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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.

4

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.

5

COMMAND SARGEANT MAJOR’S MESSAGEI

6

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.

7

8

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.

I

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.

13

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

14

15

16

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

20

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

21

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

22

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.

23

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.

24

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.

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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.

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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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