Page 31 - RADC 2020

German Unification Day 2019 and QBR 2020
more recently coordination with Nations and SHAPE to deliver an unprecedented medical support response to COVID-19.
International Service – The lived reality
Service in an international HQ can
be rewarding, challenging and a very different experience. The tri-Service
British community in Brunssum, including dependants, numbers only 300 – less
than 10% of the overall NATO population. Support services, although still very good, differ considerably from what many may have been accustomed to at larger overseas locations; for example, Cyprus and Germany (in the days of BFG). Nevertheless, there’s
a true sense of community cohesion and
an expeditionary mindset which is very much heightened compared to other overseas locations where I’ve served previously. ‘Self-help’ is the backbone of our community, with secondary duties (and sometimes tertiary duties!) commonplace. Although there are no standing Messes, all ranks operate a ‘virtual Mess’ system and functions are delivered in local hotels or in one of the International social venues that JFC Brunssum has at its disposal.
Professionally there is much to reflect on. In many respects, it is rather refreshing to see how other nations approach their work. Of course, NATO doctrine provides the conceptual backdrop and a means of standardisation, but different nations bring with them different experiences, attitudes and skills. I have certainly learnt much during my time at JFC Brunssum. It’s been a pleasure to lead a relatively small team of
11 international colleagues, drawn from 8 different nationalities (NLD, DEU, CAN, BEL, SVK, CZE, USA, GBR), and despite our different backgrounds, there’s real strength and depth in the JMED Division.
Social activities and community engagement also add another dimension
to international Service. Nations are
quite rightly proud of their history and heritage – with 27 different NATO Nations present at JFC Brunssum, there’s a steady drumbeat of national day celebrations;
some relatively modest, but others quite spectacular. I have it on good authority that the Dutch threw over EUR 80,000 at the King’s Day Celebration in 2019; something unfortunately that the UK is not quite in
a position to replicate! Unfortunately, COVID-19 has put a brake on social activities in 2020; but I’m sure things will start to pick up again as everyone learns
to adapt to our new environment and way
of living. Indeed UK was at the vanguard
in May 2020, being the first nation to
host a national celebration, following the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions by the Dutch Government. A modest, physically- distanced gathering of 30 people (including a couple of local dignitaries) ensured that the Queen’s Birthday celebrations did not pass unmarked.
For those serving who might be interested in a future role with NATO, you’ll be pleased to hear that the UK commitment to NATO appears to be a relative growth area for Defence. The AMS already has a number of posts sitting across both NATO Command Structure and NATO Force Structure: OF5
posts at JFC Brunssum; HQ ARRC in Innsworth UK; and HQ ACT in Norfolk USA – OF4 post at SJLSG in Ulm, Germany – and OF3 posts at LANDCOM in Izmir, Turkey; and HQ ARRC at Innsworth. Ongoing NATO Command Structure Adaptation provides further opportunity for the UK to invest in NATO and I wouldn’t be too surprised to see yet more UK medical staff posts opening
up in the future. My time at JFC Brunssum will draw to a close in 2021 but having whetted my appetite I’ll certainly be looking to see what other opportunities for further International Service might be available. It’s been a real honour and privilege to work in NATO with our partners and Allies.
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