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The ALLIED FORCE COMMANDMADRID Magazine is the
authorized unofficial publication of its Headquarters.
This product is intented to informthe Members, Staff and Visitors
about our organization, structure,missions and collaborations.
Views expressed herein are notnecessarily official views.
Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not reflect
official policy
FCMD’s CDR. approved this publicationon Monday the 8th January 2012
Lt Gen Alfredo Cardona TorresCOMMANDER
Editorial, Content and PreparationHQ ALLIED FORCE COMMAND
MADRID’s PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
LTC. Gordo (ESP-A) SPOKESPERSON
MAJ. Di Bisceglie (ITA-A)ANALYST
CPT. Ortega-Villaizan (ESP-A)INFORMATION CENTRE CHIEF
OR-7 Valverde (FRA-N)PHOTOGRAPHER
OR-7 Gohl (GER-A) TECHNICIAN
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE wishes tothank the generous contribution of
COL. De Diego (ESP-A)COL. Williamson (USA-A)
LTC. Brufau (ESP-A)LTC. Lombarte (ESP-A)MAJ. Mezquita (ESP-A)MAJ. Littleton (USAF) MAJ. Daza (ESP-A)OR-8 Chacon (USA)
Ms.Lucinda Jane Wintle TaylorLINGUISTIC SERVICES
HQ ALLIED FC MadridPublic Affairs Office
Carretera Boadilla del MonteKm 3,400
Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223Madrid (Spain)
Printed by:CENTRO GEOGRÁFICO DEL EJÉRCITO
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Dear fellow members of HQ Allied Force Command Madrid,
2012 has finally arrived. After the past two years, an important
chapter in the history of this HQ has concluded successfully, which is
the transformation of the former land-centric headquarters into a
new operational, joint and deployable headquarters, ready to support
the Alliance whenever and wherever required.
In the beginning, the DJSE was only a concept, an idea, but now thanks
to all of you it is the basis for future deployability capacity for the new
Joint HQs. As your Commander, I am very proud of the results and I
would like to express once more my deep recognition to all of you,
the main players in this success story.
And you have also worked on some other important aspects of the
Alliance, dealing with war and peace, ranging from our key
contribution to Operation Unified Protector to others related with
promoting peace, integration, cooperation and understanding among
the nations.
Now, more than ever before, the name of Force Command Madrid is
known as a symbol of trustworthiness.
But once again, new and very different challenges are in store for us
over the next two years. We have a demanding way ahead. 2012 is
the starting point for a deep involvement in ISAF operations and for
transition to the new structure. FC MD expertise in such important
areas as JLSG, land advocacy, OLRT or Military Cooperation should be
transferred to the new structures. I call on you to continue to put the
same dedication and generosity you have shown up to now into your
work, and encourage you to maintain the same enthusiastic attitude.
I would also like you to convey to your families and loved ones my
warmest regards and my best wishes for the future. They are an
integral part of this big family and HQ Allied Force Command Madrid
will be ready to provide them with the necessary support and a warm
meeting point wherever you are committed.
I wish you all, your families and friends, all the best for the New Year
and hope the coming months will bring peace and increased
prosperity to our HQ and to all of us.
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t has been a few months since
the last time I had the opportunity
to dedicate a few lines to you. On
that occasion, I offered you an
update on NCO events and, in
particular, the Development and
Training Programme, in which
activity was clearly increasing and
a number of projects were already
becoming a reality.
At NATO School in Oberammergau, a full programme
of courses for NCOs has been scheduled, with the aim
of improving NCO leadership skills. These include
NATO Orientation course, NATO NCO Intermediate
Leadership course, and NATO NCO Advanced
Leadership course. In addition, a new course is now
offered for NCOs who are designated Command
Senior Enlisted Leaders and whose tasks include
acting as Advisors to the Commander on matters
relating to NCOs and enlisted personnel.
I have had the privilege to attend the first NATO
Command Senior Enlisted Leader Course from 12 to
23 September. The objective of this course of study
is to train NCOs next to the commander in NATO
structures, procedures and operations and to provide
them with the tools and contacts they need to do
their job efficiently in an international environment.
In addition to these courses, a series of Symposiums
are held in order to create and enhance
communication networks among CSEL at CHOD level
as well as at JFCs and CCs. I recently attended the 10th
CSEL Symposium, from 7 to 10 June at SHAPE
(Belgium), at which over 30 NCOs from 18 countries
were present. The programme of events was quite
extensive and included visits to the NATO Special
Operations HQ and NATO HQ Brussels, briefings on
Operations and Cyber Defence, and as a cultural
event, a visit to the site of the Battle of Waterloo.
I would not like to finish without a special mention
for some of our colleagues who have left: Some have
done so having concluded their active military duty,
as in the case of SGM Michael M. Balch (CSEL ACO);
others have left after ending their tour in NATO and
returned to posts in their home country, as in the
case of SGM Ludek Kolessa (CSEL ACT) and SGM Thilo
Gnoerich (JFC NP CSEL). To all these excellent NCOs
who, with their experience and expertise, have done
so much to promote the NCO Corps within NATO, I
am deeply grateful and wish them every success in
their new positions.
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COMMAND SARGEANT MAJOR’S MESSAGEI
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FORCE COMMAND MADRID PERSONNEL PROTECTING
LIBYANS UNDER OPERATION UNIFIED PROTECTOR
NATO conducted Operation Unified Protector
(OUP) to protect civilians and civilian-populated
areas under threat of attack in Libya. NATO is
implementing all military aspects of United Nations
Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973 related to
the protection of civilians, the no-fly zone and the
arms embargo.
