On 14 October 2024, participants of the 32nd NATO Regional Cooperation Course (NRCC 32) visited the Allied Joint Force Command Naples (JFC-NP) and NATO’s Strategic Direction-South Hub (NSD-S HUB), as part of their Field Study programme. to the purpose of the visit was to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the NSD-S Hub’s role, and explore JFC Naples’ significant contributions to ensuring security and stability within the Supreme Allied Commander Europe’s area of responsibility, and beyond.
Brigadier General Aydin KILIÇ, NSD-S HUB Director, briefed Course Members on the Hub’s vital role in addressing regional challenges from a local perspective and collaboration with external andregional organizations. He outlined the Hub’s purpose, mission and added value, which je captured as: “listening to perspectives from the South”, and undertaking research, engagement and dissemination to bring these to the fore. The Hub examines conflict resolution, counterterrorism, technology, and human security, providing insights into the region’s complex dynamics. Its focus includes North Africa, the Sahel, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East, addressing multi-faceted security challenges that also affect NATO.
The second part of the briefing focused on JFC activities and the joint role of the JFC NAVEUR and the NAVAF Commander, where Course Members explored the NATO Concept for Deterrence and Defence (DDA). The DDA Concept provides NATO with a unified framework to deter and defend against threats across multiple domains, enhancing crisis planning and readiness. While JFC NAVEUR oversees operations in the Mediterranean and Southern Europe, NAVAF leads US naval efforts in Africa, working closely with NATO and regional partners. Course Members had the opportunity to engage with various NSD-S Hub staff on topics of primary interest to both NATO and its southern partners.
Overall, the visit was instrumental in complementing the information and analysis provided to the Course Members in the context of the NATO Module and in preparing the ground for the Cooperative Security Module. Course Members gained a better understanding of how JFC Naples enhances NATO’s deterrence and defence posture in the southern region and discussed its joints initiatives to address shared security challenges. On their return to Rome, participants visited Montecassino for a briefing on the 1944 battle, which enhanced their understanding of the complexities of multinational, coalition and Allied operations.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Britt Melinga, NLD C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN