On 14th Nov MCCE conducted an engagement visit to the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command in Tampere, Finland.
The team was led by the Director and supported by Chief Operations, the respective Cell Chiefs from Air-to-Air Refuelling and Sea Transportation, and Deputy Air Transportation Cell.
We were superbly hosted by the Commander of the Logistics Command and his wider team including the NMCC Commander and SMEs, many of whom we enjoy regular contact with at the Ops level.
The team enjoyed a full day of reciprocal briefings and detailed discussions with our Finnish colleagues.
Whilst we paused for an excellent lunch and coffee it was an opportunity to really delve deeper into many of the opportunities for Finland to use the network both as a provider, requester, and HNS.
Our Finnish colleagues provided briefings regarding the current Operational activity for their Defence Forces and highlighted the support requirements for their numerous international troop deployments.
Other topics of note included the changes to the Finnish Defence Logistics Command and the various responsibilities for Crisis Administration.
Geography, as for many of our Participant Nations, plays a significant role in planning for Finnish operations and Sea Transportation is a vital mode for deployments, military and civilian sustainment and as a troop receiving nation.
We also discussed the relative ease for Border crossing arrangements between the Scandinavian states, which could be used as Best Practice in other AORs.
The Finnish staff officers were keen to note the value of MCCE in providing easy access to their counterparts in many nations and the personal relationships and resulting trust that comes from participation in our various forums, especially the Working Boards and Operations meetings.
This was a fantastic opportunity for some dedicated time to cement the mutual trust between our organisations and explore future opportunities.
We are grateful for the excellent hosting and the time spent together.
