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THE JOINT EXPEDITIONARY FORCE NEWSLETTER
from the Standing Joint Force Headquarters (SJFHQ) in London
September 2024
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Mrs Joanne Hamer, MBE, Head of Euro-Atlantic Security Policy - UK Ministry of Defence | |
From Strength to Strength
-The last 10 years of JEF have witnessed many achievements
This month’s JEF Newsletter marks a very special edition, with the JEF having reached a celebrated 10-year milestone. Born following the NATO summit in Wales in September 2014, the JEF has gone from strength to strength since its inception, demonstrating a binding security alliance with 10 close-knit and liked-minded nations.
The last 10 years of JEF have witnessed many achievements, from 2015 where JEF nations signed a Foundation Memorandum of Understanding in London, signalling the JEF at Initial Operating Capability, to 2017 where we welcomed Sweden and Finland to join the JEF grouping, and 2021 which saw Iceland being the latest addition to the JEF fold. The last two years in particular, have seen the JEF really come of age. We have enjoyed regular JEF Leaders, Defence Ministers, NSAs, and DPD events, alongside a series of working groups all achieving incredibly impressive things. We have published a joint vision statement and endorsed a series of JEF Response Options and have already seen one activated in JRO, and an evolution of this deployment in NORDIC WARDEN. We have proven ourselves a credible fighting force, a robust deterrent against hybrid threats and a strong player in Euro-Atlantic security.
We have demonstrated a continued commitment to Ukraine, both as a group of like-minded nations evidenced through all JEF nations having now signed our own bilateral security agreements with Ukraine, but also under the JEF banner with the invitation for Ukraine to observe JOINT PROTECTOR this November. I am positive this development will signify a strong step forward in the JEF/Ukraine relationship as we continue to demonstrate support both individually and a collective.
It has been a busy year, and a busy 10 years leading up to this point, however we still have much to look forward to. As we look ahead to the future, we will continue to build upon the successes enjoyed by the JEF and our allied nations, and further build upon these partnerships to better enhance our interoperability and develop our shared understanding of national security threats.
I want to thank you all for your continued hard work in getting the JEF to where it is today. The JEF truly is a demonstrable example of how together, we are greater than the sums of our individual parts. I look forward to exploring how the JEF can further develop, alongside our close colleagues and partners, and am certain the next 10 years will be just as successful for the JEF and our allied nations.
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Joint Expeditionary Force’s Ten Year Anniversary video featuring Standing Joint Force Commander Maj Gen Bateman. Please click on the image above to play the video from the JEF LinkedIn page. | |
H.E. Mrs. Ivita Burmistre, Latvian Ambassador to The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (from 2020 to 2024) | |
Excellent Forum of Like-Minded Nations
- Latvian Ambassador on Joint Protector 24
I’m one of those very fortunate Latvians who can call westernmost Latvia – also known as Kurzeme or Courland – my home.
Blessed with gorgeous Baltic Sea coastline, dotted with ancient fishing villages, and scores of scenic Hanseatic medieval towns – by now almost all hosts to vibrant tourism, trading, or hi-tech enterprises. All engaged in active social, cultural and business transactions with similar counterparts across Baltic and North Sea. As they have normally been doing for better part of last millennia.
All of this we had to rebuild after five decades of not-so-distant military occupation by Soviet Russia, which is still very vividly present in our collective national memory, and associated with exactly the same barbaric depravations we can currently observe being inflicted onto Ukrainian people by Putin’s Russia today.
Combined experience of these extreme opposites also positions me among those very proud Latvians who can appreciate Courland’s largest port city – Liepāja (or Libau, as it was once known to our historic German compatriot community) – now being home to some of the most significant Latvian National Armed Forces installations, and major host to the large upcoming Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) regional military exercise this fall.
Given such historical perspectives and being one of the JEF’s founding participants, Latvia sees immense value in various formats specifically designed to enhance regional security cooperation. Especially where this can be achieved utilizing and complementing already existing NATO structures, technics and standardized procedures.
