SOLBIATE OLONA (VA), In recognition of the continually evolving environment NATO organisations may find themselves deployed in, NRDC-ITA held a conference on 18 April focused specifically on the development of two capabilities recognised as crucial to success on operations: cooperation with non-military agencies during operations (the comprehensive approach), and the understanding of the interaction between the different agencies (including non-military) in any given area of operations (knowledge development).
The conference was organised in collaboration with the NATO Strategic Headquarters (SHAPE) which provided the two keynote speakers for the event; Ambassador Hans Wesseling, the civilian-military interface advisor and Colonel Tor Hylin, the knowledge development cell director.
The event is extremely relevant and demonstrates both NRDC-ITA's and more generally, NATO's recognition that the military aspect is only one component in any given area of operations where there are many others to be considered.
Consequently, there is a need to establish effective lines of communication between the various other agencies involved whether they are civilian or military, enabling us collectively to achieve one common objective, delivering essential services from within a safe, secure and stable environment.