Training troops to face new security threats

A number of military exercises are currently being run by NATO to train troops in conducting multinational operations based on scenarios related to today's new security threats. They include ARRCADE Fusion 2002, Cannon Cloud 2002 and Bright Future.

ARRCADE Fusion 2002 is being conducted by the Headquarters Allied Command Europe Rapid Reaction Corps (HQ ARRC) from 4 to 15 November to exercise the HQ in developing war-fighting effectiveness at different command levels and refine HQ deployment procedures. HQ ARRC was formed in 1992 and is trained to be at a permanent state of readiness to deploy when it is needed by NATO.

Cannon Cloud 2002 is being held in Germany from 1-15 November around an Article 5 scenario, i.e., a scenario that involves planning and conducting joint operations for a collective defence situation. The exercise comes under the command of Allied Forces North Europe (AFNORTH) based in Brunssum, the Netherlands.

Bright Future, for its part, is a biennial naval cooperation and guidance for shipping exercise that is focusing on naval control of shipping. It is being held from 5 to 11 November and is organised by COMNAVNORTH in Northwood, United Kingdom. The participation of the merchant navy is being simulated.