In addition to JEF certainly falling under aforementioned category, at the same time we also find that this particular format serves as an excellent forum of like-minded nations in general, given our shared history, positive economic interdependence and inherent interest in uninterrupted stability throughout wider Baltic – Northern Europe region.
This “like-mindedness” could not be better illustrated than by actual real-life examples – our immediate and unwavering support to Ukraine (including virtually no restrictions on actual employment of delivered military aid), our almost universal commitment to NATO’s defence investment goals (for many of us now going well beyond 3% of GDP), and our practical readiness to be the very first responders to the security challenges arising around our own home region (as showcased by JEF’s 2023 deployment to protect Baltic Sea infrastructure).
I’m certain that JEF’s utility for participating nations and our wider European/Transatlantic community is already proven. From here-on we can and have to solidify and expand existing actual capabilities and associated success stories. Constant practical exercise and training is best way, short of actual deployment. Latvia is and will remain happy to do its part.
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Vice Admiral Mike Utley CB OBE Commander of NATO’s Allied Maritime Command | |
Commander Allied Maritime Command
From end of March, Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) and Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) counterparts met at an operational level to share their planned activities in the Baltic to deliver common effects for the security of critical undersea infrastructure. During the planning and execution phase, solid exchange of information was achieved – in person as well in messaging. JEF staff members regularly attended MARCOM’s update briefs. MARCOM – JEF coordination also includes mutual support in respective StratCom activities. Topics of importance included NORDIC WARDEN and JEF coordinating their messaging with respect to it. MARCOM looks forward to continued close coordination in achieving the Alliance’s deterrence and assurance activity.
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Captain Per Edling, Head of the J5 Department at the Swedish Headquarters. | |
JEF Gains More With Sweden in NATO
The JEF remains important for Sweden even after joining NATO. It provides a framework for coordinating capabilities that contribute to deterrence and defence. JEF will continue to be a vital complement within NATO for enhancing security in Northern Europe.
The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) defence cooperation marks its ten-year anniversary. Sweden joined in 2017, and since then, the cooperation has strengthened and become a crucial contributor to security in Northern Europe.
– JEF is a collaboration between ten countries that has achieved a higher level of cooperation in recent years. It is a rapid-response complement to NATO and is led by the United Kingdom, says Commander Per Edling, Head of the J5 (plans) Department at the Swedish Headquarters.
The Benefits Were Demonstrated in 2023
In the fall of 2023, the benefits of the cooperation were demonstrated when ships from the participating countries were quickly deployed to conduct maritime surveillance around critical underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. This was a response to several cables that had been damaged on the seabed of the Baltic Sea. The cooperation has so far had a strong maritime focus.
– The cooperation has become more concrete in recent years. It has evolved from operational studies to operational planning and the execution of operations. The Joint Protector staff exercise is held annually, and in connection with Baltops 24, the JEF activity Nordic Warden took place, says Per Edling.
Partners with Significant Resources
One of the advantages of JEF is that Sweden can receive support with capabilities we currently lack. Several of the countries involved in the cooperation have resources that the Swedish Navy does not possess at the moment.
– This primarily involves ships capable of conducting sea-based air defense on a larger scale. The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom is a blue-water navy with ships that have both high capability and endurance. They can stay at sea for long periods and have significant capacity, says Per Edling.
The British Navy has two aircraft carriers and a wide range of heavy surface combatants such as destroyers and frigates. The navies of the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway also have several frigates capable of air defense and various other tasks.
A Bright Future for the Cooperation
The work to operationalize the JEF cooperation continues. Practically, this means everything from exercising together, sharing a common situational picture, identifying decision-making processes, and everything else required to conduct coordinated operations.
There is also political support for continued cooperation within the Joint Expeditionary Force among the member countries. JEF will continue to play an important role in security and military deterrence in Northern Europe.
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Special Consultant Sune Wadskjær Nielsen, Communication Advisor, Defence Command Denmark. | |
Denmark's 10 Years in the JEF
Denmark was one of the original seven nations to join the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) on September 5, 2014.
In the initial years, JEF's exercise activity focused on the ability to assemble an expeditionary force. In the spring of 2018, approximately 675 Danish soldiers participated in Exercise Joint Warrior in Salisbury, South England. In 2019, part of JEF's large exercise Baltic Protector took place on Danish soil, where British and Dutch soldiers trained in amphibious landings on the west coast of Jutland.
