Multinational Medical Coordination Centre/ European Medical Command is operational

In the library of the Army War College of the Spanish Armed Forces, the Surgeon Generals of the participating nations present signed the joint Full Operational Capability (FOCFull Operational Capability) declaration.

Since the Initial Operational Capability (IOCInitial Operational Capability) declaration in September 2019, when the first operational readiness was established, the number of participating nations had increased from 14 to 18. "It is important that together we strengthen the NATO and EU medical services and work together with the MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command to further develop the multinational medical community."-Senior Surgeon General Dr. Ulrich Baumgärtner.

In his speech of appreciation, the Surgeon General of the Bundeswehr Medical Service also addressed the audience with words of appeal, thanking them for their great support over the past years and pointing out what had already been achieved.

Germany had declared its willingness to take on a leading role in the so-called "Framework Nations Concept (FNCFramework Nations Concept)" of NATO and the "Permanent Structural Cooperation" (PESCOPermanent Structured Cooperation) of the EU in terms of medical service support and to make its capabilities available to Europe for the further development of all participating nations.

An intensive, demanding, but also common path

The Director of the MMC/EMCEuropean Medical Command, Brigadier General Dr. Stefan Kowitz, also briefly described once again "the very busy and challenging path" that had been taken to get here. "In the light of the current security challenges, multinational cohesion is all the most important. The FOCFull Operational Capability Declaration is a symbol of the will to cooperate and integrate the medical services". This development process was not only very sporting in terms of time, but also extraordinary in its demands. Special challenges in the last two and a half years were the creation of conceptual, infrastructural and organisational foundations, the increase in personnel as well as the development of the Programme of Work combined with the implementation of many demanding projects. In addition, the necessary positioning of the MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command in NATO and the EU as well as the development of important contacts and the establishment of a civil-military network under difficult COVID 19 conditions was of vital importance.

Projects for EU, NATO and partner nations

The FOCFull Operational Capability Declaration is important in two respects: on the one hand, to document what has been achieved and, on the other, to show what the MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command stands for. The Mission Statement states that the MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command focuses its activities on three main areas for the benefit of the nations, NATO and the EU: Preparation of operational engagements, Operational readiness of medical C3 and organisations and Support of operational engagements of the participating nations. This orientation sets a clear framework and grants the necessary flexibility to react to new developments.

Thus, the participating nations benefit directly from the projects and developments of the multinational coordination element. Projects are commissioned and accompanied directly by the participating nations or by NATO and the EU. As a multinational service provider, the innovative cooperation project of NATO and the EU is also responsible for supporting individual countries in medical issues and acts here at the same time as a civil-military link. Currently, representatives of seven nations work together on a permanent basis in the MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command. The United States has established a liaison element.

Situation Centre and wargaming expertise are core competencies

In the field of wargaming, the MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command has been able to establish itself with numerous references as a permanent planning and advisory element in the international network as a unique specialist. Likewise, the established Situation Centre is the hub and interface for the coordination services of the MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command. By pooling all the capabilities of the MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command and its network of experts, it is intended to respond quickly to the needs of individual member nations or NATO and EU institutions.

Lighthouse project as a bridge between NATO and the EU

As an agile and flexible project-driven service, the MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command is always ready to fulfil missions for its partner nations and for the responsible institutions of NATO and the EU. Currently, the MMCCMultinational Medical Coordination Centre/EMCEuropean Medical Command is acting as a link between civilian and military services of the EU and NATO in the area of support for the evacuation of Ukrainian wounded and sick. This lighthouse project is intended to improve cooperation between the capabilities of the NATO and EU medical services involved.

by Rico Maderthoner