Once authorized, in just one week the Alliance
rapidly put together a complete package of
operations in support of the United Nations
Resolution by sea and by air to enforce an arms
embargo and a no-fly zone, and to protect civilians
against the threat of attack. NATO has been in full
command and control of enforcing UNSCR 1973
since 31 March.
The overall operation is commanded by Lieutenant
General Charles Bouchard. Air operations are
managed from NATO’s Air Command Headquarters
in Southern Europe located at Izmir, Turkey. Real-
time tactical control is exercised by NATO’s
Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) in Poggio
Renatico, in Northern Italy. Naval operations in
support of the mission are directed from NATO
Maritime Command Naples.
NATO does not have forces on the ground, in full
compliance with UNSCR 1973 provision which
forbids the presence of any foreign occupation force
in Libya.
Personnel from Force Command Madrid (FCMD),
among other Headquarters belonging to the NATO
Command Structure and the NATO Force Structure,
have been taking part in the planning and conduct
of the operation since the early days, when NATO
got ready to take over this responsibility from
Operation Odyssey Dawn.
The Combined Joint Task Force
Headquarters leading Operation Unified
Protector (CJTFUP HQ) is based in
Naples, sharing the premises of the Joint
Force Command Naples Headquarters.
Over 35 slots are covered by Flag and
Staff Officers, Non-Commissioned
Officers and NATO International Civilians
from FCMD in a rotation mode to
maintain a robust contribution to the
CJTFUP HQ.
On 1 June 2011 the NATO Council
agreed to continue with the protection
of civilians and civilian-populated areas
under threat of attack in Libya for a
further 90 days from 27 June 2011.
Force Command Madrid Headquarters
has accomplished its mission.
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HQ NRDC-ESP in Valencia successfully hosted the BI-FC
CORPS COMMANDERS CONFERENCE, organized by
FORCE COMMAND MADRID and co-chaired with FORCE
COMMAND HEIDELBERG.
These conferences play a key role in providing a forum
for discussion on current NATO issues and maintaining
personal relationships among senior military leaders.
COM FCMD and COM NRDC-SP welcomed the guests,
ranking officers, spouses and supporting staff at the
Palacio de Congresos in Valencia. The city of Valencia, with
its unique atmosphere of modernity but, as COM FCMD
pointed out in his address, steeped in history at the same
time, contributed to encouraging participants to “break
the ice”. On the following day, Thursday 6 October, thanks
to the invaluable support provided by NRDC-ESP, briefers
and guests assembled at the conference venue, the
Convent of Santo Domingo, in the centre of Valencia.
In his Opening Remarks on the first conference day, COM
FCMD welcomed all guests and thanked LTG MORGAN,
COM FCHD, for co-chairing the important forum and LTG
COMAS, COM NRDC-ESP, for the first-class support
provided to ensure a successful outcome and a
comfortable environment for the event.
During the conference, the following topics were
presented by subject-matter experts and subsequently
discussed by all participants:
– NATO Reform Update, briefing presented by MG
Michel STOLLSTEINER, DCOS CPP SHAPE, Capabilities,
Plans & Policy Division;
– Future Land Command, presented by Col. Michael W.
GRIFFITH, COM FCHD Special advisor;
– JTF HQ CONCEPT, presented by BG Jose Luis Antolín
García, NRDC ESP DCOS OPS.
BI-FC CORPS COMMANDERS
C O N F E R E N C E
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The attendees visited the centre of Valencia, the Serrano
Towers, Virgin Square, the Cathedral, Almoina Square,
the Central market and enjoyed a walk around the City
of the Arts and Sciences.
COM FCMD offered his guests a formal dinner at Las
Arenas Hotel, a further opportunity for participants to
exchange ideas and impressions in the pleasantly
relaxing surroundings.
Betera’s Military Base hosted the meeting to discuss the
following issues:
– OLRT as the Spearhead for NRF (Land), presented by
COL Stefano NIGRI, FCMD DJSE 1 Theatre Engagement
Cell Director;
– CJTF Concept during Operation Unified Protector,
presented by MG Jöel RIVAULT, FCMD DJSE 1 COS;
– JLSG and its role in operations (KFOR); “JLSG lessons
learned. Recommendations for the way ahead”,
presented by BG Joachim FISCHER, FCMD DJSE 2 JLSG
Director.
However, the most important topic at the conference
was the New NATO Command Structure which involves
the disappearance of FCMD and FCHD and the
constitution of a new Land Command stationed in Izmir
(Turkey). According to COM FCMD, ’the new structure
and the future Land Command based in Izmir will
provide the necessary continuity to build the important
partnership that FCMD and FCHD are currently fostering.
The new situation in Libya, the latest developments in
Kosovo or transitioning in Afghanistan, and any other
potential operation should focus our attention on
extracting useful lessons to build a responsive and
credible land capacity‘.
LTG MORGAN, COM FCHD, also pronounced some words
on this issue: ’the new Land Command Izmir is designed
to maintain a continuous supporting to supported
relationship with the NATO Force Structure HQs,
synchronizing and ensuring interoperability, capability
and validation of Corps HQ training requirements’.
The closure of this three-day conference took place at the
Maestrazgo Pavilion, a mess hall at HQ NRDC-ESP, where
guests had the chance to bring this challenging but fruitful
event to an end in the most agreeable surroundings.
The spring edition of the CCC will take place this 2012
in Lille.