As the security situation in Europe deteriorated due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the JEF focus shifted increasingly towards countering so-called hybrid threats, which were trained in the Joint Protector exercises. Denmark hosted Exercise Joint Protector in November 2022. The JEF HQ was established in Nymindegablejeren near the west coast, where staff officers from all JEF countries trained in crisis management in the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, and the area north of the Arctic Circle. For Denmark, it was important training in host nation support and also provided valuable insight into operating and participating in an operational headquarters.
On October 7, 2023, two JEF countries were hit by a serious incident when the Baltic Connector gas pipeline between Estonia and Finland was damaged. This has led the JEF countries to carry out two JEF Response Options with measures to strengthen the surveillance of underwater critical infrastructure. Denmark is well-positioned to support surveillance of sea areas with underwater critical infrastructure, as maritime surveillance of the very busy Danish waters is a high priority.
The diverse activities that Denmark has participated in over the 10 years as a JEF nation show that the JEF cooperation has continuously adapted to the countries' security challenges and opportunities to complement NATO.
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NATO Foreign Ministers at the Wales Summit in 2014 when JEF was launched as a NATO Framework Nation Concept. | |
Opinion from Senior Research Fellow for European Security at RUSI
The founding intent for the JEF was to develop a formidable military force within Europe. After a decade of development, it unarguably is.
Since 2014, the JEF have delivered an average real change defence expenditure increase of 150%, compared to 108% for the rest of European NATO members. In 2024, all members will meet or exceed both the NATO Defence Investment Pledge of 2% of GDP and the guideline of 20% on equipment expenditure as a share of defence expenditure. This increase in funds means that the JEF can operate sophisticated military capabilities – of eleven European Air Forces that operate the F-35, five are JEF members.
The JEF also makes an outsized contribution to addressing European security challenges. As of April 2024, the JEF had collectively donated a total of $56.36 bn USD in economic, military, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, compared to $54.54 USD from the other 19 European NATO members (including the larger economies of Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Poland), or 1.3% of combined GDP, compared to 0.26%.
By NATO’s Washington Summit this year, 17 of the 34 ‘G7 bilateral security agreements’ with Ukraine (committed to following the 2023 NATO Vilnius Summit) had been signed, eight of which are from JEF members – all ahead of the US.
Therefore, the JEF provides both an example and a model for increasing the Europeanisation of NATO.
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Ed Arnold, Senior Research Fellow for European security at Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) | |
Gp Capt Kevin Latchman, ACOS JEF, Director of Communications | |
Reflecting on Two Years of Service: Advancing the JEF
As the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) celebrates a decade since its inception at the NATO Wales Summit in 2014, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey of the past two years. During my tenure, I have seen a period of immense growth and development, marked by significant achievements that have strengthened the JEF’s role as a catalyst for enhanced Euro-Atlantic security cooperation. My approach is underpinned by doctrine and as JEF continues to plot a path of closer integration with NATO, it is appropriate to look at its collective achievements through the four key tenets of NATO doctrine: the behaviour-centric approach; the manoeuvrist approach; the comprehensive approach; and mission command.
Behaviour-centric approach
Military operations are inherently a human business and I have been focused on developing a compelling narrative – telling the story – of what we’ve been up to and how we can help. NATO has been at the heart of this work; JEF’s approach is entirely complementary to the aims and objectives of NATO but our actions must match our words. Throughout this period, I’ve attended over 60 multinational meetings, including 23 where I’ve travelled overseas. These engagements have been vital in strengthening the bonds between our member nations and aligning our collective efforts towards common security goals. The like-mindedness of JEF nations has allowed enduring friendships to develop which have delivered operational success. Moreover, recognizing the importance of digital communication in today’s interconnected world, the launch of the JEFnations website in March 2024, alongside social media channels and a superb newsletter, helped to further the JEF’s influence and engagement.
