Representing the highest leadership across all NATO commands, more
than 20 participants started exercise ‘Steadfast Pinnacle’ on Monday, 22
September 2014 in Riga, Latvia.
With the successful completion of the ISAF Mission in
Afghanistan and the introduction of the Combined Forces Initiative, NATO
had developed a comprehensive training programme with a view to
concentrating on capability, through progressive exercises and regular
assessment. Exercise ‘Steadfast Pinnacle’ already featured in that
programme but its importance is even more necessary in light of the
Russian/Ukraine Crisis.
"The
crisis in Ukraine leads us back to the basics of collective security,
and it is no secret that the geographical positioning of the Baltic
States poses challenges to these collective tasks” stated Lieutenant
General Raimonds Graube, Latvian Chief of Defence (CHoD).
While the situation in Eastern Europe has changed dramatically
over the past few months, the majority of public opinion has turned
towards NATO believing that the Alliance is still essential to their
security. "This clear support for NATO’s efforts means that thus far the
Alliance has been successful in meeting public expectations”, he added.
General
Sir Adrian Bradshaw, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR),
considered these series of exercises extremely valuable in this
thought-provoking time for NATO...
"The last decade and a half have seen our forces on operations
and to be continually trained and prepared’’, General Bradshaw stated.
"One of our challenges is to now refresh and rebuild the spectrum of
deterrence, very effectively, and exploit the windows of opportunities
and our collective response to large scale movements”.He especially
thanked the EU senior representative for joining the exercises and for
their comprehensive approach. EU cooperation with planning and
preparation is fundamental and would hugely support current and emerging
NATO operations and planning processes.
During an interview with Latvian TV DSACEUR also expressed NATO’s
gratitude to Latvia which has been a valued contributor to the
Alliance. In particular Latvian support and commitment to NATO’s
training goals.
