Branch Head Cyber Defence
As the Branch Head Cyber Defence, I have been involved in many exercises, supported the Ukraine crisis, and been involved in operationalising the new domains of Cyberspace and Space within the NATO Alliance. I have travelled throughout Europe on training events and to meetings, enjoyed living in the Netherlands and made many new international friends. We are all encouraged to take on additional roles to assist with the community.
I have taken a turn as the Senior British Army Officer which is Commanding Officer for the Army cohort. This has provided some great experiences such as attending several liberation and remembrance events which happen around this once occupied country. Outside of work, I have kept up my skiing through membership of the British Ski Club. This is run by the British community here which gives fantastic access to the large indoor snow slope at Snowworld Landgraaf. Sailing is offered through the NATO Tri-Border Sailing Club which sails at Roermond; both clubs charge a modest annual fee for which you get access to the slope, boats and all equipment. These are just two of the many clubs available to all who serve here and their families.
International Four Day Marches By Corporal Afua Aponsa
E2 Job Opportunity within the Intelligence Division (J2) in Joint Force Command Brunssum By Staff Sergeant Sandra Hislop
It’s been a very busy and interesting first year of my assignment to the Netherlands as a Staff Assistant within the J2 Collation section where I primarily work on Battle Space Objects.
Not long after my arrival the Ukraine crisis happened, and the operational tempo of the Headquarters increased on daily basis. Having had no J2 experience I had to absorb and digest information for my new job quickly. I attended numerous courses run internally and several externally, these included the Intelligence Course and the Intelligence Processing Course at the NATO School in Oberammergau, Germany.
My job entails some duty travel which has so far taken me to Air Command in Ramstein, Germany, Joint Force Command Naples, Italy, Headquarters Multinational Corps Northeast in Sczecin, Poland and the Multi National Joint Warfare Centre in Istanbul, Turkiye.
My secondary roles include Service Funds Cashier, British Community Club Bar Manager and Mess Committee Member.
There are also plenty of social events throughout the year to make new friends and the opportunity to learn more about the different cultures of 30 nations. A swimming pool, gym, arts and crafts centre are just a few of the facilities available on camp.
This year I had the opportunity to participate in the Nijmegen International Four Day Marches which is the largest multi- day march. It is held annually in Nijmegen, Netherlands, to promote physical activity. Depending on age and gender, competitors walk 30, 40, or 50 kilometres per day and on successful completion are presented with a medal authorised by Dutch Royalty. For males 18 to 49, the marching weight is mandatory; for women, it’s optional. Military contestants must go 40 kilometres in uniform and carrying 10 kilos. In February, I started training for this event and in April I marched 8 times completing 40 kilometres each time with the NATO marching team. Due to the arduous nature of the training not all personnel made it to race day. The training was arguably more difficult than the march! Due to extreme heat the first day of the marches were cancelled but on day two we finally set off at 0300 hours. On this day we marched through Wijchen where the locals had come out in force cheering us on, this made the day go quicker and boosted our spirits. Day three started with a chilly morning stroll through waterways. We walked seven Groesbeek hills in the pouring rain and the final day brought cold wind and cloud cover. We finished the march escorted by a pipe and drum band along the Gladiola with national flags.
Taking part in a Nijmegen march is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will bring you closer to your fellow marchers, introduce you to the great Dutch culture, and create connections that will last a lifetime. Marches foster dedication, collaboration, resilience, fortitude, and bravery since each day provides a new obstacle.
56 AGC JOURNAL 2022
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