On 15 May 2018, Joint Warfare Centre (JWC) concluded the execution phase of the first iteration of Exercise TRIDENT JAGUAR 2018 (TRJR18) for Multi National Joint Headquarters Ulm (MNJHQ ULM) and their attached Joint Logistics Support Group (JLSG). The computer-assisted/command post exercise (CAX/CPX) was directed by Polish Army Major General Andrzej Reudowicz, Commander JWC.
Exercise TRJR18 trained and evaluated MNJHQ ULM in the planning and conduct of crisis response operations in a NATO non-Article 5, Land-heavy, Small Joint Operations. The operational-level exercise challenged MNJHQ ULM to operate and plan within the framework of a fictitious scenario with inputs and implications at the strategic, operational and tactical levels. The exercise simulates an environment where the headquarters must consider a variety of concerns and inputs while working towards a solution to its operational dilemmas.
"Key training Objectives were met"
The JWC in Stavanger, Norway, created and developed the complex exercise scenario SKOLKAN to stimulate the Training Audience for cooperation and coordination, across all domains. The CAX/CPX exercise allows JWC to simulate, in real time, different conditions in the computer-based scenario, and enhance the processes and concepts being tested in the exercises.
According to United States Navy Cdr Patrick Boyce, JWC’s Deputy Officer of Primary Responsibility (OPR) for TRJR18, both MNJHQ ULM and NATO have improved their readiness. “Key Training Objectives were met, so that’s a major success not just in MNJHQ ULM’s readiness, but in NATO’s overall readiness.”
“The fusion of contributions and coordination from all warfare areas, kinetic and non-kinetic isn’t easy, but this team overcame a steep learning curve and showed how it’s done,” he added.
Commander MNJHQ ULM impressed with the support
JWC advised MNJHQ ULM on the development of the Training Objectives and also assessed during the execution phase whether exercise content provided the conditions necessary to achieve them. This was achieved with the team effort from EXCON (Exercise Control) consisting of permanent JWC personnel, contractors and augmented personnel from Member Nations and NATO commands, serving in a range of roles from Response Cells, Training Teams, the Main Event List/Main Incident List (MEL/MIL) and OPFOR (Opposing Forces).
Commander MNJHQ ULM, Lieutenant General Jürgen Knappe, was impressed with the support provided by the Joint Warfare Centre. “I’m deeply impressed by the extensive support provided to us by the Joint Warfare Centre on our way to becoming certified for NATO operations," he said.
Lieutenant General Knappe emphasized the professionalism of JWC and the resulting benefits for the MNJHQ ULM Command. “We have received highly professional support before and through the exercise. My recommendation for any HQ is to make use of the excellent training facilities provided by the Joint Warfare Centre. The benefits for the Ulm Command have been enormous.”
NATO exercises demonstrate, enhance and facilitate NATO’s ability to operate in the ever-changing and challenging security environment. Alliance Members each have capable military forces but, when brought together as an inter-operable, unified Alliance, that capability is magnified to a level greater than the sum of its parts.
See below German SWR's coverage of the exercise (in German) in video below (external link).
Read the translation to English provided by MNJHQ ULM linguist here.
Pictures from Exercise TRIDENT JAGUAR 2018, MNJHQ ULM:
Below: Combined visits to JWC --- Partner National Military Representatives (Sponsored by SHAPE) and NATO Partner Observers (Sponsored by JFC Brunssum) visiting TRJR18, 7-10 May 2018.
For more pictures visit JWC's Facebook page at facebook.com/NATO.JWC