Taking that into consideration, the “Post Allocation Conference” (PAC) of the Joint Support and Enabling Command (JSEC), conducted in the Wilhelmsburg Barracks from Wednesday to Thursday, 21st/22nd October, was a very important step on its way to Full Operational Capability.
I truly appreciate the commitment of the NATO Member States to JSEC
“I truly appreciate the clear commitment of the NATO Member States to JSEC, demonstrated in particular by their intension to further invest human resources,” said Lieutenant General Jürgen Knappe, JSEC Commander, in his opening remarks.
COVID-19 precautionary measures changed the format of the Post Allocation Conference
Under regular conditions, high-ranked representatives of the contributing NATO Nations would have met personally, talked, discussed the staffing of the international posts at JSEC, and finally assigned them to a specific Nation. With regard to the current COVID19 situation, some firm regulations had to be applied and the conference had to change into an online format. 
Despite latest COVID-19 precautionary measures, some of the National Military Representatives were able to join the Post Allocation Conference personally. (JSEC Photo by Airman First Class Bastian Süpple, DEU AF)
“I am well aware that a conference like this usually benefits from having opportunities for personal contacts and bilateral side talks,” added Knappe, “But the health of all involved is a value that must be protected under all circumstances.”
Including Germany, 24 Nations contribute to the Personnel of the Joint Support and Enabling Command
Provided with information about the current developments and the newly developed structure of the JSEC, the participating Nations placed their bids on all the international posts during a well-organised bidding process. Including Germany, 24 Nations contribute to the Joint Support and Enabling Command in Ulm.
Lieutenant General Jürgen Knappe (r.), Commander of the Joint Support and Enabling Command welcomed the participating Nations of the Post Allocation Conference with his opening remarks. (JSEC Photo by Airman First Class Bastian Süpple, DEU AF)
At the end of the Conference, almost 80 international posts were negotiated and bid for, including all key functions and Flag Officers. Lieutenant General Knappe stated, “I am very satisfied with the progress of implementing JSEC and currently do not see any red flag waving.” During the next months, the Nations will start to deploy their newly assigned personnel to the respective posts, ensuring the full operational capability of the command in October 2021.
In addition, this will add a broad variety of new international citizens to Ulm and its surrounding countryside.