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F C M D I N K O S O V O
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n 2005, NATO approved the Joint Logistics Support
Group (JLSG) concept and for that, Force Command
Madrid established two JLSG (“NEPTUNO” and
“CIBELES”) to provide multinational logistics
support to NATO forces and to reduce the logistics
footprint of deployed NATO forces. Logistics
footprint is a term that describes the amount of
equipment nations from home to support their
deployed forces.
In 2009, Allied Force Command Madrid Headquar-
ters’ JLSG faced its first challenge in Kosovo. There,
JLSG had to provide logistics support to KFOR troops
Kosovo-wide through engineering, medical, trans-
portation and fuel support. Also, the JLSG is to be
prepared to support the arrival of Operational Re-
serves (OR) Forces from outside of Kosovo. This is
called Reception, Staging, and Onward Movement
(RSOM). Joint Logistics Operation Centre (JLOC),
Movement & Transportation (M&T) branch, Plans
branch, Medical (MED) branch, Resources Mana -
gement Cell (RMC), a Personnel cell and an Infor -
mation Management cell are main parts of the JLSG.
Currently, the Headquarters Staff of the JLSG is
comprised of up to 30 personnel from 12 different
NATO and NATO partner nations. The JLSG led nine
units from five different nations located through the
Area of Responsibility (AOR), namely: Greek
Transportation Company; Greek Engineering
Platoon; Austrian and Swiss Transportation
Company (multinational unit); Austrian Explosive
Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team; Swiss EOD team;
Swiss Engineering Platoon; German “ROLE 3”
Hospital (offering specific medical treatment);
Hungarian RSOM unit and the Greek Sea Port
Operations Unit - Communication Zone South in
Thessaloniki, Greece. Additionally, the JLSG also has
a tactical control relationship with a USA “ROLE 2”
Hospital (offering general medical care), and a
logistics control relationship with the National
Support Elements.
Personnel from FCMD’s JLSG “CIBELES” provided
the manpower for the core staff of the first
rotation of the KFOR JLSG. The Key Goal of the
first rotation was to integrate the new logistics
organization into the KFOR operation and
promote the use JLSG. During the first rotation,
JLSG HQ transitioned fuel supply from France to
the JLSG through a contract managed by the
NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency
(NAMSA).
On the other hand, the other JLSG deployed in
KFOR, “NEPTUNO” explored many multi-national
initiatives that resulted in the identification of major
projects to reduce the KFOR overall logistics
footprint in the area of responsibility. Some
examples were the reception process at the military
airport in Pristina, RSOM for OR Forces, Real Life
Support service for a northern operations camp,
regional recovery of disabled vehicles, and concepts
for KFOR medical support. Additionally, they
planned and executed the movement and
transportation of humanitarian aid from Kosovo to
Pakistan, such as one prefabricated bridge donated
by NATO as a result of the summer 2010 floods that
ravaged that Eastern Country.
After that, “ALLIED FORCE COMMAND MADRID”
Headquarters with its JLSG “CIBELES” focused on
executing KFOR logistics missions and support to
KFOR units. During that period of time this Unit
has been revising and improving all concerning to
EOD response process, increasing at the same
time, transportation support to national
contingents and operational forces, and
completing engineering works to support the
KFOR mission. Other accomplishments included
providing mine awareness training for the National
Contingents, completing an engineering project to
improve the roads near the town of Zac, finishing
engineering and transportation project to support
the transition of security forces, and increase the
interaction and cooperation with the Kosovo
Security Forces.
FCMD legacy of standing up and sustaining with its
two JLSGs will face any new challenge in support of
any Force where and when required. In summary,
this is a remembering to all of the men and women
who are and have been members of the KFOR JLSG
as the first Logistics Command ever created in the
Alliance along its 60 year of history.
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OPERATIONAL LIAISONAND RECONNAISSANCE TEAM (OLRT)OPERATIONAL LIAISONAND RECONNAISSANCE TEAM (OLRT)
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The Capability Package 9A1101 Projectstarted at the beginning of 2009. After afew Users Group Meetings (NAMSA, FCMadrid and FC Heidelberg) to discuss theneed for an Operational LiaisonReconnaissance Team (OLRT), the design ofvehicles and trailers began on March 2009.
In January 2010, the Ricardo and PenmanCompany finished the First-off OLRT PVRTspecial vehicle and trailer (First Article).First Article Factory Test (FAFT) wasperformed by NAMSA. During the FAFTprocess, OR-7 Juan Francisco Grande Diazand OR-5 Jezabel Garcia Gutierrez from HQFC Madrid, along with OF-4 Heinrich Aldagand OR-8 Jorg Schigowski from HQ FCHEIDELBERG, provided their advice to thechain of production. Everything regardingthe user’s point of view was taken intoaccount in reaching the final design.
At the end of March 2010, vehicles andtrailers arrived at Madrid and HeidelbergHeadquarters. This new demandingconcept, the Operational Liaison andReconnaissance Team, now had theproper means for deployment.
In late June 2010, the entire equipmentpackage was fully installed in vehicles andtrailers, rendering all the OLRT’s transporta-tion assets fully operational and availablefor use by the Leader, Support & Adminis-trative Cell and, subsequently, by the Groupof Experts when and where they are re-quired to deploy anywhere in the world.
These 4x4 vehicles are destined to play adramatically important role as the veryfirst step in the JFC’s decision-makingprocedure.
