NATO-TV

U.S. Army NATO Brigade conducted Combatives Level 2 training from Feb. 28 to March 11.

The 366th Fighter Wing and Republic of Singapore Air Force ground crews prepare for daily operations during Red Flag-Nellis 22-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, 10, 2022. The 366th Fighter Wing is one of 14 participants from across the coalition core function forces training in Red Flag-Nellis 22-2. Coalition partners from Saudi and Singapore provide mutually beneficial educational and operational opportunities while promoting long-term relationships with future international military. Red Flag 22-2 will concentrate on three primary themes; defensive counter air, offensive counter air suppression of enemy air defenses, and offensive counter air-air interdiction.

Two F-15EX Eagle II aircraft conducted Integrated Operational Test and Evaluation training at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Oct. 18-25, 2021.

Norwegians are well-practised in making camps in cold weather. Here Private Sondre Guerdalen from the Norwegian Army’s 1st Armoured Battalion reveals how he and his unit build a camp to deal with the freezing cold temperatures.

Footage includes various shots of Private Sondre Guerdalen giving a tour of his camp. Please note that footage does not include typical COVID-19 precautions because filming took place before the pandemic.

Command Sergeant Major Brian Hester, U.S. Army Central’s Senior Enlisted Advisor, and leaders from USARCENT discuss the Army People Strategy.
The Army People Strategy describes how we will shift from simply “distributing personnel” to more deliberately managing the talents of our Soldiers and Civilians. This means creating a 21st century talent management system with policies, programs, and processes that recognize and capitalize the unique knowledge, skills, and behaviors possessed by every member of the Army team, allowing us to employ each to maximum effect.

SYNOPSIS

Human rights are fundamental to NATO’s essential and enduring purpose. For over 70 years, NATO has been committed to preserving freedom, justice and peace. Join us today – and everyday – as we celebrate Human Rights Day.

TRANSCRIPT

TEXT ON SCREEN

HUMAN RIGHTS
ARE THE BASIS
FOR FREEDOM
JUSTICE
AND PEACE IN THE WORLD

IN 1949 THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY
PAVED THE WAY FOR THE BIRTH OF NATO
INSPIRING HOPES FOR PEACE, SOLIDARITY
AND THE DEFENCE OF SHARED... read more

SYNOPSIS Human rights are fundamental to NATO’s essential and enduring purpose. For over 70 years, NATO has been committed to preserving freedom, justice and peace. Join us today – and everyday – as we celebrate Human Rights Day. TRANSCRIPT TEXT ON SCREEN HUMAN RIGHTS ARE THE BASIS FOR FREEDOM JUSTICE AND PEACE IN THE WORLD IN 1949 THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY PAVED THE WAY FOR THE BIRTH OF NATO INSPIRING HOPES FOR PEACE, SOLIDARITY AND THE DEFENCE OF SHARED DEMOCRATIC VALUES. U.S. President Harry S. Truman, 1949 AUDIO DESCRIPTION “If there is anything certain today, if there is anything inevitable in the future, it is the will of the people of the world for freedom and for peace.” TEXT ON SCREEN THE GOAL, TO SAFEGUARD HARD-WON FREEDOMS HAS NEVER FUNDAMENTALLY CHANGED KEEPING OUR PEOPLE SAFE AND THEIR LIBERTIES GUARANTEED FOR OVER 70 YEARS   show less

We have had to do things differently this year, and the holiday season is no exception. But through it all, we still found ways to be together. From all of us at NATO, Happy Holidays.

After training in the snow and mountains of Iceland, an EOD team returns to base. Passing signs reminding them to ‘Keep your distance’ due to COVID-19, they return to their office a little dejected, unsure how they can safely enjoy the holidays. But the EOD robot saves the day and finds a unique way to spread the holiday cheer – socially distanced, of course.

Footage includes various shots of Icelandic EOD team training and at base.

--SYNOPSIS--

A Dutch mobile artillery unit assigned to NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup in Lithuania recently conducted a live-fire exercise at Pabradė Training Grounds alongside their Lithuanian counterparts. With their ability to “shoot and scoot” – conduct fire missions and then quickly move to cover – mobile artillery plays a crucial role in many Allied militaries. For this exercise, the Dutch and Lithuanians used Panzer Howitzer 2000-NL self-propelled guns to... read more

--SYNOPSIS-- A Dutch mobile artillery unit assigned to NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup in Lithuania recently conducted a live-fire exercise at Pabradė Training Grounds alongside their Lithuanian counterparts. With their ability to “shoot and scoot” – conduct fire missions and then quickly move to cover – mobile artillery plays a crucial role in many Allied militaries. For this exercise, the Dutch and Lithuanians used Panzer Howitzer 2000-NL self-propelled guns to practise this critical capability. Forward observers from Germany and Norway helped coordinate the strikes. Footage includes shots of Dutch and Lithuanian Panzer Howitzers firing and moving, as well as interviews with a Dutch artillery commander. --TRANSCRIPT-- SOUNDBITE IN ENGLISH CAPTAIN BOB, 41 ARTILLERY BATTALION, ROYAL NETHERLANDS ARMY “The real power of the Panzer Howitzer is that it’s able to do ”shoot and scoot” operations. In general, that means that it can be in a hiding position, deep inside the woods, it gets a fire mission, it drives out to a firing position, it fires a few rounds, and then heads back to another hiding position. So it does not need to be static at one place at one time.” “Even if there is COVID or no COVID, we need to make sure that we stand together, and we stand together strong.” END   show less

--SYNOPSIS--

When first responders come together in an international disaster response force, they need to share information quickly – between military and civilians, and across borders and languages. NATO has supported the adaptation of a software platform in the Western Balkans, in which maps, videos and pictures can all be shared in real time. It’s called the Next-Generation Incident Command System, or NICS for short, and has been developed by scientists at the Massachusetts... read more

--SYNOPSIS-- When first responders come together in an international disaster response force, they need to share information quickly – between military and civilians, and across borders and languages. NATO has supported the adaptation of a software platform in the Western Balkans, in which maps, videos and pictures can all be shared in real time. It’s called the Next-Generation Incident Command System, or NICS for short, and has been developed by scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States. The system has been put to use in managing wildfires in California and Australia, and is being deployed across the Western Balkans. In this episode of NATO Science, we travel to Montenegro, where NATO scientists conduct live trials of the system in a simulated emergency situation. Footage includes NICS creator Gregg Hogan explaining how the system works, as well as various shots of the NICS system in use, firefighters from various countries battling barrel fires as part of an exercise scenario, shots of the exercise command centre, and Montenegrin aeroplanes dousing water on simulated bushfires. Please note that exercise footage does not include typical COVID-19 precautions because filming took place before the pandemic. --TRANSCRIPT-- SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) Dylan White Oh, hi! If you get your updates from one of these, you’ll know how fast information flows. For first responders, quick access to that information can save lives. How? NATO Science! THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION Presents NATO SCIENCE THE NEXT-GENERATION INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM WITH DYLAN P. WHITE SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) Dylan White Emergencies don’t respect borders. So when first responders need to communicate across countries and organisations, they need a simple system that works quickly. Our scientists have come up with a handy solution. Project: Next-Generation Incident Command System Participants: United States, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia Supported by the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme Gregory Hogan, Programme Manager, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, United States SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) Gregg Hogan, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Lincoln Laboratory One of the fundamental problems of any kind of disaster response, firefighting, floods, earthquakes, is that many organisations come together that normally don’t work together, so they don’t always know how to communicate or collaborate. We developed a software platform where everybody can join together and develop ways to share information that they normally don’t know how to share. Maps, videos, pictures, all in real time. We call it the Next-Generation Incident Command System, or NICS for short. SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) Dylan White Snappy name, but how does it work? SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) Gregg Hogan At the core of NICS is the incident map that displays key information such as incident perimeters, evacuation zones, weather conditions, responder locations and images from the scene. Emergency personnel upload the content directly using either a web-based system or a mobile app. There’s even online spaces where responders can chat with each other in real time. Severe storm warning for local evac. Evac locations updated… please proceed with caution Image uploaded – Evac ETA 15 mins SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) Gregg Hogan The system has been successfully put to use in the United States, including to help fight wildfires in Californaia, and has been adopted by emergency services in the state of Victoria in Australia, where it has helped more than 1000 firefighters battle over 50 bushfires. With support from the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme, we are introducing the platform in the Western Balkans, to support regional responses to man-made and natural disasters. We recently tested the system in Montenegro during a NATO exercise that simulated an international response to wildfires, involving more than 250 first responders and experts. Hazards are only disasters if there’s insufficient preparation and communication. NICS goes one step further to helping our first responders better protect our populations. SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) Dylan White Next episode we’ll take you to Ankara in Turkey to learn how games are helping NATO tackle the next generation of security threats. Check out the rest of the videos in the series to learn more about NATO science. This video contains copyrighted library material licensed by NATO, which cannot be used as part of a new production without consent of the copyright holder. Please contact Thomson Reuters to clear this material.   show less

Nous avons dû faire les choses autrement cette année, et la saison des fêtes ne fera pas exception. Nous avons pourtant trouvé différents moyens d’être ensemble. Le moment est venu de vous souhaiter d’excellentes fêtes de fin d’année ! Après s’être entraînée dans les montagnes enneigées d’Islande, une équipe EOD revient à la base. Chacun passe devant la signalétique COVID-19 et s’installe à son bureau, la mine un peu abattue, se demandant comment profiter des vacances en toute sécurité. Mais le robot EOD les surprend et recrée la magie des fêtes à sa façon, à bonne distance, bien entendu. La séquence montre l’équipe EOD en train de s’entraîner à l’extérieur, puis de retour à la base.

V letošním roce jsme všichni museli dělat věci jinak a svátky nejsou výjimkou. Stále jsme ale nacházeli zpĹŻsoby jak zĹŻstat spolu. Všichni v NATO vám přejeme příjemné svátky. Po cvičení v zasněžených horách Islandu se tým EOD vrací na základnu. Cestou míjí nápisy připomínající nutnost "zachovávat odstup" kvĹŻli pandemii COVID-19, a tak se tým vrací na pracoviště poněkud sklíčený. Jak si bezpečně uĹžít svátkĹŻ?... read more

V letošním roce jsme všichni museli dělat věci jinak a svátky nejsou výjimkou. Stále jsme ale nacházeli zpĹŻsoby jak zĹŻstat spolu. Všichni v NATO vám přejeme příjemné svátky. Po cvičení v zasněžených horách Islandu se tým EOD vrací na základnu. Cestou míjí nápisy připomínající nutnost "zachovávat odstup" kvĹŻli pandemii COVID-19, a tak se tým vrací na pracoviště poněkud sklíčený. Jak si bezpečně uĹžít svátkĹŻ? Situaci zachrání robot týmu EOD, který přijde s unikátním zpĹŻsobem jak šířit sváteční náladu – samozřejmě při zachování bezpečného odstupu. Video obsahuje záběry z cvičení islandského týmu EOD a jeho pobytu na základně.   show less

--SYNOPSIS--

Welcome to the Warrior Competition, a tournament where counter-terrorism experts from around the world gather to test their skills. Held in Amman, Jordan, the most recent competition hosted 37 teams, including a team from Slovakia’s 5th Special Forces Regiment. Follow the Slovak Special Forces team as they run, rappel and shoot their way through the competition, showing what it takes to stand among NATO’s elite soldiers. Along the way, two Slovak operators reflect on the... read more

--SYNOPSIS-- Welcome to the Warrior Competition, a tournament where counter-terrorism experts from around the world gather to test their skills. Held in Amman, Jordan, the most recent competition hosted 37 teams, including a team from Slovakia’s 5th Special Forces Regiment. Follow the Slovak Special Forces team as they run, rappel and shoot their way through the competition, showing what it takes to stand among NATO’s elite soldiers. Along the way, two Slovak operators reflect on the competition and how their skills help the Alliance counter terrorism. --TRANSCRIPT-- VOICEOVER (English) Outside of Amman, Jordan, counter-terrorism experts from around the world gather to test their skills in a series of intense trials. The Warrior Competition brings together teams from dozens of countries, including Special Forces operators from NATO Allies. VOICEOVER (English) Among the NATO teams were the Slovak 5th Special Forces Regiment, a veteran of NATO counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan. TEXT ON SCREEN Master Sergeant “Marek” Slovak Special Forces SOUNDBITE (English) Master Sergeant “Marek”, Slovak Special Forces “For us, it is the first time here in Jordan, so everything is new for us. It is a quite tough competition. It tests most of the skills that Special Forces operators need to have.” TEXT ON SCREEN Captain “Jozef” Slovak Special Forces SOUNDBITE (English) Captain “Jozef”, Slovak Special Forces “All skills we train here, can be used in the counter-terrorism operation.” VOICEOVER (English) During the competition, the teams had to complete a timed hike, shoot with precision while moving, and engage targets up to 300m away after scaling a vertical wall. SOUNDBITE (English) Captain “Jozef,” Slovak Special Forces “We want to compare our skills to other teams from all over the world. And compare our tactics, techniques and things like that.” VOICEOVER (English) In Jordan, their task was simple: excel under pressure and pain. Being a Special Operator means pushing your mind and body to their absolute limits and never quitting, no matter how hard it gets. SOUNDBITE (English) Captain “Jozef,” Slovak Special Forces “In our Special Forces, we have a motto: crescit in adversis virtus”. In hardship, courage grows.” END   show less

Full length interview with Micheal Pearson, grandson of the Canadian Secretary of State Lester Pearson, who played a key role in drafting the North Atlantic Treaty and helping NATO find its feet as an international organisation.

Additional info can be found here:https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/declassified_161511.htm

The German Mountain Infantry Brigade are the last brigade in the Bundeswehr that use horses and mules. The mules are used to carry heavy loads and supplies to troops in the mountains. To work together as successfully as possible, the bond between soldier and animal must be very strong. Previously, the brigade was deployed on NATO missions in Kosovo and Afghanistan. Learn how man and animal work together while out on deployment in the mountains. Footage includes various shots of members of the German Mountain Infantry Brigade working together with their mules during exercise Mountain Lion in the Alps.

Meet some of the soldiers who form NATO’s spearhead force as they learn what it takes to be all for one and one for all.

Every year, the men and women of the NATO Alliance cross continents to train together so that if a crisis strikes, they’re ready. Exercise Noble Jump in Romania tests the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), NATO’s spearhead force. Meet the soldiers at home and in uniform as they learn what it takes to be all for one and one for all. Footage includes high... read more

Meet some of the soldiers who form NATO’s spearhead force as they learn what it takes to be all for one and one for all. Every year, the men and women of the NATO Alliance cross continents to train together so that if a crisis strikes, they’re ready. Exercise Noble Jump in Romania tests the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), NATO’s spearhead force. Meet the soldiers at home and in uniform as they learn what it takes to be all for one and one for all. Footage includes high impact GVs of exercise Noble Jump, which took place in Bulgaria, Greece and Romania in May and June 2017. After 22 years of service, Dave has now retired from the British Army and is working in construction in his home town of Whitstable, UK. Jarosław is still serving in his unit and has currently put his bike away for the winter. Stefan is still serving the Red Scorpions and is still very much enjoying being a father.   show less

What should you take to sea? Mariner Francesca Greco shows us what she brings with her on deployment.

Lieutenant Francesca Greco from the Italian Navy shows the essential items she takes with her when she goes to sea. Lieutenant Greco is on board the Italian Navy frigate ITS Espero, which participates in NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian in the Mediterranean Sea. Footage includes various shots of Lieutenant Francesca Greco showing her items.

NATO would like to thank all the troops away from home this holiday season. Wherever you are, happy holidays!

German soldiers with the German Air Force detachment under the NATO Air Policing mission in the Baltics send Christmas greetings home, along with a group of Belgian soldiers with the Belgian Air Force detachment under the same NATO Air Policing mission. Soundbites in English and German.

Transcript
1. (00:00:00) SOLDIERS WITH THE BELGIAN DETACHMENT TO THE NATO AIR POLICING MISSION IN ESTONIA SAY CHRISTMAS GREETINGS IN ENGLISH 2. (00:05:05) SOLDIERS WITH THE GERMAN DETACHMENT TO THE NATO... read more

German soldiers with the German Air Force detachment under the NATO Air Policing mission in the Baltics send Christmas greetings home, along with a group of Belgian soldiers with the Belgian Air Force detachment under the same NATO Air Policing mission. Soundbites in English and German. Transcript 1. (00:00:00) SOLDIERS WITH THE BELGIAN DETACHMENT TO THE NATO AIR POLICING MISSION IN ESTONIA SAY CHRISTMAS GREETINGS IN ENGLISH 2. (00:05:05) SOLDIERS WITH THE GERMAN DETACHMENT TO THE NATO AIR POLICING MISSION SAY CHRISTMAS GREETINGS IN GERMAN ‘We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!’ 3. (00:10:10) GERMAN SOLDIER WITH THE GERMAN DETACHMENT TO THE NATO AIR POLICING MISSION SOUNDBITES IN GERMAN ‘My name is Petro Stanko and I am the chaplain at the Ingolstadt garrison. I am pleased to follow the airmen and women here with German Air Force mission in the Baltics, to be with them during the pre-Christmas season, to offer prayer services and be available for talking, and to celebrate church services. I would like to wish all who are here and at home waiting for their loved ones a wonderful holiday season and peace both at home and here. Have a blessed pre-Christmas season and a great and happy New Year.’ 4. (00:46:11) GERMAN SOLDIER WITH THE GERMAN DETACHMENT TO THE NATO AIR POLICING MISSION SOUNDBITES IN GERMAN ‘Right now I am serving with the German Air Force detachment under NATO’s enhanced Air Policing in the Baltics with the User Help Desk. This year, I am going to spend Christmas with my colleagues and I would like to send greetings to my mother and all other colleagues who are on operations over the holidays.’ 5. (00:59:22) GERMAN FEMALE SOLDIER WITH THE GERMAN DETACHMENT TO THE NATO AIR POLICING MISSION SOUNDBITES IN GERMAN ‘Hi, we are here at the German Air Force detachment under NATO’s enhanced Air Policing in the Baltics. To all our colleagues in Neuburg and surroundings we wish a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year 2019.’ 6. (01:11:05) GERMAN SOLDIER WITH THE GERMAN DETACHMENT TO THE NATO AIR POLICING MISSION SOUNDBITES IN GERMAN ‘And above all a red-and-white Christmas, a blessed Christmas. To all our colleague airmen and women at home and their families: all the best for the New Year.’ 7. (01:17:10) GERMAN FEMALE SOLDIER WITH THE GERMAN DETACHMENT TO THE NATO AIR POLICING MISSION SOUNDBITES IN GERMAN ‘I am here at German Air Force detachment under NATO’s enhanced Air Policing in the Baltics and I work as an orderly. This year I will enjoy Christmas together with my colleagues in a relaxed and cosy atmosphere. To my children and my family I wish merry Christmas and to all colleagues a great start into the New Year.’ 8. (01:33:20) GERMAN SOLDIER WITH THE GERMAN DETACHMENT TO THE NATO AIR POLICING MISSION SOUNDBITES IN GERMAN ‘Hi, I am serving with the German Air Force detachment under NATO’s enhanced Air Policing in the Baltics as an aviation electronics mechanic with the specialty of maintenance technology at the rescue systems group. To all colleagues all over the world, in Germany and also in my home unit, I wish merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Kind regards to all my family. Keep your chin up.’ 9. (01:52:20) GERMAN FEMALE SOLDIER WITH THE GERMAN DETACHMENT TO THE NATO AIR POLICING MISSION SOUNDBITES IN GERMAN ‘Hi, I am serving in the administration of NATO’s enhanced Air Policing and I wish a Happy New Year to all. This year I will be with my colleagues during Christmas.’ 10. (02:01:11) GERMAN SOLDIER WITH THE GERMAN DETACHMENT TO THE NATO AIR POLICING MISSION SOUNDBITES IN GERMAN ‘Hi, I am serving with the German Air Force detachment under NATO’s enhanced Air Policing in the Baltics as an operations officer with the technical group. To all those at home and in operations I wish Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This Christmas I will be with my colleagues here in Ämari, Estonia.’ 11. (02:14:20) GERMAN SOLDIERS WITH THE GERMAN DETACHMENT TO THE NATO AIR POLICING MISSION SOUNDBITES IN GERMAN ‘The German Operational Detachment under NATO’s enhanced Air Policing in the Baltics wishes merry Christmas and a great start into the New Year.’   show less

Romanian soldiers with the Romanian Army 812nd Infantry Battalion currently deployed to Afghanistan as part of NATO’s Resolute Support mission, send Christmas greetings home from Kandahar, Afghanistan. Footage includes soundbites in Romanian and in English.

Transcript
(00:00:00) close up shot – Christmas decoration (00:03:00) A Romanian soldier with the Romanian Army 812nd Infantry Battalion say greetings in Romanian ‘On the occasion of the winter holidays I wish you a Merry... read more

Romanian soldiers with the Romanian Army 812nd Infantry Battalion currently deployed to Afghanistan as part of NATO’s Resolute Support mission, send Christmas greetings home from Kandahar, Afghanistan. Footage includes soundbites in Romanian and in English. Transcript (00:00:00) close up shot – Christmas decoration (00:03:00) A Romanian soldier with the Romanian Army 812nd Infantry Battalion say greetings in Romanian ‘On the occasion of the winter holidays I wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year’ (00:07:11) A group of Romanian female soldiers with the Romanian Army 812nd Infantry Battalion say greetings in Romanian ‘We wish you all Merry Christmas and a sincere Happy New Year’ (00:11:22) A group of Romanian soldiers with the Romanian Army 812nd Infantry Batallion say greetings in Romanian ‘On the occasion of the winter holidays we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year’ (00:20:02) A group of Romanian female soldiers with the Romanian Army 812nd Infantry Battalion say greetings in English ‘The Romanian Force Protection Battalion ‘Carpathians Hawks’ wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year’ (00:26:09) A Romanian soldier with the Romanian Army 812nd Infantry Battalion say greetings in Romanian ‘On the occasion of the winter holidays I wish you all Merry Christmas and a sincere Happy New Year’ (00:32:20) close up shot - Resolute Support shoulder sleeve insignia on a Christmas decoration   show less

Resolute Support Mission service members of three different nationalities (Australian, Danish and Spanish) send Christmas greetings home from Kabul, Afghanistan. Soundbites available in Danish, English and Spanish.

Transcript
(00:00:00) Private Jack Sendall, 6 RAR Australian Force, works in force protection at RSHQ, Kabul - Christmas shout-out (ENGLISH) G´day all. Private Jack Sendall here from the Australian NSE in Kabul with the Australian force protection. Just want to wish everyone... read more

Resolute Support Mission service members of three different nationalities (Australian, Danish and Spanish) send Christmas greetings home from Kabul, Afghanistan. Soundbites available in Danish, English and Spanish. Transcript (00:00:00) Private Jack Sendall, 6 RAR Australian Force, works in force protection at RSHQ, Kabul - Christmas shout-out (ENGLISH) G´day all. Private Jack Sendall here from the Australian NSE in Kabul with the Australian force protection. Just want to wish everyone very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hope everyone has a safe holidays. Also, big shout-out to everyone back home, mom and dad, my sisters, love you heaps! (00:00:15) Private Jack Sendall and Private Jay Nykvist Christmas soundbites (ENGLISH) G´day Private Sendall here from the Australian NSE with the Australian force protection here in Kabul. So we have been here for about four months now, it´s been great so far. Coming up we are gonna be spending Christmas here. It´s should be a really good day. I´m sure we are gonna all have nice dinner with our family upstairs, should be great. To give you more info, I´ll bring someone in. I´ll allow him to introduce himself, you are the man of the hour. (In walks Private Jay Nykvist wearing a Christmas sweater). G´day everyone. How´s it going? Private Nykvist here. So what we have got for Christmas this holidays is spending it in this lovely three storey complex. We are going to start off with some ripper coffees in the morning, get the brain going. Then what do you reckon we’ll do? (Private Sendall replies): Ah mate, I think, a bit of family time... (Private Nykvist continues): A bit of family time with the boys. (Private Sendall): Open some Christmas presents. (Private Nykvist): The boys, they make it. (Private Sendall): We are going to be opening Christmas presents as well. (Private Nykvist): If we get some. (Private Sendall): Yes, if we have been good this year. (Private Nykvist): And Merry Christmas to everyone back home! (Private Sendall): Yes, Merry Christmas! . (00:01:11) Lt.Col. Michael Lodberg, planner at Resolute Support Headquarters, Kabul. Christmas shout-out (DANISH) Hi my name is Michael Lodberg. I work as a planner at the headquarters in Kabul. This year, I will not be with the people I love the most during Christmas Eve because I will celebrate Christmas here in Kabul. Fortunately, I can spend the time together with my Nordic friends in the Palace behind me, the ‘Nordic Palace’ (the Nordic NSE) and I´m looking forward to that. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you back home. I´ll see you in the new year! (00:01:32) Lt.Col. Michael Lodberg, planner at Resolute Support Headquarters, Kabul. Christmas interview (DANISH). Hi my name is Michael Lodberg. I work as a planner at the headquarters in Kabul. This year, I will not be with my family and the people I love the most during Christmas, because I will celebrate Christmas here in Kabul. I´m lucky that I can celebrate Christmas together with my Nordic friends and Danish comrades in the house behind me, which is the ‘Nordic Palace’ (the Nordic NSE), where there will be 5-6 of us together on Christmas Eve. Fortunately we have been sent food from Denmark so we can have proper Christmas dinner and I think it will be a very nice Christmas evening. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you back home! (00:02:05) A group of Spanish soldiers say Christmas and New Year greetings in Spanish. (00:02:09) Corporal Alvaro Lozano Miranda, assistant of the Spanish NSE at Resolute Support Headquarters, Kabul. Christmas shout-out video (English and Spanish). Hello! I’m Corporal Lozano from Spanish NSE here in HQ, Kabul and I wish you [in Spanish] Merry Christmas and happy New Year! (00:02:18) Corporal Alvaro Lozano Miranda, assistant of the Spanish NSE at Resolute Support Headquarters, Kabul. Christmas interview video (English and Spanish). Hello I’m Corporal Lozano here in the NSE of Spain, here in HQ in Kabul and I want to wish everyone Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! And I will spend my Christmas here with all the people of Spain who are far away from their families and we support all of them. (00:02:59) Major Rafael Gonzalez Cámara, Spanish Air Force, working in Assessment and analysis group / strategy and plans (CJ5) in Resolute Support Headquarters, Kabul. Christmas shout-out (SPANISH). Hi! This is Major Cámara from Spanish Air Force. I’m at Resolute Support Headquarters Assessment and Analysis group. (In Spanish) Merry Christmas! (00:03:09) Major Rafael Gonzalez Cámara, Spanish Air Force, working in Assessment and analysis group / strategy and plans (CJ5) in Resolute Support Headquarters, Kabul – Christmas interview. Hello everybody. I’m Major Cámara, Spanish Air Force. I’m assigned to the Resolute Support headquarters in the assessment and analysis group. I’m will plan to…I’m planning to spend Christmas eve here with the rest of the Spanish detachment, probably we will do it quite traditional way, just having a nice dinner then sing carols and spend some time together, remembering or families and relatives in Spain. Well, we will try to prepare some kind of Spanish dishes, maybe not Paella because it’s during the night but we will try to do it in a Spanish way. (00:03:50) Group of Puerto Rico Army National Guard soldiers say Christmas greetings (Spanish) (00:04:19) Various Puerto Rico Army National Guard soldiers say Christmas greetings (English)   show less

Various soldiers from different NATO nations, including Albania, Canada, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Spain and the UK, speaking briefly about spending Christmas on deployment. Soundbites all in native languages.

