Exercise Steadfast Joist 2008 Phase III EXCON was conducted at the Joint Warfare Centre Training Facility, Ulsnes, between 4 and 15 April 2008. The exercise was an Allied Command Operations (ACO) sponsored Command Post/Computer Assisted (CPX/CAX) exercise assigned to JFC Brunssum and Allied Maritime Component Command Headquarters Northwood, Allied Air Component Command Headquarters Ramstein and NATO Rapid Deployment Corps Spain.

Exercise Steadfast Joist 08 assessed each of these headquarters capabilities in fulfilling their responsibilities in a deployed operation beyond the scope of NATO Response Force. The exercise scenario was based upon a NATO Crisis Response Operation that took place beyond NATO's Area of Responsibility using the deployed forces concept.

Combined Joint Task Force concept
Exercise Steadfast Joist 08 continued to develop the process of how NATO's Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF) concept can be employed within and outside of NATO territory and how the CJTF concept will provide the critical capabilities for operational headquarters to meet the security tasks of the 21st Century. Exercise participants also included Partnership for Peace (PfP) nations.

Challenging and realistic training
A tremendous amount of work and training was accomplished over the past weeks.The Joint Warfare Centre in Stavanger, Norway, plays a key role preparing headquarters to operate and succeed in NATO missions and provides a world class exercise and training environment. The aim is to provide challenging and realistic training opportunities and team building for all participating units.