In nowadays, Force Command Madrid’sOLRT is one of the most demanding unitsbecause of its “pioneer spirit”. Its membersare the first in stepping the Theater whenan operation requires deploy in the ground.
On the other hand, Allied Force CommandMadrid is so proud of this elite unit that inalmost all visits that our Headquartershosts along the year, OLRT shows its amaz-ing capabilities in outstanding manner.
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Headquarters Allied Force Command Madrid
supports NATO Headquarters Medical Advisors NATO
Operations Medical Conferences at the initiative of
Allied Command Operations (ACO) and in collaboration
with Allied Command Transformation (ACT).
Attendees include physicians and medical staff of
different units within the NATO Command and Force
Structures, NATO countries’ national Health Services,
and groups from the Partnership for Peace (PfP)
nations together with other countries belonging to the
Mediterranean Dialogue (MD) share their experience
at these conferences.
Most of the sessions at these conferences are dedicated
to a wide range of topics covering the planning and
conduct of operations from a medical viewpoint, with
the double aim of sharing experience and operations
procedures, on the one hand, and on the other, of
improving both preparation and planning for
deployment of medical personnel and the quality of
support given.
Conferences working groups analyze current operations
with a view to extracting lessons learned that will lead
to improving pre-deployment training campaigns and
conduct of operations, and to updating doctrines.
It is a custom at these conferences to include a visit to
military health unit or facility, to give nations the
opportunity to display their health services capability.
Personnel from Spanish Medical Units offered its
experience and lessons learned on operations.
The Forward Surgical Station and NBC Decon -
tamination Station under AGRUSAN I of the Spanish
Army Health Services Brigade, located in Pozuelo de
Alarcón (Madrid) offered a visit and a static exhibition
of the Health Services Units arranged on the unit’s own
premises.
These kind of meetings that HQ Allied Force Command
Madrid wants to support, generate deep interest
among attendees who are provided with a very wide-
ranging view of the means and capabilities of the
Spanish Army Health Services and of the work carried
out by Spanish Military Health Services Corps
personnel within the Spanish Armed Forces and in
NATO operations.
FORCE COMMAND MADRID SUPPORTSNATO MEDICAL CONFERENCE
FORCE COMMAND MADRID SUPPORTSNATO MEDICAL CONFERENCE
FC Madrid has the lead for the organization of the Allied Chiefs of Army Staff Talks (ACAST) which was held
at Noordwijk aan Zee, hosted by the Royal Netherlands Army and co-chaired by the commanders of Allied
Force Command Madrid, LTG Cardona Torres and Allied Force Command Heidelberg, LTG Morgan III.
This is the sixth time that all the Allied Nations, NATO and Partners, celebrate this conference at a common
forum. NATO’s aims at this event were to promote a forum for open discussions on land forces related matters,
to exchange points of view on issues of mutual concern, especially regarding operational aspects within NATO
and the NRF and to discuss the opportunities offered to Nations by NATO’s transformation processes.
Of course, additionally, these talks provided an excellent occasion for establishing closer personal ties that,
for sure, will contribute to a better understanding in facing the challenges allied Armies have to deal with.
A very demanding agenda was arranged driven by distinguished briefers, who accepted FC Madrid invitation
despite their very full agendas. The open participation of all those present added value and complemented
the topics offered by the illustrious briefers.
Six topics were presented and discussed at the ACAST: The NATO New Strategic Concept, A Strategic
Crossroads for Land Forces, How to Operationalize Lisbon, Regional Approach to Developing Security in
Afghanistan, The Role of the Military in the European Union and, finally, Partnership in the New Strategic
Concept.
The co-chairs of the ACAST closed the conference by thanking all the briefers and attendees for the successful
result of the conference and, especially, the host nation of The Netherlands for their superb work done to
host the event.
Force Command MadridLeads the Allied Chiefs of Army Staff talks’ organization
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FRANCISCO DE VITORIA University and more
especifically his Robert Schuman Institute visits our
Headquarters as a part of his background program.
The two Political Advisos usually present an
interesting overview about the ALLIANCE as a live
organization. It was a kind of travel through the time
in which the students discovered how NATO is
continuously updating when History requires it.
In the coffee-break, HQ FCMD’s Commander,
Lieutenant General Alfredo Cardona joined the group
and gave a warm welcome to the group. He wanted
to express to the pupils that these kind of meetings
let him remember his old times in the Law’s Faculty.
After the short break,detailed briefing took place in
the HQ’s AUDITORIUM room. That time, the lecture
was devoted to the current missions and policy in
FCMD’s structure.
Both briefings concluded with a round of questions
which gave students and teachers the opportunity to
ask for further details regarding many aspects
mentioned in the preceding briefings.
Universities Visit
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As an annual event, FCMD hosted a friendly
group of students and professors from the
University Institute ‘’ Carlos III’’ and Spanish
War College from Madrid on last November.
After Lt General Alfredo Cardona Torres’s
welcome to the visitor, Political Advisors from
DJSE1 and 2 as well as PAO Chief offered the
group a series of interesting briefings on
NATO’s environment and its new recent
structure based on the Deployed Joint Staff
Element concept.
The eager pupils were absolutely interested on
the last NATO’S concept. Thus, the round of
questions resulted tremendously amazing and
fruitful for both the teachers and the students.
FCMD’s CDR took the compromise of hosting
the University and War College’s students once
again with pleasure next year.
Force Command Madrid
A selected group of graduates from different Latin
American countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile,
Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico or Uruguay
visited Force Command Madrid on December 2nd 2011.
The BOTIN Foundation sponsors this annual Scholarship
programme, which is managed by the “ATENEA” group.
The students, aged between 19 and 22, are selected for
their outstanding academic degrees in Economics, Law,
Politics, History, Journalism, Engineering, and Business
Management.
As a previous step before visiting NATO Headquarters in
Brussels, this experience has given the students a first
contact with the North Atlantic Organization environment.
Lieutenant General Cardona Torres, Commander Force
Command Madrid, offered a warm official welcome to
teachers and students. Afterwards, a selected group of
experts in different areas from our Headquarters briefed
the group on matters that were followed with interest by
the young graduates.
The presentations offered ample opportunities for asking
questions in order to promote, to the greatest extent
possible, familiarity with a new environment and to
facilitate an understanding of its endless acronyms.
After the presentations, the group enjoyed a break in the
cafeteria before visiting our Operational, Liaison and
Reconnaissance Unit’s static display.
The Group Photo marked the official end point of this
motivating visit.
THE BOTIN FOUNDATION’S18
“ATENEA” GROUP19
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Officer Cadets of the Italian Customs Police Academy
visited FCMD Headquarters. This group of 73 people was
led by Major General Rosario D. LORUSSO, Commander
of the Customs Police Academy, and accompanied for the
occasion by Rear Admiral Isidoro FUSCO, the Italian
Military Attaché in Madrid.
The visit commenced with an office call between Major
General Federico BONATO (FCMD DJSE 2 COS and ITA
SNR), Brigadier General Giovanni SAVARESE, FCMD JCC 1
Director and the two flag Officers accompanying the
delegation.
Following a brief coffee break, the delegation moved to
the MCC facilities where MG BONATO gave a briefing on
the structure of the HQ, offered some information on the
future challenges that FCMD will face and answered
many question asked by the visiting officers and cadets.
After lunch, the group was invited to FCMD Training
Centre to see the technological instruments the HQ has
at its disposal to play computer-assisted exercises
simultaneously connected with all the NATO units
participating in the training programme.
The visit has helped to strengthen the ties between Force
Command Madrid and the Italian Customs Police
Academy, demonstrating how a NATO HQ uses advanced
technology to deal with exercises and operations in a
highly efficient manner.
ITALIAN CUSTOMS POLICE ACADEMYVISIT TO HQ ALLIED FORCE COMMAND MADRID
ITALIAN CUSTOMS POLICE ACADEMYVISIT TO HQ ALLIED FORCE COMMAND MADRID
ITALIAN CUSTOMS POLICE ACADEMYVISIT TO HQ ALLIED FORCE COMMAND MADRID
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The 165 Colonels in Class XIII of the prestigious national College
of Defence Studies visited our Headquarters as part of the activities
in the busy programme this military centre offers each year.
The officers following this course have been selected for promotion
to Flag Officers in the near future.
Lieutenant General Cardona Torres, Commander Allied Force
Command Madrid, gave the group an official welcome followed by
some opening remarks.
Once again, the spacious Multipurpose Conference Centre (MCC)
was set up for this large group of visitors for a series of high-
interest conferences given by subject-matter experts in different
disciplines from our Headquarters.
Topics such as Operation Unified Protector were followed
attentively by the audience. Major General Rivault (FRA-A),
Deployable Joint Staff Element (DJSE) 2 Chief, offered an interesting
overview covering different points of view regarding this recent
NATO operation.
Brigadier General de Fonseca (PRT-A), along with Colonel de Diego
(ESP-A) and Colonel Mendez de Vigo (ESP-A), briefed the group on
Logistics, FCMD’s contribution to HQ ISAF and a general historic
overview of NATO.
All these activities were presented in Operations Table format,
giving all participants the opportunity to take an active part in the
conferences.
After a relaxing coffee break, the group was taken on a guided visit
of the HQ´s facilities, such as the Training Centre where FCMD
officers conduct training exercises in Command and Control
activities in Operations.
To formally conclude the visit, the Commander, Lieutenant General
Cardona Torres, joined the group for an official Group Photo on the
HQ parade ground.
THE SPANISH HIGHER CENTRE FOR NATIONAL DEFENCE STUDIES (CESEDEN)VISITS HEADQUARTERS ALLIED FORCE COMMAND MADRID
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BALTIC DEFENCE COLLEGEBALTIC DEFENCE COLLEGE
63 Officers from Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Germany, Albania,
Azerbaijan, BiH, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, FYROM, Poland,
Ukraine, Georgia, belonging to the prestigious Defence Baltic College
have visited our Headquarters as a part of a series of conferences in-
cluded in the program that the High Military Studies College offers
every year to a selected group of Officers who are up to a point of
reaching their Military College’s Diploma.
As always, HQ Force Command Madrid offered a series of outstanding
and interesting conferences on themes that are at stake in nowadays.
Lieutenant General Alfredo Cardona, Force Command Madrid’s Com-
mander offered to the College an official and warm welcome with his
opening remarks.
Concepts such as NATO Response Force (NRF), Operational, Liaison,
and Reconnaissance Team (OLRT), Planning System (COPD), along
with a general overview of our composition, status and type of mis-
sions that our Headquarters is capable to carry out have been eagerly
followed by the students and teachers of this Military College who
asked in a tireless manner as much as they could.
A static show regarding to the OLRT possibilities was settled in a small
forest did the group witness on the field of everything they had
learned in the morning.
On behalf of Force Command Madrid’s Commander, Brigadier General
Savarese (ITA-Army) concluded officially the event with his last final
remarks.
