6 • Transformation Through Training • Issue No: 10 • September 2017 We have already proven – with support to Multinational Corps Northeast, German- -Netherlands Corps and Rapid Reaction Corps-France for example - that we are a perfect venue for this type of exercises. We have also proven that JFTC is not only a venue or a static training centre - we are able to deploy teams of training experts to various locations - where our customers need us. Additionally, we have a strong team working on new technologies, modelling and simulation solutions in support of NATO training. Since 2011 we have been the home for the Coalition Warrior Interoperability eXploration, eXperimentation and eXamination eXercise (CWIX) – NATO’s premier exercise for testing and experimentation. The importance of this event is increasing year by year and requires more and more attention. This year we had the pleasure to host both, the North Atlantic Council and the Military Committee during the CWIX Distinguished Visitors’ Day. We also play a key role in Balkan Bridges Exercise that utilizes the South Eastern Europe Exercise and Training Network (SEETN) as a medium for communication, data exchange, and simulation. These two capability development events demonstrate the crucial role of testing, experimenting and developing innovative solutions in support of military operations. And this is also the direction JFTC will follow, as innovation becomes the second pillar of our work. We identified potential, which can be used to better support the Alliance in nowadays’ areas of concern. Now we have to develop on it. So what exactly are the new directions of JFTC’s transformation in support of NATO training? Throughout the 13 years the Centre has built its solid basis – it is a well-known and appreciated place for pre-deployment training but also a trusted location where NCS and NFS Commanders want to train with their staffs. As we have full expertise, know-how and capabilities in pre- deployment training, there is still more that we can – and have to - offer to NATO and national headquarters. Some adjustments are, of course, required, however the basis is already here. And this is what we are doing right now – we are building on the foundations laid by former commanders and staff members to respond to the current and future needs of the Alliance, expressed by our superiors. Our aim is to be able to fully support commanders from Multinational Brigade up to Joint Force Command level and their staffs in becoming fully operational - while being clearly delineated from our sister training centre in tasks, in order not to duplicate our resources. What are the main fields of JFTC transformation? How does the Centre adapt to new challenges? While our motto is “Transformation through Training”, we are currently transforming for training, for better training. Internally, I would define two main fields of this transformation – optimization of the Centre’s structure and infrastructural development. In the first area, we are now preparing ourselves for a new structure tailored to better respond to current needs related to both training and innovation. Our manpower of approximately 150 soldiers and civilians will be reorganized once the new structure is approved. Meanwhile, the JFTC compound is also expanding. We have already finalized construction of the Command Post area – with all installations and security systems required.This makes JFTC a unique training facility within NATO where exercising headquarters can deploy elements of their Command Post structures and therefore train with systems and equipment they