The first Combined Joint Staff Exercise Joint Resolve 2019 conducted by the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) and the War Studies University (WSU) in Warsaw, Poland is half-way complete.

During the first phase of the exercise, the students of the BALTDEFCOL and the WSU spent long hours working on operational planning aspects in the Baltic Sea region. Under the watchful eye of senior mentors, head teachers and various subject matter experts, the students generated and planned possible responses and solutions to the growing political and military crisis that is threatening to evolve into an open armed conflict.

At this point, the students have already delivered a decision brief to the Joint Force Commander and received direction and guidance from him. The next step ahead is the development of concept of operations and preparation for the hand over-takeover.

During the Distinguished Visitors’ Day on 16th of May, several high-level guests from participating countries, including Ambassadors, Commanders and Commandants, visited the exercise site. Commandant of the BALTDEFCOL, MG Andis Dilāns, stressed the importance of exercise Joint Resolve 2019 as a common effort to educate senior staff officers for future national or multinational assignments at the operational level. He is proud and pleased with the results the two professional military education institutions have achieved in a relatively short period of time.

MG Dilāns also expressed his gratitude to the WSU for their superb host nation support and assistance in conducting the exercise, and thanked the senior mentors, officers conducting the exercise and all subject matter experts for their hard work and dedication.

Starting on Monday, 20th of May, the exercise will enter into the execution phase. During this phase, the students will use a computer assisted simulation system to face operational challenges and act in different roles within joint headquarters environment.