o m m a n d e r s C o n f e r e n c e at SHAPE, all Senior Enlisted Leaders within the NATO Command Structure were invited and ACO SEL CSM Michael BALCH briefed

SACEUR directly, in the presence of all the other Commanders, on all the initiatives that are considered necessary to promote the figure of the NCO including, among others, the following:

• To produce a SACT/SACEUR signed memorandum that provides a NCO Strategy & a NCO Guideline to recognize and strive to enhance the effectiveness of the NATO NCO.

• To implement a NATO NCO Professional Development Programme that prepares NCOs to face the challenges of working in a multi-national environment.

• To institutionalize the role of a Command Senior Enlisted Leader (SNCO to a command) to optimize the use of Other Ranks within the NATO Structure thus promoting NCOs’ professional development.

These initiatives were received in a positive spirit, and I believe we shall begin to see the first results very shortly.

On April 8, just two weeks later, and on occasion of the Commanders Conference held in Naples, which was honoured with the presence of COM JFC Naples as well as COM FC Madrid, COM MC Naples and COM AC Izmir in the company of their respective Senior Enlisted Leaders, SEL JFC NP SGM Thilo

NCO CORNER

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The Informer

GNOERICH in his briefing highlighted, once again, the importance during NCOs’ education of having access to the certified training p r o g r a m m e s offered at NATO schools. This presentation was followed by another, given by the Swiss Army School CSM, in which he explained the contribution made by his nation to the NCO Development Programme, making Preliminary, Intermediate and Advanced NCO

Orientation courses available to NATO and PfP countries.

Although there is still much to be done, we are certainly on the right track and with the support of our Commanders we shall continue our untiring effort to disseminate

the enormous benefits that a professional, highly motivated body of NCOs, who are fully aware of their professional capabilities, can bring to NATO.

NCO CORNER

INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL 2010

As has become a tradition each year at HQ FC Madrid, our famous FOOD FESTIVAL was celebrated on 18 June. Nine countries took part in organizing this event that offers a variety of attractions. FC Madrid personnel, their family members and guests took part with enthusiasm in the party.

Once again, the Morale and Welfare

team did their utmost to ensure that visitors felt comfortable, taking care of every minor detail in preparing for the event.

A lot of children’s fun activities were prepared, including a magician, a puppet show, face-painting and balloon sculpture, and a wide range of products were available from the invited vendors’ stalls.

It felt like taking a step back in time when the well-known Spanish old-timer band LOS RELAMPAGOS started their performance, playing songs from the past. They created a captivating, nostalgic mood, and everyone, old and young, enjoyed the evening – especially those who remembered the wonderful 60’s.

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The Informer

VISITORS

Helenic Joint War College

03 Feb 10

DCOM JFC NaplesLTG Charles

Bouchard 26 Jan 10

COS DJSE1 FC Heidelberg

MG Rossmanith14 Jan 10

Espanish Military School of Law

17 feb 10

German Staff College26 Mar 10

CRO Secretary of State for Defence

Mr Pjier SIMUNIVIC 15 Apr 10

JFC NaplesCSM THILO GNOERICH

16 Feb 10

Atlantic Association 19 feb 10

NATO Infrastructure Committee 12 Apr 10

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The Informer

VISITORS

DCOM JFC NaplesLTG Charles

Bouchard 26 Jan 10

Atlantic Association 19 feb 10

Joint Staff College 20 Apr 10

The international Military Police would like to provide you with some information about crime prevention during this summer.

Firstly, protect your home:

- Avoid giving unnecessary information about your traveling plans to you neighbors.- Engage the deadbolt and keep the alarm system activated.- Keep entrances and stairways well lit. Motion light is an effective prevention measure.- Automatic timer should be used for lights or radio.- Have someone collect your mail.- Unplug or turn off telephone ringers if you have not answering machine.- Make a list of your home equipment for insurance purposes, e.g. money, jewels or other luxury items.

When you arrive at your holiday resort:

- Know your hotel employees.- Ask for a hotel safe box.- Do not disclose your room number indiscriminately.- Know the emergency exists, entrances, elevators and stairwells.

- Become familiar with emergency plans end equipment.

During your holiday:

- Be aware of your surroundings.- Carry only the necessary documents with you.- Strip your wallet or purse of unneeded items.- Carry your wallet or purse in front.- In crowded areas keep your hand on your wallet or purse.- If possible take a friend with you.

Attention: Not every policeman is a

policeman. If someone approaches you in civilian clothes and identified him or herself as police officer, could be a fake.

Do not give your wallet or belongings

to anybody, ask for uniformed police or ask to go to the Police station. If your demands are not followed call the emergency phone on your holiday resort. (112 National Emergencies phone number).

The Provost Marshal Branch wishes you and your family a nice holiday and come back in good health.

VISITORS

PREVENTION MEASURES IN SUMMER

LTG Morgan,COM FC Heidelberg

27 May 10

Picture taken behind building 16 during last winter.

A lake in FCMD