Today’s decision in Brussels means that the existing command structure will disappear and be replaced by a new and considerably leaner structure which is better matched to the new challenges that NATO is facing. The new command structure is based on a two-way split between operational and functional command with two corresponding strategic headquarters.

The operational branch of the structure is headed by Allied Command Operations (ACO) in Mons in Belgium (the present SHAPE), and will have overall responsibility for all operational activity within the Alliance included its ongoing operations. ACO will be supported by two standing Joint Force Commands (JFCs), one in Brunssum in the Netherlands (Northern Europe) and one in Naples in Italy (Southern Europe).

The other branch, a new functional command, will ensure that NATO has suitable forces available at all times and will be responsible for the continuous transformation and modernisation of the Alliance. This is known as Allied Command Transformation (ACT). Key concepts here are joint operations and interoperability – making sure that land, sea and air forces have the capability to operate jointly and that units of the armed forces from the Alliances member countries are able to work closely together. Allied Command Transformation will have its headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia and will be collocated with the United States Joint Forces Command.

A Joint Warfare Centre (JWC) will be established directly under the Allied Command Transformation at strategic level and this will be located at Jåttå in Stavanger. This command will have a key role to play in the transformation of the Alliance’s forces in Europe and its central tasks will include the development of doctrines and operational concepts, planning, training and exercising. The Jåttå command will ensure that there is close correspondence between theory and practice within the Alliance. Experience gained from NATO’s operations will be put to use in the refinement of planning and exercising so that this field experience can directly influence and enhance the process of transforming and modernising the Alliance.

The new command in Stavanger is larger, and at a higher organisational level, than the Jåttå command in the present NATO structure. The size of the new command has yet to be finally decided but it is likely that there will be an international staff of around 300 at Jåttå.

“There can be no doubt that the unique exercise areas that we have in Norway have contributed to the decision to locate this command in Stavanger. Allied forces have trained in Norway for many years and they know that we can offer a combination of modern infrastructure and unique possibilities for the conduct of joint service exercises in which land, sea and air units can train together. Then there is our demanding climate which helps to provide our allies with a truly challenging training environment,” says Defence Minister Kristin Krohn Devold, who also stresses that the decision to locate this command in Norway owes much to efforts of the many who have worked to this end.

“Politicians, military personnel, diplomats and civil servants have worked systematically for more than a year to make the case for locating this command in Norway, and we have received strong support from important allies. We made an early start. As soon as it became clear that the current command structure was to go, we started work. Now it is up to us to complete the groundwork to make the Joint Warfare Centre at Jåttå the success we would like it to be, adds the Defence Minister.