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       Responding to a request by Allied Command Operations (ACO), Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate the Joint CBRN Defence Centre of Excellence (JCBRN Defence COE) hosted a workshop designed to facilitate revision of the Combined Joint – CBRN Defence Task Force (CJCBRN - TF) CONOPS from 3 to 4 April 2012 in Vyskov, Czech Republic.  Subject Matter Experts from several NATO commands and representatives from many NATO nations critical to the generation of the TF attended the meeting focused on identifying shortfalls in the current CONOPS and offering proposals to eliminate or mitigate any identified capability gaps for inclusion into the next version of the document.

      Workshop attendees worked on an ambitious timeline to address specific issues highlighted by IMS tasker 0048.  All representatives provided informed inputs based on current NATO policies as well as the impending changes in the NATO Command Structure (NCS).  Additionally the JCBRN Def COE experts offered advice on relevant training issues pertaining to the CBRN Joint Advisory Team (CBRN JAT). Proper sequencing and the taught organization of the work schedule ensured continuity in both the lively discussions and drafting of the new concept that will be sent out for staffing and be fully developed in second and third quarter of 2012.

      This meeting demonstrated the significance of “horizontal cooperation” at the working level.  The Joint CBRN Def COE again provided support to ACO based on its program of work and honored a time sensitive request from the operational component of NATO.  In addition, this meeting provides an example of how the JCBRN Def COE bridges the gap between the operational and transformational aspects of NATO.

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Author and photos: MAJ Karel Vydra