Ulm, Germany - From April 23 to 25, 2024, the Joint Support and Enabling Command (JSEC) convened its Reinforcement and Sustainment Network (RSN) Spring Conference at the esteemed Wilhelmsburg Barracks. The event drew over 120 participants from various NATO entities, including the HQ NATO International Military Staff, the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), the Air, Land and Maritime Commands, the Joint Forces Commands, the NATO Force Integration Units, United States European Command, the 21st Theater Sustainment Command as well as the NATO Communications and Information Agency.
It´s imperative to recognize the significance of readiness issues within the Reinforcement and Sustainment Network. By addressing these challenges head-on and leveraging the expertise of our stakeholders, we can bolster the Alliance's ability to maintain a credible deterrence posture
The focal point of the RSN Spring Conference, a pivotal gathering in JSEC´s calendar for the first half of 2024, centered on COM JSEC´s operational demands to maintain the deployment prioritization. Facilitating robust cooperation and partnerships with NATO Allies and key stakeholders was a primary objective for JSEC staff, underscoring the importance of shared readiness within the Supreme Allied Commander Europe’s (SACEUR) Area of Responsibility (AOR).
The RSN Spring Conference is a pivotal gathering in JSEC´ s calendar for the first half of 2024. (Picture: OR-4 Gina Seegert)
The Commander of JSEC, Lieutenant General Alexander Sollfrank welcomed the conference participants during his opening speech. (Picture: OR-4 Gina Seegert)
Strengthening NATO´s Deterrence-Efforts
Intense deliberations during syndicate work sessions saw experts delving into the enhancement of the Host Nation Support Concept. In addition, in the focus was also the operationalizing the enablement aspects of the newly developed plans. To be able to bolster NATO´s collective deterrence efforts, the participants had engaging discussions about how to improve information exchange, to provide a more accurate situational awareness.
Reflecting on the significance of the conference, LTG Alexander Sollfrank, COM JSEC, remarked, "It's imperative to recognize the significance of readiness issues within the Reinforcement and Sustainment Network. By addressing these challenges head-on and leveraging the expertise of our stakeholders, we can bolster the Alliance's ability to maintain a credible deterrence posture.”
At its core, the RSN stands as an indispensable pillar of NATO's logistical and supply infrastructure, facilitating swift responses to crises and conflicts. Comprising a diverse stakeholder network including ACO HQ, national military organizations, commercial entities, and governmental agencies, the RSN Spring Conference sought to foster personal exchanges among attendees, aiming to amplify the network's operational effectiveness.
With the commitment demonstrated at the RSN Spring Conference, JSEC and its partners reaffirm their dedication to maintaining NATO's readiness and resilience in an ever-evolving security landscape.