NORFOLK, USA - On behalf of the Commander Joint Support and Enabling Command (JSEC), Major General Gerry Ewart-Brookes, JSEC ‘s Deputy Chief of Staff Plans, participated in two Conferences organized by General Phillipe Lavigne, Commander Supreme Allied Commander Transformation as well as by Vice Admiral Daniel Dwyer, Commander Headquarters Allied Joint Force Command Norfolk from 6 to 8 December 2022 in Norfolk, United States of America.
The Allied Command Transformation’s 2022 Alliance Warfare Development Conference made the start under the theme of “Better Today, Stronger Tomorrow”. Over the course of four days all attendees participated in plenary and rotating syndicate sessions. The plenary session focused on showcasing and explaining linkages between the NATO Defence Planning Process, Warfighting Development Agenda and Capability Development.
Syndicates informed the warfare development leaders of the long term trends and implications resulting from Russia’s war in Ukraine, explored ongoing work on achieving Cognitive Superiority, and exchanged views on persistent interoperability challenges. An opportunity for practical and immersive experience through some innovation projects was also provided.
Joint Support and Enabling Command's Deputy Chief of Staff Plans (second last row in the middle) attended the 2022 Alliance Warfare Development Conference in Norfolk, USA from 6 to 8 December, 2022. (Photo: Allied Command Transformation)
The Deputy Chief of Staff Plans of the Joint Support and Enabling Command (second row, fourth from the right) took part in Joint Force Command Norfolk's Commanders' Conference on 8 December, 2022. (Photo: PO2 Nathan Beard)
The conference, also served as Allied Command Transformation’s annual meeting for Flag Officers, General Officers and civilian equivalent decision makers from NATO nations who are responsible for warfare development activities within their nations.
The second conference, Joint Force Command Norfolk’s Commanders’ Conference, provided a great opportunity to discuss topics associated with the headquarters’ area of responsibility as well as engaging with external speakers to discuss broader policy challenges in the High North and new threats in the Atlantic and Arctic.
It was also an opportunity to look ahead and consider peacetime vigilance in 2023 and to consider the opportunities provided by the NATO exercise Steadfast Defender 2024.
The conference finished off with the participants’ agreements on how to face and address future challenges in a constantly changing security environment.