Commander-designate of NATO Mission Iraq announced


Canada's Department of National Defence announced on Wednesday (22 August 2018) that Major-General Dany Fortin has been selected to lead the new NATO Mission Iraq. Launched at the Brussels Summit in July, the mission builds on NATO's efforts to train the Iraqi forces as they work to prevent the re-emergence of ISIS and other terrorist groups. Led by Canada, NATO's non-combat mission will include hundreds of trainers, and will also involve setting up military schools to increase the professionalism of the Iraqi forces.



Allies to receive first shipment of Precision Guided Munitions acquired through NATO

Today (22 August 2018), the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) received the first lot of Precision Guided Munitions (PGMs) acquired through a NATO project involving 11 Allies and one NATO partner.



NATO and Japan conduct exercise in the Baltic Sea

Naval forces from Standing NATO Maritime Group One conducted a passing exercise with a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force squadron in the Baltic Sea on Tuesday (21 August 2018). NATO ships sailed alongside cadet training vessel JS Kashima and destroyer JS Makinami for the drills.




Marines advise Afghan partners in Sangin

U.S. Marine Corps advisors with Task Force Southwest and Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers with 2nd Brigade, Afghan National Army 215th Corps, partnered for an advisory mission at Camp Nolay in Sangin district, August 1-16. (Courtesy of Resolute Support Mission)




Belgium and Germany to take over NATO's Baltic Air Policing

The 48th rotation of detachments contributing to NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission is imminent. From September 2018, the Belgian Air Force will take the lead over the mission at Šiauliai, Lithuania, while the German Air Force will augment out of Ämari, Estonia. (Courtesy of Allied Air Command)




The Czech Army Scouts


Ground surveillance operators can spend many days out in the field, without re-supply. Equipped with numerous observation devices, these specialists are trained to gather what information they can on the enemy.