Manoeuvrist approach
JEF is not a ‘force in being’ and our strength is drawn from working in a collaborative environment. This environment enabled us to bring to life the concept of JEF Response Options (JROs). The current evolution started as an idea in a notebook during the JEF deployment to Nymindegab, Denmark, in November 2022. This concept has resulted in military operations across Northern Europe that now provide political choice in response to crisis. JROs are at the heart of our manoeuvrist approach because they are built on the world-class capabilities of the ten JEF nations, our inherent agility to act and can be used to deter potential aggressors pitting our strengths against potential vulnerabilities to cause dilemmas.
Comprehensive approach
Recognizing the evolving nature of warfare, the JEF was directed to explore the hybrid domain — a critical area that encompasses both conventional and non-conventional threats. The military phrase of Combined Joint Interagency Task Force (CJIATF) was replaced with ‘Platform for Integration’ so it was intelligible to our non-military stakeholders. We aspire to operate seamlessly across various agencies, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive approach to joint operations. We have a way to go but our deployment to Keflavík Airbase, Iceland, in June 2023, known as ASGARD, provided a platform to further refine the JROs, foster intelligence collaboration, and participate in a security forum that brought together key stakeholders from across the JEF nations, Ireland, and NATO, as well as policy think tanks, commentators, and media correspondents. The discussions and outcomes from this deployment have had a lasting impact on our development.
Our focus on contributing to the security of underwater critical infrastructure was particularly notable, as we expanded our capabilities to help protect these vital assets from potential threats during the first ever activation of a JRO in December 2023, and subsequently Nordic Warden 24 in June this year.
Mission command
The Standing Joint Force HQ, where the JEF Operational HQ lives, is a fantastic place to work with enthusiastic hard-working people and a clear mission. But it is only through centralised intent and decentralised execution that JEF has been so successful. The Leadership Team have provided me the freedom to operate, to innovate, and to succeed. In turn, I have trusted my team to get on with it and deliver the goods, whether this is staff work, visits, briefings, or coordinating the messaging associated with a Carrier Strike Group docking in Gothenburg, Sweden in Oct 23. In addition to these operational achievements, I have championed the JEF+ concept, a strategic initiative designed to enhance collaboration with other critical allies. The JEF+ recognised the need for JEF to be transparent and open with allies, partners and friends to see where we could contribute to shared objectives. As well as working with NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS), Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFCNF) and Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), JEF has worked with various US headquarters, such as North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), US Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and US European Command (EUCOM), the Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC), and German Maritime Forces (DEU MARFOR) soon to become Commander Task Force Baltic (CTF-Baltic), amongst others. The operational aspect of JEF+ was evidenced in our support to Global Guardian, where six JEF nations collaborated with the US and Canada in a multi-national exercise demonstrating their readiness to defend Northern European airspace and NATO’s North Atlantic flank. The JEF cohered the strategic narrative between each of the JEF nations involved. For every outcome over the past two years, Mission Command has underpinned every JEF successful outcome.
Conclusion
It has been a tremendous privilege to serve as a JEF ambassador, traveling the world, promoting the JEF, and seeking opportunities for collaboration. Working at the JEF operational headquarters has been a rewarding experience, allowing me to work across defence sectors and meet individuals who are equally committed to safeguarding our way of life and upholding Euro-Atlantic security. All these accomplishments were made possible due to the trust and confidence placed in me by the Standing Joint Force Commanders, both former and current. Their support has been instrumental in enabling me to contribute meaningfully to the JEF’s mission. As I conclude this chapter of my career, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the opportunity to have contributed to the growth and success of the JEF. The progress we have made together over the past two years is a testament to our collective commitment to a safer, more secure future.
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Since its inception in 2012 and official launch in September 2014 under NATO ‘Framework of Nations Concept,’ the JEF has continued to evolve and demonstrate its credibility as both a deterrent and a credible response mechanism for the national defence of participant nations, while being complementary to NATO. Over the years, the JEF has expanded from seven to ten countries and has undertaken several major exercises, including BALTIC PROTECTOR and the JOINT PROTECTOR series. These developments have led to the JEF becoming fully operational under the leadership of the Standing Joint Force Commander at the Standing Joint Force Headquarters (SJFHQ).
