Take up the Gauntlet

The main entry of the word ‘venerable’ is old, respected, and admired; therefore, it is a very relevant term to refer to the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF). NATO created this force as the spearhead of its operations, with the greatest military power of the Alliance. ‘Venerable Gauntlet’ is the name given to the last and, to date, most important exercise of the VJTF for 2017. The exercise has taken place at the British base located in the German village of Sennelager between August 29th and September 23rd.
 

The 2017 VJTF is led by the UK, country that takes up the gauntlet that Spain (now in standby) had prior to them leading the exercise in 2016. Even though Spain hands over its leadership, it remains one of the main contributing countries. Spain contributes with a Tactical Group, created by The Legion Brigade. That Unit has taken part in the exercise along with a National Support Element made up of the Logistics Support Group 21.

The Tactical Group ‘Colon’ is made up of 3 Riffles’ Companies of the 7th Legion ‘Valenzuela’ Battalion, an artillery battery from the artillery group, a Battalion´s Company sappers and a team of Raven operators from the HQ´s Battalion. The whole Tactical Group is under the command of the British Army's 20th Armored Infantry Brigade (The Iron Fist) based in Sennelager.

The materiel deployment and the vehicles taken part in the ‘Venerable Gauntlet’ exercises started at the end of August by sea into the port of Emden in Germany. The transfer of personnel was done by plane from Almeria, Spain, to Paderborn, Germany.