Transcript
1. (00:00) SOUNDBITE (SLOVAKIAN) – SLOVAKIAN SOLDIER, ĀDAĹ˝I, LATVIA “Hello. I’m from Slovakia, and people from all over the world, I want to wish a merry Christmas full of blessings for all of us.” 2. (00:06) SOUNDBITE (SLOVENIAN) - SLOVENIAN SOLDIER,... read more

Various soldiers from different NATO nations, including Albania, Canada, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Spain and the UK, speaking briefly about spending Christmas on deployment. Soundbites all in native languages. Transcript 1. (00:00) SOUNDBITE (SLOVAKIAN) – SLOVAKIAN SOLDIER, ĀDAĹ˝I, LATVIA “Hello. I’m from Slovakia, and people from all over the world, I want to wish a merry Christmas full of blessings for all of us.” 2. (00:06) SOUNDBITE (SLOVENIAN) - SLOVENIAN SOLDIER, ĀDAĹ˝I, LATVIA “Good afternoon. In the name of the Slovenian contingent, I wish all a merry Christmas. 3. (00:11) SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) - CANADIAN SOLDIER, ĀDAĹ˝I, LATVIA “On behalf of the Royal Canadian Regiment and all of us here in Latvia, I’d like to wish everyone back home in Canada a very merry Christmas.” 4. (00:16) SOUNDBITE (ITALIAN) - ITALIAN SOLDIER, ĀDAĹ˝I, LATVIA “I wish you all merry Christmas from the Italian contingent in Latvia.” 5. (00:20) SOUNDBITE (ALBANIAN) - ALBANIAN SOLDIER, ĀDAĹ˝I, LATVIA “From the Albanian contingent in Latvia, I wish you all a merry Christmas.” 6. (00:24) SOUNDBITE (POLISH) - POLISH SOLDIER, ĀDAĹ˝I, LATVIA “Merry Christmas to all from the Polish soldiers in Adazi base in Latvia.” 7. (00:29) SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) - CANADIAN SOLDIER, ĀDAĹ˝I, LATVIA “How’s she getting on? I’d like to say a merry Christmas to all my friends and family back in Canada from right here in Latvia.” 8. (00:34) SOUNDBITE (CZECH) - CZECH SOLDIER, ĀDAĹ˝I, LATVIA “Hello, I’m from the Czech Republic and I wish you a very merry Christmas.” 9. (00:42) SOUNDBITE (SPANISH) - SPANISH SOLDIER, ĀDAĹ˝I, LATVIA “Greetings from Latvia. On behalf of the Spanish contingent, happy Christmas.” 10. (00:47) SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) - CANADIAN SOLDIER, ĀDAĹ˝I, LATVIA “Hi! I just wanted to say a merry Christmas to all my friends and family back home in Canada. As you can see it’s snowing here in Latvia and it’s a great day.” 11. (00:54) SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) - MANY SOLDIERS FROM EFP BATTLEGROUP IN ĀDAĹ˝I, LATVIA “Merry Christmas from Latvia!” 12. (00:58) SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) BRITISH SOLDIER, TAPA, ESTONIA – “I am Lance Corporal Smith, currently out here in Estonia, looking forward to spending Christmas with my NATO Allies.” 13. (01:06) SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) BRITISH SOLDIER, TAPA, ESTONIA – “Hi, so I’m Lance Corporal Green, part of the 1 Yorks Battlegroup out here in Estonia, spending Christmas with our NATO Allies. Everyone’s mixing well, everyone’s looking forward to a good time.” 14. (01:14) SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) BRITISH SOLDIER, TAPA, ESTONIA – “Hello my names is Private Odero, Ronald is my first name. I’m out here in Estonia enjoying snow and the friendly people of Estonia with my NATO Allies.” 15. (01:24) SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) BRITISH SOLDIER, TAPA, ESTONIA – “Hi everyone! I am Lance Corporal Veda Jalland. I’m out here in Estonia. It’s really cold, but it’s a really great experience being out here with my NATO Allies. Happy Christmas.” 16. (01:36) Soldier puts tinsel and bauble on tree.   show less

JFC Naples service members of different nationalities send Christmas greetings home from Naples, Italy. Soundbites available in English, French, German, Portuguese, Slovenian and Spanish.

Transcript
1. (00:00:00) A US SOLDIER SAYS CHRISTMAS GREETINGS IN ENGLISH 2. (00:05:28) THREE FRENCH SOLDIERS SAY CHRISTMAS GREETINGS IN FRENCH 3. (00:09:11) TWO SOLDIERS SAY SEASONS GREETINGS IN ENGLISH AND FRENCH 4. (00:14:15) A FRENCH SOLDIER SAYS CHRISTMAS GREETINGS IN FRENCH 5. (00:17:14) TWO... read more

JFC Naples service members of different nationalities send Christmas greetings home from Naples, Italy. Soundbites available in English, French, German, Portuguese, Slovenian and Spanish. Transcript 1. (00:00:00) A US SOLDIER SAYS CHRISTMAS GREETINGS IN ENGLISH 2. (00:05:28) THREE FRENCH SOLDIERS SAY CHRISTMAS GREETINGS IN FRENCH 3. (00:09:11) TWO SOLDIERS SAY SEASONS GREETINGS IN ENGLISH AND FRENCH 4. (00:14:15) A FRENCH SOLDIER SAYS CHRISTMAS GREETINGS IN FRENCH 5. (00:17:14) TWO SPANISH SOLDIERS SAY GREETINGS IN SPANISH. 6. (00:23:18) A PORTUGUESE SOLDIER WEARING A SANTA CLAUS HAT SAYS GREETINGS IN PORTUGUESE. 7. (00:32:18) THREE GERMAN SOLDIERS SAY GREETINGS IN GERMAN. 8. (00:39:20) A SLOVENIAN SOLDIER SAYS CHRISTMAS GREETINGS IN SLOVENIAN 9. (00:45:08) TWO US SOLDIERS WEARING CHRISTMAS HATS SAY GREETINGS IN ENGLISH. 10. (00:49:10) A SOLDIER FROM AUSTRIA SAYS GREETINGS IN GERMAN. 11. (00:54:03) AN AMERICAN SOLDIER SAYS GREETINGS IN ENGLISH. 12. (01:04:16) AN AMERICAN SOLDIER SAYS GREETINGS IN ENGLISH.   show less

In Denmark, they’re the Guard Hussars, a highly mobile mechanized infantry unit. But when deployed, they become Vidar Company, a name that harkens back to Norse mythology while honoring the unit’s more recent history in Afghanistan. Deployed to NATO’s battle group in Estonia earlier this year, Vidar Company represents Denmark’s commitment to collective defense. Footage includes shots of Danish troops before, during and after live-fire combat drills. Slow-motion shots included.... read more

In Denmark, they’re the Guard Hussars, a highly mobile mechanized infantry unit. But when deployed, they become Vidar Company, a name that harkens back to Norse mythology while honoring the unit’s more recent history in Afghanistan. Deployed to NATO’s battle group in Estonia earlier this year, Vidar Company represents Denmark’s commitment to collective defense. Footage includes shots of Danish troops before, during and after live-fire combat drills. Slow-motion shots included. Interviews: 1st Lieutenant Nikolai; Sgt Dolph (per Royal Danish Army policy, only first names are given). Archival footage of Afghanistan courtesy of DVIDS. “We always prepare for war in order to avoid war,” says 1st Lt Nikolai, an officer in Vidar Company, a Danish infantry unit that takes its name from Norse legend.   show less

Have you ever wanted to be a nurse? What about a flight nurse? Captain Luís Gonçalves takes care of the wounded on board planes, a rewarding job under challenging conditions.

NATO is open and transparent in the way we exercise. In accordance with the Vienna Document on military transparency, all members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), including Russia and Belarus, were invited to send observers to NATO’s exercise Trident Juncture 2018 in Norway. Observers were provided with briefings on the exercise, opportunities to observe forces and speak to troops, and aerial overflight of the area of military activity. NATO strongly... read more

NATO is open and transparent in the way we exercise. In accordance with the Vienna Document on military transparency, all members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), including Russia and Belarus, were invited to send observers to NATO’s exercise Trident Juncture 2018 in Norway. Observers were provided with briefings on the exercise, opportunities to observe forces and speak to troops, and aerial overflight of the area of military activity. NATO strongly supports efforts to build confidence and transparency on military activities and exercises. International rules on military exercises are respected in full. Allies respect the letter and spirit of the Vienna Document, and NATO regularly updates its schedule of military exercises: https://shape.nato.int/exercises   show less

The bond between North America and NATO was underscored when the United States and Canada sent thousands of troops to Europe for exercise Trident Juncture 2018.

Since its founding in 1949, NATO has been defined by the bond that joins its North American Allies – Canada and the United States – to Europe. During exercise Trident Juncture 2018, Canadian and US troops crossed the Atlantic to deploy troops to Norway, demonstrating the readiness to do so. Exercise Trident Juncture 2018 was... read more

The bond between North America and NATO was underscored when the United States and Canada sent thousands of troops to Europe for exercise Trident Juncture 2018. Since its founding in 1949, NATO has been defined by the bond that joins its North American Allies – Canada and the United States – to Europe. During exercise Trident Juncture 2018, Canadian and US troops crossed the Atlantic to deploy troops to Norway, demonstrating the readiness to do so. Exercise Trident Juncture 2018 was the largest NATO exercise in decades, bringing together around 50,000 personnel, 10,000 vehicles, 250 aircraft and 65 ships from 31 NATO Allies and partner nations. Held in Norway, the live portion of the exercise took place from 25 October until 7 November. Footage includes shots of Canadian soldiers and US Marines in Norway during Trident Juncture. Soundbites include: Lt Gen Robert Hedelund, commander of II Marine Expeditionary Force, US Marine Corps and Lt Col Pascal Larose, Chief of Staff for the Canadian Army’s 35 Canadian Brigade Group. Transcript: Various shots: US Marines in CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters TEXT ON SCREEN EXERCISE TRIDENT JUNCTURE BROUGHT THE US AND CANADA TO NORWAY Various shots: Canadian soldiers in Norway Follow shot: German troops loading onto CH-53 Sea Stallions REAFFIRMING A TRANSATLANTIC BOND BETWEEN EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA Various shots: US Navy hovercraft landing in Norway TEXT ON SCREEEN STANDING TOGETHER, AS ONE Various shots: Canadian CF-18 fighters taking off in Norway LOWER-THIRDS TEXT Lt Gen Robert Hedelund, US Marine Corps SOUNDBITE (English) Lt Gen Robert Hedelund, US Marine Corps “The most important piece, I think, is the relationship here. We have been reinvigorating our effort to know northern Europe. And the relationship with NATO is an extremely important part of that, as well as the relationship with Norway. Over the last year or so, many Marines have come to Norway to train. But not on this scale.” Various shots: US Marines landing via CH-53 Sea Stallion and MV-22 Osprey aircraft Mirror shot: US Marines marching, Canadian soldiers marching LOWER-THIRDS TEXT Lt Col Pascal Larose, Canadian Army SOUNDBITE (French with English subtitles) Lt Col Pascal Larose, Canadian Army “We crossed the ocean, travelling more than 5,000 kilometres to arrive here in Norway. Exercise Trident Juncture 2018 gives Canada the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to NATO, to the Alliance. “ Various shots: Canadian soldiers at night during Trident Juncture 18   show less

SYNOPSIS
Norwegians are well-practised in making camps in cold weather. Here Private Sondre Guerdalen from the Norwegian Army’s 1st Armoured Battalion reveals how he and his unit build a camp to deal with the freezing cold temperatures.

Footage includes various shots of Private Sondre Guerdalen giving a tour of his camp. Please note that footage does not include typical COVID-19 precautions because filming took place before the pandemic.

TRANSCRIPT

TEXT ON SCREEN
5 THINGS YOU... read more

SYNOPSIS Norwegians are well-practised in making camps in cold weather. Here Private Sondre Guerdalen from the Norwegian Army’s 1st Armoured Battalion reveals how he and his unit build a camp to deal with the freezing cold temperatures. Footage includes various shots of Private Sondre Guerdalen giving a tour of his camp. Please note that footage does not include typical COVID-19 precautions because filming took place before the pandemic. TRANSCRIPT TEXT ON SCREEN 5 THINGS YOU NEED WHEN YOU CAMP IN THE COLD Private Sondre Guerdalen 1st Armoured Battalion, Norwegian Army SOUNDBITE PRIVATE SONDRE GUERDALEN, 1ST ARMOURED BATTALION, NORWEGIAN ARMY “Hello, my name is Private Sondre, and this is how we make a camp in the cold.” TEXT ON SCREEN #1 A TENT SOUNDBITE PRIVATE SONDRE GUERDALEN, 1ST ARMOURED BATTALION, NORWEGIAN ARMY “This is our tent. At the moment we’re eight people in it. Some say it can be up to 16 people but I wouldn’t want to do that.” TEXT ON SCREEN #2 AN OVEN SOUNDBITE PRIVATE SONDRE GUERDALEN, 1ST ARMOURED BATTALION “We have the oven. Obviously the most important thing to keep us warm in the winter.” TEXT ON SCREEN #3 A KNIFE SOUNDBITE PRIVATE SONDRE GUERDALEN, 1ST ARMOURED BATTALION “This is our campfire. Obviously very important to keep warm, especially in the cold winter.” TEXT ON SCREEN #5 MARSHMALLOWS SOUNDBITE “Marshmallows. Lots of sugar. Tastes sweet. Motivation in a bag.”   show less

A Norwegian Army soldier from His Majesty the King’s Guard Battalion talks through some of the vital components of her medical kit bag during Exercise Trident Juncture 2018 in Norway. During Trident Juncture 18, around 50,000 personnel from 31 NATO Allies and partner countries tested their ability to operate together in NATO’s biggest exercise in recent years. Held in Norway, the exercise ran from 25 October until 7 November. Footage includes various close-up shots of medical equipment.

The 9th Armoured Brigade, part of Germany’s 1st Armoured Division, under the operational control of 1 German-Netherlands Corps, use M3 amphibious rigs to transport armoured vehicles across the Weser River near Eystrup, Germany. Germany will lead NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) in 2019, and will be responsible for its quick deployment anywhere that NATO may need it. This exercise was a warm-up for that role. The VJTF is NATO’s quick reaction force, made up of over... read more

The 9th Armoured Brigade, part of Germany’s 1st Armoured Division, under the operational control of 1 German-Netherlands Corps, use M3 amphibious rigs to transport armoured vehicles across the Weser River near Eystrup, Germany. Germany will lead NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) in 2019, and will be responsible for its quick deployment anywhere that NATO may need it. This exercise was a warm-up for that role. The VJTF is NATO’s quick reaction force, made up of over 5,000 troops ready to move within two to five days. The ability to move forces and equipment across borders is a big priority for NATO. The Alliance works on this with its members, as well as with the European Union. Footage includes various shots of the equipment and process used to cross the river.   show less

A face paint tutorial with a twist: learn how to use camouflage paint to blend into your surroundings, army-style.

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other. Private First Class Elva Karzova of the Latvian Army talks you through the stages of applying camouflage face paint in a 1-minute video tutorial. Effective use of military... read more

A face paint tutorial with a twist: learn how to use camouflage paint to blend into your surroundings, army-style. Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other. Private First Class Elva Karzova of the Latvian Army talks you through the stages of applying camouflage face paint in a 1-minute video tutorial. Effective use of military camouflage paint means breaking up the visual patterns of the human face – applying dark paint where light hits the face (cheekbones, chin), and light paint where the face is shadowed (eyes). Elva shows you how, with a few fingers of paint, she can blend into her surroundings. Interview in English. TRANSCRIPT: Karzova applying paint --SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH)-- Private First Class Elva Karzova, Latvian Land Forces ‘I’m Private First Class Elva Karzova. And this is a camouflage paint tutorial. First colour we put is black. On our forehead, cheek, nose, jawline, because these are the lightest places of the face. Now we’re going on to the green one. With the green one we actually break the contours of the face. Here. The jawline is a really big contour. And maybe a little bit of forehead. We need to break contours because there are no sharp edges in the nature. The main mistake is forgetting your ears and your neck. Next up we go to the brown, to blend everything out. So when you're done, you shouldn't have any white spots on your face. When I've done all this, I can use the environment and my surroundings to my advantage.”   show less

Find out how it feels to be put through high G-force centrifuge training with Poland’s first female fighter pilot, Lt Katarzyna Tomiak-Siemieniewicz.

For fighter pilots to maintain their composure during aerial combat, they must undergo training at high gravitational forces (G-forces). Aggressive maneuvers at high speed drain the blood from a pilot’s head with centrifugal force – so while they’re tracking their target and flying the aircraft, they’re clinging to consciousness.... read more

Find out how it feels to be put through high G-force centrifuge training with Poland’s first female fighter pilot, Lt Katarzyna Tomiak-Siemieniewicz. For fighter pilots to maintain their composure during aerial combat, they must undergo training at high gravitational forces (G-forces). Aggressive maneuvers at high speed drain the blood from a pilot’s head with centrifugal force – so while they’re tracking their target and flying the aircraft, they’re clinging to consciousness. Poland’s first female fighter pilot, Lt Katarzyna Tomiak-Siemieniewicz, undergoes high G-force centrifuge training at a specialist facility in Poland. Footage includes Lt Tomiak-Siemieniewicz inside a high G-force centrifuge, and an interview about changes she feels at various levels of G-force.   show less

In the event of a crisis, NATO turns to its Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), a rapidly deployable, multinational force capable of quickly bringing air, land, maritime and Special Operations forces to bear. The VJTF will play a critical role in Trident Juncture 2018, a large NATO exercise involving some 40,000 troops from more than 30 nations. This video features the German Army’s 9th Armoured Brigade, which will lead the VJTF in 2019, and Norway’s Telemark Battalion, which... read more

In the event of a crisis, NATO turns to its Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), a rapidly deployable, multinational force capable of quickly bringing air, land, maritime and Special Operations forces to bear. The VJTF will play a critical role in Trident Juncture 2018, a large NATO exercise involving some 40,000 troops from more than 30 nations. This video features the German Army’s 9th Armoured Brigade, which will lead the VJTF in 2019, and Norway’s Telemark Battalion, which will also participate in the VJTF starting next year. The United Kingdom currently leads the VJTF, which is staffed by Allies on a rotational basis. Shots: German armour crossing a river via ferry; Norwegian troops engaging in close-quarters urban combat. Soundbites from Brigadier General Ulrich Spannuth, who will lead the VJTF’s land component in 2019, and Norwegian Capt. Brage Reinaas.   show less

Mali is a Belgian malinois dog who was part of a British military unit deployed to Afghanistan to work alongside NATO troops in 2012. During one operation in Kabul, Mali helped secure a multi-story building that had been taken over by hostile forces. He conducted searches for explosives while under direct fire. He sustained serious injuries from the attack but had saved many lives. Mali went on to receive the PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) Dickin Medal in recognition for his bravery – the animal equivalent to the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award of the British honours system. The footage includes archive shots of the attack in Kabul as well as Mali at his new home in England.

The cyber defenders of tomorrow need more than technical know-how to defend NATO’s networks. See how the Alliance helps forge their skills.

Being a good cyber defender means more than possessing the technical expertise – it means being a good communicator, and being capable of devising effective policies to address to rapidly developing crises. As the cyber threat grows in size and complexity, NATO needs these experts more than ever. NATO’s Deputy Head of Cyber Defence, Chelsey... read more

The cyber defenders of tomorrow need more than technical know-how to defend NATO’s networks. See how the Alliance helps forge their skills. Being a good cyber defender means more than possessing the technical expertise – it means being a good communicator, and being capable of devising effective policies to address to rapidly developing crises. As the cyber threat grows in size and complexity, NATO needs these experts more than ever. NATO’s Deputy Head of Cyber Defence, Chelsey Slack, recently helped judge the Cyber 9/12 Student Challenge, co-hosted by the Geneva Centre for Security Policy and the Atlantic Council in Geneva, Switzerland. In this video, Slack explains why encouraging and cultivating well-rounded cyber defenders today is necessary for protecting the Alliance’s networks in the future. Footage includes scenes of students competing in the challenge, interviews with contestants and an interview with Chelsey Slack.   show less

The Vigil Run is an annual charity run organised by NATO’s southern Combined Air Operations Centre in Torrejón, Spain. It pays tribute to the fallen and veterans of all NATO Allies. National detachments run in formation, passing a baton to the next nation. This year, funds raised will be donated to a military charity for children who have lost a parent serving with the Spanish Air Force. This shows solidarity among Allies and recognises the sacrifice made for a safe and secure Alliance.... read more

The Vigil Run is an annual charity run organised by NATO’s southern Combined Air Operations Centre in Torrejón, Spain. It pays tribute to the fallen and veterans of all NATO Allies. National detachments run in formation, passing a baton to the next nation. This year, funds raised will be donated to a military charity for children who have lost a parent serving with the Spanish Air Force. This shows solidarity among Allies and recognises the sacrifice made for a safe and secure Alliance. Participating countries include Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. Apart from national teams, the Torrejón Air Base police team ran with their dogs. Includes footage of the run, interviews with participants and with the Commander of NATO’s southern Combined Air Operations Centre at Torrejón, Spain.   show less

Terrorist attacks are one of the most challenging threats the international community has to deal with. As the attackers are constantly changing their strategies, authorities need to adjust their techniques over time, to minimise loss of life and prevent the attacks as much as possible.

Unified Vision trials are the premier NATO event at which Allies trial various Joint Intelligence, Reconnaissance and Surveillance (ISR) activities, be they technical or procedural, utilising national ISR capabilities in a live environment. The trial runs from 4 -29 June.

In consideration of security challenges the Alliance is currently facing, Unified Vision 2018 (UV18) is focusing on Joint ISR techniques in a wide variety of contexts, including in support of the Alliance’s counter-terrorism efforts.

For more information on Joint ISR visit the topic page at:
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_111830.htm

NATO and its partners are taking action to promote the role of women in peace and security. Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is often used as a weapon of war and can undermine NATO’s operations, but also conflict resolution and long-term recovery.
Since 2015, NATO has military guidelines that recognise and act upon the need to prevent and respond to conflict-related SGBV.
A recent workshop in Brussels brought together NATO personnel, international and field subject-matter... read more

NATO and its partners are taking action to promote the role of women in peace and security. Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is often used as a weapon of war and can undermine NATO’s operations, but also conflict resolution and long-term recovery. Since 2015, NATO has military guidelines that recognise and act upon the need to prevent and respond to conflict-related SGBV. A recent workshop in Brussels brought together NATO personnel, international and field subject-matter experts, representatives of the United Nations, the European Union, the International Committee of the Red Cross and civil society to discuss and evaluate the progress made by NATO in implementing the NATO Military Guidelines on the prevention of, and response to, conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence as well as the work that still lies ahead. Footage includes interviews with Clare Hutchinson, NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security, and NATO Gender Advisor Maj Stephanie Nicol, as well as b-roll from NATO’s workshop on military guidelines on the prevention of, and response to, conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence.   show less

In the event of a crisis, NATO must quickly assemble and deploy forces to defend its Allies by whatever means necessary – land, sea or air. But pulling off this logistical feat requires practice. NATO Allies conduct a wide range of exercises to test their ability to rapidly deploy troops directly into combat. This year, US Marines and Romanian naval infantry deployed from the Baltic Sea as part of Exercise Baltic Operations 18; US and Polish airborne troops hit the battlefield as part of... read more

In the event of a crisis, NATO must quickly assemble and deploy forces to defend its Allies by whatever means necessary – land, sea or air. But pulling off this logistical feat requires practice. NATO Allies conduct a wide range of exercises to test their ability to rapidly deploy troops directly into combat. This year, US Marines and Romanian naval infantry deployed from the Baltic Sea as part of Exercise Baltic Operations 18; US and Polish airborne troops hit the battlefield as part of Exercise Swift Response 18; and US and German Army engineers constructed bridges to cross rivers during Exercise Saber Strike 18. The exercises took place in Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Romania. Footage includes amphibious assaults, airborne operations, ribbon bridge construction, and an interview with US Navy Captain Brian Finman.   show less

During exercise Dynamic Front 18 at Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany, units from various NATO nations conducted an artillery drill with the aim of coordinating artillery fire using the Artillery Systems Cooperation Activities (ASCA). This software enables different nations to work together to provide quick and accurate artillery fire.

Learn about the process of how artillery fire is coordinated, and how NATO nations overcome language and systems differences to improve artillery response.

Footage includes various shots of Howitzers being fired, observers spotting targets and inside the indirect fire cell headquarters.

A year on from Montenegro joining NATO, NATO has started air patrols over the country which does not have its own fighter jets.

NATO Allies Italy and Greece have begun air patrols over Montenegro on 5 June 2018. Montenegro joined NATO in June last year. As the country does not have its own fighter planes, it has asked Allies to help secure its airspace. NATO air policing missions protect the skies of those Allies that do not have their own air force. There are currently several of these... read more

A year on from Montenegro joining NATO, NATO has started air patrols over the country which does not have its own fighter jets. NATO Allies Italy and Greece have begun air patrols over Montenegro on 5 June 2018. Montenegro joined NATO in June last year. As the country does not have its own fighter planes, it has asked Allies to help secure its airspace. NATO air policing missions protect the skies of those Allies that do not have their own air force. There are currently several of these air policing missions across Europe. NATO air policing is a long-running, routine mission to safeguard the integrity of the Alliance’s airspace, a core task of NATO’s collective defense. Footage includes various shots of Greek and Italian aircraft simulating an interception over Montenegro.   show less

The Model NATO Challenge took place on 28 March 2018 at Virginia Wesleyan University in Norfolk, Virginia.

The Model NATO Challenge is a scholarship competition where the top 29 high school applicants along with 6 alternates are chosen to participate in a mock global crisis simulation. Each student represented one of the 29 NATO member nations in the Challenge, which simulates real-world issues faced by today’s Alliance.

