1st January 2017 saw the UK take the lead on NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF).
Spearheading the force will be the 20th Armoured Infantry Brigade (20 Armd Inf Bde), who will lead the taskforce of 14 nations, with the UK contributing some 3,000 personnel.
The VTJF was devised as the ‘land’ part of the enhanced NATO Response Force at the 2014 NATO Wales Summit. The allies decided that a spearheading force was required, which would ensure that NATO has the right forces in the right place at the right time. The agreement sees some 20,000 personnel over land, air, maritime and special forces, involved in the task force.
When necessary, the VTJF will be able to move immediately, following the first indicators of potential threats, to act as a potential deterrent to further escalation. This rapid arrival, of a small but very capable military unit, is devised to send a very clear message to any potential aggressors.
The VJTF’s rapid yet flexible response times are what set it apart from other components of the NRF; some units will be ready to deploy in just two days, whilst the majority of units will be ready to move in less than seven days.
This year will see 20 Armd Inf Bde leading the land task force, providing a Brigade HQ, armoured infantry and light role infantry battlegroups, as well as communications, reconnaissance, intelligence capabilities, combat support and logistic elements, helping the multinational brigade to operate as a rapidly deployable and effective fighting force.
Tactical and strategic exercises took place throughout last year to prepare the multinational force to be well integrated and interoperable.
In September Exercise VENERABLE GAUNTLET was held at Sennelager Training Area. The exercise saw some 3,000 personnel from 14 NATO Troop Contributing Nations take part in the UK’s validation exercise for the land (L) element of the VJTF Headquarters.
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Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
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