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Dec 14 2020

Composite Special Operations Component Command certification, assuming its role in the NATO Response Force

MONS, Belgium - As part of NATO’s Exercise Steadfast Jupiter-Jackal 2020, NATO Special Operations Headquarters (NSHQ), which is NATO’s Theatre SOF Component, validated the Composite Special Operations Component Command’s (C-SOCC) NATO Response Force (NRF) certification on Monday Dec 7, 2020.

The C-SOCC is now ready to assume its role as the first multinational special operations component command for NATO. This historic step started during the NATO Defence Ministers meeting in June 2018, the Defence Ministers of Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the creation of the (C-SOCC).

We benefit immensely from the trilateral cooperation, and we are ready to serve as the NRF SOCC for NATO

This tri-national command is able to lead and coordinate Special Operations Forces task groups in support of NATO operations. Both the creation and now the NRF validation of the C-SOCC reflects today’s reality that Special Operations Forces missions are increasingly multinational by nature.

Composite Special Operations Component certification current leadership from Denmark, the Netherlands and Belgium, led by Major General Peter Boysen, DNK Army meeting to mark the certification of the SOCC on completion of NATO's exercise Steadfast Jupiter-Jackal 2020. Photo by NSHQ Public Affairs office.

The C-SOCC provides a clear example of NATO’s investment in interoperability and Allies identifying and developing cooperative projects in order to deliver defence capabilities that continue to enhance Alliance security. Through NATO exercises like Steadfast Jupiter-Jackal 2020, the now fully operational, certified and validated C-SOCC highlights the cohesion and strength of NATO Allies. The C-SOCC Commander, Major General Peter Boysen (DNK Army) praised the multinational achievement, stating “we benefit immensely from the trilateral cooperation, and we are ready to serve as the NRF SOCC for NATO.”

NATO’s Special Operations Headquarters in Mons, Belgium is NATO’s Theatre SOF Component, and in this role provided advice and support to ensure the C-SOCC is operationally ready and validated meeting all NATO standards.

Story by SHAPE Public Affairs Office, provided by NATO Special Operations Headquarters

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