Student diplomats were assigned mentors - military officers... read more

The Model NATO Challenge took place on 28 March 2018 at Virginia Wesleyan University in Norfolk, Virginia. The Model NATO Challenge is a scholarship competition where the top 29 high school applicants along with 6 alternates are chosen to participate in a mock global crisis simulation. Each student represented one of the 29 NATO member nations in the Challenge, which simulates real-world issues faced by today’s Alliance. Student diplomats were assigned mentors - military officers from each of the 29 NATO member countries - who assisted in preparing the students for the Challenge while teaching them about their culture, national military resources and political backgrounds. The top candidates will receive a scholarship award to be applied toward the college or university of their choice. Footage includes images of the students and their military mentors during the Challenge, excerpts from students’ speeches, images of the audience and of the judges evaluating.   show less

An international team of scientists from NATO member and partner countries met in rural Germany to carry out field trials on a variety of camouflage materials. The ultimate goal for the future, is creating camouflage systems able to elude hyperspectral cameras.
Research on camouflage is key to improving soldiers’ security and helping ensure success for their missions.
Footage includes interviews with a scientist, Marek Strandberg, NATO Science and Technology Organization, along with various shots of scientists at work in the field using hyperspectral camera systems. Drone footage of rural German forest.

Lt Katarzyna Tomiak-Siemieniewicz is the first female MiG-29 fighter pilot in the Polish Air Force.

“The aircraft won’t forgive any mistakes. It doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman, we are all pilots,” says Lt Katarzyna Tomiak-Siemieniewicz, the first-ever female fighter pilot in the Polish Air Force.

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO.
From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other.

Lt Katarzyna Tomiak-Siemieniewicz is the first female MiG-29 fighter pilot in the Polish Air Force. In this video, she discusses her role as part of NATO’s air defence Quick Reaction Alert and being an inspiration for women.
Footage includes Lt Katarzyna Tomiak-Siemieniewicz and flying the MiG-29 fighter jet.

Quick Reaction Alert is a high state of readiness, maintained by NATO air crews to ensure the safety of Alliance airspace 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Fighter jets can be airborne within minutes to intercept and identify unknown aircraft operating within NATO airspace. Member countries provide the necessary aircraft and assets for the air policing of their own countries. For those countries that do not have this capability within or near NATO airspace, other NATO members will assist on a... read more

Quick Reaction Alert is a high state of readiness, maintained by NATO air crews to ensure the safety of Alliance airspace 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Fighter jets can be airborne within minutes to intercept and identify unknown aircraft operating within NATO airspace. Member countries provide the necessary aircraft and assets for the air policing of their own countries. For those countries that do not have this capability within or near NATO airspace, other NATO members will assist on a rotational basis. NATO Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) provides 24/7 command and control from two Combined Air Operations Centres (CAOCs), one for the north and the other for the south of the Alliance. Portugal belongs to the CAOC in Torrejón, Spain. When needed, these Centres decide - according to the location of the incident - which interceptor will be scrambled. The Portuguese Air Force shows us their QRA facilities at Monte Real Air Base and explains the state of readiness they have to maintain to be airborne within 15 minutes. On average, the Portuguese Air Force has 300 flight hours and carries out about 8-10 scrambles per year as part of the NATO CAOC in Torrejón.   show less

A short piece on flag semaphore. Flag semaphore is the telegraphy system used to convey information at a distance by means of visual signals with flags. This system is primarily used by the navy in case of a communications breakdown.

Footage taken aboard the Romanian Navy ship Regele Ferdinand, a part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2), which was taking part in a Passing Exercise in the Black Sea to increase interoperability between British, Romanian and Turkish naval forces.

Shots of various flags being displayed and hoisted. Crew sorting flags in storage room.

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Mert Çeltek joined the Turkish Navy as a diver following the footsteps of his uncle, who is also working in the Turkish Navy as a Marine. When underwater, he is much happier than above.

During exercise Dynamic Monarch 2017 off the Turkish coast, Mert worked with military submariners from eight other NATO countries to practise submarine search, escape and rescue.

Footage includes shots of Mert getting ready to dive, along with underwater shots of him participating in the drills during Dynamic Monarch 2017.

The key to being at sea for a long time? Attention, intuition and chocolate according to navigation officer Lieutenant Farcaş.

NATO has developed an international hub to face submarine emergencies, linking up 41 nations with the common aim of saving lives. Check out how it works.

NATO’s Close Protection Unit for the Secretary General is made up of highly skilled and highly trained individuals. An anonymous team leader talks about the role of the bodyguard - or close protection officer - with special emphasis on advanced driving skills. Footage includes shots of bodyguards performing advanced driving skills on a closed airfield.

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other.
Major Ana Silva is the commander of the chemical, biological radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defence component in the Portuguese army.

While she is proud of being part of the army, she feels that her main mission is raising her family and demonstrating to her children through the commitment to her job that the easiest solutions are not always the best.
Footage includes various shots of CBRN specialists wearing protective suits, along with shots of Ana leading a CBRN training.

NATO’s Close Protection Unit is made up of highly skilled and highly trained individuals. A team leader, kept anonymous for security purposes, speaks about the role of close protection agents; how they’re trained; what kinds of personality traits are required to do the job; and the need to encourage more women to apply for the job. Includes footage of simulated close-quarters firefights and protection procedures.

TEXT ON SCREEN NATO CLOSE PROTECTION AGENTS SOUNDBITE IN ENGLISH ANON... read more

NATO’s Close Protection Unit is made up of highly skilled and highly trained individuals. A team leader, kept anonymous for security purposes, speaks about the role of close protection agents; how they’re trained; what kinds of personality traits are required to do the job; and the need to encourage more women to apply for the job. Includes footage of simulated close-quarters firefights and protection procedures. TEXT ON SCREEN NATO CLOSE PROTECTION AGENTS SOUNDBITE IN ENGLISH ANON “There are people working at NATO who are doing their best to keep the world safe. Our job is to keep them safe. Often people get the impression that a close protection agent should be a macho type, which is absolutely not the type of person who works in the NATO Close Protection Unit. A close protection agent is trained for a lot of things, and they just need to be ready to be able to do what is expected in normal situations, in tense situations and in situations of a higher risk.” UPSOT “Contact front, contact front!” --SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH)-- ANON “We are constantly developing medical skills, studying and training on weapons, improving our driving skills and communication skills. There are many highly skilled female close protection agents, but unfortunately we don’t have any working in the NATO Close Protection Unit right now. We are actively recruiting for female agents. Working as a close protection agent for NATO is a great privilege. It’s a high-profile environment with high-profile people. You are protecting men and women who are really making an impact on the world.” END Media tags Reference NATO729040 Date filming 02 Apr 2018 12:00 Location Undisclosed Country Undisclosed Usage rights This media asset is free for editorial broadcast, print, online and radio use. It is restricted for use for other purposes. Type Master   show less

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO.
From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other.
Lt Katarzyna Tomiak-Siemieniewicz is the first female MiG-29 fighter pilot in the Polish Air Force. In this video, she discusses her role as part of NATO’s air defence Quick Reaction Alert and being an inspiration for women.
Footage includes Lt Katarzyna Tomiak-Siemieniewicz and flying the MiG-29 fighter jet.

Small, cheap and deadly – sea mines can bring maritime traffic to a screeching halt. To address this threat, NATO’s mine hunters patrol the waters 365 days a year.

Sea mines are devastating weapons. Cheap to produce and relatively easy to field, they can make shipping lanes and straits impassable to military and civilian maritime traffic. Even the threat of sea mines can bring economies to a standstill.

To address the threat of sea mines, the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures... read more

Small, cheap and deadly – sea mines can bring maritime traffic to a screeching halt. To address this threat, NATO’s mine hunters patrol the waters 365 days a year. Sea mines are devastating weapons. Cheap to produce and relatively easy to field, they can make shipping lanes and straits impassable to military and civilian maritime traffic. Even the threat of sea mines can bring economies to a standstill. To address the threat of sea mines, the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Groups (SNMCMGs) patrol the Alliance’s waters 365 days a year. In this piece, the commander of SNMCMG2, which is currently charged with securing the Mediterranean Sea region, explains how NATO counters the danger of sea mines, and also how the flotilla provides a humanitarian service by neutralizing unexploded ordnance from conflicts past. Footage includes shots of the naval group at sea; shots of mine clearance divers entering the water; shots of underwater drones; and an interview with Commander Justin Hains, UK Royal Navy, who leads Group 2. Hains will turn over command of the group in July. About Standing NATO Maritime Groups: The four Standing Maritime Groups are multinational, integrated maritime forces made up of vessels from allied countries. These vessels are under continuous NATO command to perform a wide range of tasks ranging from deterrent presence and situational awareness to exercises and the conduct of operational missions. These groups provide NATO with an immediate operational response capability both in peacetime and in crisis. These four groups comprise the core of the maritime component of the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), providing timely maritime support to NATO operations in a contingency.   show less

“Pipers have always been warriors who lead into battle,” says Private Taige Schomburg, the Canadian official piper of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup Latvia.

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO.
From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other.

Private Taige Schomburg is the official piper for the enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup Latvia. Bagpipes and... read more

“Pipers have always been warriors who lead into battle,” says Private Taige Schomburg, the Canadian official piper of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup Latvia. Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other. Private Taige Schomburg is the official piper for the enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup Latvia. Bagpipes and pipers have been linked to the military for hundreds of years, whether leading troops into battle or honouring the fallen at funerals. Canada has a rich history of military pipers, including piper James Cleland Richardson who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during the First World War. Footage includes Private Taige Schomburg playing his bagpipes along Latvia’s frozen coastline.   show less

What did NATO do in 2017 and how did it adapt to new challenges? The Secretary General’s annual report shows the broad range of steps NATO took to keep its one billion citizens safe.

From fighting terrorism to sharing defence burdens, NATO is becoming a faster and fairer alliance. The Secretary General’s annual report shows exactly what NATO did in 2017 and how it adapted to new challenges while continuing to keep its citizens safe.

Footage includes various images of NATO’s missions, operations, deployments and meetings of high level diplomats during 2017.

Romania is an equal partner in NATO.
We protect lives. We defend our citizens and territory.
We are united with our Allies for peace and stability.
Romania is NATO, We Are NATO.

When the sun sets on the sea, so too does it set on a warship: the lights change from white to red and the officers of the watch – those entrusted to steer the ship through the night, sometimes through congested waterways – become extra vigilant.
Join Royal Navy Sub-lieutenant Nick Lockyer, a young officer aboard the survey ship HMS Enterprise, as he stands watch on a darkened bridge.
The Enterprise currently serves as the flagship of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2... read more

When the sun sets on the sea, so too does it set on a warship: the lights change from white to red and the officers of the watch – those entrusted to steer the ship through the night, sometimes through congested waterways – become extra vigilant. Join Royal Navy Sub-lieutenant Nick Lockyer, a young officer aboard the survey ship HMS Enterprise, as he stands watch on a darkened bridge. The Enterprise currently serves as the flagship of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG-2), which is tasked with deterring the threat of sea mines in the alliance’s southern seas. Enterprise and SNMCMG-2 were in the Ionian Sea in March 2018 for Ariadne 18, a counter-mine exercise hosted by the Hellenic Navy. Shots include the Enterprise’s darkened bridge at night; twilight exteriors of the ship’s superstructure; the bridge at daybreak; and an interview with Lockyer.   show less

NATO explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) experts are passing their skills on to fellow EOD soldiers in the Jordanian Armed Forces, enhancing their ability to counter the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) both in Jordan and regionally. This is an entry-level program, focusing on the fundamentals of counter-IED doctrine: finding and disarming explosives while collecting evidence to take down the bomb-makers.

Trainers from five NATO nations (Germany, Hungary, Romania, Spain and... read more

NATO explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) experts are passing their skills on to fellow EOD soldiers in the Jordanian Armed Forces, enhancing their ability to counter the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) both in Jordan and regionally. This is an entry-level program, focusing on the fundamentals of counter-IED doctrine: finding and disarming explosives while collecting evidence to take down the bomb-makers. Trainers from five NATO nations (Germany, Hungary, Romania, Spain and the United States) have been dispatched from the NATO Counter-IED Centre of Excellence, based in Spain. They’re working together with trainers from the Irish Defence Forces. The course in Jordan is being sponsored by NATO’s Science for Peace and Security Programme. The Basic IED Search and Clearance Course started in 2017 and will conclude at the end of 2018. Footage includes shots of Jordanian Counter-IED soldiers in bomb disposal suits searching for and neutralizing dummy IEDs; shots of explosions at normal speed and slow-motion; soundbites from US and Spanish instructors, as well as a Jordanian trainee.   show less

Why is it so important to secure the seas? A NATO maritime commander has the answer. Mike Utley (UK Royal Navy) is the Commander of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2. The Group is one of the standing elements of the maritime component of the NATO Response Force (NRF), held at very high readiness to form the nucleus of an NRF surface maritime task group.

Footage includes soundbites from Commodore Utley talking about the importance of NATO and the interoperability of NATO ships.

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other.

Colonel João “Skipper” Pereira is one of the most experienced jet pilots of the Portuguese Air Force, with more than 4,000 flying hours. During his long career, he has plenty of stories to tell. On one occasion, he had to make the most difficult decision of all: whether or not to eject from the aircraft.

Footage includes various shots of Colonel Pereira at Monte Real Air Base No. 5, cockpit footage of Portuguese F-16 and infographic reconstruction of the accident.

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other.

Colonel João “Skipper” Pereira is one of the most experienced jet pilots of the Portuguese Air Force, with more than 4,000 flying hours. During his long career, he has plenty of stories to tell. On one occasion, he had to make the most difficult decision of all: whether or not to eject from the aircraft.

Footage includes various shots of Colonel Pereira at Monte Real Air Base No. 5, cockpit footage of Portuguese F-16 and infographic reconstruction of the accident.

This video shows Spanish troops based in Latvia doing five different exercises that help them keep fit.

The Spanish are based at Camp Adazi, just outside of Riga, Latvia. They’re part of the NATO battlegroup which is led by the Canadians but also includes soldiers from Albania, Italy, Poland and Slovenia. The footage shows Spanish troops doing various exercises both indoor and outdoor.

During Exercise Real Thaw 2018, the Portuguese CIMIC (civil-military cooperation) team organised the event “Pilot for a day” at Monte Real Air Base. Two children aged 8, Lourenço and Inês, from a local school of the closest city Leiria, spent a day as jet pilots, guided by a pilot of the base, Lt João Franco. During the day, the two children dressed up as real jet pilots, played with a flight simulator, sat inside a real F-16 jet, watched the jets’ take-offs at the run-way and fulfilled every child’s dream.

Blending into your environment takes dedication and skill, two British Army snipers show us how it’s done.

Whatever their environment, British Army snipers need to blend in. They use various methods of concealment, from breaking up the body shape with a ghillie suit to moving slowly and methodically. A sniper might change camouflage several times before reaching their target. You could pass within five meters of a sniper without knowing they’re there.

This piece includes various shots of a two-man sniper team performing camouflage and concealment drills in snowy woodlands near Tapa, Estonia.

The British Army are in Estonia as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence in the region.

The first counter-narcotics training for Central Asian officers has started at the Dog Handling Centre of the State Border Guard in Rezekne, Latvia.

10 officers have been going through a training where they acquire sniffer dog-handling skills, as well as learn to share responsibility, vision and commitment to addressing illegal drug trafficking challenges.

This training is part of a counter-narcotics training project that NATO has been developing with the United Nations Office on Drugs... read more

The first counter-narcotics training for Central Asian officers has started at the Dog Handling Centre of the State Border Guard in Rezekne, Latvia. 10 officers have been going through a training where they acquire sniffer dog-handling skills, as well as learn to share responsibility, vision and commitment to addressing illegal drug trafficking challenges. This training is part of a counter-narcotics training project that NATO has been developing with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) since early 2016. Footage includes counter-narcotic dogs training with their handlers to detect drugs. More information on the course, including training participants, can be found at this link: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_149244.htm?   show less

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other.

Private Marko Kamenšek is a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defence specialist. He joined the army as it is dynamic and provides him a great opportunity for personal growth. He enjoys the small pleasures of life.

As part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence in the... read more

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other. Private Marko Kamenšek is a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defence specialist. He joined the army as it is dynamic and provides him a great opportunity for personal growth. He enjoys the small pleasures of life. As part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence in the Baltic countries and Poland, he conducts CBRN training with a Canadian-led multinational battlegroup at Camp Adazi, Latvia. Footage includes drone shots of Marko decontaminating a military vehicle, as well as shots of him wearing a CBRN suit and mask during a CBRN training exercise at Camp Adazi, Latvia.   show less

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other.

Private Marko Kamenšek is a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defence specialist. He joined the army as it is dynamic and provides him a great opportunity for personal growth. He enjoys the small pleasures of life.

As part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence in the... read more

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other. Private Marko Kamenšek is a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defence specialist. He joined the army as it is dynamic and provides him a great opportunity for personal growth. He enjoys the small pleasures of life. As part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence in the Baltic countries and Poland, he conducts CBRN training with a Canadian-led multinational battlegroup at Camp Adazi, Latvia. Footage includes drone shots of Marko decontaminating a military vehicle, as well as shots of him wearing a CBRN suit and mask during a CBRN training exercise at Camp Adazi, Latvia.   show less

The first counter-narcotics training for Central Asian officers has started at the Dog Handling Centre of the State Border Guard in Rezekne, Latvia.

10 officers have been going through a training where they acquire sniffer dog-handling skills, as well as learn to share responsibility, vision and commitment to addressing illegal drug trafficking challenges.

This training is part of a counter-narcotics training project that NATO has been developing with the United Nations Office on Drugs... read more

The first counter-narcotics training for Central Asian officers has started at the Dog Handling Centre of the State Border Guard in Rezekne, Latvia. 10 officers have been going through a training where they acquire sniffer dog-handling skills, as well as learn to share responsibility, vision and commitment to addressing illegal drug trafficking challenges. This training is part of a counter-narcotics training project that NATO has been developing with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) since early 2016. Footage includes counter-narcotic dogs training with their handlers to detect drugs. More information on the course, including training participants, can be found at this link: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_149244.htm?   show less

Terrorist groups target cultural heritage, from the Taliban destroying the Bamyan Buddhas to the Daesh wrecking Palmyra. But why? This documentary looks at how terrorist groups use cultural heritage for control – but also for funding.

Taking in interviews ranging from the head of UNESCO through to an Afghan smuggler, this documentary looks at the trail of destruction left by terrorist groups in our cultural heritage. It investigates how they both ban it but yet use it to fund their activities. It talks to those who are part of the problem, like smugglers, but also looks at the best methods to stop terrorist groups from profiting from this trade.

The Cyber Defence Unit was set up as part of the Estonian Defence League to bring technical expertise from the civilian world into the Estonian defence forces to be deployed should a cyber emergency arise.

Interview with one of the founding members of the Unit, Andrus Padar, who is the current commander, speaking about why the Unit is important to defend Estonia’s highly digitised way of life.

Time-lapse, hyper-lapse and other various shots of Estonia’s capital Tallinn.

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other.

Senior Airman Megan Burgos is an avionics specialist for the US Air Force. She was on deployment working for NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission in Siauliai, Lithuania. Her team of five was responsible for preparing the F-15 fighter jets so they were ready to scramble, whenever they were called out.

Footage includes shots of Senior Airman Burgos working on an F-15 fighter jet along with soundbites.

Synopsis
Corporal Eduards Vovks is a member of the Latvian Honour Guard, whose duty it is to protect the Freedom Monument in central Riga and the Riga Castle. For him, freedom is a great treasure and independence is something worth defending.

Teaser
“Freedom for us is a great treasure and independence is something worth defending.” Meet Corporal Eduards Vovks, a member of the Latvian Honour Guard.

The Royal Danish Air Force took over the Baltic Air Policing mission from the U.S. Air Force at Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania on 8 January 2018. The U.S. handed over control of the airspace during a brief ceremony, after which U.S. and Danish jets executed a flyover.
Footage includes scenes from the ceremony, shots of the jets flying and taxing, and interviews with Danish and NATO officials.

Major Gediminas Grinius of the Lithuanian Armed Forces explains what it feels like to have PTSD and how running “helps to release the pressure”.

A look back on some of NATO’s most important events of 2017 including enhanced forward presence in the eastern part of the Alliance, Montenegro’s accession and contributions to Afghanistan and Iraq.

As 2017 draws to a close, All of us at NATO would like to wish everyone across the Alliance a happy New Year.

Footage includes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, as well as members of the NATO International Staff and National Delegations reading out a New Year greeting.

From all of us at NATO, we wish you a happy and peaceful New Year!

As the holiday season approaches, we remember the thousands of NATO troops serving away from their families this Christmas. This piece was filmed in Orzysz, Poland, the home of one of NATO’s battlegroups. This battlegroup includes soldiers from the United States, Croatia, Romania and the United Kingdom.

On any NATO mission throughout the world, the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps is ready to deploy. It’s comprised of 1,600 troops from 23 nations and has the ability to lead up to 160,000 soldiers on the ground. Annual exercise ARRCADE FUSION tests their readiness.

The Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, or ARRC, is the high-readiness Land Component Command or Corps HQ for NATO, an operationally effective HQ capable of deploying worldwide on short notice.

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other.

Tobi Rudolf is a German intern at NATO Archives. His job involves working with classified NATO documents older than 30 years. He goes through piles of files and selects those that he finds interesting or relevant for publishing online.

Music: Eclipsed Moon by Bangs Siddall.

In charge of four tanks, six months away from home. No problem for Norway’s female tank commander Lieutenant Silje Johansen Willassen, who recently deployed to NATO’s battlegroup in Lithuania.

Norwegian tanks have been deployed to Lithuania to support NATO’s enhanced forward presence in the region.

The company, of around 200 troops, belongs to Norway’s Telemark Battalion. They provided support to the German-led multinational battlegroup. The deployment lasted six months.... read more

In charge of four tanks, six months away from home. No problem for Norway’s female tank commander Lieutenant Silje Johansen Willassen, who recently deployed to NATO’s battlegroup in Lithuania. Norwegian tanks have been deployed to Lithuania to support NATO’s enhanced forward presence in the region. The company, of around 200 troops, belongs to Norway’s Telemark Battalion. They provided support to the German-led multinational battlegroup. The deployment lasted six months. Commanding one of the platoons was Lieutenant Silje Johansen Willassen, Norway’s Telemark Battalion’s first female tank commander. Lieutenant Willassen discusses the deployment and what it takes to deploy overseas. Footage of Lt Willassen working with her soldiers and tanks in Lithuania, and tanks from Norwegian Telemark Battalion and German ally exercising together. This version includes a voiceover, graphics and music and has no subtitles. Music: Wondrous Instrumental Kallins Minucci   show less

NATO stands firmly against gender-based violence. We strive to make sure that at every level of our operations, women and children are protected.

Violence against women is inherent in any conflict, and is often used as a tool of war. NATO takes this seriously, striving on all levels of its operations to make sure women are protected. From planning and training stages to engaging with other international institutions, NATO makes United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women,... read more

NATO stands firmly against gender-based violence. We strive to make sure that at every level of our operations, women and children are protected. Violence against women is inherent in any conflict, and is often used as a tool of war. NATO takes this seriously, striving on all levels of its operations to make sure women are protected. From planning and training stages to engaging with other international institutions, NATO makes United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, a priority. Footage includes interviews with speakers from various International Staff (IS), International Military Staff (IMS) and NATO Delegations, as well as archive shots of NATO field education and training activities, and women in conflict zones.   show less

Violence against women harms us all. We care – so let’s make sure it’s eradicated.

Violence against women is inherent in any conflict, and is often used as a tool of war. NATO takes this seriously, engaging on all levels of its operations to make sure women are protected. From planning and training stages to targeted exercises, NATO makes UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, a priority.

To mark the International Day of Elimination of Violence against... read more

Violence against women harms us all. We care – so let’s make sure it’s eradicated. Violence against women is inherent in any conflict, and is often used as a tool of war. NATO takes this seriously, engaging on all levels of its operations to make sure women are protected. From planning and training stages to targeted exercises, NATO makes UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, a priority. To mark the International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November, NATO sheds light on true survivor stories. Footage includes people from NATO International Staff (IS), International Military Staff (IMS) and national delegations at NATO Headquarters reading out a true testimony from survivors of wartime sexual violence. This video leads to another in-depth explainer piece where different speakers across NATO civilian and military staff tell their experiences dealing with gender-based violence and what NATO does to counter it.   show less

He’s a Public Affairs officer in his army uniform but a president in civilian clothes, meet 2nd Lt John Jacobs of the Dutch Army.

NATO cooperates with different partners all around the world to ensure its operations can run smoothly. Engaging with civil aviation is key in an increasingly busy airspace. Therefore, NATO works together with organisations such as ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) and EUROCONTROL for accommodation of military operations, planning of military exercises, day-to-day information-sharing, executing air policing activities, as well as working on projects to ensure safety of air... read more

NATO cooperates with different partners all around the world to ensure its operations can run smoothly. Engaging with civil aviation is key in an increasingly busy airspace. Therefore, NATO works together with organisations such as ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) and EUROCONTROL for accommodation of military operations, planning of military exercises, day-to-day information-sharing, executing air policing activities, as well as working on projects to ensure safety of air traffic in different regions. One of the more notable civil-military initiatives by ICAO – the Baltic Sea Project Team – recently brought together NATO and Russia alongside other countries to cooperate in ensuring safety of air operations over the Baltic Sea. Footage includes interviews with representatives from NATO, ICAO, EUROCONTROL, as well as shots of air policing, a NATO Aviation Committee meeting, and various civil and military aircraft.   show less

Sweden has responded to a changing security situation in Europe by increasing its military spending, reintroducing conscription and hosting large-scale exercises.
It has also stationed troops back on the strategically important Swedish island of Gotland, in the middle of the Baltic Sea, for the first time in more than a decade.
While Sweden is not a NATO nation, NATO and Sweden have a strong partnership and actively work together in peace and security operations, and for both, providing... read more

Sweden has responded to a changing security situation in Europe by increasing its military spending, reintroducing conscription and hosting large-scale exercises. It has also stationed troops back on the strategically important Swedish island of Gotland, in the middle of the Baltic Sea, for the first time in more than a decade. While Sweden is not a NATO nation, NATO and Sweden have a strong partnership and actively work together in peace and security operations, and for both, providing security in the Baltic Sea region is a priority. Footage includes shots and interviews from various locations in and around the island of Gotland. Teaser: Learn why Sweden has remilitarized the island of Gotland, how the Swedish Armed Forces are improving their military capability, and about Sweden and NATO’s strong partnership in the Baltic Sea region.   show less

Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG2) arrives in Batumi, Georgia on 3 November for a two-day port visit as part of the Group’s deployment in the Black Sea.
During this visit SNMCMG2 comprised the Romanian frigate ROS Regele Ferdinand, the Turkish minehunter TCG Edremit, the Romanian mine hunter ROS Lt. Lupu Dinescu and the Bulgarian minesweeper BGS Shkval.
Images include arrival at port and welcome ceremony.

Every year, Iceland hosts ‘Northern Challenge’, an exercise that brings together the bomb disposal community to share expertise and know-how. Teams from 15 NATO Allies and partner nations took part this year.
Land and sea exercises were simulated to reflect real-life threats and small teams were tasked with defusing improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Footage includes various shots of exercises in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and interviews with key participants.