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IN HEADQUARTERS ALLIEDFORCE COMMAND MADRIDIN HEADQUARTERS ALLIEDFORCE COMMAND MADRID
Headquarters Allied Force Command Madrid hosts Battle Staff Trainings (BST) with
the aim of familiarizing the Deployable Joint Staff Element (DJSE) with exercises
Steadfast in order to obtain the NRF capability certification through Exercises
performed in wherever NATO training place.
The scenario is set in a fictional World regions where NATO Response Force could be
deployed as an entry force to conduct a Crisis Response Operation. In that context,
Madrid DJSE acts as Forward Element of the Joint Main Command. These exercises
are focused in dealing with numerous and challenging domains typical of a Peace
Support Operation.
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TRAINING TONON-NATO COUNTRIES
Force Command Madrid participates in Joint Expert Team Meetings (JETM). They’re normally led by the 3 Joint Force
Commands in Naples, Brunssum or Lisbon as a part of the program of Military Cooperation with the aim of offering training
opportunities for NON-NATO countries. The JETM is a formal discussion between the specific partner country and NATO
to determine how NATO can support or assist this country with training requirements.
For instance, let’s have a look the model of Mauritania. This country’s training needs are many as their country currently
struggles against a variety of bad actors to include among others, Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. With vast areas of
inhospitable desert, large portions of Mauritania are difficult to control by the government. Further, with limited natural
resources available, Mauritania remains an impoverished nation.
The JETM spent three days in
the capital city of Nouakchott,
meeting with Mauritanian
military leaders. The formal
meetings were conducted in
French. The Mauritanians were
very generous hosts and were
eager to discuss possible training
opportunities with NATO.
Perhaps in the future, a Mobile
Training Team from
FC Madrid will travel to
Nouakchott to work with the
Mauritanian military.
TRAINING TONON-NATO COUNTRIES
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MEDIATRAINING
EXPERIENCE
MEDIATRAINING
EXPERIENCE
Force Command Madrid’s Public Affairs Office organizes
a Media Training event. This is due to the fact that the
increasing role of the Media in achieving awareness and
understanding of NATO’s role and mission, and was
characterized by a factual and practical approach.
Based on the concept that anybody can potentially act
as a spokesperson, the training was dedicated to key
leaders, experts and the members of the Operational
Liaison & Reconnaissance Team (to be deployed prior to
any operation with the mission to assess and evaluate
its needs) in view of having the possibility of being
suddenly deployed in a NATO’s Operation in wherever
all around the world.
The event was conducted over a two-day session, and
was attended by about 50 people selected among the
Headquarters. The workshop consisted of collective
briefings – focused on the Media landscape, the role of
the spokespersons and interview techniques – and
individual interviews and press points, given by a
selected training audience. Every single activity was
videotaped and publicly commented, so that all
participants could share as much feedback as possible.
To make the whole training event more realistic, several
role-players from the Headquarters acted as journalists
asking questions to the trainees. Prestigious military
journalists provide the necessary professional
supervision and mentoring, therefore making the entire
training utterly effective and profitable.
The activity was remarkably successful, both for the
effective way in which it was conducted and for the
benefits it has provided. All participants have treasured
this valuable experience allowing them to improve their
professional background and acquiring greater
awareness on how to deal with the media whenever
required to by the circumstances.
The multifaceted scenarios where NATO is increasingly
called to operate, and the crucial role of the Media in
supporting the Alliance in the pursuit of its aims and
objectives, make this kind of training a crucial tool for
the success of any mission.
JOIST 11“STEADFAST”“STEADFAST” JOIST 11
FCMD CIS supportFCMD CIS support
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Ethnic cleansing, famine, drought, and refugees on
an enormous scale in the midst of a border dispute
between two countries in the Horn of Africa. Although
this could be a current headline in the daily news, it is
in fact the backdrop for an ongoing exercise: Steadfast
Joist 11. This exercise concentrates on enabling the
flow of humanitarian aid, fighting against piracy and
contributing to stability in Cerasia. During the execution
of the exercise, various scenarios in an imaginary and
complex environment are being worked on.
From 25 May to 03 Jun, JFC Lisbon deployed to Stavanger
(Norway) to participate in NATO exercise STEADFAST
JOIST 11. HQ FC Madrid has supported this exercise with
the Joint CIS Coordination Center (JCCC), among others
augmentations. The JCCC is an ad-hoc CIS cell designed
to provide the required CIS management, coordination
and control.
SFJT 11 established a CIS network that was able to
provide both NATO Secret (NS) and NATO Unclassified
(NU) communications to train more than 1500 users
deployed in Stavanger (JFC LB), the Spanish High
Readiness Forces Maritime Headquarters (SPMARFOR)
aboard the SPS CASTILLA, the NATO Rapid Deployable
Corps - Turkey (NRDC) in Istanbul (Turkey) and the French
Joint Force Air Component Command (JFACC) in Lyon
(France), with all their respective capabilities on decision-
taking and executing procedures while conducting
operations. Other locations such as Naples, Verona, and
Lisbon were also involved in CIS management.
Up to 100 Signals personnel participated: NCSA
Stavanger Squadron and the JWC C4 Branch in Ulness,
the first and second Signal Battalions provided the
Deployable CIS Module (DCM) required to link the NRDC
TUR and the FR ACC, technicians from the NATO
Programming Center (NPC) and the NCSA Sectors from
Lisbon, Naples and Madrid.
