NAPLES, Italy - Allied Joint Force Command Naples hosted the NATO Bi-Strategic Command Space Working Group meetings, Jan. 13-15, 2016.
The objective of the working group was to measure the progress of the Space Support to NATO program and lay the foundation for the program's integration within the Exercise "Trident Juncture 2016” (TRJE 16) planning and conduct.
Co-chairs, US Airforce Lieutenant Colonel Kurt Regling, and French Navy Lieutenant Commander Robert Kroeger, led the three-day session which included Space Support representatives from across NATO as well as national military space representatives from Italy, France and Canada.
Discussions focused on how to integrate the Space Support Operations Coordinator into NATO operational planning, what Space Support services and products are available and could be of value to NATO operations and exercises, and how alliance nations could contribute Space support personnel and products to TRJE 16.
JFC Naples Deputy Commander, Canadian Lieutenant General Alain Parent addressed the Working Group, highlighting his own Space Operations experience in the United States and some of the challenges experienced during his tour as the Deputy Commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
”Space operations are vital for the success of any military operation and Space Support resources and considerations should be included in operational planning and execution,” said Lt. Gen. Parent.
By the end of the working group sessions, a firm foundation was laid to advance Space Support for the following week's TRJE 16 Initial Planning Conference – the first time Space Support to NATO has been in at the ground floor of a NATO exercise.