Every year, Iceland hosts ‘Northern Challenge’, an exercise that brings together the bomb disposal community to share expertise and know-how. Teams from 15 NATO Allies and partner nations took part this year.
Land and sea exercises were simulated to reflect real-life threats and small teams were tasked with defusing improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Footage includes various shots of exercises in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and interviews with key participants.

A combination of strong defense and effective détente has become part of NATO’s DNA and what it is today. At the origin of this principle lies the Harmel Report, issued in 1967.

In the late 1960s, NATO had to find new ways to respond to new challenges. The Berlin crisis had been a reality check for its strategy of massive retaliation and France’s withdrawal from the integrated military structure was a shock to Allied solidarity. There were also fears that NATO would cease to exist... read more

A combination of strong defense and effective détente has become part of NATO’s DNA and what it is today. At the origin of this principle lies the Harmel Report, issued in 1967. In the late 1960s, NATO had to find new ways to respond to new challenges. The Berlin crisis had been a reality check for its strategy of massive retaliation and France’s withdrawal from the integrated military structure was a shock to Allied solidarity. There were also fears that NATO would cease to exist since, according to its founding treaty, members could withdraw from the Alliance after 20 years of its existence. Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs Pierre Harmel provided a powerful response to this situation with the Harmel Report, issued on 14 December 1967. This report introduced the idea that pursuing a strong defense was not in conflict with pursuing détente with the Soviet Union and that NATO had a role to play in both. This concept has stood the test of time and has become one of NATO’s core principles. In December this year, NATO is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Report. Footage includes interviews with one of the drafters of the Report, Pierre Harmel’s Head of Staff, along with interviews with Harmel’s biographer, one of Pierre Harmel’s sons and the current Belgian Ambassador to NATO. This version includes subtitles, graphics and music.   show less

In September, Bosnia and Herzegovina hosted a multinational disaster response exercise – called “Bosna i Hercegovina 2017” – involving 34 NATO and partner countries. Around 1,200 participants were tested on international cooperation and interoperability in disaster response, including water rescue and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) detection, protection and decontamination. This was the 17th international field exercise organised by NATO’s Euro-Atlantic... read more

In September, Bosnia and Herzegovina hosted a multinational disaster response exercise – called “Bosna i Hercegovina 2017” – involving 34 NATO and partner countries. Around 1,200 participants were tested on international cooperation and interoperability in disaster response, including water rescue and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) detection, protection and decontamination. This was the 17th international field exercise organised by NATO’s Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) and the first one hosted by Bosnia and Herzegovina. More information can be found here: http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_147118.htm? Footage includes interviews with the exercise director and participants plus shots from various exercise scenarios including CBRN, flooding and urban rescue.   show less

The NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS) is a cooperative project between three NATO countries: France, Norway and the United Kingdom. It is designed to rescue personnel from submarines in distress and can dive to depths of up to 600 metres. It consists of three main parts: an intervention system, a rescue vehicle and a transfer under pressure system. It is the largest fly-away submarine rescue system and can dive up to six hours, four times a day. On each dive, it can rescue approximately 12... read more

The NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS) is a cooperative project between three NATO countries: France, Norway and the United Kingdom. It is designed to rescue personnel from submarines in distress and can dive to depths of up to 600 metres. It consists of three main parts: an intervention system, a rescue vehicle and a transfer under pressure system. It is the largest fly-away submarine rescue system and can dive up to six hours, four times a day. On each dive, it can rescue approximately 12 submariners, who will receive medical treatment in its facilities, if needed. The NATO Submarine Rescue System is available to anyone on request and can be deployed almost anywhere in the world within 72 hours. Footage includes: interview with Commander Ian Duncan, NATO Submarine Rescue System Programme Manager, images from Exercise Dynamic Monarch 2017 and underwater filming of the exercise. Teaser:Building on technology that rescued seven Russian submariners in 2005, three NATO Allies developed a cutting-edge underwater rescue system.   show less

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO.
From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian
emergency responders, NATO members are committed to
supporting and protecting each other.

Meet Edgars Urbāns, a bomb disposal diver in the Latvian Navy. His job involves diving up to 60 meters down into the Baltic Sea to hunt for World War One and Two mines that pose a risk to fishermen and local communities.

Footage includes various shots of Edgars Urbāns and the Latvian Navy EOD dive team putting on their equipment and going into the Baltic Sea to search for mines.

Ana Martins is in the Portuguese Navy and is passionate about the sea. She believes that the military are here to promote the well-being of people and ensure peace for everybody.

Ukraine is being represented at the Invictus Games for the first time. The country’s 28-member team are competing in rowing, athletics, cycling, powerlifting, swimming, archery and sitting volleyball. This year’s Invictus Games is being held in Toronto. 550 competitors from 17 nations are taking part. NATO has provided support to the Ukrainian and Afghan teams.

More background on the event can be found here
http://www.invictusgames2017.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Media-Kit_Eng-2.pdf

Footage includes various shots of Team Ukraine training with competitors from other nations and soundbites from representatives from NATO and Team Ukraine

The Invictus Games 2017 drew to a close on Saturday. NATO supported both the Ukrainian and Afghan teams in their journeys to the games.

Ukrainian competitor Vadym Sviridenko lost both hands and feet in 2015 but overcame all the obstacles to take part in the athletics and rowing competitions.

Footage includes various shots of Vadym and Team Ukraine, Toronto, the venues, Team Afghanistan and members of Team Jordan.

The Invictus Games are underway in Toronto, Canada. 550 competitors from 17 nations are taking part in the games. They’ll compete in 12 sports including wheelchair rugby, swimming and golf. NATO has provided support to the Ukrainian and Afghan teams.

Finland has one of the most comprehensive disaster response systems of any country in the world.
After losing 90,000 people in the Second World War, the authorities in Finland put measures in place to make sure that if it happened again, the nation would be ready.
From underground shelters in all buildings over 1,200 square metres to training exercises involving the police, fire department and medical services, Finland is prepared in case any crisis should strike.
Footage includes various shots of underground air raid shelter and various shots of an emergency services training exercise in an underground metro station.

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other.

Corporal Francisco Santos, from Spain’s Military Emergency Unit, uses drones in his daily job to help rescue victims trapped in near-inaccessible areas. This piece was filmed during a disaster response exercise in Bosnia and Herzegovina, involving 34 NATO and partner countries. It was the 17th... read more

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other. Corporal Francisco Santos, from Spain’s Military Emergency Unit, uses drones in his daily job to help rescue victims trapped in near-inaccessible areas. This piece was filmed during a disaster response exercise in Bosnia and Herzegovina, involving 34 NATO and partner countries. It was the 17th international field exercise organised by NATO’s Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC). Footage shows various scenes from the exercise including Corporal Santos (Unidad Militar de Emergencias/ Military Emergency Unit) flying a drone.   show less

‘You are like a bird, you can do whatever you want. That’s freedom’. Meet ‘Claudius’, the fighter pilot, who knew from the age of five it was all he wanted to do.

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other.

French Air Force fighter pilot ‘Claudius’ has wanted to fly jets ever since he was a small child. He now has a... read more

‘You are like a bird, you can do whatever you want. That’s freedom’. Meet ‘Claudius’, the fighter pilot, who knew from the age of five it was all he wanted to do. Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other. French Air Force fighter pilot ‘Claudius’ has wanted to fly jets ever since he was a small child. He now has a full-time job flying fighter jets on various missions. For him there is no other feeling like being high above the clouds, where you forget ‘all the little troubles of life’. Interview with ‘Claudius’ and footage of him both on the ground and in the air in his jet, flying above Corsica during French-led exercise ‘Serpentex 2017’.   show less

‘You are like a bird, you can do whatever you want. That’s freedom’. Meet ‘Claudius’, the fighter pilot, who knew from the age of five it was all he wanted to do.

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other.
French Air Force fighter pilot ‘Claudius’ has wanted to fly jets ever since he was a small child. He now has a... read more

‘You are like a bird, you can do whatever you want. That’s freedom’. Meet ‘Claudius’, the fighter pilot, who knew from the age of five it was all he wanted to do. Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other. French Air Force fighter pilot ‘Claudius’ has wanted to fly jets ever since he was a small child. He now has a full-time job flying fighter jets on various missions. For him there is no other feeling like being high above the clouds, where you forget ‘all the little troubles of life’. Interview with ‘Claudius’ and footage of him both on the ground and in the air in his jet, flying above Corsica during French-led exercise ‘Serpentex 2017’.   show less

Chief Sergeant Perrine is a Joint Terminal Attack Controller in the French Army.

The role of the JTAC on the battlefield is to direct airpower, artillery and naval assets in support of ground units.

Perrine gives more specific details about what her job consists in and describes the different steps leading to an air strike. She also tells us about what she loves in her job.

The interview took place during exercise Serpentex 2017 exercise, where nine nations came together for a training at a military airbase in Solenzara, Corsica.

“NATO Run”, an annual running festival held in the historical heart of Budapest, attracts thousands of military and civilian participants from many countries. This year’s event focused on the importance of peace, security and gender equality.

The Invictus Games are underway in Toronto, Canada. 550 competitors from 17 nations are taking part in the games. They’ll compete in 12 sports including wheelchair rugby, swimming and golf. NATO has provided support to the Ukrainian and Afghan teams.

The Invictus Games are underway in Toronto, Canada. 55 competitors from 17 nations are taking part in the games. They’ll compete in 12 sports including wheelchair rugby, swimming and golf. NATO has provided support to the Ukrainian and Afghan teams.

Ukraine is being represented at the Invictus Games for the first time. The country’s 28-member team are competing in rowing, athletics, cycling, powerlifting, swimming, archery and sitting volleyball. This year’s Invictus Games is being held in Toronto. 550 competitors from 17 nations are taking part. NATO has provided support to the Ukrainian and Afghan teams. More background on the event can be found here
http://www.invictusgames2017.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Media-Kit_Eng-2.pdf
Footage includes various shots of Team Ukraine training with competitors from other nations and soundbites from representatives from NATO and Team Ukraine

The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat team, 1st Infantry Division, also known widely as ‘The Dagger Brigade,’ has a long and proud history of contributing to European stability.

It's heading to Europe in September as part of the next heel-to-toe rotation of US troops. Their deployment is part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, demonstrating a continued US commitment to European security. The Dagger Brigade will be away from their base in Fort Riley, Kansas, for nine months.

A NATO exercise is underway in the Baltic States which involves testing a unit that controls air assets. The Deployable Air Command and Control Centre, or DACCC, is usually based in Poggio Renatico, Italy. Over the last week some elements have been moved to Lielvarde Airbase in Latvia where they will stay until October. It’s made up of various containers, computers and satellite dishes and has a team of approximately 100 operators. The exercise, called Ramstein Dust II-17, is being run by... read more

A NATO exercise is underway in the Baltic States which involves testing a unit that controls air assets. The Deployable Air Command and Control Centre, or DACCC, is usually based in Poggio Renatico, Italy. Over the last week some elements have been moved to Lielvarde Airbase in Latvia where they will stay until October. It’s made up of various containers, computers and satellite dishes and has a team of approximately 100 operators. The exercise, called Ramstein Dust II-17, is being run by NATO’s Allied Air Command. Various staff from the DACCC will be integrated within the NATO battlegroups in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. The exercise scenario demonstrates the defensive nature of Alliance activities and provides visible assurance to NATO members of the Alliance’s ability to meet its obligations. In this piece, a UK Royal Air Force A400M ‘ATLAS’ lands in Latvia, carrying equipment for the exercise. Footage includes shots of the A400M landing in Latvia, equipment being unloaded from the back of the plane and an interview with RAF pilot Flight Lieutenant Ian Brosch, 24 Squadron Royal Air Force. This version has music and graphics, and no subtitles.   show less

In September 2017, Sweden hosted Exercise Aurora, its largest military exercise in nearly 25 years. The exercise involved nearly 30 per cent of the Swedish Armed Forces, as well as troop contributions from NATO Allied and partner countries - which joined on a bilateral basis. The goal of the exercise was to build a stronger defence and increase capability to face an attack. As well as taking place in Stockholm and Gothenburg regions, the exercise featured air, land and sea assets on the... read more

In September 2017, Sweden hosted Exercise Aurora, its largest military exercise in nearly 25 years. The exercise involved nearly 30 per cent of the Swedish Armed Forces, as well as troop contributions from NATO Allied and partner countries - which joined on a bilateral basis. The goal of the exercise was to build a stronger defence and increase capability to face an attack. As well as taking place in Stockholm and Gothenburg regions, the exercise featured air, land and sea assets on the island of Gotland and in the Stockholm archipelago. Aurora also featured collaboration between the military and the civilian emergency services. Footage includes various shots of exercise Aurora in locations across Sweden. Teaser: Sweden has hosted its largest military exercise for almost 25 years. Exercise Aurora involved air, land and sea assets, and focused on defending the Baltic Sea region together with NATO Allied and partner countries.   show less

Experts from the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in collaboration with the United States Department of Homeland Security joined scientists and civil emergency responders from NATO and partner nations at a multinational emergency response exercise in Bosnia and Herzegovina to field-test various technological and scientific innovations in the area of search and rescue.
This is the 17th international field exercise organised by NATO’s Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response... read more

Experts from the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in collaboration with the United States Department of Homeland Security joined scientists and civil emergency responders from NATO and partner nations at a multinational emergency response exercise in Bosnia and Herzegovina to field-test various technological and scientific innovations in the area of search and rescue. This is the 17th international field exercise organised by NATO’s Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) and the first one hosted by Bosnia and Herzegovina. Over 1,200 participants were tested on international cooperation and interoperability in disaster response, including water rescue and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) detection, protection and decontamination. The NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme, or SPS, supports scientific research in various fields of technology and innovation. It was widely involved in the exercise, field-testing both a cutting-edge incident command system and two telemedicine projects. Interviews with programme directors and scientists utilising new technologies in the field on location in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Teaser: If fires or floods strike, how will NATO use science and technology to respond? Experts from MIT joined NATO scientists at a disaster relief exercise to test out the latest innovations.   show less

In 2017, NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence saw four new deployments, bringing multinational battlegroups into Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland as a response to changing security environments along NATO’s eastern border. As part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia, Spain has deployed a heavy armoured unit abroad for the first time. Around 300 troops, 250 of which are from the Mechanised Infantry Brigade “Extremadura XI”, supported by Leopard tanks and Pizarro armoured... read more

In 2017, NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence saw four new deployments, bringing multinational battlegroups into Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland as a response to changing security environments along NATO’s eastern border. As part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia, Spain has deployed a heavy armoured unit abroad for the first time. Around 300 troops, 250 of which are from the Mechanised Infantry Brigade “Extremadura XI”, supported by Leopard tanks and Pizarro armoured vehicles, were stationed in eastern Europe for six months. They constituted the second biggest contingent of the Latvian-based battlegroup led by Canada. The battlegroup has also been supported by troops from Albania, the Czech Republic, Italy, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. This story follows three crew members of a Pizarro armoured vehicle and their day-to-day life. The film crew embedded with the Brigade “Extremadura XI” from the pre-deployment training until their multinational training in Latvia. Here they share with us both military and more person moments.   show less

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other.

Lieutenant General LeonÄŤds Kalniņš is the Latvian Chief of Defence. The General served as Commander of the National Guard for five years before taking up his current role. In his spare time, General Kalniņš reads books on history and paints. This piece is a short biographical profile. The footage includes shots of General Kalniņš at Adazi Military Base in Latvia and at the country’s national museum of art.

Over 400 participants from 11 NATO and partner countries have been assessing their skills in a real time environment dealing with Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear threats.

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other.

Staff Sergeant Elvis Costea is a medic with the Romanian Army. He took part in Saber Guardian 2017, a US-led exercise in Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania involving more than 25,000 troops from over 20 NATO Allies and partner nations. Staff Sergeant Elvis Costea says what he likes most about his job is the”action and adrenaline”. The piece is a short profile of him training during exercise Saber Guardian in Romania. The footage includes shots of Staff Sergeant Costea tending to a simulated patient.

The “Weapons Intelligence Team” course took place at the NATO Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED) Centre of Excellence, in Hoyo de Manzanares, Spain in June 2017.

An “improvised explosive device” (IED), like a roadside bomb, is a type of unconventional explosive weapon that can take any form, is inexpensive and easy to get by terrorists and insurgents. It represents a critical threat both in theatre of operations and at home.

NATO has acquired inputs and... read more

The “Weapons Intelligence Team” course took place at the NATO Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED) Centre of Excellence, in Hoyo de Manzanares, Spain in June 2017. An “improvised explosive device” (IED), like a roadside bomb, is a type of unconventional explosive weapon that can take any form, is inexpensive and easy to get by terrorists and insurgents. It represents a critical threat both in theatre of operations and at home. NATO has acquired inputs and intelligence from the analysis of the increasingly sophisticated weapons systems that insurgents and terrorists are using, and has developed an action plan to detect and neutralise IEDs and to identify and disrupt the networks supporting this threat. The Weapons Intelligence Team course is a tool to spread this IED expertise to NATO Allies and partner countries. During the course, the students learn how to collect evidence as well as identify, locate and target different threat networks using IEDs, such as roadside bombs. The first part of the course took place in a land environment in Hoyo de Manzanares, Spain, where the NATO C-IED Centre of Excellence is located. For the first time, the last week of the course took place in a maritime scenario, at Naval Station Rota in Spain.   show less

The “Weapons Intelligence Team” course took place at the NATO Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED) Centre of Excellence, in Hoyo de Manzanares, Spain in June 2017.

An “improvised explosive device” (IED), like a roadside bomb, is a type of unconventional explosive weapon that can take any form, is inexpensive and easy to get by terrorists and insurgents. It represents a critical threat both in theatre of operations and at home.

NATO has acquired inputs and... read more

The “Weapons Intelligence Team” course took place at the NATO Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED) Centre of Excellence, in Hoyo de Manzanares, Spain in June 2017. An “improvised explosive device” (IED), like a roadside bomb, is a type of unconventional explosive weapon that can take any form, is inexpensive and easy to get by terrorists and insurgents. It represents a critical threat both in theatre of operations and at home. NATO has acquired inputs and intelligence from the analysis of the increasingly sophisticated weapons systems that insurgents and terrorists are using, and has developed an action plan to detect and neutralise IEDs and to identify and disrupt the networks supporting this threat. The Weapons Intelligence Team course is a tool to spread this IED expertise to NATO Allies and partner countries. During the course, the students learn how to collect evidence as well as identify, locate and target different threat networks using IEDs, such as roadside bombs. The first part of the course took place in a land environment in Hoyo de Manzanares, Spain, where the NATO C-IED Centre of Excellence is located. For the first time, the last week of the course took place in a maritime scenario, at Naval Station Rota in Spain.   show less

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other.

More than 25,000 service personnel from over 20 NATO Allies and partner nations are taking part in Saber Guardian 2017, the largest of 18 Black Sea region exercises this year. This US-led exercise is being held in Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania. It's aimed at building readiness and improving interoperability. In Bordușani, Romania, Romanian military personnel built a floating bridge across the Danube River, allowing Romanian and American vehicles and soldiers to cross over. The river... read more

More than 25,000 service personnel from over 20 NATO Allies and partner nations are taking part in Saber Guardian 2017, the largest of 18 Black Sea region exercises this year. This US-led exercise is being held in Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania. It's aimed at building readiness and improving interoperability. In Bordușani, Romania, Romanian military personnel built a floating bridge across the Danube River, allowing Romanian and American vehicles and soldiers to cross over. The river crossing was complemented with a large-scale tactical demonstration, including a tank and ship assault against a simulated enemy providing cover for the crossing vehicles. The work involved 1,500 troops from the Romanian Navy, Air Force and Army, 100 Americans from the 1st Battalion, 2nd Cavalry Regiment and 300 vehicles. Another part of the exercise took place at an airbase near Constanta, Romania. It involved multinational troops training in a mass casualty exercise. The medics came from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Footage includes aerial shots of the floating bridge with Romanian T-55 battle tanks and American M1126 Stryker combat vehicles crossing.   show less

NATO-led exercise Dynamic Mongoose took place in the North Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Iceland. Participants were training anti-submarine warfare (ASW) interoperability and anti-surface capabilities.
Naval forces from Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States participated with ships and submarines, under the command of Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1).
Host nation Iceland provided support both from... read more

NATO-led exercise Dynamic Mongoose took place in the North Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Iceland. Participants were training anti-submarine warfare (ASW) interoperability and anti-surface capabilities. Naval forces from Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States participated with ships and submarines, under the command of Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1). Host nation Iceland provided support both from Reykjavik Harbour and Keflavik Air Base, and the Icelandic Coast Guard also participated. In addition, eight maritime aircraft participated, under operational command of NATO Maritime Air Command. Research vessel ‘NRV Alliance’ also took part in the exercise this year, to test maritime unmanned systems for anti-submarine warfare. Teaser: NATO-led exercise Dynamic Mongoose took place in the North Atlantic ocean, off the coast of Iceland, with ships, submarines, aircraft and personnel from 10 Allied nations for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare training.   show less

The NATO battlegroup based in Latvia has held a capabilities demonstration. Each of the six enhanced Forward Presence nations took part. The battlegroup was properly stood up at the end of last month. It’s led by Canada and includes soldiers from Albania, Italy, Poland, Slovenia and Spain. Three other battlegroups are stationed in Estonia, Lithuania and Poland. They are an important part of NATO’s defence and deterrence posture in the eastern and south-eastern part of the Alliance.

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other.

A short docu-drama about the partisans from the Baltic States who waged a guerrilla war against the occupying Soviet forces after the Second World War. Interviews with former partisan fighters and those who supported them. Dramatic battle scene recreations and interviews with the modern-day Special Forces of Lithuania, the direct descendants of the Forest Brothers.

In early 2017, the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence held a one-day event inviting participants to come up with ideas to detect fake news. The gathering in Riga (Latvia) attracted 28 people from various backgrounds such as coders, journalists and statisticians. The winning idea was a Facebook game named ‘FakeBuster’ that teaches media literacy and trains critical thinking. The footage includes general views from the event and soundbites from participants

NATO is turning to the private sector for help in upgrading its satellite and computer technology. The Alliance is planning to spend three billion Euro on expanding satellite communication bandwidth, command and control (C2) software, upgrading NATO’s networks and cyber defence. Some 40 contracts are being put out to tender between now and 2019. The investment will be financed by all NATO Allies.

This piece is an animation. More information can be found here: https://www.ncia.nato.int/NewsRoom/Pages/170327-3billionEURtechrefresh.aspx

Major Barbancho is a Chinook pilot and Senior Staff Chief of the 5th Spanish Transport Helicopter Battalion (BHELTRA-V). During his participation in NATO’s ISAF mission in Afghanistan, he directed a heroic rescue mission after a helicopter crashed.
A movie based on this mission was released in Spain in early 2017 and Major Barbancho and his team participated in the production of the movie as advisors, trainers, movie extras and pilots of the Spanish Army helicopters used in the production.

NATO’s multinational battlegroup in Lithuania demonstrate their bridge building skills and joint combat readiness during exercise Iron Wolf in Lithuania.

At one of Lithuania’s largest annual military exercises, Iron Wolf, distinguished visitors such as Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg view the combat readiness and multinational togetherness of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup situated in Lithuania. The battlegroup is... read more

NATO’s multinational battlegroup in Lithuania demonstrate their bridge building skills and joint combat readiness during exercise Iron Wolf in Lithuania. At one of Lithuania’s largest annual military exercises, Iron Wolf, distinguished visitors such as Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg view the combat readiness and multinational togetherness of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup situated in Lithuania. The battlegroup is led by Germany and includes troops from Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Norway. The display included a bridge building exercise enabling the transport of armored vehicles across a river. As well as troops from the multinational battlegroup, the exercise also involved soldiers from 10 other NATO countries. This version includes voiceover, music, and graphics and has no subtitles.   show less

US air power, British troops and other NATO nations simulate coming to the aid of the Baltic States around the Suwalki Gap, if they were to be cut off from the rest of NATO.

Troops from Poland, the UK, the US and other contributing nations took part in an air insertion from US Army Chinook helicopters in and around the Suwalki Gap, which is the border area between Lithuania and Poland. Footage of multinational troops boarding and inserting from Chinooks, taking part in skirmishes in open terrain in Lithuania. Interview with the Saber Strike 2017 Exercise Director, Major General Neal Loidolt (Minnesota National Guard).

NATO’s spearhead land force has exercised rapid deployment to NATO’s southern flank for the first time.

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other.

Corporal Carla Cáceres Galadis is an avionics technician in the Royal Canadian Air Force. She has a passion for life, the CF-18 aircraft she works on and her recent fiancé, to whom she became engaged while deployed in Romania.

Norway will be sending a tank company to Lithuania in May to support NATO’s enhanced forward presence. The company, of around 200 troops, will be sent from Norway’s Telemark Battalion. They will provide combat support to the German-led multinational battalion. The deployment will be for six months. Commanding one of the platoons is Lieutenant Silje Johansen Willassen, Norway’s Telemark Battalion’s first female tank commander. Lieutenant Willassen discusses the deployment and how... read more

Norway will be sending a tank company to Lithuania in May to support NATO’s enhanced forward presence. The company, of around 200 troops, will be sent from Norway’s Telemark Battalion. They will provide combat support to the German-led multinational battalion. The deployment will be for six months. Commanding one of the platoons is Lieutenant Silje Johansen Willassen, Norway’s Telemark Battalion’s first female tank commander. Lieutenant Willassen discusses the deployment and how she’s looking forward to working with NATO Allies. At the NATO Warsaw Summit last year, plans were announced to increase troop numbers in the eastern part of the Alliance with the deployment of four battalions to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland on a rotational basis. Footage includes tanks live-firing on a range and soundbites from Lieutenant Willassen.   show less

From the essential pre-requisites to the final national bill of ratification, accession into NATO can be summed up in five simple steps.

Built into the very text of NATO’s founding treaty, it has always been possible for new members to join the Alliance with the unanimous agreement of all existing Allies.

The Membership Action Plan (MAP) was created to streamline the process and help countries aspiring to join NATO in their preparations for potential membership.

Now, with the... read more

From the essential pre-requisites to the final national bill of ratification, accession into NATO can be summed up in five simple steps. Built into the very text of NATO’s founding treaty, it has always been possible for new members to join the Alliance with the unanimous agreement of all existing Allies. The Membership Action Plan (MAP) was created to streamline the process and help countries aspiring to join NATO in their preparations for potential membership. Now, with the most recent addition of Montenegro, NATO has grown from an original group of 12 to 29 member states. This animation sums up the series of steps it takes for a candidate country to become a full member of NATO, recognised both nationally and internationally.   show less

Norwegian soldiers have arrived in Lithuania. Norway has sent around 200 troops to the country to join a multinational NATO battlegroup led by the Germans. The move is in support of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence (eFP), which has also seen the setting up of three other battlegroups in Estonia, Latvia and Poland. NATO’s eFP, decided at the Warsaw Summit in July 2016, is a response to changing security environments in the east of the Alliance.

