the Site Survey Team

Moving thousands of men, women and equipment from Alliance nations to a location in Romania (or anywhere in the Alliance) would happen when needed. That is exactly what we train for; to deter and defeat any threat from any direction. It is of course a logistical effort of huge proportions and in order to ensure it is done efficiently and effectively while meeting the aims of the exercise, Site Surveys are under taken to check the big and small things that matter. In normal times our recent site Survey would have been one of a series. It was called Site Survey 4, but because of COVID it was, for many our first opportunity to see the ground and facilities which we shall call ‘home’ during the exercise. The ‘old’ hands who had been before, along with our Romanian hosts guided us new comers through the process of answering the questions which had been hanging in the air for so long. The process also raises new questions, tests assumptions, highlights opportunities and ensures we discuss and drive towards a common understanding. Planning is essential, but so is making those personnel connections which we know we shall need when the exercise pressure builds.

The Romanian phase of the Steadfast Defender exercise is just one of three under the Steadfast Defender banner. Known to the exercise planning team as Phase 2b it brings together the fighting power of the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF). The multi-national force, led by Turkey will train together in order to better deter and fight together. The exercise will culminate in a Fire Power demonstration performed in front of invited guests. Whilst this might be the most visible component of this phase there is huge value in the weeks and months of training that units have undertaken to that point. The intent to ‘know each other before we need each other’ clearly benefits from this type of exercise. The Site Survey offers an early opportunity to ensure that the exercise gets off to the best of possible starts despite the restrictions which COVID safety and prevention imposes on the whole force. As a site survey team we adhered to the international, national and local regulations as they stood. We travelled in reduced numbers, kept our distance, wore our face masks and sanitised our hands as often as possible. We were tested in and tested out of the survey process and gained confidence in our systems and protocols by keeping COVID safe. Site Survey 4 has given Joint Force Command Naples (JFCNP) and those conducting the exercise a view of what the exercise will look like when it transfers from a plan on paper to thousands of troops in the field.

Ultimately Phase 2b demonstrates NATO’s resolve to deter and defend using a multinational high readiness force. The strategic capability offered by the VJTF is showcased by NATO in this exercise. The other phases, 1 and 2a demonstrate the importance of the Transatlantic Bond and the Strategic Lift and co-ordination respectively.