In the past two years, the JEF has conducted key activities, alongside its routine training and development programs. The deployment to Iceland in June 2023 saw a rapid development of the JEF Response Options (JROs), followed by the first JRO activation in December which highlighted the JEF’s core strength: the ability to deliver a rapid and credible response to sub-threshold threats. This was further established with the operational deployment of NORDIC WARDEN in June 2024, where JROs continued to be exercised in contributing to the security of underwater critical infrastructure.
Looking ahead, the JEF’s development continues with the signing of a new Collective Memorandum of Understanding (CMOU) later this year, and upcoming exercise JOINT PROTECTOR 24 in Latvia in November and other key activities in 2025.
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Photo from JEF CHODs' meeting in Helsinki last year | |
JEF Chiefs of Defence Convened in Prague
JEF Chiefs of Defence (CHODS) met in the margins of the NATO Military Committee Conference in Prague on 14 September 2024. They discussed the ongoing importance of the JEF and preparation of military advice looking towards the JEF Leaders’ Conference in Tallinn on 16-17 December 24.
The meeting also provided time to introduce the new JEF operational commander, Maj Gen Tom Bateman, who provided the CHODS an outline of how the JEF Joint Protector 24 exercise in Latvia in October – November 2025 will enhance the JEF’s operational HQ’s ability to plan and coordinate multi-domain JEF activity.
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Successful JEF Planning Events at Northwood Headquarters
Representatives from all JEF participant nations met last week at Northwood, UK, to attend the Planning and Alignment working group. The focus was on identifying opportunities and planning for JEF activities taking place in the coming 4 years. There were productive discussions and notable contributions made to improve and refine the current activity program. A possible campaign approach was introduced to further enhancing the JEF operational framework. Following the working group meeting, the initial planning conference took place for a significant JEF live exercise to be held in Northern Europe in 2025.
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JEF 10 Year Anniversary Celebration
Major General Tom Bateman, Standing Joint Force Commander (SJFC), hosted a reception at Northwood Headquarters last week to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).
Friends and colleagues from across the JEF community were in attendance, including Defence Attachés from JEF nations based in London, representatives from the JEF nations involved in planning events, as well as representatives from NATO's Allied Maritime Command, academics, industry specialists and other distinguished guests.
The event was a resounding success. Major General Bateman delivered a welcome address, reflecting on the evolution of the JEF's defence framework over the past decade. He underscored the JEF’s dual role as both a platform for integration and a dynamic collaborative military force and shared his vision for the future of the JEF’s operationalisation.
Sir Laurie Bristow, a distinguished British diplomat, followed with a speech that offered a historical perspective on the current security landscape and a comprehension of recent geopolitical events to assess possible future trajectories.
Drawing from his experience as the former UK Ambassador to Afghanistan during the fall of Kabul and as Ambassador to Russia from 2016 to 2020, Sir Bristow provided valuable insights into the Euro-Atlantic security situation.
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Standing Joint Force Commander Maj Gen Tom Bateman | |
Photos courtesy of NATO Public Affairs | |
A Successful NATO Communicators Conference in Berlin
JEF had representation at the 2024 NATO Communicators Conference (NCC) in Berlin, which brought together over 450 participants from 33 nations to focus on the importance of strategic communication in today’s complex geopolitical environment. The conference addressed key challenges, such as countering disinformation and navigating the cognitive domain. Notably, Ukrainian representatives shared their experiences in combating Russian information campaigns, emphasizing the power of narratives in conflict.
A key theme was NATO’s increasing focus on the cognitive domain, where influencing perceptions and controlling the flow of information is just as critical as conventional military strength. As adversaries employ misinformation and psychological operations, NATO’s ability to defend against cognitive attacks is essential. The event underscored how strategic communication can act as a force multiplier, helping nations maintain a unified narrative and enhance overall operational effectiveness.
The discussions at the conference resonate strongly with the JEF's emphasis on strategic communications and the importance of shaping and controlling narratives. Like NATO, the JEF recognises that success is often determined by the ability to tell a cohesive story that aligns with shared values and objectives. Strategic communications are critical for reinforcing unity among coalition members and countering adversial narratives, ensuring that our actions are clearly understood and supported by both military and civilian audiences. This alignment reinforces NATO and JEF's focus on the cognitive dimension of warfare.