Earlier this year NATOChannel met with Lieutenant Silje Johansen Willassen, tank commander of the Telemark Batallion, during her pre-deployment training. Now she has arrived in Lithuania along with her platoon, ready to be part of the German-led battlegroup.

Learn how NATO is helping Ukrainian service men and women combat suicide, alcoholism and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Ukraine.
For the Ukrainian soldiers returning from the conflict in the east of the country, the return to civilian life after months on the frontline can be traumatic.
NATO is funding psychological rehabilitation seminars run by trained psychologists from the League of Officers – a Ukrainian organization – to give service men and women the tools they need to... read more

Learn how NATO is helping Ukrainian service men and women combat suicide, alcoholism and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Ukraine. For the Ukrainian soldiers returning from the conflict in the east of the country, the return to civilian life after months on the frontline can be traumatic. NATO is funding psychological rehabilitation seminars run by trained psychologists from the League of Officers – a Ukrainian organization – to give service men and women the tools they need to cope with the readjustment and recognize the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Footage includes interviews with, and various shots of, former service men and women giving accounts of their battles with combat stress and various shots of the soldiers during the psychological rehabilitation seminars.   show less

British and Estonian troops share a bond that dates back to the end of the first world war. At that time, the British Army assisted the Estonians in their fight against the Russian Bolsheviks and helped the country gain its independence. More recently, they have continued to work together in several operations and missions. One of the longest being their participation in the NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan. During the deployment in Halmand,... read more

British and Estonian troops share a bond that dates back to the end of the first world war. At that time, the British Army assisted the Estonians in their fight against the Russian Bolsheviks and helped the country gain its independence. More recently, they have continued to work together in several operations and missions. One of the longest being their participation in the NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan. During the deployment in Halmand, Estonian and UK troops shared tactics and practices that would help continue a long-lasting connection. British and French troops have recently deployed to Estonia to support a multinational battlegroup, as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence (eFP). The battlegroup has participated in the last two weeks in its first major exercise, Spring Storm 2017. It is giving the British and French troops, which also share a long history of interoperability, the opportunity to strengthen their union with the Estonian Army. NATOChannel looks into this connection between the three nations talking with Afghanistan veterans that are currently deployed to Estonia as part of NATO’s defence and deterrence measures. Footage includes aerial shots of armoured vehicles deployed in the field, as well as Estonian, British and French infantry performing drills during exercise Spring Storm in Tapa, Estonia.   show less

From Javelin anti-tank weapons to smaller machine guns, the British troops that make up NATO’s Spearhead Force have been demonstrating their capabilities on a training ground in the UK.

Package about U.S. Abrams tanks being used in Romania under Operation Atlantic Resolve.

This version has no subtitles.

Visit of the NATO Deputy Secretary General to soldiers at Tapa Army Base in Estonia.

The Spanish Army is deploying a heavy armored unit abroad for the first time as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence in the east of the Alliance. Troops supported by Leopard tanks and Pizarro armored vehicles, will deploy from beginning of June for six months.
Around 300 troops have been deployed, 250 of which are from the Mechanized Infantry Brigade Extremadura XI, including a logistics unit and a team of engineers. They will constitute the second biggest contingent of the... read more

The Spanish Army is deploying a heavy armored unit abroad for the first time as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence in the east of the Alliance. Troops supported by Leopard tanks and Pizarro armored vehicles, will deploy from beginning of June for six months. Around 300 troops have been deployed, 250 of which are from the Mechanized Infantry Brigade Extremadura XI, including a logistics unit and a team of engineers. They will constitute the second biggest contingent of the Latvian-based multinational battle-group led by Canada. The battle-group will also be supported by Albania, Italy, Poland and Slovenia. The Spanish unit will also support with Leopard 2E main battle tanks and Pizarro combat vehicles. The deployment will last six months. This package contains music and graphics, but no subtitles.   show less

US troops are currently on deployment in Romania as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, supporting security and stability in Europe.

US troops are currently on deployment in Romania as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, supporting security and stability in Europe. Members of the US 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team are working with the Romanian 282nd Mechanised Brigade. Around 3,500 members of the 3rd ABCT are currently deployed to Europe. Footage includes shots of US and Romanian troops training together and soundbites with both.

This version includes graphics and music.

Check out these inspirational Ukrainian servicemen, some of whom have battled back from serious injury sustained in the line of duty to try out for the Invictus Games this September.

At an athletics track in Kyiv, injured servicemen, many of whom are missing limbs, take part in various sporting events including running, weights, rowing, shot put, swimming and archery to see who will compete for Ukraine at this year’s Invictus Games in Toronto from 23 to 30 September 2017.
NATO has put... read more

Check out these inspirational Ukrainian servicemen, some of whom have battled back from serious injury sustained in the line of duty to try out for the Invictus Games this September. At an athletics track in Kyiv, injured servicemen, many of whom are missing limbs, take part in various sporting events including running, weights, rowing, shot put, swimming and archery to see who will compete for Ukraine at this year’s Invictus Games in Toronto from 23 to 30 September 2017. NATO has put forward 2.25 million Euros for a rehabilitation Trust Fund for Ukraine to help those servicemen injured in the Russia-Ukraine conflict to get back on their feet, part of which is helping to fund the trials. Footage includes various shots of the Ukrainian athletes taking part in the events. This version includes graphics, music, and subtitles.   show less

The U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus reaches out to the Baltic states through the universal language of music. Band commander Major Dwayne Milburn’s passion for music is infectious and takes him all over the world.

The U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus was recently in the Baltic region as part of its ‘United we stand’ tour, performing to crowds in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Their music aims to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to its Baltic allies.

Major Dwayne Milburn, commander of the U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus, explains the role of music in modern day military forces as a universal language which speaks to people the world over.

This version includes graphics and has no subtitles.

According to UN figures, the Ukraine conflict has around 10,000 killed in action, but many more wounded. In 2015, Vadym Sviridenko lost both his arms and legs after his convoy was ambushed. Vadym has since undergone extensive rehabilitation treatment both in the United States and in Ukraine, where he now runs marathons.

According to UN figures, the Ukraine conflict has around 10,000 killed in action, but many more wounded. In 2015, Vadym Sviridenko lost both his arms and legs after his convoy was ambushed. Vadym has since undergone extensive rehabilitation treatment both in the United States and in Ukraine, where he now runs marathons.

Soldiers from Slovakia will spend the next three months training in Latvia. 150 soldiers will exercise with their Latvian counterparts.

At the NATO Summit in Warsaw 2016, it was agreed that all countries in the Visegrad group will support the Baltic States on a rotational basis. The Visegrad group, or V4 as it’s referred to, is a political alliance of four Central European Countries which includes the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. The footage was filmed by the Latvian Ministry of Defense. It includes shots of Slovakian troops with their Latvian counterparts at Adazi Military Base in Latvia.

The US 2nd Cavalry Regiment has recently deployed to Poland as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence. The Regiment possesses a long history of service in Europe, fighting in both World Wars. In World War Two, they helped to liberate Belgium, Czechoslovakia and France from the Nazis. Following the end of World War Two, the Regiment stayed on in Germany under a US mission to defend the peace. The Regiment has returned to the United States twice since then, spending 58 of the past 72 years... read more

The US 2nd Cavalry Regiment has recently deployed to Poland as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence. The Regiment possesses a long history of service in Europe, fighting in both World Wars. In World War Two, they helped to liberate Belgium, Czechoslovakia and France from the Nazis. Following the end of World War Two, the Regiment stayed on in Germany under a US mission to defend the peace. The Regiment has returned to the United States twice since then, spending 58 of the past 72 years stationed in Bavaria. Since 2006, their base has been at Rose Barracks located in Vilseck, Germany. At this site, a museum commemorates the Regiment’s 181 years of history. Footage includes soundbites from the curator of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment Reed Museum, footage of troops in Poland and still photographs highlighting the unit’s involvement in World War Two.   show less

Meet the man heading up the new NATO battlegroup in Poland. Lieutenant Colonel Steven Gventer says he’s following in his father’s footsteps.

“Standardization is like air, you breathe, you don’t notice that.” From bullets to batteries and everything in between, STANAGs are a vital part of the NATO Alliance.

There are over 2000 subject matter experts worldwide who help draft STANAGs. STANAGs are Standardization Agreements each NATO member state ratifies and implements within their own military.

They can cover anything from the bullets used in weapons through to the phonetic radio alphabet now used worldwide. This piece features an interview with Major General Edvardas Mazeikis, Director of the NATO Standardization Office, and shots of Alliance standards in practice, including drone and go pro.

Belgian quick reaction fighter pilots were tested this year when a commercial aircraft went “comms-silent” over Europe. As part of the new joint Benelux air policing mission for NATO, they were scrambled to intercept the flight.
In a new arrangement for NATO air policing, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg will work together to secure their skies. While air assets will patrol their own skies as normal, when they cross into the airspace of one of the other two countries... read more

Belgian quick reaction fighter pilots were tested this year when a commercial aircraft went “comms-silent” over Europe. As part of the new joint Benelux air policing mission for NATO, they were scrambled to intercept the flight. In a new arrangement for NATO air policing, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg will work together to secure their skies. While air assets will patrol their own skies as normal, when they cross into the airspace of one of the other two countries participating in the missions they will pass under the control of that country, thus increasing effectiveness and pooling of resources. Belgium is the first country in the lead and has been tested more than once this year during intercepts of commercial aircraft that have lost communications with air traffic control. When an Air India plane lost communications with air control due to a technical failure, Hungarian, German and, finally, Belgian pilots flew fighter jets alongside the 787 Dreamliner plane, which was carrying 231 passengers, for two hours as it passed over Europe. This version includes graphics, voiceover and music. It does not include subtitles.   show less

**No Subtitles**
Snow and sand are the enemies of any helicopter pilot. NATO and its partner country Switzerland recently brought their pilots together to trial new technology aimed at letting pilots fly in any weather, 365 days a year.

Watch as American troops, along with their British and Romanian Allies, prepare to deploy to Poland as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg answers questions at a press conference

‘Maximum 10 minutes and we’re ready to fire, fully combat-capable.’ Romania sends 100 men from its 205th Air Defense Battalion to Poland to support NATO troops on the Alliance’s eastern flank.

The 205th Air Defense Battalion from Romania is deploying 100 personnel abroad for the first time on a NATO deployment. They’re set to provide air support and cover for the multinational battlegroup heading to Poland as part of NATO’s enhanced forward presence on its eastern... read more

‘Maximum 10 minutes and we’re ready to fire, fully combat-capable.’ Romania sends 100 men from its 205th Air Defense Battalion to Poland to support NATO troops on the Alliance’s eastern flank. The 205th Air Defense Battalion from Romania is deploying 100 personnel abroad for the first time on a NATO deployment. They’re set to provide air support and cover for the multinational battlegroup heading to Poland as part of NATO’s enhanced forward presence on its eastern flank. The Romanians will also be joined by troops from the United Kingdom. Footage includes soundbites from a Romanian Brigade Commander who explains the motivation for the mission and the necessity of working closely with Allies. It also includes various shots of the battalion test firing anti-aircraft guns at a range in Romania near Constanta, including drone and GoPro shots. INCLUDES: graphics, voiceover, music, subtitles   show less

1st Lieutenant Erin Schneider is commander of an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) detachment in NATO’s mission in Kosovo, KFOR. In a country where finding old munitions left over from past wars is common, her role means that her team is often called out to investigate, and either remove the munitions safely or detonate them in location. This is what her role means to her, and why she’s more afraid of birds than explosives.

1st Lieutenant Ieva Ljordane-Liflande is a logistics officer for the Latvian armed forces, which has a higher than average ratio of female members, standing at 17%. As well as her day to day logistics work with the Latvian army, Ieva helps the US military with logistics and equipment during their stay in Latvia as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

On the 24th February every year, Estonia celebrates independence. A parade is held in the capital Tallinn. This year it was attended by various Allies, including British troops.

In Lithuania, elves no longer only live in fantasy books – every day, they fight a real battle against fake news trolls on the Internet. Russian-backed disinformation activities on social and traditional media in the country is considered by Lithuanian authorities as a “high-level security threat” and has been included as one of the major issues in the 2017 National Security Threat Assessment report issued by Lithuania’s State Security Department.

NATOChannel met Ričardas Savukynas, one of the elves that fight against Russian disinformation spread by trolls on social media, and talked to him about his group’s activities to counter them.

Each man can expect to fire off over 500 rounds a day during marksmanship training, and will repeat drawing and holstering their weapons thousands of times until it becomes second nature.

The Estonian Special Forces are a fairly young unit in the history of the Estonian armed forces, but with highly specialized selection techniques and intensive training they have already proved their worth in NATO operations in Afghanistan.
Footage includes slow motion and drone shots of special forces operators firing at the range.

This version includes music, voiceover and subtitles.

‘He drives tanks and fights the bad guys.’ Meet one of the American tank commanders who headed out to Eastern Europe as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve 2017.

As part of the US’ ongoing operation to reassure Europe, NATO Allies and partner nations, Operation Atlantic Resolve sees the annual deployment of US land forces to Europe. Troops and armored vehicles are being stationed across the region, including to Poland, Romania and the Baltics. These forces have been deployed on a... read more

‘He drives tanks and fights the bad guys.’ Meet one of the American tank commanders who headed out to Eastern Europe as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve 2017. As part of the US’ ongoing operation to reassure Europe, NATO Allies and partner nations, Operation Atlantic Resolve sees the annual deployment of US land forces to Europe. Troops and armored vehicles are being stationed across the region, including to Poland, Romania and the Baltics. These forces have been deployed on a rotational basis since 2014. A short profile of a US M1 Abrams tank commander of the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, US Army in Poland. He explains the capability of his vehicle and his role in Operation Atlantic Resolve. This version has music and graphics, no subtitles.   show less

3,600 Dutch troops are training with other NATO Allies in Poland. They’re taking part in exercise ‘Bison Drawsko’, practising ambush techniques and counter-attacks.

Over 4,500 NATO troops are taking part in an exercise in Poland. Exercise Bison Drawsko is being organized by the Royal Netherlands Army, but also includes soldiers from Belgium, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Poland and the United States. The exercise is giving 3,600 Dutch troops the chance to train on unfamiliar terrain and... read more

3,600 Dutch troops are training with other NATO Allies in Poland. They’re taking part in exercise ‘Bison Drawsko’, practising ambush techniques and counter-attacks. Over 4,500 NATO troops are taking part in an exercise in Poland. Exercise Bison Drawsko is being organized by the Royal Netherlands Army, but also includes soldiers from Belgium, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Poland and the United States. The exercise is giving 3,600 Dutch troops the chance to train on unfamiliar terrain and to test forces who will be deploying to Lithuania to support NATO’s enhanced forward presence. The exercise will run until 24 February 2017. The majority of the Dutch troops taking part are from the 43rd Mechanized Brigade. The footage includes various shots of armored vehicles on the training ground and soldiers taking positions in the forest. This version includes subtitles.   show less

In the early years of her life, Latvia’s former President Vaira Včġe-Freiberga spent time as a refugee living in Nazi Germany, having fled Latvia when the Soviet army invaded. Her family eventually emigrated to Canada where she spent much of her working life before returning to Latvia after the break-up of the Soviet Union. This piece charts the life of the former president as she shares her views on the current security climate facing the Baltic States amid tensions with Russia.... read more

In the early years of her life, Latvia’s former President Vaira Včġe-Freiberga spent time as a refugee living in Nazi Germany, having fled Latvia when the Soviet army invaded. Her family eventually emigrated to Canada where she spent much of her working life before returning to Latvia after the break-up of the Soviet Union. This piece charts the life of the former president as she shares her views on the current security climate facing the Baltic States amid tensions with Russia. NATO is deploying four multinational battlegroups to the Baltics and Poland. The group to be based in Latvia will be led by the Canadians. Vaira Včġe-Freiberga welcomes the news. Footage includes soundbites from the former president and archive showing Nazi and Soviet rule, generic World War Two shots, footage from Ukraine and still photographs of the former president’s early life.   show less

As part of a winter training course US light infantry soldiers jump into a near-freezing plunge hole in a lake in Latvia. Under the guidance of their Latvian instructors, the practical part of the course is to test their survival instinct in cold weather situations.

The NATO Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED) Centre of Excellence is deploying a multinational team of instructors to Iraq. These experts will train Iraqi security forces on how to counter improvised explosive devices (IEDs). This counter-IED training program is led by the NATO Science for Peace and Security Program. IEDs or roadside bombs are inexpensive and easy to get by terrorists, and ISIL is making an extensive use of these bombs in the occupied areas, aiming to provoke terror among the population. Iraqi security forces have to face IED threats when retaking territory. Achieving high-level skills in detecting and defusing IEDs will help Iraqi officers with their struggle against terrorism.

NATO is deploying a multinational battalion to Lithuania. Led by the Germans, the battalion will also include troops from Belgium, the Netherlands and Norway. It is one of four multinational battalions to be deployed along NATO’s eastern flank.
The deployment of the four battalions, agreed at the NATO Summit last year, is a response to Russian aggression including troop build-up along their western border, airspace incursions and the illegal annexation of Crimea. NATOChannel visits Rukla Training Area in Lithuania to find out what both military personnel and local people think of the deployment.

Every year in Estonia thousands of young men are called up to complete a compulsory 8- or 11-month military service. Providing they are physically and mentally capable, conscripts undergo intense training under the watchful eye of military instructors. We follow one small unit of conscripts as they undergo day and night-time operations deep in the Estonian countryside

**W/Subtitles**
Latvians and Canadians battle it out on the ice rink during the 2017 Baltic Military Winter Games.

An 18-year-old female sharp shooter from Latvia won gold recently in the biathlon event at the Baltic Military Winter Games.

The Baltic Military Winter Games have taken place in Latvia. The games were held for the first time in 2014. Events included ice hockey, ice fishing and biathlon. This year participants included Estonians, Latvians and Lithuanians. An invite was also sent to Ukraine and Canada in order to strengthen partnerships. Canada will soon be deploying troops to Latvia to boost NATO’s presence in the region. Footage includes aerial shots of the biathlon, shots of ice hockey and a soundbite with a participant.

This version includes music, graphics and subtitles.

**W/ Subtitles and Graphics**

The art of self-defence. Find out what this Polish MMA fighter has to say about the multinational battlegroup, led by the Americans, which will be hosted by his unit next year.

A former secret Soviet town in Latvia is now being used for urban contact training. Skrundra-1, as it’s known, used to house a radar building which scanned the skies of western Europe.

The Latvian Ministry of Defense has just started using a former secret Soviet town for urban contact training. Skundra-1 used to be home to 5,000 Russians from the scientific and military community. The site housed a radar building which was demolished once Latvia gained independence following the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991. The footage includes aerial shots of the site showing old apartment blocks, interior shots and live-fire training.

**This version contains graphics, music and subtitles.**

Can the forest stop a tank in its tracks? Canadian and US engineers deploy the ancient tree defense known as an abatis during exercise Iron Sword 2016 in Lithuania.
A look at the ancient fortification and defense tactic known as the abatis, a defensive structure made of felled trees, dating back to the times of the Roman Empire, it is still an effective tool in modern warfare when done correctly. Canadian and US army engineers constructed the obstacle during the multinational exercise Iron Sword 2016 in Lithuania. Interview with a Canadian army engineer alongside footage of an abatis in the Lithuanian forest and a graphic showing the construction of the obstacle.
**This version has no subtitles.**

Find out what’s in store for the American-led battlegroup of almost 1,000 troops being deployed to the town of Orzysz in Poland next year.

**With Graphics**

On December 23rd 2015, Prykarpattyaoblenergo Power Plant in the Ukrainian town of Ivano-Frankivsk came under cyber attack. This is what happened.

NATO’s top sailor, Admiral Clive Johnstone, looks back at a year of challenges and success at sea and looks forward to what 2017 could hold for maritime forces.
He believes that NATO has learned much in the maritime space during 2016, thanks to experiences in the Aegean Sea countering the illegal trafficking of migrants and the end of one the longest-running maritime operations, counter-piracy operation, Ocean Shield.
He also looks forward to new operation Sea Guardian and possible challenges in 2017, including an increase in the number of refugees and a contested space in the Mediterranean with the continuous presence of Russia.

In a snow-covered training area in Lithuania, nearly 4000 soldiers from 11 countries are taking part in Exercise Iron Sword. Lithuania is hosting the exercise to help train its troops and to promote regional stability and security. The exercise is taking place at two locations in Lithuania: the General Silvestras Žukauskas training area in Pabradė and the Gaižiūnai training area in Rukla.

Footage includes soldiers live firing as they take part in urban and forest simulated combat maneuvers, plus drone shots of troops moving through the forest and urban areas.

Journalists:
Laurence Cameron
Miks Uzans

In Montenegro, on average, 10 tons of unexploded ordnance (UXO) left over from past wars is found each year. The NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Program is training and equipping Montenegrin UXO clearers to deal with this problem.
Footage includes various shots of Montenegrin UXO clearers training to find and dispose of UXO in rivers and on land.

NATO’s last counter-piracy surveillance aircraft is flying her final mission, as part of Operation Ocean Shield. The Royal Danish Air Force crew of a Challenger surveillance aircraft tells us how much the coast of Somalia has changed since the height of pirate activity in the Horn of Africa.
The mission has been just one part of a highly successful coordinated international response, including the European Union, NATO, the United States and other independent nations to the threat of piracy that, in its peak, had an economic effect in the range of US $7 billion.

It is made up of 10 shipping containers, equipment weighing 360 tonnes and is staffed by 160 operators. NATO’s Deployable Air Command and Control Centre has been moved by air, land and sea, from its home in Poggio Renatico, Italy, to Sardinia, an island in the Mediterranean Sea, 600 km south of the DACCC’s home base. The aim was to show NATO’s readiness and ability to swiftly deploy to counter threats to Alliance security. The DACCC, as it’s known, can be deployed to control NATO’s air assets in times of crisis. Footage includes shots of the containers, computer screens, planes and soundbites from various personnel.

On 11 November every year, Latvians light thousands of candles to commemorate the soldiers who fell for the country's independence during the First World War. Latvia was proclaimed the Independent Republic of Latvia on 18 November 1918 but for a year a war was waged with the West Russian Volunteer Army, a force that was also made up of German volunteers. Latvia claimed final victory on 11 November 1919. This version includes graphics and subtitles.

**With Subtitles**

At a hidden biological, nuclear and chemical warfare training facility deep in the Czech countryside, a team of specialists from Jordan undergo specialized training in detection and disposal using live chemical warfare agents.

NATO’s air surveillance planes, known as AWACS, have begun flying missions to counter ISIL. The AWACS aircraft will only fly in international airspace or over Turkey, providing support for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL with air surveillance and situational awareness. The aircraft will not coordinate coalition air strikes or provide command and control for fighter aircraft. NATO AWACS support for the coalition is part of NATO’s broader fight against terrorism. This contribution... read more

NATO’s air surveillance planes, known as AWACS, have begun flying missions to counter ISIL. The AWACS aircraft will only fly in international airspace or over Turkey, providing support for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL with air surveillance and situational awareness. The aircraft will not coordinate coalition air strikes or provide command and control for fighter aircraft. NATO AWACS support for the coalition is part of NATO’s broader fight against terrorism. This contribution does not make NATO a member of the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL. NATO AWACS stands for NATO Airborne Warning and Control System. This footage includes shots of an AWACS aircraft taking off from and landing at Konya Airport in Turkey plus shots of the crew onboard.   show less

An international team of scientists working on the multi-year research project ‘Towards the Monitoring of Dumped Munitions Threat’ (MODUM), supported by NATO’s Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme have been mapping the ocean floor, locating and monitoring munition dump sites in the Baltic Sea. The variety of chemical weapons and explosives left over from the Second World War is thought to pose a significant threat to marine life in the region.
Footage includes interviews with key scientists and mission personnel, archive material of the underwater dump sites and operations on board a Polish research vessel.

This Joint and Coalition ops video illustrates how the Joint Staff J6 Joint Deployable Analysis Team (JDAT) helps warfighters enhance integration and interoperability across a broad spectrum of mission areas to ultimately improve combat effectiveness and reduce the potential of fratricide and collateral damage.

Warfighter assistance is focused within the following areas: Command and Control; Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS); Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR);... read more

This Joint and Coalition ops video illustrates how the Joint Staff J6 Joint Deployable Analysis Team (JDAT) helps warfighters enhance integration and interoperability across a broad spectrum of mission areas to ultimately improve combat effectiveness and reduce the potential of fratricide and collateral damage. Warfighter assistance is focused within the following areas: Command and Control; Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS); Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR); Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD); Air-to-Ground Operations; and Cyberspace Ops JDAT serves a wide-range of warfighters including: Combatant Commands, Service Operational Test Activities (OTAs), DOT&E, Service & Coalition Program Managers, and Service-specific Battle Labs and Centers of Excellences   show less

Hi-tech and low-tech non-lethal weapons give troops options to warn or stop civilians who may or may not pose threats at vehicle checkpoints and perimeter security areas. Troops from five nations (Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States) tested non-lethal weapons in scenarios mimicking real-world perimeter security and vehicle checkpoint situations. This exercise, called “NNTEX 16 L” for “NATO Non-Lethal Technological Exercise Land, 2016” took... read more

Hi-tech and low-tech non-lethal weapons give troops options to warn or stop civilians who may or may not pose threats at vehicle checkpoints and perimeter security areas. Troops from five nations (Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States) tested non-lethal weapons in scenarios mimicking real-world perimeter security and vehicle checkpoint situations. This exercise, called “NNTEX 16 L” for “NATO Non-Lethal Technological Exercise Land, 2016” took place during September and October 2016 in Camp Elsenborn Lager, in Belgium. This is the second exercise of its kind (the first being a maritime-based exercise), and it involves various non-lethal weapons and devices being put through the paces by operators. It is supported by NATO’s Defense against Terrorism Program of Work (DAT POW). Footage includes interviews with non-lethal technology experts and soldiers. This version includes graphics, but no subtitles.   show less

NATO and partner nation Jordan are united in the fight against terrorism, but how has Jordan remained stable, despite ISIS being present in bordering countries?

In a region where many of its neighbors, especially Iraq and Syria, are in crisis, Jordan has managed to remain relatively stable. A key geopolitical partner in the fight against ISIS, the country has used effective governance and the will of the people to resist fundamentalism. But after a recent spate of security breeches, can Jordan truly maintain its status as a beacon of stability in a crisis region?
Footage includes - various shots of markets in Amman, the Friday call to prayer, GVs of Amman.

This version includes voiceover, music, graphics, and subtitles.

Next year the UK will lead NATO’s spearhead force, the VJTF, designed to react to a crisis in days. Meet some of the British soldiers who will form part of the task force and find out what it means to them.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg answers audience questions during his speech at Harvard University in Boston.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg delivers a speech at Harvard University in Boston.

