IZMIR - Exercise of NATO Response Force (NRF) started at Doganbey Military Training Range in Aegean Izmir province on Thursday.
Allied Respose-03 Exercise which is hosted by Turkey will illustrate selected aspects and capabilities of NRF in a field training exercise scenario portraying a United Nations mandate and a NATO-led Crisis Response Operation beyond NATO's Area of Responsibility.
A 90-minute demonstration will lead the spectators through a fictitious scenario of a major political conflict. According to this scenario, a conflict will occur between neighbor countries on an island. Under the decision of the U.N. Security Council, NRF is sent to this island which is beyond its area of responsibility. Rebels attack U.N. building according to the scenario. Representatives of NATO meet with administrators of the countries. Then, units which land on the island evacuate civilians taking the region under control.
Genuine ammunition is not used in the exercise. Video-clips presented on large screens and live demonstrations will reflect future possible NRF operations and related processes.
The 66th Armored Brigade Headquarters is representing Turkey in the exercise. Land, air, and naval elements from Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Norway, Spain, Turkey, Poland, and the United Kingdom are participating in the exercise.
Besides Chief of General Staff Hilmi Ozkok, Supreme Allied Commander in Europe General James L. Jones, and Commander-in-Chief Allied Forces North General Sir Jack Deverell, who is the first NRF commander, defense ministers and chief of general staffs of some NATO member countries, NATO representatives and commanders will watch the exercise.
The role of the NRF is to provide an integrated and fully interoperable sea, land and air capability, under one command, wherever the North Atlantic Council requires, to prevent conflict or threat from escalating into a wider dispute.
Turkey will lead the land units of the NRF during the formation stage which will continue till summer of 2004.
Training and exercises will be held within this period to improve cooperation. Turkey will make significant unit and personnel contribution to naval and air forces of the NRF.
(BRC-AÖ) 20.11.2003