The NCC 2024 demonstrated NATO’s commitment to addressing these emerging challenges and ensuring its communicative strategies remain agile and adaptive in the face of evolving threats.
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Joint Warrior 2018 - 40 Commando Royal Marines attacking Cilieni village at Sennybridge training area during Exercise Joint Warrior as part of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) exercise | |
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Stenbock House is the official seat of the Government of Estonia.
Photo by Ivar Leidus - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 ee, Wikimedia
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JEF Leaders Will Convene in Tallinn
This December, Estonia will host the JEF Leaders’ Summit, with discussions focused on strengthening regional security and enhancing cooperation within the JEF framework.
"The JEF summit in Tallinn will bring the security of our region into focus," said Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, highlighting that leaders will set out new plans to adapt JEF activities to the changing security landscape.
“The JEF plays an important role in the deterrence and defence posture of the Baltic Sea region, and the joint response options developed under the JEF are complementary to the activities of NATO.” Michal added, stressing the importance of joint exercises to maintain readiness.
The summit will be held in Tallinn on 16–17 December, following previous summits in Sweden and Latvia.
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A Transformational Experience
- Representing Iceland at the JEF Operational Headquarters
As we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), it is appropriate for the editor of the newsletter to put few words on paper.
Ten international officers represent the nine participant nations at the JEF operational headquarters in London, in addition to an assistant chief of staff contributed by the Netherlands. We all play integral roles in the operation of the JEF, working with close to hundred staff members contributed by the UK, which serves as the framework nation.
I have the unique opportunity to represent Iceland at the JEF operational headquarters in London as a StratCom Advisor, a role that has been both challenging and rewarding. For a diplomat entering a military headquarters, the learning curve is steep, to say the least. The sheer volume of new concepts, acronyms, procedures, and the challenge of navigating the organizational structure are initially overwhelming. However, the past two years have been an exceptional learning experience and a profound privilege, allowing me to represent my nation in an environment that offers unparalleled insights and opportunities.
For a nation like Iceland, which does not have its own armed forces, joining a British operational military headquarters is of great significance. In Iceland, our defence is managed by the Directorate of Defence within the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, as we do not have a dedicated Ministry of Defence. Our security policy is built on two main pillars: the bilateral defence agreement with the United States from 1951 and our membership of NATO, where Iceland is a founding member. Additionally, we maintain bilateral agreements with several allies, including the United Kingdom, and participate in other defence mechanisms such as NORDEFCO and the Northern Group.
The decision for Iceland to join the JEF was the result of focused discussions and outreach following JEF's growing interest in the North Atlantic and the High North. This led to Iceland officially joining the JEF in April 2021, marking a significant step in our defence collaboration. I was then posted to the headquarters in the summer of 2022. Joining at a time when the global security situation had deteriorated significantly has amplified the importance and intensity of this experience, making our contributions to the JEF more significant.
One of the most important milestones in this collaboration occurred during the ASGARD 23 deployment to Keflavík Airbase, Iceland, in June 2023. This large-scale operation involved the relocation of 150 staff members from the UK Armed Forces to Iceland, as well as the participation of around 100 officers, diplomats, and specialists from the participant nations. Contributing to the planning and execution of a deployment of this magnitude was no small feat. It was a challenging endeavour, but one that was equally rewarding, particularly to get an opportunity to introduce my country and our culture to my colleagues, from warm rivers and volcanoes to Icelandic culinary treats like the infamous fermented shark.
In the past two years, the JEF has rapidly evolved in response to the changing security environment, with significant developments in its response options (JROs). This evolution has been marked by numerous deployments and working trips, including visits to NATO headquarters, which have collectively made this experience unique and deeply enriching. The speed and agility with which the JEF has adapted to new challenges highlight the importance of our collective efforts in maintaining regional security.
