Presented by Ms J. Wilson at the 10th International lessons Learned Conference (10ILLC) dated 18 May 17.
With Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, NATO’s operational and tactical exercise tempo significantly increased. To improve the realism of these exercises and foster a Comprehensive Approach to operations, in 2013, the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) located in Hohenfels, Germany, created an Operational Environment (OE) team. Overseen by a senior Interagency civilian, the OE Team supports the fulfillment of rotational unit training objectives by ensuring scenarios are realistic, complex, and dynamic; rotational units are trained in Stability and Civil-Military Operations; and that Joint, Intergovernmental, Interagency and Multinational (JIIM) role-players who support exercises are prepared and fully integrated into the training environment. This presentation will share observations and practices from the OE Team. The presentation will cover: The functions (scenario development, education and training of rotational units in stability and civilian-military operations, integration of social media), composition (civilian contractors), and purpose. As New Zealand continues to increase its joint training capabilities,
its Defense Forces will understand the importance of understanding the OE and integrating civilian entities into its operations. This timely presentation provides insight into how the OE Team at JMRC effectively facilitates training and readiness.
