Intent
In 2012, Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Lisbon will continue to be a dynamic headquarters enabling NATO to meet future challenges. SACEUR has chosen to leverage our Command’s operational-level experience with the Deployed Joint Task Force (DJTF) and Deployable Joint Staff Element (DJSE) concepts and seven NATO Response Force (NRF) standby rotations in developing the structure of the future deployable operational-level Headquarters. In close cooperation with JFC Brunssum and JFC Naples, JFC Lisbon will play a critical role in shaping NATO’s future Deployability Concept to the great benefit of the Alliance.
My intent for the Headquarters is to remain actively engaged in meaningful work: We have already opened dialogue with SHAPE regarding the Headquarters’ projects we could provide Allied Command Operations (ACO) following Exercise STEADFAST JOIST 12. Within means and capabilities, we will support the Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) and NATO Communications and Information System (CIS) School in their transition from Italy to Portugal. We will continue as lead for NATO Support to African Union (NS2AU) mission.
Finally, as the events of the past year have shown, we live in a dynamic and changeable environment. The readiness of our unit to face challenges relies on each of us, as individuals – working as part of a cohesive team – to fulfill our Headquarters’ missions. It is only by harnessing your innovation and proactiveness to work in a collaborative manner that we will be able to achieve our priorities for 2012.
Core Values
Together we strive for Operational Excellence – with personnel deployable for operations in support of our expeditionary Headquarters.
Agile, flexible, responsive – a “Can do Attitude” – as a Headquarters
Pro-Active, Collaborative, Transparent – in relations with Higher and Component HQs as well as external organizations – as a Team
Credibility – underpinned by commitment and dedication – as an Individual
MINDSET is the defining factor on whether we succeed or fail in our endeavors, both present and future.
Priorities
My highest priority is the development of NATO’s future Deployability concept in close coordination with JFC Brunssum and JFC Naples under the leadership of SHAPE. This concept is of utmost importance given the direction taken by the Nations during the Lisbon Summit and will be our Headquarters’ lasting legacy to the Alliance. To this end, my main effort is to prepare the entire staff for Exercise STEADFAST JOIST 2012. The Exercise will serve both as the first step in developing NATO’s Deployability Concept and as a vehicle for all of us to maintain and perfect our expertise in the planning and conduct of operations. The manning for this Exercise is not completely set in stone: any staff member could be called forward with very short notice to participate in this Exercise.
As a NATO Command most familiar with Portugal, I fully expect our Headquarters to assist STRIKFORNATO and the NATO CIS School in their transition to their new home in Oeiras/Portugal. From points of contact with our host nation to quality of life issues, we have information that can help the incoming units and their families to make the transition as seamless as possible. In parallel, we will be engaged fully in the preparation for the deactivation of our own Headquarters. Both tasks will be accomplished in a most professional manner.
In order to improve information flow with regards to the future, I will ensure that JFC Lisbon members and the local community are kept informed regarding developments in the Headquarters future timeline, planning, and execution.