FCMD DJSE1 deployed this cell in support of JFC Lisbon.
This team deployed in advance of the main body to take
over the already-built CIS, check it during the
Communications Exercise (COMMEX), feed the
Functional Area Services databases and maintain its
value and warranty by permanently monitoring the
system. Connectivity was based on the NATO Core
Network (NCN) with several NATO and national Satellite
links as alternates. Our users can work with the Core
Services, such as Sharepoint and WISE, to provide a
collaborative exchange of information including the
following:
classified e-mail
chat and secure Video Tele Conference (VTC)
secure and non-secure phone and fax
internet access and unclassified e-mail
The tools known as Functional Area Services are specific
software programs to deal with specific areas, such as:
TOPFAS Tool for Operations Planning Force
Activation and Simulation
LOGFAS Logistic Movements and Transportation tool
JOIIS Joint Operations and Intelligence
Information System
MCCIS Maritime Command and Control System
LCCIS Land Command and Control System
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In accordance with the NATO evaluation policy, forces contributed
by the nations are to meet the combat readiness requirements and
standards set by the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR)
through the Allied Command for Operations (ACO).
The Combat Readiness Evaluation (CREVAL) process has the purpose
of providing feedback concerning the combat readiness status of
designated land forces for the full spectrum of NATO operations. In
the CREVAL programme, the same basic areas of interest are
evaluated in over 1390 performance measures in order to check all
aspects of a NATO operation.
The aim of the CREVAL programme is two-fold: on the one hand, to
evaluate and verify the combat readiness of land forces (HQs and
units) designated for a NATO assignment in accordance with their
readiness category. The final result of the evaluation will be a
statement as to whether the HQ/Unit is combat ready or not. On
the other hand, the programme provides a tool to assess the
earmarked NRF Land Forces in order to verify their NRF readiness.
To enable certain military personnel to conduct this type of
evaluations, FCMD TREX organized a CREVAL course from
September 13 to 15 for HQ FCMD Officers and NCOs.
The study programme included the following areas of evaluation:
– Policy;
– Operations;
– Logistics;
– Communications and Information Systems (CIS);
– Administration.
The course combined learning experience with a forum for active
and dynamic discussions between Subject Matter Experts (SME) and
the training audience. The CREVAL course was carried out in the
form of presentations and discussion periods. In total, 9
presentations were provided to the audience.
Some of the specific subjects covered during the training were:
– AFS Vol. VII;
– Vol. VII – Unit Evaluation;
– AFS Vol. VII part – Grading and Reporting;
– AFS Vol. VII part – HQ Areas & Items.
The CREVAL training was successfully concluded on Thursday 15th
when all planned objectives were reached. This activity proved to
be a significant stepping stone towards the creation of certified
evaluators inside FC Madrid HQ.
COMBAT READINESS EVALUATION
IN FORCE COMMAND MADRID
International Women’s History Month was observed at
Headquarters Allied Force Command Madrid, a Spanish
Military Base located in the township of Pozuelo de Alarcon.
This celebration was unique, because for the first time, the
event was truly and international one. The event brought this
community together to celebrate women’s history. Women’s
spirit was encouraged to not only support the event but be
an active participant as well. Women participants from
different countries read poems, about famous women leaders
from their own country; while others entertain us with
beautiful music, one told her what it means to be a hero from
a woman’s perspective, and finally, a young student from the
American School of Madrid created a premier women’s
history music and slideshow presentation.
Headquarters Allied Force Command Madrid
commemorates the 100th anniversary of International
Women’s Day Observance and pays homage to its strong
women who have paved the way for us, we pause to
remind everyone, that women’s history cannot be
summed up in an hour, or one day, or a week, not even
a year; but everyday women are making history. In
nowadays, women are leaders of their country, military
and civilian women members alike are proudly leading
and serving alongside their male counterpart, Guardia
civil, securing our military installations and career
educator molding and teaching our children, particularly
our girls that education is paramount for success.
Mrs. Joanne Reykdal, guest speaker for the occasion, of
the American School of Madrid, said it best when she
stated that girls can be mathematicians, scientist, and
chemist, and that they should pursue the
hard core subjects for future benefits.
Furthermore, she stated that although
much progress has been made by women
all over world, women; just as capable;
and doing the same job as their male
counterpart still lags behind their male
comptemporary in the political, economic
and social realm.
In conclusion women all over the world
are making history every day. Today’s
program provided you only a small
snapshot of some of the many
contributions of extraordinary women.
29
30
Headquarters Allied Force Command Madrid hosts a large number of
nationalities on its Compound.
All military and civilian HQ members celebrate their Nations’ most
important day in the year with a ceremony and a variety of special events.
The Band and Music of the ‘Inmemorial del Rey’ Infantry Regiment
Honours Unit enhances these events with a unique and colourful military
parade.
Senior National Representatives pronounce an official speech, referring
in emotive and eloquent terms to the history of their Homelands.
These events are usually held in the presence of the Ambassadors of the
celebrating Countries.
During the ceremony, Commander Allied Force Command Madrid
accompanied by the Ambassador or Senior National Representative place
a floral wreath to the memory of all NATO soldiers fallen in action.
After the military parade, the different nations at HQ Allied Force
Command Madrid offer their own range of activities. Games for children
or official cocktail parties are organized to be enjoyed by guests and
delegations from all other nationalities present at the headquarters.
To conclude, an official Dress Dinner is offered as a finishing touch to
National Day Celebrations.
