NATO Launches 6,000-Troop War Games In Estonia

North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Allied Command Operations

May 16, 2014
Joint Force Command Brunssum Conducts Exercise STEADFAST JAVELIN 1
Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFC Brunssum) will, today Friday 16 May 2014, assume responsibility for conduct of the NATO-led exercise, “STEADFAST JAVELIN 1”, following a pre-planned transfer of authority, from the Estonian exercise “KEVADTORM14”, agreed between NATO and the Estonian government. Responsibility for conduct of the exercise rests with the Commander Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum, General Hans-Lothar Domröse who said: “It is my great privilege to assume command of the forces participating in Exercise Steadfast Javelin 1 today. There is no doubt the Baltic Alliance is strong. And NATO’s resolve to assure its members of the ongoing utility of the Washington Treaty remains central to our actions”.
STEADFAST JAVELIN 1 will be conducted in the spirit of NATO’s Connected Forces Initiative, using advanced technology to develop interoperability and operational preparedness and to maintain NATO’s readiness and combat effectiveness. A liaison team and participants from Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum arrived in Estonia on 14 May to liaise with their Estonian counterparts and ensure a smooth transition.General Domröse will conduct the exercising and training of approximately 6,000 personnel during Steadfast Javelin1. His presence at the Distinguished Visitor and Media Day, scheduled for 19 May, will be central to the success of the event and will provide further assurance of NATO’s commitment to the security of the Baltic region.
Successful completion of STEADFAST JAVELIN1 will confirm that Alliance forces are closely aligned and capable of providing collective defence and the delivery of effective security and stability in accordance with NATO’s stated aims.
The North Atlantic Council on 16 April 2014 agreed on a package of extra military measures to reinforce the Alliance’s collective defence in wake of the crisis in Ukraine. These measures include enhanced exercises, updated defence plans and appropriate deployments.
Story by: JFCBS Public Affairs Office

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