On 20-21 October 22, the NATO Military Committee was in Turkey to visit the Allied Land Command (LANDCOM), the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Turkey, the Multinational Joint Warfare Centre and the Maritime Security Centre of Excellence.
After being officially welcomed by the LANDCOM Commander, General Williams, the NATO Military Representatives and Invitees were briefed on the current situation in the Land domain as well as the implications of the decisions taken at the Madrid Summit. “We are strengthening our forward defenses, increasing the readiness of our forces, boosting our ability to reinforce and transform the NATO Response Force. LANDCOM is implementing many of the decisions taken to ensure NATO remains ready to deter and defend across our entire territory”, noted Admiral Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee.
Moving to Istanbul, the NATO Military Committee visited the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Turkey (NRDC-T), whose mission is to train and prepare – at high level of readiness – in order to deploy on short notice, under NATO’s command, to conduct combined and joint military operations. The NATO and Invitee Military Representatives also toured the Turkish Multinational Joint Warfare Centre, which plans and executes national and multinational strategic and operational level exercises and war games.
“Throughout our visit, we have been able to observe first-hand how Turkey is contributing to NATO’s readiness, not only by hosting NATO entities like LANDCOM and the NRDC-T, but also by facilitating opportunities for forces to train and become better. We are stronger together, thanks to the commitment and contributions of our Allies”, highlighted the Chair of the NATO Military Committee.
The program concluded with briefings at the Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (MARSEC COE). “NATO Allies contribute expertise, forces and capabilities to help deter and defend as well as counter threats, including in the maritime domain. Together, we uphold the freedom of navigation, secure maritime trade routes, and protect the sea lines of communication. Maritime security is critical to NATO as a transatlantic Alliance including Arctic waters, Baltic, Mediterranean and Black Sea, underlined Admiral Bauer. The MARSEC COE is a center for academic research as well as multinational hub that provides practical training in the field of maritime security to NATO and Partner Nations.