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2nd Commander’s Challenge Cup Triathlon
Once the run was over the runners taken time to rehydrate and change
into their biking outfits. 4x4 trucks started out along our predetermined
mountain bike route along with medical services. Once everyone was
ready, all bikers lined up and a safety brief was put out. The only major
safety issue was the water in the tunnel at the beginning of the race. It
was only about 8 inches at it’s deepest but some people don’t like getting
wet. The signal was given to start the race and they took off down the hill
and outside the gate. The turn around point was five kilometres out with
a truck as the go around point for a total of ten kilometres. Just before the
turn around point, MAJ Anastasiadis, who came in first during the run,
had his chain come undone on his bike. The first biker to complete the ten
kilometre race at 25 minutes and 40 seconds was MSG Aguado Gil,
Antonio followed by MAJ Garcia-Paje, Enrique at 27 minutes and 24
seconds and thirdly by CPT Ruano, Gabriel at 27 minutes and 26 seconds.
We did have one injury during the bike race. LTC Gkoutzelis, Grigorios was
almost finished with the race and was racing toward the finish line and up
the hill when he missed his turn and tumbled into a ditch, scraping his
forearm, thigh and fingers. He just got up by himself and completed the
race. We later took him to the nurse on base to be patched up.
The day warmed up a bit to about 24 degrees Celsius or 75 degrees
Fahrenheit and runners were prepared for the swimming portion of the
Triathlon. We all boarded the buses and travelled to the Air Force NCO Club
at Cuatro Vientos. The temperature was a little chilly for the swim but we are
all Soldiers and we continued as planned. Everyone got into their
swim suits and two lifeguards were posted on each side of the
outdoor pool. The pool was nine lanes wide and 50 meters long.
The total length of the race was 200 meters for a total of four laps.
Some of the swimmers jumped in the pool to get acclimatized to
the water temperature before the race. We started the race with
the first nine swimmers and the best time was 3 minutes and 30
seconds by CPT Ruano, Gabriel. On a final note, LTC Gkoutzelis,
Grigorios, although injured from the previous bike race, decided to
continue with the swimming event and completed the Triathlon to
us show us all what it means to be a Soldier and to never give up.
After the race, the times were tallied up and here are the results:
1st Place- SGM Martin-Bolanos, Roberto
2nd Place- MSG Aguado-Gil, Antonio Jose
3rd Place- CPT Ruano, Gabriel
The 2nd Commander’s Challenge Cup Triathlon took place last June, 2011 and was open to all NATO personnel
working on base. It started with only a minor hitch. It was supposed to start the Triathlon with the swimming
event followed by the run and lastly the bike event. Mother Nature had other plans. It was an unusually cool
morning for June at about 18 degrees Celsius or 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Nobody wanted to have a heart attack
from a swim in the ice cold outdoor pool so we decided to postpone it for after the bike race. So the challenge
proceeded up the hill to start the running portion of the Triathlon. Information was put out, numbers were placed
on the runners and graders were selected and given instructions. All runners lined up at the starting point and
then they took off for the five kilometer race. Runners went around the base three times and finished on the side
of the track. The first runner to come in was Major Anastasiadis, Stergios at 18 minutes and 14 seconds….over
two whole minutes before anyone else! I later found out that Major Anastasiadis runs for fun in his spare time.
Last month on the 7th of May he ran 101 kilometres during the Spanish Legends Marathon in a little over ten hours!
To him, this run was just a stretching exercise. The next runner to come in was SGM Bolanos, Roberto at 20 minutes
and 17 seconds. The third runner to come in was MSG Aguado Gil, Antonio at 21 minutes and 40 seconds. Towards
the end of the race SFC Martinez, Jose, MSG Idoeta, Felix, SFC Velayos, Jose and MAJ Zehnder, Alexander came in
arm in arm as a show of camaraderie and friendly support.
34
Every year, towards the end of June, this Headquarters
throws a party: its celebrated Festival heralding the arrival
of summertime in Spain. At this event HQ Allied Force
Command Madrid encourages all members and their
families to join together on this perfect opportunity not only
to share national food specialties and live music but also to
strengthen their personal relationships. This truly enjoyable
celebration is the unmistakable sign that the glorious
Spanish sunny weather has arrived.
As is customary, the Commander opens this traditional
family celebration at the HQ’s impressive grounds. His
welcoming words are devoted to making all visitors feel at
home. All the HQ personnel have worked very hard to offer
their best and most representative national products, right
down to the smallest detail.
The conclusion of COM’s speech is the awaited signal for national representatives to open their beautifully decorated stands
and start offering their traditional delicacies. Many nations offer not only culinary fare but also flags, brochures and leaflets
promoting their countries’ attractions such as tourism, gastronomy and the like.
Military and civilian personnel from all the Nations
represented at this HQ offer a wide variety of their traditional
cuisine, such as American, German or Turkish meat dishes,
Italian pasta and Spanish paella. French champagne and
Greek desserts make visitors feel in paradise.
Parents can relax and enjoy the whole evening while their
children are specially catered for and professionally
entertained.
Those who have already been to this wonderful party know
that when the lights go down it is time to dance. The
orchestra makes visitors aware of the moon rising through
the wood close to the Command Building. And everyone
knows that at the end of the last song, it is time to start
thinking about next year’s FCMD summer party.
Be our welcome guest at the next Summer Party. Thanks
for joining us.
SUMMER FESTIVAL AT FORCE COMMAND MADRIDSUMMER FESTIVAL AT FORCE COMMAND MADRID
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