Baltic NATO headquarters moving towards important coordinating role
Headquarters Multinational Division North seem more relevant than ever and the newest NATO headquarters in the Baltic area is already deeply involved in regional NATO activities
As the security political situation in the Baltic area develops so does NATOs focus on, and engagement in the region. From a strong but limited presence, primarily in the shape of eFP units (enhanced Forward Presence) and some coordinating functions, NATO has moved on to being a permanent and highly credible factor in creating deterrence, stability and peace in the Baltic countries.
A new and important player in the NATO presence is Headquarters Multinational Division North (MND N). The Headquarters is part of the NATO force structure and based near Riga in Latvia and in Slagelse in Denmark. It is primarily staffed by Latvia, Estonia and Denmark (the so called framework nations) but also Canada, Lithuania, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, France and Italy are already contributing or planning to contribute staff as the Headquarters develop. Presently MND N fields staff from more than 10 different nations. Military and civilian as well as permanent staff and reservists.
During 2022 Headquarters Multinational Division North will continue to develop its organization and capabilities. By 2023 the Headquarters will be certified by NATO and fully enter the regional NATO Force structures as a key NATO asset in the Baltic area.
The tasks will range from facilitating training and exercises in the region to coordination and all the way from deterrence to full scale defensive activities if the Baltic countries are threatened or attacked. This means that the Headquarters is organized to be able to scale up its presence and capacity if a crisis develops.
The peacetime manning will during tension, crisis and conflict be reinforced with at crisi establishment in a very short time. The headquarters is supported by a multinational Command Support Battalion.
Already during 2022 Headquarters Multinational Division North will host a series of exercises, training sessions and other coordinating functions for its staff and a number of regional brigades. Focus will be on developing skills and capability at all levels. From the individual staff member to Headquarters ability to manage and coordinate large scale military operations in the Baltic area.
2022 will also see Headquarters Multinational Division North increase its cooperation and coordination with its regional higher headquarters MNC NE (Multinational Corps North East) in Szczecin in Poland and most other NATO units in the MND N area of operations.
One of the strengths of the new headquarters is the multinational approach to multiple tasks. After the NATO missions in the Balkans, Afghanistan and other conflict zones all three frameworknations behind the Headquarters - Latvia, Estonia and Denmark - have considerable experience in international operations and cooperation. From the individual infantry company to the strategical perspectives. Continuing the integration of the MND N multinational staff in the headquarters bases in Latvia and Denmark is thus a key task as the NATO headquarters moves into the final phase of buildup and towards becoming an important part of the regional NATO Force structure.