c_270_180_16777215_0_0_images_PICTURES_2019_0506_DIMP_Pict.jpgFrom the 24th April to the 26th April 2019 the JCBRN Defence COE hosted the Detection, Identification and Monitoring Panel (DIMP) meeting at the Orea Hotel Voroněž in BRNO and also at the JCBRN Defence COE in Vyškov. Forty-five participants from across NATO Allies and Partner countries followed this invitation: AUT (1), BEL (3), CAN (4), CZE (2), DEU (8), DNK (2), ESP (1), FIN (3), FRA (3),GBR (2), HUN, NLD (2), NOR (2), POL (3), SWE (4), USA (2). Additionally a representative from SHAPE/ PLS/J5 Division Planning Support Branch, Major Josef (Jay) KOPCHA along with speakers from the JCBRN Defence COE added valuable input to the meeting. The DIMP is one of the seven (7) working panels under the Joint CBRN Defence Capability Development Group (JCBRND-CDG) and organizes their meetings twice annually. The DIMP was chaired on this occasion by the vice chairperson, Mr. Wim van den BOSSCHE (BEL) who was warmly welcomed to the Czech Republic by the Director of the JCBRN Defence COE, COL (GS) Vratislav OSVALD.

JCBRND-CDG mission

The JCBRND-CDG is one of the most important NATO CBRN Capability Development working groups. The JCBRND-CDG works on; information exchange between national experts and NATO bodies, the development of interoperability through standardization and the cooperation on multinational equipment programs. These three domains, when combined with the outputs from other organisations dealing with lines of development (eg personnel and training) result in the balanced and organised development of capability.

The JCBRND-CDG is composed of delegates from NATO members as well as from partner nations and representatives from different NATO bodies. The JCBRND-CDG may recommend formation or disbandment of its subordinate panels, teams of experts as priorities demand. Custodians are attend both JCBRND-CDG meetings and subordinate Panels meetings. The subordinate structure consists of seven panels, which are formed around enabling and cross-cutting components of CBRN Defence. Among these, the DIMP is one of the most important and it focusses on the development of capabilities in the field of Detection, Identification and Monitoring.

DIMP mission

The DIMP mission is to provide technical and operational advice, foster interoperability, and establish technical and operational standards in the areas of CBRN detection, sampling, identification, and monitoring, including supportive actions against the proliferation of CBRN substances. The body also identifies new CBRND Capability Requirements, which includes providing information (up to unequivocal proof) concerning the first use of Biological, Chemical and Radiological agents, to NATO political and military authorities to support timely decision making.

Meeting highlights

The three meeting days were focused mainly on the introduction of the newly developed and recently approved Joint Program of Work (JPOW), the outcomes of the JCBRND-CDG meeting, the future plan for the STANAG 4701 (AEP-66 Ed B) revision and the development of a standard for NATO Test Operating Procedures (NTOP).

The JPOW is a product of the Capabilities Development and Defence Planning section of the JCBRN Defence COE and was developed for the use of the JCBRND-CDG. The JPOW harmonizes, prioritizes, organizes and orients CBRND work falling within the JCBRND-CDG mission space between the JCBRND-CDG Panels and related to the JCBRND-CDG and other NATO bodies.

The second biggest topic was the presentation of the current status and the plan for the syndicate sessions in the upcoming days for the development of the STANAG 4701 (AEP-66 Ed B) The focus was on the way ahead, how the five (5) established tiger teams must coordinate and harmonize their work. This meeting was the first one, where all tiger teams were sufficiently manned with leaders and participating members from the Nations.

The third big topic of this meeting was the development of a standard for NATO Test Operating Procedures (NTOP). This new standard on NTOP will consist of 2 parts. Part 1 is already finished, so the syndicate could concentrate in this meeting on the Part 2.

In conclusion, the meeting was highly successful. The DIMP progressed in a conducive working atmosphere in both the JCBRN Defence COE and at the Orea Hotel Voroněž in BRNO.

Next DIMP meeting

The Autumn 2019 DIMP meeting will take place in the wonderful location of the National Defence Academy in Vienna from the 29th to the 31st October 2019. Once again the agenda is expected to be full, as it was on this ocassion. The DIMP will continue its hard work of the revision of the STANAG 4701 (AEP-66 Ed B) and the development of a standard for NATO Test Operating Procedures (NTOP).

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Author nad Photos: LTC Roman LAIMER, (AUT-A) and Ms Lucie ŠENKOVÁ