September 21, introductory planning conference of the NATO's exercise „Steadfast Juncture 2011" too place at the Joints Staff of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. In the conference NATO staffs introduced aims, tasks and requirements of the exercise, and got acquainted with possibilities of the Lithuanian Armed Forces to support forces of NATO members participating in the exercise.
High-ranking representatives from across a spectrum of NATO commands and institutions (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, Allied Joint Force Command, Joint Warfare Centre, NATO Maintenance and Supply Organization) and Lithuanian Armed Forces took part in the conference.
On September 22 participants of the conference will visit Pabradė Central Training Area of the Lithuanian Armed Forces (Švenčionių Distr.) and estimate territory foreseen for the exercise to be held the following year.
The aim of the exercise due in 2011 is to certify the Deployable Joint Staff Element (DJSE) and the Joint Headquarters for NATO Response Force for 2012 of the Allied Joint Force Command Headquarters Brunssum.
Participating NATO states will deploy in Lithuania around 500 military personnel during the exercise.
„The event will give a unique opportunity for the Lithuanian Armed Forces to improve its host country support operations", commented Head of Warfare Training Division of the LAF Joint Staff Lt Col Stasys Paldūnas, officer in charge of planning processes of the exercise in Lithuania, on the importance of the exercise.
„Steadfast Juncture 2011" will proceed in several countries simultaneously and control and command process will be done via NATO communications and information channels. The exercise will be located at Pabradė Central Training Area in Lithuania.
Information and picture by the Joint Staff
