HQ NRDC-ESP

HQ NRDC ESP

The 3 Brigade Commanders of the enhanced NATO Response Force (eNRF 16) meet for the very first time in Bétera (Valencia).

3 may 16.- 

A meeting has just taken place at the regular Land Component Command Commander´s Conference hosted by Lieutenant General (LTG) Francisco Javier Varela Salas, NRDC ESP Commander, in Bétera today. 

Brigadier General Luis Cebrián (ESP BRILAT “Galicia” VII Commander) as eNRF “stand by” Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Cornelis Matthijsen (NLD 11th Airborne Brigade) as the “stand down” Brigade Commander (30 days NTM) and Brigadier General Bill Wright (GBR 1st Armoured Brigade) as the “stand up” Brigade have met with LTG Varela to discuss the challenges of the new eNRF and the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) concept that emerged in Wales NATO Summit in 2014.

 The eNRF will be increased to up to 40,000 forces, depending on the task it is needed for. This is more than double from former level of 13,000 troops. The eNRF is more responsive and capable.

 The new quick-reaction “Spearhead Force” (Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, or VJTF) of around 5,000 ground troops is now up and running. Lead elements are able to start deploying in just two to three days. 

In 2016, Spearhead force is led by Spain, a clear symbol of Spanish commitment with our collective defense.