In my capacity as a StratCom Advisor, I have had the privilege of collaborating with colleagues at the headquarters and from across the JEF region. My appointment as co-chair of the JEF Strategic Effects Working Group (SEWG) has been a particularly noteworthy aspect of my tenure. The SEWG is responsible for cohering StratCom across the JEF nations and providing strategic guidance to the headquarters. In this role, I have worked closely with representatives from all JEF nations, particularly the UK MOD's Military Strategic Effects Directorate, which leads the working group's efforts, contributing to the strategic development of JEF StratCom. I have also had the great privilege of working closely with colleagues at the UK MOD's Security Policy Office and the Defence Directorate of Communications. As I reflect on my experience and the coming year at the headquarters, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude in the strong bonds that have been forged on this journey.
Finally, I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to pay a tribute to Gp Capt Kevin Latchman, ACOS JEF within the operational headquarters, who is moving on this September. His leadership has been instrumental in the successful development of JEF StratCom, so much that he has become an icon in the JEF community, often referred to as “the JEF Ambassador”. Our close collaboration has been one of the highlights of my time at the headquarters. On behalf of all of the international officers from the JEF participant nations within the JEF branch, I would like to thank Kevin for his tireless dedication and contribution to the JEF over the past two years and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
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Jón Einar Sverrisson, StratCom Advisor and Iceland's Liaison Officer at JEF operational headquarters (SJFHQ) in London | International Officers are members of the JEF branch at the operational headquarters. Here with ACOS JEF Gp Capt Kevin Latchman | JEF StratCom workshop in Tallinn, Estonia | JEF StratCom workshop in Helsinki, Finland | Planning and alignment working group meeting in Stockholm, Sweden | With DHM Mrs Johanna Jonsdottir and Ambassador of Iceland Mr Sturla Sigurjonsson, at Buckingham Palace Garden Party | With Icelandic StratCom Advisors Ms Helena Ros Sturludottir and Mr Asgeir Erlendsson | With Gp Capt Kevin Latchman | |
Upcoming JEF events and activities | |
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The JEF OF5 Steering Group meets in Vilnius, Lithuania in September.
JEF Activities:
Ex NAMEJS 24 is a Latvian National Armed Forces. Military exercise with the aim of testing the Latvian National Defence Plan (NDP) independently and within the collective defence system and transition to a NATO Article 5 scenario. Ex period 29 September to 9 October.
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Joint Protector 24 is a deployment of the JEF Operational Headquarters (SJFHQ) to Latvia which provides and opportunity to Train the modernised and dispersed JEF OHQ as a Joint Task Force Headquarters in the planning and conduct of JEF Response Options (JROs).
This is to deter and constrain potential adversaries, reassure allies and partners, and set the conditions for transition to NATO Article V. Period 27 October to 14 November.
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The Standing Joint Force Headquarters (SJFHQ) in London operates the Joint Expeditionary Force, as UK is the framework nation | |
About the JEF
The Joint Expeditionary Force was formally launched as a NATO initiative at the September 2014 Wales Summit, under the then new “Framework Nations Concept”.
The JEF is a framework of ten like-minded Northern European nations focused on mutual support and cooperation. By collaborating, training, and operating together, JEF enhances collective capability and develops interoperability. In turn, through persistent activity and signature exercises, the JEF demonstrates its readiness to act as a collective and whilst being prepared to support NATO as the ultimate security guarantor for the region.
The JEF Participant Nations are: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK which is the Framework Nation.
All ten JEF Participant Nations are also members of NATO, with Sweden as the most recent Member State.
All JEF Participant Nations have a Liaison Officer embedded into the Standing Joint Force Headquarters in Northwood, London.
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Norwegian Navy HNoMS Steil (P963), a stealth Skjold Class corvette is tracked by a 847 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) Wildcat AH1 (left), and 20 NAS Merlin Mk2 during a JEF Surface Exercise in Norway in September 2023 | |
Follow JEF on Social Media | | |
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Copyright Disclaimer: Unless specified, photos published in this newsletter have either been provided by the JEF participant nations' Governments, are available under the terms of the Open Government License, have previously been published on JEFNations Social Media channels, and/or fall under the UK MOD © Crown copyright 2023, published on UK Defence Imagery.
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