The Crisis Response Planning phase for Exercise TRIDENT JAGUAR 17 (TRJR17) took place from 10 to 22 September 2016 in multiple locations across Europe including Lille (France), Mons (Brussels), Münster (Germany) and Stavanger (Norway).
TRJR17 is an Allied Command Transformation (ACT) sponsored two-level Computer Assisted/Command Post Exercise (CAX/CPX) that aims to train both Headquarters Rapid Reaction Corps-France (HQ RRC-FR) and 1 (German/Netherlands) Corps (1 GNC) independently in a Joint Task Force (JTF) HQ role to plan and conduct a land-heavy Small Joint Crisis Response Operation.
Both NATO Force Structure (NFS) Corps deployed their Operational Liaison and Reconnaissance Teams (OLRTs) to Joint Warfare Centre (JWC) for a week-long training event in support of the Crisis Response Planning phase. Based on the fictitious SKOLKAN 2.0 training scenario created by the JWC, the intent of the simulated deployment was twofold: to practice and fully conduct the NATO Operational Planning Process (OPP) and to develop effective Operational Plans (OPLANs) separately for each Corps.
As for all TRIDENT Series of Exercises, JWC provided an OLRT Training Team and an Exercise Control (EXCON) organization in Stavanger, together with the role-players who operate as part of the White/Grey Cell. Additionally, the Centre deployed a 38-pax Training Team to both Lille and Münster, covering both Corps' Training Audiences, as well as an Higher Control (HICON) organization to HQ SHAPE in Mons.
"JWC evokes the image of an excellent NATO training centre and first choice for realistic and demanding training."
The two-level (both strategic and operational) Crisis Response Planning for exercise TRJR17 was a success according to both RRC-FR and 1 GNC OLRT leaders.
"I am really grateful to the staff of the JWC for facilitating the RRC-FR OLRT deployment and remain very impressed with the standard of support and professionalism of the staff," said British Army Brigadier General Anthony Duncan, the team leader for RRC-FR, adding: "The team returns to Lille, having gained significant knowledge and experience for any future possible deployment. The OLRT team had the opportunity to work closely together and improve its skills."
German Army Major General Stephan Thomas, the team leader for 1 GNC, shared the views of Brigadier General Duncan, and said: "The exercise was perfectly prepared and the Subject Matter Experts created a challenging and realistic scenario for us. Our main effort, as the OLRT, was to support the Joint Operations Planning Group (JOPG) planning process of 1 GNC for TRJR17. JWC supported our planners here in Stavanger as well as in Münster with a strong team of experts during our certification process. Thanks for your comradeship and your professional advice."
Major General Thomas added: "In my mind, JWC evokes the image of an excellent NATO training centre and first choice for realistic and demanding training, which integrates all aspects of operational planning and execution. Communitate valemus!"
Exercise TRJR17 will be directed by Polish Army Major General Andrzej Reudowicz, Commander Joint Warfare Centre (JWC) next year.
Brigadier General Anthony Duncan
Major General Stephan Thomas with Rear Admiral John Brad Skillman, JWC Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff
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