How do bomb disposal experts improve their skills? By attending training exercises such as Northern Challenge organized each year by Icelandic Coast Guard. Exercise Northern Challenge is an Iceland-hosted multinational counter-improvised explosive device exercise in which participants share military tactics, techniques, and procedures in order to achieve greater interoperability when conducting combined peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, or when countering global or regional threats... read more

How do bomb disposal experts improve their skills? By attending training exercises such as Northern Challenge organized each year by Icelandic Coast Guard. Exercise Northern Challenge is an Iceland-hosted multinational counter-improvised explosive device exercise in which participants share military tactics, techniques, and procedures in order to achieve greater interoperability when conducting combined peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, or when countering global or regional threats to maritime security. This year, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States took part. Footage includes shots of bomb disposal experts using various techniques to counter improvised explosive devices.   show less

NATO experts teach the Iraqi Armed Forces the skills they need to clear their towns and cities of IEDs. The course is part of NATO’s Defense Capacity Building Package for Iraq.

NATO experts teach the Iraqi Armed Forces the skills they need to clear their towns and cities of IEDs. The course is part of NATO’s Defense Capacity Building Package for Iraq.

NATO experts teach the Iraqi Armed Forces the skills they need to clear their towns and cities of IEDs. The course is part of NATO’s Defense Capacity Building Package for Iraq.

“A JTAC is a special breed. You need to be able to handle a lot of stress, you need to be able to handle a lot of inputs from different players like airplanes, ground force commanders, bullets flying around you.”

It’s the job of a JTAC to call in air support when troops come under fire. An exercise in the Czech Republic focuses on training JTACs, or Joint Terminal Attack Controllers as they’re known.

Fifteen hundred military personnel from 16 NATO Allies and partner nations are... read more

“A JTAC is a special breed. You need to be able to handle a lot of stress, you need to be able to handle a lot of inputs from different players like airplanes, ground force commanders, bullets flying around you.” It’s the job of a JTAC to call in air support when troops come under fire. An exercise in the Czech Republic focuses on training JTACs, or Joint Terminal Attack Controllers as they’re known. Fifteen hundred military personnel from 16 NATO Allies and partner nations are gathered together in the Czech Republic to train their JTACS or Joint Terminal Attack Controllers. That's the service member whose job it is to call in air support if troops are coming under fire. Ample Strike 2016 – an international Czech-led exercise –also provides an opportunity to train aircrew and commanders of ground units in realistic, complex and demanding scenarios. Footage includes shots of soldiers running under fire in a training scenario and the JTAC calling in an air strike.   show less

The German Air Force is now contributing to NATO’s assurance measures on its Eastern Border under operation “Persistent Presence”. The German air force has deployed its Deployable Control & Reporting Centre or DCRC, a Tactical Air Command which helps monitor the Baltic skies, keeping track of flights over the Baltics by logging, identifying and tracking. A deployable radio system acts as the ears and the voice of the system. All this equipment is stationed at Lielvarde Airbase, with the support of the Latvian military. Interviews with the German Commander of the deployed unit, as well as technicians and flight controllers involved in the operation.

The German Air Force is now contributing to NATO’s assurance measures on its Eastern Border under operation “Persistent Presence”. The German air force has deployed its Deployable Control & Reporting Centre or DCRC, a Tactical Air Command which helps monitor the Baltic skies, keeping track of flights over the Baltics by logging, identifying and tracking. A deployable radio system acts as the ears and the voice of the system. All this equipment is stationed at Lielvarde Airbase, with the support of the Latvian military. Interviews with the German Commander of the deployed unit, as well as technicians and flight controllers involved in the operation.

In the Baltic Sea, more than 70 pilots, co-pilots and loadmasters take part in a routine air crash training exercise. Each person is lowered into the sea in a metal simulator cage, and must then escape while underwater. The exercise is designed to test the entire search and rescue system and so helicopters are scrambled to rescue the airmen as though in a real emergency situation.

Soldiers from Lithuania, Poland and the United States recently took part in Exercise Strong Hussar, in Lithuania. The training lasted for two weeks. It gave the Allies an opportunity to combine operations and test their interoperability. Footage includes shots of the soldiers live-firing in wooded areas and tanks from the various units.

During the Wales Summit in 2014, NATO agreed to create a Spearhead Force as part of the NATO Response Force, able to deploy at a very short notice. In 2016, Spain is heading the land component of the first NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, the VJTF.
This story follows three members of the 7th Light Infantry Brigade Galicia, Brilat, showing their day-to-day life. The film crew embedded with Brilat from training through deployment for exercise Brilliant Jump and then on their way home, sharing both professional and personal moments along the way.

The world’s oceans are busy maritime highways. Today, 85 per cent of all international trade in raw material and manufactured goods travels by sea, and tankers carry more than half of the world’s oil. The stakes of maritime security are high, and NATO is determined to help protect its Allies from any possible threats at sea.
Through deterrence, collective defence, crisis management and cooperative security, NATO maritime forces work with nations, partners and institutions to improve maritime security and be ready to face any threat.

Ever since the Russian annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, tensions have been rising in the Black Sea. NATO and its allies have continued to provide an enhanced forward presence, with significant maritime power and ongoing support and training for the Ukrainian armed forces. Dramatic footage of the first ever US Marine amphibious landing in Ukraine, alongside footage of US Navy ships operating in the Black Sea. Teaser: US Marines perform their first ever amphibious landing in Ukraine alongside their Ukrainian allies in the Black Sea.

Ever since the Russian annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, tensions have been rising in the Black Sea. NATO and its allies have continued to provide an enhanced forward presence, with significant maritime power and ongoing support and training for the Ukrainian armed forces. Dramatic footage of the first ever US Marine amphibious landing in Ukraine, alongside footage of US Navy ships operating in the Black Sea. Teaser: US Marines perform their first ever amphibious landing in Ukraine alongside their Ukrainian allies in the Black Sea.

Meet the men and women who work every day for NATO. From soldiers to scientists, cyber experts to civilian emergency responders, NATO members are committed to supporting and protecting each other.
Teaser: Commander Daniel Moise, a pilot in the Romanian Air Force, is second in command of the 86 Operational Group of the 86th Air Base in Feteşti. He’s in charge of organizing flights, missions and flight drills of his group. He’s also partial to a spot of 70's hard rock.

In Catania, Italy, eight nations – France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, the UK and the US – carry out anti-submarine warfare training in the Ionian Sea. This involves cooperation between air, surface and subsurface assets.

Footage includes – aerial shots of the exercise, shots on board Greek submarine, various shots from Naval Air Station, Sigonella.

It’s a game of cat and mouse in the Ionian Sea as eight nations - France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, the UK and the US – practice anti-submarine warfare as part of NATO exercise Dynamic Manta. But who will win? The cat, or the mouse?

Four Belgian F16 fighter jets take on the role of guarding the Baltic skies.

The Belgian air force deploys its F16 fighter jets to cover the Baltic skies during the 40th rotation of NATO’s Baltic air policing mission.

Four jets have been deployed, operating out of Amari airbase in Estonia, with 50 personnel backing up the mission. The operation will run until the end of April.

Since the beginning of the antiterrorist operation in Ukraine in April 2014, more than 49,000 mines and improvised explosive devices have been neutralized. At a demining centre in Kamianets-Podilskyi, a town in the west of Ukraine, Ukrainian soldiers train mine detector dogs to deal with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the combat zone, and troops from NATO nations work with Ukrainian soldiers to improve the techniques and strategies used to deal with this problem.

NATO’s ability to gather information and fuse intelligence from multiple sources over space, air, sea and land has just reached an important milestone. On Wednesday (10 February 2016), the NATO Secretary General welcomed the statement by Defense Ministers on the Initial Operating Capability for Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance.
“We, the Allied Defense Ministers, have today declared the initial operational capability for NATO's Joint, Intelligence, Surveillance and... read more

NATO’s ability to gather information and fuse intelligence from multiple sources over space, air, sea and land has just reached an important milestone. On Wednesday (10 February 2016), the NATO Secretary General welcomed the statement by Defense Ministers on the Initial Operating Capability for Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance. “We, the Allied Defense Ministers, have today declared the initial operational capability for NATO's Joint, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance initiative. This achievement follows up to the commitments that our nations made at the Chicago Summit and subsequently reaffirmed at the Wales Summit.” the Ministers declared, stressing that “JISR will maximize the resources we have at hand already, both in NATO and in individual Allies: enhanced inter-connectivity across our system, more training and expertise among our personnel, and lead to better procedures for information handling and sharing. All these improvements will ultimately contribute to a better informed and more watchful Alliance. JISR stands ready to support rapid decision making across several major lines of effort, including the Readiness Action Plan, our strategy on hybrid warfare, and our overall deterrence posture.” Providing the right information to decision-makers and action-takers is vital for all military operations. While surveillance and reconnaissance can answer the questions “what,” “when” and “where”, the combined information from various intelligence sources and disciplines provide the answers to “how” and “why.” When all of this is combined, you create Joint ISR. NATO JISR has just reached the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) that means promoting and enabling data sharing within the NATO Response force.   show less

US troops travel from Germany to Poland to train with Polish soldiers in the use of Patriot Missiles and improve ground to air defense. The exercise, called Panther Assurance, received a visit from Antoni Macierewicz, the Polish Minister of Defense, who emphasized the importance of increasing Poland’s defense budget to protect NATO’s eastern flank. Footage includes various shots of Polish and US troops working together during the exercise.

In western Poland, Polish and US troops train in the use of Patriot missiles, improving ground to air defense on NATO’s eastern flank. Poland has pledged to spend $42 billion on defense over the next decade.

U.S. fighter jets being catapulted from and landing on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman. Footage includes cutaways of the ship’s command deck and stationary aircraft maneuvering around deck. The footage was filmed mid-December.

The aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman is on a U.S. mission supporting the fight against ISIS. The ship is home to 70 fighter jets and more than 5,000 crew.

A group of new Special Forces recruits prepare for a selection process that will determine their professional future. Tested to the limits both physically and mentally, not all of them will make it through without quitting, but those that do, will become Latvia’s elite soldiers.
Formed in the early nineties, just after the country won its independence, the Latvian Special Forces, like those in other countries, are considered elite soldiers. Their operations include counter-terrorism, search and rescue, sea landings, underwater missions, attack and detention, and airborne operations.

Part 3 of 3, Special Forces selection: The brave man wins. The recruits who have passed the phobia tests must survive alone in the woods for nine days with nothing but a live rabbit.

Formed in the early nineties just after the country won its independence, the Latvian Special Forces like those in other countries, are considered elite soldiers. Their operations include counter-terrorism, search and rescue, sea landings, underwater missions, attack and detention, and airborne... read more

Part 3 of 3, Special Forces selection: The brave man wins. The recruits who have passed the phobia tests must survive alone in the woods for nine days with nothing but a live rabbit. Formed in the early nineties just after the country won its independence, the Latvian Special Forces like those in other countries, are considered elite soldiers. Their operations include counter-terrorism, search and rescue, sea landings, underwater missions, attack and detention, and airborne operations. New Special Forces recruits at a military training facility outside Riga start the selection phase of their recruitment and must complete a number of tasks designed to test them both physically and mentally. Not all of them will make it through the course without quitting. In the first part of this three-part series, the recruits are introduced to their new surroundings. Footage includes interviews with some of the recruits and instructors, and footage of the recruits during the various tests.   show less

Five women who went to the Maidan protests to help talk about how it changed their lives forever.

In Parnu, southern Estonia, more than 1,200 Estonian and Latvian volunteer troops, a section of the National Guard, take part in Exercise Hurricane. The annual exercise is to improve troop capability and test them in a realistic war scenario. The Estonian volunteers form part of the Estonian Defense League, a network of fully equipped volunteer soldiers present in each municipality. Their role is to provide immediate response in the event of an attack.

(Teaser) In Parnu, southern Estonia, Estonian troops battle for control of the port and the town, as armored vehicles provide cover support and fighter jets fly overhead. It’s all part of exercise Hurricane, and these are no ordinary soldiers, they’re Estonia’s volunteer army.

Russian observers visited a training area in Teulada during the NATO Exercise Trident Juncture 2015. Lt. Col. Yuri Praskovin, the Inspector Team Leader, Col. Valentin Barykin, Lt. Col. Oleg Lozhkyn and 1st Lt. Yuri Sukhanov attended.

In line with Allies’ international obligations under the Vienna Document, Trident Juncture 2015 was announced in advance. OSCE observers were invited six weeks before the exercise. Six OSCE countries have confirmed they will send observers: Russia, Serbia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Montenegro.

Educational video about the Portuguese Maintenance Operations Center.
• Shotlist

00:00:00:00
American Crew next to HH-60
00:00:05:00
F-16 plugged in and military at computer next to it
00:00:10:00
Canadian C-130 on the background as military observes
00:00:15:00
Norwegian crew in hangar next to F-16
00:00:20:00
Portuguese P-3 and Canadian C-130 parked fuel trucks approach
00:00:25:00
Pilots next to white truck with jets on background
00:00:30:00
Pan of nations flags to... read more

Educational video about the Portuguese Maintenance Operations Center. • Shotlist 00:00:00:00 American Crew next to HH-60 00:00:05:00 F-16 plugged in and military at computer next to it 00:00:10:00 Canadian C-130 on the background as military observes 00:00:15:00 Norwegian crew in hangar next to F-16 00:00:20:00 Portuguese P-3 and Canadian C-130 parked fuel trucks approach 00:00:25:00 Pilots next to white truck with jets on background 00:00:30:00 Pan of nations flags to parked jets 00:00:35:00 Travelling of F-16s parked 00:00:40:00 Portuguese F-16 rolling 00:00:45:00 Maintenance on Portuguese P-3 00:00:50:00 Pan of nations flags to parked jets (different angle) 00:00:55:00 High rank military talk to one another, including Beja Base Commander   show less

Marines from 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve, train on range at Alverez de Sotomayor in Almeria, Spain on October 27, 2015. The Marines are training to improve their skills during exercise Trident Juncture and to increase interoperability with NATO allied forces.

Exclusive footage from inside and outside the Eurofighter cockpit and interview with one of the interceptor pilot complete this video. The Eurofighter Typhoon Italians are ready to take part to the Exercise Trident Juncture 2015. NATOChannel spent a day in the Italian Air base of Grosseto to see what does means being a fighter pilot in one of the most advanced fighter jet. Trident Juncture is NATO’s most ambitious land, sea and air exercise in more than a decade. Involving 36,000 troops from 30 Allied and Partner Nations, units from all contributing countries have been preparing with drills. Also available in high definition.

Commander JFC Brunssum, General Hans-Lothar Domrose talks about the beginning of the live exercise of Trident Juncture 2015.

German Mountain Infantry Battalion 233 from Bad Reichenhall are the only unit in Germany still using pack animals.

For the preparation of the LIVEX of Trident Juncture, the mortar platoon of the German Mountain Infantry Battalion 233 learns the disposal of the 120mm mortars with mules. Using reduced combat gear, the unit trains to build the bond between animal and person.

Staff Sergeant Weiß is squad leader of a mortar squad and coach the transport and deployment of his mortar by mules . Due to the enormous weight of this mortar, 3 mules are necessary.

The animals are lead by qualified staff and secured by the mortar squad.

Story by: OF-1 Manuel Schlösser/ CJ OpComm TF/

Kapitänleutnant Alex Mummert talks us through what it’s like to be under attack from land, sea and air on board the FGS Hamburg during one of her regular combat exercises in preparation for international exercise Trident Juncture.

Trident Juncture is NATO’s most ambitious land, sea and air exercise in more than a decade. Involving 36,000 troops from 30 Allied and Partner Nations, it is primarily hosted by Italy, Portugal and Spain.

Jamala, a Ukrainian singer of Crimean-Tartar descent, has deep personal experience of the pain of being exiled from home. Following the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia, she felt she had to help the stream of refugees heading to Kiev by offering them free tickets to her concert. Here she talks about the power of music to help people express their feelings and how she has not seen her parents, who are still in Crimea, for over a year. She Jamala, a Ukrainian singer of Crimean-Tartar... read more

Jamala, a Ukrainian singer of Crimean-Tartar descent, has deep personal experience of the pain of being exiled from home. Following the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia, she felt she had to help the stream of refugees heading to Kiev by offering them free tickets to her concert. Here she talks about the power of music to help people express their feelings and how she has not seen her parents, who are still in Crimea, for over a year. She Jamala, a Ukrainian singer of Crimean-Tartar descent, has deep personal experience of the pain of being exiled from home. Following the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia, she felt she had to help the stream of refugees heading to Kiev by offering them free tickets to her concert. She gave 1500 free tickets to her concert to refugees. She says music and culture are as important to revolution as politics. Here she talks about the power of music to help people express their feelings and how she has not seen her parents, who are still in Crimea, for over a year. This version includes soundbites and graphics.   show less

Ukraine’s 2014 parliamentary elections saw 11 percent of female MPs elected to the Verkhovna Rada, a record for the country. Two of these new politicians speak to NATO Channel about their hopes for reforming government and how far is still left to go for women’s rights in Ukraine.
What does it take to be a successful woman Ukraine’s government? Two of Ukraine’s female MPs talk about the challenges continuing to face women, their commitment to reform and their hopes and fears for... read more

Ukraine’s 2014 parliamentary elections saw 11 percent of female MPs elected to the Verkhovna Rada, a record for the country. Two of these new politicians speak to NATO Channel about their hopes for reforming government and how far is still left to go for women’s rights in Ukraine. What does it take to be a successful woman Ukraine’s government? Two of Ukraine’s female MPs talk about the challenges continuing to face women, their commitment to reform and their hopes and fears for the effect of conflict on their children. Interviewees are: Victoria Voytsitska, member of the Parliament of Ukraine of the 8th Convocation, member of the parliamentary faction Samopomich Union, and Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, first deputy chairperson, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Verkhovna Rada. This version includes voiceover and graphics.   show less

The alliance boosts its collective defence capability with four US Navy ballistic missile-defence destroyers, countering increased threats from short and long range missiles and offering protection for NATO forces, territories and populations.

On the 1st September the United States and Ukraine, along with 9 other partner nations, launched exercise Sea Breeze 2015 in the Black Sea. With the Ukrainian port city of Odessa acting as a staging point for operations, the 14th annual multinational exercise took place against the backdrop of Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and the continuing civil war in Ukraine. Naval drills will be conducted at sea, alongside smaller drills at dock and on shore. We take a look at how the troops on the... read more

On the 1st September the United States and Ukraine, along with 9 other partner nations, launched exercise Sea Breeze 2015 in the Black Sea. With the Ukrainian port city of Odessa acting as a staging point for operations, the 14th annual multinational exercise took place against the backdrop of Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and the continuing civil war in Ukraine. Naval drills will be conducted at sea, alongside smaller drills at dock and on shore. We take a look at how the troops on the ground of a partner nation like Ukraine and the US work with each other, sharing a common bond of the sea which transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. Footage of joint exercises, including a dramatic helicopter medevac, hand to hand combat and deep sea dive training interspersed with sound bites from both Ukrainian and US naval personnel. Teaser: Across the oceans and linguistic barriers, personnel from the Ukrainian and U.S navies share common bonds and make good use of an annual multinational event to learn from each other.   show less

Norway has modernized its fleet of infantry fighting vehicles by buying 144 of the latest technologically advanced CV90 vehicles. The vehicles will bolster and strengthen two battalions of the Norwegian Army’s mechanized infantry. The country’s Minister of Defense Ine Marie Eriksen Soreide says, “We are not only building defense capacities for Norway, but for NATO.” Footage includes the unveiling of the new vehicle, live firing, soundbites from senior Norwegian military officials and the country’s Minister of Defense. The unveiling took place yesterday in Setermoen, northern Norway.

As the Estonian Army’s Scouts Battalion prepare to take part in NATO exercise Trident Juncture in October, some of the soldiers talk about what they hope to bring to the exercise and what they hope to get from it. The Battalion practices storming buildings and firing at targets just outside the Estonian town of Voru.

Trident Juncture is NATO’s most ambitious land, sea and air exercise in more than a decade. Involving 36,000 troops from 30 Allied and Partner Nations, it is primarily... read more

As the Estonian Army’s Scouts Battalion prepare to take part in NATO exercise Trident Juncture in October, some of the soldiers talk about what they hope to bring to the exercise and what they hope to get from it. The Battalion practices storming buildings and firing at targets just outside the Estonian town of Voru. Trident Juncture is NATO’s most ambitious land, sea and air exercise in more than a decade. Involving 36,000 troops from 30 Allied and Partner Nations, it is primarily hosted by Italy, Portugal and Spain. Storming buildings, disabling the enemy, live fire training – all part of the Estonian army’s preparation for international exercise Trident Juncture. Some of the soldiers talk about what they’re bringing to the exercise and what they hope to get from it. This version includes graphics and voiceover.   show less

It’s been seven years since Russian and Georgian forces went to war. The reason? A breakaway region in the Georgian heartland known as South Ossetia. But in the years since, what has happened in the region and what bearing does this have on Georgia’s potential integration into NATO and the EU? NATO Channel visits the breakaway region and talks to local residents and experts about the developing situation on the ground.

In Rustavi, an old Georgian city 40 kilometers from Tbilisi, a group of freerunners spin, jump and somersault their way through concrete parks and derelict buildings. NATO Channel talks to these young daredevils about the future of their nation, the 2008 war with Russia, and what it takes to become a parkour specialist. This version includes soundbites and graphics.

The largest Soviet military plane collection outside the Russian Commonwealth is, surprisingly enough, in Riga, Latvia. The collection has been brought together over the last 40 years and the owner, 76-year-old Viktor Talpas, has no plans to stop. This version includes graphics and voiceover.

NATO led testing of non-lethal weapons aims to trial different systems and how military personnel use them. In the North Sea, near Zeebrugge, Belgian, German and Dutch forces conduct a boarding scenario of a suspicious vessel with a combination of rifles, loudspeakers, lasers and water guns to see how best to give enforcers an additional option to safely deescalate a potentially dangerous situation.

In a conflict situation, security personnel often don’t have an option between shout and shoot. Non-lethal weapons that can incapacitate, but not kill or inflict lasting damage can give that option. NATO is leading tests of a range of weapons systems, aimed to understand how best forces can use these to safely conduct operations.

Operation Rapid Trident was combined with operation Saber Guardian this year at the Partnership for Peace military training ground in Yovoriv, Western Ukraine, bringing together at total of 18 nations with over 1,800 soldiers. Days of individual training events culminated in a large scale 2 day exercise pitting various nations against each other in a large scale simulated war game. Interviews from various nations involved, including Ukrainians, US and Lithuanians as well as footage of the... read more

Operation Rapid Trident was combined with operation Saber Guardian this year at the Partnership for Peace military training ground in Yovoriv, Western Ukraine, bringing together at total of 18 nations with over 1,800 soldiers. Days of individual training events culminated in a large scale 2 day exercise pitting various nations against each other in a large scale simulated war game. Interviews from various nations involved, including Ukrainians, US and Lithuanians as well as footage of the exercises. Also available in high definition. Includes sound bites from Sergeant ‘Igor’, 1st Battalion Ukrainian Marines; Col. Alfred Renzi, Chief of Assessments, U.S. Army Europe Operations Directorate; Sergeant Bryson Lipscomb, U.S. Army, 173rd Airborne Brigade and Private Audrius Zbrauskas, Grand Duchess Birute Uhlan Battalion, Lithuanian Army. Also available in high definition.   show less

Three nations team up to form a joint brigade, a historic combination of military expertise that is due to be fully operational by 2016. At the Ukrainian military academy in Lviv in Eastern Ukraine an agreement was recently signed between the defense ministers of Poland, Ukraine and Lithuania to form a multinational brigade. Interviews with the Lithuanian defense minister and representatives from the Polish and Ukrainian military. This version includes soundbites and graphics.

Just outside Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, Georgian, US, Romanian and Bulgarian soldiers take part in exercise Agile Spirit.

As Georgia hosts military exercise Agile Spirit involving troops from Georgia, the USA, Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia and Lithuania, NATO Channel goes along with the soldiers as they storm buildings and practice medical evacuation.

This version includes voiceover and graphics.

The Georgian company in the NATO Response Force practices an attack on an infiltrating enemy platoon threatening to damage infrastructure. NATO monitors are onsite to determine skills of this company for further certification. Also video of separate but simultaneous Exercise Agile Spirit, with US Marines and other allied nations. Interview with Georgian company commander and US Marine

At the NATO Summit in Wales last year, nations agreed to the creation of a Readiness Action Plan or RAP, to ensure the alliance is ready to respond swiftly and firmly to new security challenges. This is the most significant reinforcement of NATO's collective defence since the end of the Cold War. The RAP addresses risks and threats from the east and the south. The RAP consists of a package of measures including more land, sea and air exercises, more long-term changes to NATO forces and... read more

At the NATO Summit in Wales last year, nations agreed to the creation of a Readiness Action Plan or RAP, to ensure the alliance is ready to respond swiftly and firmly to new security challenges. This is the most significant reinforcement of NATO's collective defence since the end of the Cold War. The RAP addresses risks and threats from the east and the south. The RAP consists of a package of measures including more land, sea and air exercises, more long-term changes to NATO forces and command structure and the creation of a new task force with some elements able to deploy within 48 hours notice. Footage includes shots of various exercises and soundbites from NATO’s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the US Ambassador to NATO Douglas E. Lute. Teaser: NATO's undertaking more land, sea and air exercises and is creating a new task force, around 5000 strong, which will be able to deploy with 48 hours notice to wherever it is needed. It's all part of RAP or the Readiness Action Plan.   show less

Kapitänleutnant Alex Mummert talks us through what it’s like to be under attack from land, sea and air on board the FGS Hamburg during one of her regular combat exercises in preparation for international exercise Trident Juncture.

Trident Juncture is NATO’s most ambitious land, sea and air exercise in more than a decade. Involving 36,000 troops from 30 Allied and Partner Nations, it is primarily hosted by Italy, Portugal and Spain. Teaser: While onboard a frigate and defending... read more

Kapitänleutnant Alex Mummert talks us through what it’s like to be under attack from land, sea and air on board the FGS Hamburg during one of her regular combat exercises in preparation for international exercise Trident Juncture. Trident Juncture is NATO’s most ambitious land, sea and air exercise in more than a decade. Involving 36,000 troops from 30 Allied and Partner Nations, it is primarily hosted by Italy, Portugal and Spain. Teaser: While onboard a frigate and defending yourself from an air attack, you hear there’s a submarine threatening you as well – how do you react? As part of the German Frigate FGS Hamburg’s preparations for international exercise Trident Juncture, Operations Officer, Kapitänleutnant Alex Mummert talks us through what it’s like to be under attack from land, sea and air all at the same time.   show less

Captain José Guirado has the challenge of keeping supply ship SPS Cantabria full of fuel and supplies for passing frigates during exercise Trident Juncture.

Trident Juncture is NATO’s most ambitious land, sea and air exercise in more than a decade. Involving 36,000 troops from 30 Allied and Partner Nations, it is primarily hosted by Italy, Portugal and Spain.
Teaser: We meet Spanish supply officer Captain José Guirado, who has the challenge of keeping his and other ships supplied during exercise Trident Juncture all while double-hatting as Chief of the Boarding Team.

