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Sardinia, Italy. The focus for this year’s Ex DG04 was the demonstration of the initial operational capability of NATO Response Force (NRF), deploying from 30 Sep-16 Oct 04 with the maritime and amphibious forces affiliated to STRIKEFORNATO. Designed to improve NATO’s capability to conduct multinational amphibious and maritime operations, Ex DG 04 was adapted to meet NRF objectives and conducted by JFC Naples. It was the biggest amphibious exercise for NATO this year, and whilst not all participating forces were assigned to the NRF, the exercise served as the venue for demonstrating its readiness for operations. HQ NRDC-IT deployed to Capo Teulada, in the South of the island, to form the Land Component Command Early Entry Command Post (LCC EECP), fulfilling its remit to deploy a command capability for the Corps within 7 days of an operational requirement. The current NATO Response Force, The Italian Taurinense Alpini Brigade, deployed its Early Entry Command Post and commanded a battle group based on the following:

BG HQ from 183rd Airborne Regt

• 1 company of Alpini
• 1 company of Mechanised Infantry
• 1 company of paratroopers
• 1 Greek airborne platoon

The Corps has already conducted intense training towards the NRF concept since 2003, taking part in Exercise Northern Light 03 in Northwood and Scotland where the Early Entry Command Post (EECP) deployed within an amphibious task force; and Ex Allied Action 04 in May where the Corps HQ and the NRF Bde deployed North of Rome to rehearse LCC and initial entry operations in a crisis response scenario. Ex Destined Glory 04 represents a significant achievement for this Headquarters, as a milestone in the realization of the NRF development and NATO’s rapidly deployable capability.