As an integral part of NATO Regional Cooperation Course’s (NRCC) Academic Curriculum, the visit to the Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Naples and the NATO Strategic Direction-South Hub (NSDS HUB) in Naples, gave Course Members the opportunity to learn more about the role these institutions within the NATO Command Structure. This included an examination of the command dynamics between Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and JFC Naples, as well as the process through which strategic guidance is translated into operational plans and subsequently put into action. The visit also provided a chance for the Commandant of the NATO Defense College, Lieutenant General Max A.L.T. Nielsen, to hold two productive meetings with the Deputy Commander of JFC Naples, Lieutenant General Stephen Kelsey, and the S-Hub Director, Brigadier General Aydin Kiliç, underscoring the added value to gaining deep insights for the NRCC and deepening engagements between the College and both institutions.
On 27 October 2023, Brigadier General Aydin Kiliç, NSD-S Hub Director, welcomed the delegation to highlight the importance of multinational courses, such the NRCC, in building trust, expanding networks and improving understanding both militarily and culturally.
Captain Joshua Foley, Strategic Communication Staff Officer, then provided some historical background information of JFC-NP, its mission and tasks, with a special focus on Russia and Terrorism, ongoing operations, and cooperative security efforts.
The following briefing was presented by Colonel Michel Pierson, from JFC-NP – J9 Branch, who gave an overview of partnership frameworks, processes, plans and initiatives, and introduced the future Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme (IPCP), based on specific programmes tailored for each partner country. “If NATO’s partners are more stable, NATO is more secure,” stated Colonel Pierson.
Course Members then gained insights on the role of NATO Strategic Direction-South Hub and the dynamics between the Hub and JFC Naples.
Colonel de la Fuente, Knowledge Management and Engagement Branch Head at the NSD-S Hub, explained the central role the Hub plays in enhancing the Alliance’s understanding of challenges and threats originating from Africa and the Middle East, and the Hub’s contribution to NATO’s comprehensive understanding, situational awareness, decision making, coordination activities and information sharing for the South.
Subsequently, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Lopez, from NSD-S Hub – Civil Military Engagement & Coordination Section (CECS) explained the core mission and how NSD-S Hub conducts outreach activities and projects, through the CECS’s work. He also underlined the importance of creating a strong network with regional experts who play a strong supportive role.
The last briefing was delivered by Mr Grazioso, Senior Analyst in the Comprehensive Research and Analysis Section (CRAS) of NSD-S Hub. He explained how CRAS conducts researches and produces analytical papers to provide NATO with a deeper understanding of the challenges facing NATO and its partners in North Africa, the Middle East, the Sahel and Sub-Saharan regions.
All the briefings presented were followed by stimulating Q&A sessions, during which Course Members received insights and gained greater understanding of the two NATO entities.
The closing remarks of BGEN Aydin Kiliç, NSD-S Hub Director, marked the end of the NRCC’s visit to Naples.
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