At international military exercise Capable Logistician, outside the Hungarian town of Veszprem, a number of leading scientists and engineers gathered to demonstrate the latest in equipment and technology. High on the agenda was ways to conserve energy on the battlefield, and prevent the need for vast quantities of fuel – often an enemy target in the past. Militaries from various NATO and NATO contributing nations also demonstrated logistic capabilities in a large-scale live fire exercise. This version includes graphics and voiceover.

Digging trenches and manning machine gun posts. It’s all in a day’s work for conscripts in Norway’s army on exercise in Latvia. The training is part of their national service that dates back 200 years.

Norway is one of the few countries in the western world that still has national service. Any citizen between the ages of 18 and 44 can be called upon to defend the country if it comes under attack. When teenagers reach 17, they have to submit a form online. That is then reviewed and... read more

Digging trenches and manning machine gun posts. It’s all in a day’s work for conscripts in Norway’s army on exercise in Latvia. The training is part of their national service that dates back 200 years. Norway is one of the few countries in the western world that still has national service. Any citizen between the ages of 18 and 44 can be called upon to defend the country if it comes under attack. When teenagers reach 17, they have to submit a form online. That is then reviewed and the army selects around 15 percent of that age group for conscription. This piece shows conscripts on exercise in Latvia. Footage includes soundbites and shots of them building defense positions and reading maps. This version includes graphics and voiceover.   show less

Ships, planes and hundreds of Marines attacked a beachfront off the Baltic Sea this week, in an impressive show of force. This multinational, maritime excess is a U.S. led, NATO exercise held every year. BALTOPS 2015 has taken place across Poland, Sweden, Germany and throughout the Baltic Sea. The exercise is designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate the resolve of allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. A total of 49 ships, 61 aircraft, one... read more

Ships, planes and hundreds of Marines attacked a beachfront off the Baltic Sea this week, in an impressive show of force. This multinational, maritime excess is a U.S. led, NATO exercise held every year. BALTOPS 2015 has taken place across Poland, Sweden, Germany and throughout the Baltic Sea. The exercise is designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate the resolve of allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. A total of 49 ships, 61 aircraft, one submarine from 17 NATO nations and partner nations are participating, including a combined landing force of 700 Swedish, Finnish, UK and US troops. Includes sound bites from Vice Admiral James G. Foggo, III Commander, 6TH Fleet; Sgt. Natallie Melon, 204TH Amphibious Company, Finnish Marines and Rear Admiral Roy Kitchener, Chief of Staff, Striking and Support forces, NATO. Also available in high definition.   show less

For 200 years now, men from Nepal have been serving as Gurkhas within the British army. Their numbers currently stand at around three and a half thousand. The 2nd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles are currently on exercise in Latvia. They’re taking part in Saber Strike which involves 6000 military personnel from 13 nations. The footage includes soundbites from Corporal Kusmal Raj Rai and Major Ed Oldfield, Officer Commanding, C Company. The GVs show the Gurkhas running through woods and across open land, firing weapons and carrying out reconnaissance. Also available in high definition.

NATO Review outlines that the war in Ukraine covers just 7% of the territory of the country, while other areas of real concern, such as hybrid attacks and a corruption-afflicted economy, affect the whole country.

The first of NATO’s five unmanned air vehicles rolled off the factory line in San Diego on Thursday, 4 June 2015.  The Global Hawk Block 40 is part of the Alliance Ground Surveillance Program (AGS).  The NATO-owned and -operated AGS core capability will enable the Alliance to perform persistent surveillance over wide areas from high-altitude long-endurance  aircraft  in any weather or light condition . The system will give commanders a comprehensive picture of the situation on the... read more

The first of NATO’s five unmanned air vehicles rolled off the factory line in San Diego on Thursday, 4 June 2015.  The Global Hawk Block 40 is part of the Alliance Ground Surveillance Program (AGS).  The NATO-owned and -operated AGS core capability will enable the Alliance to perform persistent surveillance over wide areas from high-altitude long-endurance  aircraft  in any weather or light condition . The system will give commanders a comprehensive picture of the situation on the ground. The AGS system is being acquired by 15 Allies (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the United States). AGS is scheduled to reach initial operational capability by the end of 2017. The air vehicles will be controlled from the main operating centre in Sigonella, Italy.   show less

NATOChannel travels to Tallinn in Estonia for CyCon – The NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence’s International Conference on Cyber Conflict. In 2007 Estonia was momentarily crippled by a cyber attack on parliament, banks and the media – an attack that changed the way military organizations around the world viewed their responses to network security, and led to the start of the Center of Excellence. Now, eight years later, NATOChannel asks some of the world’s leading experts in cybercrime how it has developed? How sizable is the threat? And what’s being done to combat it?

The American 2nd Cavalry Regiment, along with their Romanian allies drive Strikers through Romania, stopping to talk with local people and perform ceremonies in the towns of Sinaia and Brasov.

The American 2nd Cavalry Regiment, along with their Romanian allies take 100 Strikers through the roads of Romania

Despite the recent ceasefire, Ukraine’s military hospitals are still receiving wounded soldiers, some of whom need multiple amputations. Their rehabilitation is being assisted by Allied countries, as well as by experts in Kyiv.

A Ukrainian soldier talks about how he was wounded during heavy fighting in eastern Ukraine and his experience receiving treatment in a Lithuanian rehabilitation centre. Soundbites from Ukrainian and Lithuanian soldiers and a Lithuanian military doctor.

The Afghan military gains new air capability with light, agile helicopters used for providing close air support and engaging insurgents in remote terrain. Includes interviews with Wahab Wardak, Commander of the Afghan Air Force and Dawlat Waziri, First Deputy Spokesperson for the Afghan Ministry of Defense. Also available in high definition.

Restrictions:

This media asset is free for editorial broadcast, print, online and radio use. It is restricted for use for other purposes. This video includes ITN Source copyrighted library material purchased by NATO which cannot be used as part of a new production without consent of the copyright holder. Please contact http://www.itnsource.com/en/contactus to clear this material.

Story Synopsis:

Four fatal flaws? Ukraine's key challenges today are more than the war fought in its... read more

Restrictions: This media asset is free for editorial broadcast, print, online and radio use. It is restricted for use for other purposes. This video includes ITN Source copyrighted library material purchased by NATO which cannot be used as part of a new production without consent of the copyright holder. Please contact http://www.itnsource.com/en/contactus to clear this material. Story Synopsis: Four fatal flaws? Ukraine's key challenges today are more than the war fought in its east. What use is a strong military if you don’t have a strong message? Russia’s disinformation about Ukraine has permeated worldwide media and the fight back is tougher than ever. NATO experts, Ukrainian politicians and journalists talk about the distinct challenges of fighting a war of words. About the four-part series Ukraine: The Unseen Attacks Fighting in the east has come to characterize Ukraine. But Ukraine’s struggle for survival and self-determination, free of corrupt governments and Russian influence is fought on many other fronts. From cyber defence to internal defence, fixing its forces to telling the truth – Ukraine faces challenges that may determine its very survival. Full script: =VOICEOVER = Fighting in the east has come to characterize Ukraine. But Ukraine’s struggle for survival and self-determination, free of corrupt governments and Russian influence is fought on many other fronts. In this program, we’ll look at four distinct challenges Ukraine faces in addition to fighting on its borders. From cyber defense to internal defense, fixing its forces to telling the truth – Ukraine faces challenges that may determine its very survival. =GRAPHIC= UKRAINE - THE UNSEEN ATTACKS =GRAPHIC= INFORMATION WAR =VOICEOVER = The information campaign against Ukraine has stepped up. From bad Photoshop jobs to professionally cast actors, the attacks on Ukraine’s credibility are endless and put the country in an impossible situation to try and counter. =SOUNDBITE IN ENGLISH= Margo Gontar, Co-Founder, Stopfake.org “It’s exciting, but I think it never stops, I mean, the information war.” =VOICEOVER = Facing a well-funded and monolithic Russian communications machine, Ukraine just doesn’t have the resources to debunk every false message. But to do nothing leaves it vulnerable to the lies gaining traction. =SOUNDBITE IN UKRAINIAN= Anna Kovalenko, Advisor, Ministry of Information Policy “If I talk honestly about counter propaganda how do you kill the messages Russia produces? Unfortunately they’re leading in this war. For us it’s important to disseminate truthful information. We’re not talking about fighting with them. We want to install channels of communication that will in return counteract the Russian propaganda that’s flooded us.” =VOICEOVER= Truth and openness ought to be Ukraine’s most powerful weapons against false news, but their ministries have been slow to disseminate information to the public, especially to the conflict areas in the east. =SOUNDBITE IN RUSSIAN= Dmitry Tymchuk, MP, Founder of Information Resistance Blog “For you to understand, in Crimea and Donbass there are very few people who watching Ukrainian TV, they watching Russian. The population saw the events with the eyes of the Kremlin.” =VOICEOVER= And when people do have access to internet, popular social media sites like VKontake are primarily Russian language, making them hotbeds of easily shareable false images and rumors. =SOUNDBITE IN UKRAINIAN= Anna Kovalenko, Advisor, Ministry of Information Policy “As for the occupied territories, there are some citizens that are pro-Ukrainian, but because of their situation, they cannot do anything.” =VOICEOVER= The setting up of a Ministry of Information Policy was a well-intentioned, but unpopular, step to try and synchronise Ukraine’s communications. Almost no one in Ukraine doubts Russia is waging a information war. But the best way to respond is still hotly debated. =SOUNDBITE IN UKRAINIAN= Anna Kovalenko, Advisor, Ministry of Information Policy “If we talk about communications, then we talk about introducing a national identity and the understanding that can unite us and bring us closer to victory.” =VOICEOVER= Building credibility also means self-regulating. Ukrainian media aren’t immune to making mistakes and falling for false news. =SOUNDBITE IN ENGLISH= Margo Gontar, Co-Founder, Stopfake.org “They just spread without thinking. If something might look like anti-Russia, Ukrainian media or just separate Ukrainian bloggers or whatever they can start putting it round without double check.” =VOICEOVER= Building a new Ukraine that is inclusive, modern and prosperous is a challenge that seems insurmountable. But the strength and will that started the EuroMaidan can still be seen – in volunteers like Margo and in a new, open media that puts the truth before a good story. =SOUNDBITE IN ENGLISH= Margo Gontar, Co-Founder, Stopfake.org “We have this saying on us that ‘the truth and God is on our side’. And that’s why the best way is to show the truth we have. Eventually truth wins over so you just need to show it.” =VOICEOVER= But Ukraine’s future depends not just on how strongly the government, the armed forces and even the people stand by their intentions but also how much its friends are willing to support it through what may be one of its defining moment in its modern history. This version includes voiceover and graphics.   show less

Restrictions:

This media asset is free for editorial broadcast, print, online and radio use. It is restricted for use for other purposes. This video includes ITN Source copyrighted library material purchased by NATO which cannot be used as part of a new production without consent of the copyright holder. Please contact http://www.itnsource.com/en/contactus to clear this material.

Story Synopsis:

Four fatal flaws? Ukraine's key challenges today are more than the war fought in its... read more

Restrictions: This media asset is free for editorial broadcast, print, online and radio use. It is restricted for use for other purposes. This video includes ITN Source copyrighted library material purchased by NATO which cannot be used as part of a new production without consent of the copyright holder. Please contact http://www.itnsource.com/en/contactus to clear this material. Story Synopsis: Four fatal flaws? Ukraine's key challenges today are more than the war fought in its east. Ukraine remains vulnerable to terror attacks aimed to destabilize its fragile peace from within. When bombs go off in crowded squares, how can Ukraine’s security services unite to protect civilians? NATO experts, Ukrainian politicians and journalists talk about the distinct challenge of potential terrorist attacks in the country. About the four-part series Ukraine: The Unseen Attacks Fighting in the east has come to characterize Ukraine. But Ukraine’s struggle for survival and self-determination, free of corrupt governments and Russian influence is fought on many other fronts. From cyber defense to internal defense, fixing its forces to telling the truth – Ukraine faces challenges that may determine its very survival. Full script: =VOICEOVER = Fighting in the east has come to characterize Ukraine. But Ukraine’s struggle for survival and self-determination, free of corrupt governments and Russian influence is fought on many other fronts. In this program, we’ll look at four distinct challenges Ukraine faces in addition to fighting on its borders. From cyber defense to internal defense, fixing its forces to telling the truth – Ukraine faces challenges that may determine its very survival. =GRAPHIC= UKRAINE – THE UNSEEN ATTACKS =GRAPHIC= TERRORIST ATTACK =VOICEOVER= February 2015. A bomb exploded in Kharkiv, a city north of the Donbass region and widely considered safe. It killed Three and injured at least 10. It wasn’t the first attack in Kharkiv – a nightclub had been torn apart by a blast the previous November. Kharkiv was joined by Odessa with five separate bomb attacks over the past year and in Kiev, Ukraine’s capital, police have had to deal with over 250 bomb threats, closing down their metro stations on numerous occasions. =SOUNDBITE IN RUSSIAN= Dmitry Tymchuk, MP, Founder of Information Resistance Blog “In those areas where pro-Russian forces are very strong, the threat of terrorism is very high. =VOICEOVER= A nightmare scenario like Syria or Iraq is far away, but the incidents served to highlight how Ukrainian internal security - the police, emergency and intelligence services – play just as key a role in defending Ukraine. But the ability of Ukraine’s security services to work as a unified force, defending against attacks like these has been eroded by years of mismanagement. Under Yanukovych, police and secret service agencies were highly centralized and often used as personal militias for his cronies. =SOUNDBITE IN RUSSIAN= Yuriy Butusov, Military Journalist, founder of Censor.net “They’ve recruited militia and the security service officers from the time of Yanukovych, who were like gods almighty back then. That’s why to return to those times is important for them. Right now, they will never earn the money they earned before. That’s why Russian offers to them are interesting. In Kharkiv most of the saboteurs that were exposed by the security services were former militia.” =VOICEOVER= Yuriy cites as an example that of Alexander Khodakovsky, a former commander of the Security Service of Ukraine, or SBU, who became the leader of the pro-Russian separatists in Donetsk. Men like him are the reason, he says, that rebels were able to quickly take over administrative centers in the days following Yanukovych’s flight from Ukraine. Restoring public faith in the police means reducing corruption and putting service people through rigorous retraining to serve the populace, not their own interests. =SOUNDBITE IN ENGLISH= Martin Linhart, NATO Liaison Office in Ukraine advisor on security sector reform. “Well, according to some research, the trust of the citizens to the national police is very, very low. It’s mainly because of the corruption, mainly that the police officers were not too supportive to normal people. Maybe sometimes not behave well, so the trust is very, very low; so the main challenge is to increase the trust, increase also the participation of the society in the security issues, so this is one of the main challenges in Ukraine.” =VOICEOVER= It’s also a regional problem. Historically, Donbass had stronger ties to Russia and the people have long felt neglected by Kiev. And while Ukraine’s counter-intelligence is often very good, they lack the resources and infrastructure to prevent every attack. =SOUNDBITE IN RUSSIAN= Dmitry Tymchuk, MP, Founder of Information Resistance Blog “Lately our intelligence is working quite efficiently, especially counter-intelligence, but unfortunately they cannot prevent all attacks. Donbass has never felt a part of an undivided Ukraine and this is the fault of Kyiv.” VOICEOVER Ukraine will only start to heal these rifts when it stands resistant to outside interference. Until then, it remains vulnerable to terror attacks aimed to further destabilize its fragile peace from within. This version includes voiceover and graphics.   show less

Restrictions:

This media asset is free for editorial broadcast, print, online and radio use. It is restricted for use for other purposes. This video includes ITN Source copyrighted library material purchased by NATO which cannot be used as part of a new production without consent of the copyright holder. Please contact http://www.itnsource.com/en/contactus to clear this material.

Story Synopsis:

Four fatal flaws? Ukraine's key challenges today are more than the war fought in its... read more

Restrictions: This media asset is free for editorial broadcast, print, online and radio use. It is restricted for use for other purposes. This video includes ITN Source copyrighted library material purchased by NATO which cannot be used as part of a new production without consent of the copyright holder. Please contact http://www.itnsource.com/en/contactus to clear this material. Story Synopsis: Four fatal flaws? Ukraine's key challenges today are more than the war fought in its east. How do you fight against an attack that can’t be traced definitively to a person or even a nation? NATO experts, Ukrainian politicians and journalists talk about how to defend Ukraine from hackers, who target key infrastructure like nuclear and chemical plants and have even tried to derail the Presidential elections. About the four-part series Ukraine: The Unseen Attacks Fighting in the east has come to characterize Ukraine. But Ukraine’s struggle for survival and self-determination, free of corrupt governments and Russian influence is fought on many other fronts. From cyber defence to internal defence, fixing its forces to telling the truth – Ukraine faces challenges that may determine its very survival. Full script =VOICEOVER = Fighting in the east has come to characterize Ukraine. But Ukraine’s struggle for survival and self-determination, free of corrupt governments and Russian influence is fought on many other fronts. In this program, we’ll look at four distinct challenges Ukraine faces in addition to fighting on its borders. From cyber defense to internal defense, fixing its forces to telling the truth – Ukraine faces challenges that may determine its very survival. =GRAPHIC= UKRAINE – THE UNSEEN ATTACKS =GRAPHIC= CYBER ATTACK =VOICEOVER= The day before the Ukrainian Presidential election results were announced, a hacker group calling themselves Cyber Berkut infiltrated Ukraine’s central election computer systems. According to Ukraine officials, if the malicious software they installed had not been discovered and removed, it would have portrayed that ultra-nationalist Right Sector leader Dmytro Yarosh had won with 37 per cent of the vote instead of the one percent he actually received. Moderate Petro Poroshenko, the actual winner with a majority of the vote, would have been placed in second with 29 percent. Cyber Berkut’s aim? To feed into the Russian myth that Ukraine had fallen to a fascist coup. That evening Russian Channel One aired a bulletin declaring Mr Yarosh the winner, quoting these exact percentages. But cyber attacks can be more sinister than pushing Russian propaganda. BlackEnergy is a well-known cyber-crime toolkit that’s been in use since 2007, but over the summer of 2014, as tensions rose between Russia and Ukraine, a new version of the malware was detected being used by a mysterious group of hackers targeting Ukrainian government officials to harvest information. =SOUNDBITE IN ENGLISH= Tekin Kabasakal, Turkish Army, NATO Cyber Security Advisor to Ukraine “It’s not easy to define the main source of cyber attacks, but when we think about the results and the aim of the attacks, we can guess that these are caused by Russians.” =VOICEOVER= The Black Energy hackers targeted government infrastructure like the Ukrainian Railway, creating proxy servers at key locations to divert traffic, which could have resulted in commuter deaths. =SOUNDBITE IN RUSSIAN= Serhiy Kandaurov, cyber defence expert, Director-General of Institute of International Research. “Ukraine has a lot of serious and dangerous facilities in the chemical, nuclear sectors and also gas pipelines. Any debilitation of these facilities could lead to very serious ecological consequences for Ukraine and for Europe.” =VOICEOVER= The pattern of these attacks follows political events with chilling predictability. For example, a day after the recent announcement of an IMF loan to Ukraine, Ukrainian banks were attacked. For Russian myth busting site Stop Fake, attacks not only follow a pattern, hackers and their junior cousins, trolls, become familiar faces. =SOUNBITE IN UKRAINIAN= Mykhailo Koltsov, Stop Fake webmaster “The more popular the post, the more acute it is, especially after we published evidence of Russian forces in Ukraine, we noticed. After that we got a DDoS (denial of service) attack. They don’t even try to hide behind proxy servers, they come straight from Russia – Moscow, St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk. We have some old faces, as we call them and they can be recognized by their mistakes. They can change their IP address, but the grammar gives them away.” =VOICEOVER= While cyber defence experts can usually tell whether attacks are so called “patriotic hacking”, by lone actors or organized cyber-crime by large institutions, the answer remains the same. Vigilant and coordinated cyber defense. Ukraine doesn’t lack in expertise, but years of neglect and corruption in government institutions have led to a significant brain drain. =SOUNDBITE IN ENGLISH= Tekin Kabasakal, Turkish Army, NATO Cyber Security Advisor to Ukraine “They have enough cyber security experts, for me I think, but they’re currently working in the private sector, because he earns much money in that. This is the main problem Ukrainian government and Ukrainian institutions faces.” =VOICEOVER= NATO has promised money for developing Ukraine’s cyber defense capabilities. It’s a project led by Allied countries Romania and Hungary and helped by Estonia, a Baltic country who had their own massive cyber attack in 2007, that most believe originated in Russia. Eight years later Allied countries like Estonia are well-placed to help Ukraine with a tactic they and other nearby countries find so familiar. ==SOUNDBITE IN RUSSIAN== Serhiy Kandaurov, cyber defense expert, Director-General of Institute of International Research. “Ukrainian politicians and experts in the field of cyber defense thought we could find some middle ground, between the western position and the eastern position, which is represented by Russia. But the latest historical events happening here, they confirm very precisely that we don’t have any choice. We have to use the existing experience of the United States and NATO countries to protect critical infrastructure.” This version includes voiceover and graphics.   show less

Lt. Commander Joe Bartley has had a long and successful career in the US Navy. Prior to operations in the Black Sea on the USS Vicksburg, Joe talks us through life aboard ship.

Blood Brothers? is a 25-minute documentary made with unique archive images from the Lithuanian national broadcaster, LRT. In it, NATO Review Magazine talks to Lithuanians to find out how they managed to take such a different path, how close they came to Ukraine’s fate, and what advice they would give to Ukrainians today. We hear from those who were on the frontline of Lithuania’s 1990 revolution – including the newsreader who was taken off air by Soviet forces during a broadcast – through to those assisting Ukrainians on the frontline today.

Working with Latvian partners, Canadian and American soldiers experience winter conditions, training to spot enemy positions and call in indirect fire support at Adazi training grounds in Latvia, as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve. Soundbites from Canadian and American soldiers.

1. (00:00) VARIOUS ANGLES OF SOLDIERS FROM FIRING MORTARS AT TARGETS WHILE TRAINING AT ADAZI TRAINING GROUNDS IN LATVIA
2. (00:46) Soundbite, Staff Sergeant Salas, 2nd Cavalry Regiment
“Today we are... read more

Working with Latvian partners, Canadian and American soldiers experience winter conditions, training to spot enemy positions and call in indirect fire support at Adazi training grounds in Latvia, as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve. Soundbites from Canadian and American soldiers. 1. (00:00) VARIOUS ANGLES OF SOLDIERS FROM FIRING MORTARS AT TARGETS WHILE TRAINING AT ADAZI TRAINING GROUNDS IN LATVIA 2. (00:46) Soundbite, Staff Sergeant Salas, 2nd Cavalry Regiment “Today we are firing, we’re supporting our Canadian and Latvia counterparts, our allies, firing mortar rounds, 120s, off the Stryker platform” “All we’re doing is supporting and rehearsing with their forward observers to ensure that they’re all copacetic with the way they’re firing and getting used to firing together, just being able to understand the different dialects, different languages obviously. Weather is one big one, ‘cause it’s very cold out here. It might not look cold but it definitely is cold.” 3. (01:20) INFANTEERS FROM THE 3RD BATTALION OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT (3RCR) WATCH ENEMY POSITIONS AT ADAZI TRAINING GROUNDS IN LATVIA 4. (01:31) Soundbite, Infanteer from The 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment (3RCR) speaks from his observation position at Adazi training ground, Latvia “We just saw two enemy vehicles mounted with MGs in the back, approximately 3 pers per vehicle. They came out from over there moving to the left, dropped off some targets, which will be our notional enemy for us and then they took off.” Fellow infanteer interjects “What’s really important when you’re giving out grids like this and stuff like that is you have other OPs that are set at the bottom, so you need to give them a heads up over the radio that they might be coming their way. So a good direction would be “they’re coming in from the south heading east”, right? We’re further south, they’re heading to the east, so heading towards our other call sign, so it would be good to know that it might, at a certain point, these vehicles might cross their arch so they could have a good visual on them.” 5. (02:15) Voice over radio – “I can hear Wolfpack 86 loud and clear, but he can not hear me” Canadian infanteer says to fellow infanteer, “Wolfpack!” “See, they get cool names.” “Mm-mm” #END#   show less

Part of NATO’s new mission to help train, advise and assist the Afghan National Security Forces is fiscal training and advising. The ANSF and Afghan security institutions will be advised on how to get the most out of their budget. This piece looks at ways to achieve this goal, such as facilities divestiture, fuel auditing, and electronic pay systems. It includes an interview with Major General Todd T. Semonite, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Security Assistance, soundbites from Lt. Col Joel... read more

Part of NATO’s new mission to help train, advise and assist the Afghan National Security Forces is fiscal training and advising. The ANSF and Afghan security institutions will be advised on how to get the most out of their budget. This piece looks at ways to achieve this goal, such as facilities divestiture, fuel auditing, and electronic pay systems. It includes an interview with Major General Todd T. Semonite, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Security Assistance, soundbites from Lt. Col Joel Quinn, Deputy Director of The Combined Security Transition Command, and General Dawlat Waziri, the Deputy spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense. It has footage of soldiers, police trucks being fueled and the new and old buildings at the Ministry of Defense. This version includes voiceover and graphics.   show less

With international forces in Afghanistan having moved from a combat role to one focusing on advising, training and assisting, we take a look at the realities of the new Resolute Support mission on the ground.

Out in eastern Afghanistan, as across the rest of the country, international forces remain in close partnership with their Afghan counterparts, albeit in a new role exclusively training, advising and assisting. We speak to two U.S. trainers helping the Afghan army stationed in Nangarhar Province with artillery and engineering support.

This version includes voiceover and graphics.

During the Civil War and Taliban regime, art in Afghanistan was non-existent. But thanks to the work of Turquoise Mountain, there is a new generation of young Afghan artists, like Ustaad Massoud, a master wood carver, who are working hard to bring the traditional schools of craft back to Afghanistan as it moves forward.

Features interview with Ustaad Massoud, working with Turquoise Mountain’s arts and crafts school. Covering footage shows Massoud in the wood workshop working on different traditional designs. Massoud talks about life under the Taliban, why woodwork is so important to Afghanistan, his dreams of peace and opening his own wood-carving workshop.

Traditional Afghan pottery has been made in the village of Istalif for over 1,400 years using the same traditional methods. Its craftsmen believe that pottery arrived in Afghanistan with Alexander the Great and that their techniques have changed little since then. But history has not been kind to Istalif’s artisans. The civil war found the small village on the frontline of the battle between rival militant groups, trying to capture nearby Kabul from the Taliban. The fighting almost... read more

Traditional Afghan pottery has been made in the village of Istalif for over 1,400 years using the same traditional methods. Its craftsmen believe that pottery arrived in Afghanistan with Alexander the Great and that their techniques have changed little since then. But history has not been kind to Istalif’s artisans. The civil war found the small village on the frontline of the battle between rival militant groups, trying to capture nearby Kabul from the Taliban. The fighting almost destroyed the village and its kilns that had already been pounded by Soviet airstrikes. Today the Turquoise Mountain Foundation is seeking to preserve the skills of Istalif’s ceramics masters. They have established a ceramics school in Kabul’s Murad Khane district and have produced 33 master potters. Includes sound bites from Abdul Matin, Director of Ceramics School, Turquoise Mountain Foundation.   show less

Around twelve thousand foreign troops will remain in Afghanistan this year to continue to support the Afghan forces. Col John Graham, Deputy Commander of the train, advise and assist command in Kabul province (Train Advise and Assist Command-Capital), is one of the advisors in Kabul who is training both the police and the ANA. No two days are alike for Col Graham, but in this piece we get an insight into what his role as an advisor looks like in action. It includes footage of him driving in Kabul, at a checkpoint, at Kabul City Police Command Centre and at Police District One Command.

During the Civil War and Taliban regime, art in Afghanistan was non-existent. But thanks to the work of Turquoise Mountain, there is a new generation of young Afghan artists like Samira Kitman, a female calligraphy and illuminations artist, who are working hard to bring the traditional schools of craft back to Afghanistan as it moves forward.

Features interview with Samira Kitman, who has been working with Turquoise Mountain’s arts and crafts school.

During the Civil War and Taliban regime, art in Afghanistan was non-existent. But thanks to the work of Turquoise Mountain, there is a new generation of young Afghan artists, like Storai and Saida, who are working hard to bring the traditional schools of craft back to Afghanistan as it moves forward.

Features interview with Storai Stanakzai and Saida Toubai, female jewellery artists working with Turquoise Mountain’s arts and crafts school. Covering footage shows the two girls working... read more

During the Civil War and Taliban regime, art in Afghanistan was non-existent. But thanks to the work of Turquoise Mountain, there is a new generation of young Afghan artists, like Storai and Saida, who are working hard to bring the traditional schools of craft back to Afghanistan as it moves forward. Features interview with Storai Stanakzai and Saida Toubai, female jewellery artists working with Turquoise Mountain’s arts and crafts school. Covering footage shows the two girls working together in the metal workshop, communicating via sign language and helping each other with their designs. Storai talks about life under the Taliban, using traditional pieces as inspiration, problems girls face in Afghanistan, her artistic family and her dreams of opening a jewellery shop.   show less

While the ceremony to transition from the end of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) into the new Resolution Support Mission takes place, questions about the specifics of the new mission remain. Major General Todd Semonite, the recently appointed commanding general of the Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan (CSTC—A), bears great responsibility over the next year for the success of the new mission. He recently visited Camp Shaheen in northern Balkh province where a large portion of training and equipping of the Afghan Forces takes place. Video of the camp and Interviews with General Semonite shed light on what the new mission will be.

As the 13-year ISAF mission ends, international forces are not leaving Afghanistan but are in fact staying for Resolute Support, which involves training, advising and assisting Afghan forces.

On Christmas, in 1914, in the trenches of WWI in Belgium, a moment of grace occurred when in honor of the holiday British and German forces called an impromptu ceasefire for the day. A veteran’s account mentioned a game of football between both sides, and this year, on the centennial of World War I, British and German forces face off again in another war zone: Afghanistan.

The information war which has broken out over Russia’s actions in Ukraine has largely been seen as two sides projecting differing opinions. But the way information is controlled, twisted and spread can have serious effects. We look at how information affected the lives of thousands – possibly millions – of people when it was manipulated following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster – and find some similarities today. Includes sound bites from Yuriy Tatarchuck – Chernobyl Expert. Also available in high definition.

There’s just a month to go now before NATO begins a new mission in Afghanistan. Resolute Support as it’s known, or RSM, will focus on training, advising and assisting the security ministries of the Afghan government and the senior staff of the Afghan National Security Forces. This piece includes soundbites from Deputy Commander of ISAF Joint Command Major General Richard Nugee and the NATO Assistant Secretary General for Operations, Stephen Evans.

Nahed Bekeran is a beautician who lives in Kabul. She has been working on a project through the United Nations to teach women in Afghanistan about their human rights. One of the branches of the program is to change people’s perception of women cycling in the city of Kabul. She has organized a cycling group for women and girls, and they meet once a week to cycle in the city. This piece is shot in Kabul, and we see Nahed at work, and then follow the group as they cycle to Darul Aman Palace. Women were not allowed to cycle in Afghanistan during the Taliban reign, and even today it is still considered very taboo. Meet some of the young females from Kabul who are determined to change this! This version includes graphics and voiceover.

President Ashraf Ghani is proving popular with the people of Afghanistan. A recent survey by the Asia Foundation has reported that 8 out of 10 Afghans approve of his performance so far. This piece contains footage from his trip to Pakistan and his unannounced visits to institutions, including a prison and a factory. It also includes interviews with Kate Clark of the Afghan Analyst Network, President Ghani’s deputy spokesman Fayeq Wahidi, and vox pops with various citizens. Also available in high definition.

NATOChannel meets some of the Ukrainian media fighting back against Russia’s information war, debunking false news and images used to disinform the world about the situation in Ukraine. Soundbites from Yevhen Fedchenko and Margo Gonta, co-founders of StopFake.org, Ukraine Today Editor Peter Dickinson, Dmytro Kuleba, Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Brian Bonner, Chief Editor, Kyiv Post. This version includes voiceover and graphics.

Ahmad Shakib is a young Afghan engineer working for the Kabul Municipality. He talks about his story and how the new generation, especially youth, can change and develop the future of their country. NATOChannel sees him at work in his office and in meetings with government officials.

Ahmad Sohrab Taki is a young independent Afghan photographer. He runs a Facebook page called “Taki Photos” where he uploads different scenic shots from all over Afghanistan. He feels threatened by the current security situation, particularly in Kabul, but he continues to do his best for the sake of his profession. The footage includes sound bites from an interview with Taki plus GVs of him at work.

November saw an important chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) Consequence Management training course take place at the Joint CBRN Defense Center of Excellence at Vyškov, Czech Republic. The aim is to provide expert training for partner countries in crisis management for scenarios involving toxic substances and CBRN incidents. The course forms part of NATO’s Science for Peace and Security Program. Also at Vyškov on 12 November, NATO inaugurated its CBRN Reach Back... read more

November saw an important chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) Consequence Management training course take place at the Joint CBRN Defense Center of Excellence at Vyškov, Czech Republic. The aim is to provide expert training for partner countries in crisis management for scenarios involving toxic substances and CBRN incidents. The course forms part of NATO’s Science for Peace and Security Program. Also at Vyškov on 12 November, NATO inaugurated its CBRN Reach Back Operations Room. The Reach Back Element provides an efficient communication network to help manage any type of toxic incident or attack in any country or region. Includes sound bites from Colonel Mariana Grama, Republic of Moldova armed forces; Dr Wendy Pemberton, US National Nuclear Security Administration; Colonel Jiri Gajdos, Director, Joint CBRN Defence Centre of Excellence; Captain Gorazd Stergar,Director, CBRN Consequence Management Course and Ambassador Sorin Ducaru, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges. Also available in high definition.   show less

British Royal Air Force Tornadoes have taken off for the last time in Afghanistan. 31 Squadron is heading home after doing four tours in-country in recent years. Their very first tour in Afghanistan was in 1919, the Third Anglo-Afghan War. This piece includes sound bites from 31 Squadron personnel talking about the history of the Squadron, the end of their deployment in Afghanistan and the capability of the Tornado GR4 as an aircraft. This version includes graphics and voiceover.

Afghanistan has suffered more than thirty years of violence and anarchy. The collapse of the brutal Taliban regime has offered the country a brighter future, but at a tremendous cost in human lives.
Every single victim was somebody’s father or mother, brother or sister, husband or wife, son or daughter.
Every one of them will be missed. And we will remember them.

Afghanistan has suffered more than thirty years of violence and anarchy. The collapse of the brutal Taliban regime has offered the country a brighter future, but at a tremendous cost in human lives.
Every single victim was somebody’s father or mother, brother or sister, husband or wife, son or daughter.
Every one of them will be missed. And we will remember them.

Afghanistan has suffered more than thirty years of violence and anarchy. The collapse of the brutal Taliban regime has offered the country a brighter future, but at a tremendous cost in human lives.
Every single victim was somebody’s father or mother, brother or sister, husband or wife, son or daughter.
Every one of them will be missed. And we will remember them.

Afghanistan has suffered more than thirty years of violence and anarchy. The collapse of the brutal Taliban regime has offered the country a brighter future, but at a tremendous cost in human lives.
Every single victim was somebody’s father or mother, brother or sister, husband or wife, son or daughter.
Every one of them will be missed. And we will remember them.

Afghanistan has suffered more than thirty years of violence and anarchy. The collapse of the brutal Taliban regime has offered the country a brighter future, but at a tremendous cost in human lives.
Every single victim was somebody’s father or mother, brother or sister, husband or wife, son or daughter.
Every one of them will be missed. And we will remember them.

Afghanistan has suffered more than thirty years of violence and anarchy. The collapse of the brutal Taliban regime has offered the country a brighter future, but at a tremendous cost in human lives.
Every single victim was somebody’s father or mother, brother or sister, husband or wife, son or daughter.
Every one of them will be missed. And we will remember them.

Jens Stoltenberg pays a visit to Afghanistan for the first time as head of NATO. The Secretary General met with President Ashraf Ghani and went to Kandahar, Herat, Mazar-e Sharif and the Afghan commando base in Kabul, to pay tribute to those who had been injured or lost their lives. Footage includes shots and speeches from the press conference at the Presidential Palace in Kabul, shots from all of his visits to the various bases, and footage of the Afghan commando training.

On 1 November 2014 the Georgian Army took over the force protection of Bagram Air Field. It marks an important contribution from the Georgians since they began supporting the NATO mission in Afghanistan in 2004. This piece is filmed at Bagram Air Field, and documents some of the ceremony, and includes interviews with the Deputy Chief of General Staff for Georgia, and the interpreter and liaison officer for Georgia’s 51st Light Infantry Battalion taking over force protection.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has put the economy high up on his agenda., In a step towards this goal, Kabul hosted the “First International Rebuild Exhibition and Conference”, a platform for government officials, private sector, and Chamber of Commerce members to meet, do business, and set development targets and programmes to help rebuild Afghanistan. This piece has footage from the exhibition and a factory, an interview with Atiqullah Nasrat the Chief Executive Officer for the Chamber of Commerce and interviews with various businessmen.
Teaser: Afghanistan is building up its economy after over 30 years of conflict. President Ghani has put the economy high up on his agenda and has declared the country “truly open for business”.

Banned under the Taliban, the centuries old Afghan dance known as the Attan is flourishing once again. A traditional dance with it’s origins buried deep within Afghan history, the Attan was once a Pashtun specialty but is now performed by Afghans of all tribes for various occasions. We speak to a group of young Attan dancers about the history of the dance and how it makes them feel. They perform the Attan upon a mountain top, taking in some of Afghanistan’s most colourful autumnal scenery.
Teaser: Banned under the Taliban, the centuries old Afghan dance known as the Attan is flourishing once again.

For the first time, NATO and Jordan have launched a cyber defense project in Jordan to help defend Jordanian critical infrastructure, such as energy plants and telecommunications equipment. This is designed to protect key parts of the country from attacks by criminal or terrorist organizations, such as ISIS. NATOChannel visited the country to find out how the project will protect a country that has ISIS fighters right on its border. ISIL is well known for its appalling physical attacks. But... read more

For the first time, NATO and Jordan have launched a cyber defense project in Jordan to help defend Jordanian critical infrastructure, such as energy plants and telecommunications equipment. This is designed to protect key parts of the country from attacks by criminal or terrorist organizations, such as ISIS. NATOChannel visited the country to find out how the project will protect a country that has ISIS fighters right on its border. ISIL is well known for its appalling physical attacks. But the group is also increasingly using cyber as a means of attack. A severe cyber attack could pave the way for a more devastating military attack. And that’s why NATO is helping Jordan with a new project on cyber defense. This version includes graphics and voiceover.   show less

Allied maritime forces including Spain seek NATO NRF certification with this large-scale international readiness exercise. Directed by NATO Maritime Command at Northwood in the United Kingdom, this multinational exercise in the Mediterranean brings together no fewer than 23 vessels and some 5,000 personnel from 14 different NATO and partner nations. Headed by the Spanish flagship Castilla, warships, submarines, combat aircraft, helicopters and amphibious assault craft are training in... read more

Allied maritime forces including Spain seek NATO NRF certification with this large-scale international readiness exercise. Directed by NATO Maritime Command at Northwood in the United Kingdom, this multinational exercise in the Mediterranean brings together no fewer than 23 vessels and some 5,000 personnel from 14 different NATO and partner nations. Headed by the Spanish flagship Castilla, warships, submarines, combat aircraft, helicopters and amphibious assault craft are training in Mediterranean waters as part of a high-threat simulation. The objective is to train for collective defense, upholding Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty and sharpening rapid reaction crisis management forces. This exercise is a NATO Response Force (NRF) certification, exercise for those forces that will be part of next year’s high readiness NRF to ensure they are capable of responding to a rapid response scenario. With the current situation in Iraq, Syria and Ukraine, this training is very important. This version includes graphics or voiceover.   show less

NATO Review looks inside the KGB prison where Latvians were locked up, tortured or killed. We hear how today's leading Latvians were affected by Soviet occupation. And we ask if they see echoes in today's Russian aggression.

The Afghan commandos based in Helmand Province have been fighting heavily in northern districts, including Sangin over the past year. As US forces leave Camp Leatherneck and British forces leave Camp Bastion, the Afghan 7th Commando Battalion at adjacent Camp Shorabak will remain, along with the regular Afghan National Army, running operations by road and by air (when helicopters are available). This package includes footage of a ride-along on a convoy from Camp Shorabak to Gereshk police headquarters, footage of life on base, file footage of Afghan commando night operations, interviews with commanders, the District Governor of Nahri Saraj and with commandos.

An exploration of the threat from militants of the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Syria near Turkey’s border and what NATO can do to protect its Ally. Interviews with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, former EU Ambassador to Turkey Marc Pierini and former Deputy Director of the United States National Counterterrorism Center Andrew Liepman.

With the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) only kilometres from its border, Turkey’s security challenges are evolving. What role can NATO play to help secure its southern-eastern Ally?

New NATO Secretary General visits fighter pilots from Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and the United States, as well as the AWACS aircraft and crew at Lask Air Base in Poland. Soundbites from NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Canadian Air Task Force Commander, Lt Col David Pletz.

Originally designed for half a million inhabitants, Afghanistan’s sprawling capital city of Kabul now houses more than three million people. NATOChannel takes an in-depth look at housing and the struggling infrastructure surrounding it.
Interviews with city officials, property dealers and builders in and around Kabul city. An in-depth look at the current property market, both rental and construction. The Kabul property boom which took off after 2001 shows no signs of slowing, despite... read more

Originally designed for half a million inhabitants, Afghanistan’s sprawling capital city of Kabul now houses more than three million people. NATOChannel takes an in-depth look at housing and the struggling infrastructure surrounding it. Interviews with city officials, property dealers and builders in and around Kabul city. An in-depth look at the current property market, both rental and construction. The Kabul property boom which took off after 2001 shows no signs of slowing, despite wobbles during the recently overcome election impasse. Despite being a benefit for the economy, extensive construction on unplanned and unapproved land is putting a strain on the infrastructure of the city. We look at the work of the municipality’s ‘Kabul Solidarity Programme’, or KSP, which aims to provide basic services to unplanned areas and legally bring them into the government’s fold.   show less

People from all over the world are reportedly spending more and more on weddings, and since the fall of the Taliban, Afghanistan is no exception. With recent government attempts to put a cap on wedding costs proving futile, the popularity of group weddings has increased. In this piece, we witness a group wedding, interview the governor that made it possible, a wedding dress shopkeeper, and a groom. It is filmed at a wedding dress shop and wedding hall in Kabul.
Teaser: Could massive group weddings of up to 100 couples be the answer to Afghanistan’s soaring wedding costs?

NATO AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) is the only platform which is owned by an alliance (and not a country), a proof of concept for NATO itself. Sixteen different nations working together provide air traffic control for airspace above Afghanistan, making sure the numerous military and civilian flights that take place do not interfere with each other. Interviews with various crew members, who explain the various functions of the AWACS. Shots of the AWACS plane in flight over north western Afghanistan, including shots of the plane on the ground at Camp Marmal in Mazar-e Sharif and returning to its base in Geilenkirchen, Germany.

The Afghan government, NATO and the US government have now signed agreements, thanks to which foreign troops will be able to operate in Afghanistan from next year. It comes a day after the inauguration of the new Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and the appointment of Abdullah Abdullah as CEO. This report includes footage of the signing of the key documents, a soundbite from the Commander of ISAF and the NATO Ambassador to Afghanistan.

This is a report on the Afghan passport system, which now generates e-passport so customs officers can use biometrics to check the identity of the holder. The footage includes sound bites from the boss of the passport office in Kabul and various shots of people waiting to get passport. The previous non-electronic system left a lot of room for corruption, with people paying to have more than one passport. For a year and a half now, Afghan citizens have been able to apply for e-passports, which provide biometric data that can be used to identify the holder. The new system has made it harder for criminals and insurgents to travel. This version includes graphics or voiceover.

Forces from several allied countries and partners wrap up a week-long exercise in Ukraine, improving their ability to work together. Rapid Trident exercise took place near the Polish-Ukrainian border and involved more than 1,000 troops from NATO Allies and partners, including former Soviet-bloc countries. Soundbites from Lt. Col. Hickman, Chief of Regional Joint Command Exercises for the United States Army in Europe; Colonel Alfred Renzi, U.S. Co-director of Rapid Trident 2014; Colonel Alexander Sivak, Ukrainian Co-director of Rapid Trident 2014. Also available in high definition.

More than 240 men have graduated from the Afghan National Army Officer Academy in Kabul. The academy is sometimes referred to as ‘Sandhurst in the Sand’ as it’s modeled on the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, in the UK. The graduates have spent the past year learning various skills including tactics and leadership. The footage includes shots of the parade ground, rows of soldiers in various uniforms and sound bites with Brigadier Bruce Russell, Chief Mentor, Afghan National Army Officer Academy and General Sher Mohammad Karimi, Afghan Army Chief of Staff. Also available in high definition.

More than 400 competitors from 14 countries took part in the Invictus Games in London. The Paralympics-style athletics championship included both serving military personnel and veterans who suffered life-changing injuries. Over four days they competed in nine different disciplines including athletics, swimming, wheelchair rugby, and wheelchair basketball.

As the NATO-led operation in Afghanistan draws to a close, Bagram Airfield finds itself engaged in a different sort of battle: the ‘war on wood’. Across the sprawling base, temporary buildings are being torn down, replaced by concrete ones as this is one of the bases where troops will be housed next year as part of NATO’s Resolute Support Mission. Includes sound bites from Col. John Whitford, 242nd Construction Management Team, 2nd Engineer Brigade; Capt. Timothy Welbaum, 304th... read more

As the NATO-led operation in Afghanistan draws to a close, Bagram Airfield finds itself engaged in a different sort of battle: the ‘war on wood’. Across the sprawling base, temporary buildings are being torn down, replaced by concrete ones as this is one of the bases where troops will be housed next year as part of NATO’s Resolute Support Mission. Includes sound bites from Col. John Whitford, 242nd Construction Management Team, 2nd Engineer Brigade; Capt. Timothy Welbaum, 304th Engineer Company, 528th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Engineer Brigade; Master Sgt. Ryan Darnell, 83rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, Pararescue Team Leader and Capt. Cameron Rochelle, 83rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron Combat Rescue Officer. Also available in high definition.   show less

Mahboba’s Promise is an organization run by Mahboba Rawi, which includes both an orphanage and now a baking factory. Featured here is a story of the opening of a bakery. Interviews with Mahboba and the students.

A documentary on the NATO ballistic missile defense system, with interviews from the experts and new video footage from inside the USS Donald Cook a ballistic missile capable destroyer.

NATO is acquiring an Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) system that will give commanders a comprehensive picture of the situation on the ground. NATO’s operation to protect civilians in Libya and recent global security crises show the importance of such a capability. Also available in high definition.

As all eyes fall on the city, which will host the largest number of world leaders together in British history, Newport’s residents get talking about NATO’s 2014 Summit. Also available in high definition.

A promotional spot for NATO’s new Return to Hope website.

NATO’s new Return to Hope website weaves together the story of Afghanistan as told by some of the amazing people who returned there, determined to help create a better country. It is built around their compelling human stories, told by the individuals themselves, and presents their perspectives.

Destitute drug addicts live beneath a bridge in western Kabul. Social stigma against drug use is great. Disowned or otherwise disconnected from their families, they lose access to the primary network of help available to the poor in this developing country. They are, definitively, unredeemable, and yet one woman, Laila Haidari, seeks to redeem them. Footage from under the Puhl-e-Sokhta Bridge in Kabul as well as “Camp Mother”, the rehabilitation centre that is a part of Narcotics... read more

Destitute drug addicts live beneath a bridge in western Kabul. Social stigma against drug use is great. Disowned or otherwise disconnected from their families, they lose access to the primary network of help available to the poor in this developing country. They are, definitively, unredeemable, and yet one woman, Laila Haidari, seeks to redeem them. Footage from under the Puhl-e-Sokhta Bridge in Kabul as well as “Camp Mother”, the rehabilitation centre that is a part of Narcotics Anonymous. Interviews with addicts and Laila Haidari. Teaser: Destitute drug addicts live beneath a bridge in western Kabul. Their stories and ethnic backgrounds are diverse, but they are all social rejects. Yet because of one woman, Laila Haidari, some make it out.   show less

Afghan Information Dissemination Operations, otherwise known as AIDO, have a significant but often overlooked role in the Afghan army.
This AIDO course held at Kabul international military airport focused on teaching the officers how to build credibility with the public and combat disinformation from enemy forces. The culmination of the course was a practical exercise involving various simulations of real life exercises, including responding to a violent crowd and negotiating with... read more

Afghan Information Dissemination Operations, otherwise known as AIDO, have a significant but often overlooked role in the Afghan army. This AIDO course held at Kabul international military airport focused on teaching the officers how to build credibility with the public and combat disinformation from enemy forces. The culmination of the course was a practical exercise involving various simulations of real life exercises, including responding to a violent crowd and negotiating with villagers. Interviews with ISAF course leaders and communications professionals. Footage of Afghan army officers taking part in practical exercises. Interview with Afghan course participant. The Taliban are known for publishing misinformation. ISAF is helping the Afghan government to combat enemy propaganda through training key personnel. At a course in Kabul, members of the Afghan army are also being taught how to build credibility with the public and engage with local villagers. This version includes voiceover and graphics.   show less

The Afghan army has begun to adapt training programmes based on battlefield experiences. We cover two large-scale training simulations at Kabul’s biggest military training centre. A convoy hits an improvised explosive device (IED) and comes under insurgent attack, a real danger facing the Afghan military in the field. Soldiers also learn how to storm a house containing suspected insurgents.

Known only as ”Rambo”, an Afghan gate guard at Camp Phoenix in Kabul gained notoriety when he prevented, with his bare hands, a potentially devastating suicide attack on the base he was protecting. Rambo recounts the incident and shows us, step by step, how he disarmed the would-be attacker. He received several accolades for his bravery, including a signed picture from the actor Sylvester Stallone. Includes sound bites from 'Rambo', Gate guard. Also available in high definition.

Over 12 years since it was first created, the soldiers of Camp Phoenix in Kabul lower the flag and drive out of the gate for the last time. A huge logistics base, once home to several training courses for the Afghan army, Camp Phoenix was handed over to the Afghan Ministry of Interior, who plan to use the facility to house several government departments. Interviews with the base support group commander, Alex McLemore, who talks through the logistical challenges of leaving a base of this... read more

Over 12 years since it was first created, the soldiers of Camp Phoenix in Kabul lower the flag and drive out of the gate for the last time. A huge logistics base, once home to several training courses for the Afghan army, Camp Phoenix was handed over to the Afghan Ministry of Interior, who plan to use the facility to house several government departments. Interviews with the base support group commander, Alex McLemore, who talks through the logistical challenges of leaving a base of this size. Footage of the handover ceremony to the Afghan government and the final ISAF troops leaving the base. Teaser: Camp Phoenix rose from the ashes of an abandoned truck stop and several disused factory buildings, growing into a national logistics hub and training camp. Over 12 years since its creation, ISAF have handed the facility over to the Afghan government.   show less

A project run by the French Institute in Kabul – street children were given cameras and asked to document their lives from their perspective. The resulting best photos were displayed at an exhibition at the Institute. We follow the children, getting an insight into life working on the street as they try to balance attending school with supporting their families – and see what new opportunities this introduction into the world of photography has given them.
Teaser: There are an estimated six million children working part or full time on the streets of Afghanistan. A photography project which gave cameras to some of these children, shows us a unique perspective on their lives.

This video looks at how medical advances that began 100 years ago are still used today, by both military and civilian hospitals. It asks medical, military and history experts whether dealing with today’s combat injuries– such as IED strikes and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – were influenced by treatment of injuries such as shellshock 100 years ago. It also highlights how technology is now on the frontline of medical treatment but asks: is today’s problem that there aren’t enough medical personnel to operate the technology?

As the 100th anniversary of World War I approaches, NATO Review magazine asks: if any good came out of the carnage of the ‘Great War’, was it advances in medicine?

Jordan´s Military Women’s 10-year Strategy set out in 2006 has brought improved conditions and entitlements for women and expanded their integration within the country’s armed forces. However, challenges remain. Includes sound bites from Mari Skåre,
NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security; Colonel Kholoud Saleem Al Hammad, Commandant, Center of Excellence, Jordanian Armed Forces; Graham Brooks, Trust Fund Consultant
NATO Support Agency and First Lieutenant Altahat Safaa, Platoon leader, Jordanian Armed Forces. Also available in high definition.

Unified Vision 2014 (UV14) is the biggest Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (JISR) trial NATO has ever staged, with a multitude of ground sensors, surveillance balloons, jammer aircraft and land ISR assets deployed during this trial. Interviews with the organizers explain how gathering and processing information from a wide variety of sources is an essential tool for the modern military commander.
Shots include a variety of intelligence and surveillance equipment ranging... read more

Unified Vision 2014 (UV14) is the biggest Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (JISR) trial NATO has ever staged, with a multitude of ground sensors, surveillance balloons, jammer aircraft and land ISR assets deployed during this trial. Interviews with the organizers explain how gathering and processing information from a wide variety of sources is an essential tool for the modern military commander. Shots include a variety of intelligence and surveillance equipment ranging from unmanned aerial vehicles to ground sensors and aircraft. Also shots from a simulated refugee camp, Norwegian soldiers in simulated combat and artillery live-firing. Includes sound bites from Dr Richard Wittstruck, Chairman of Joint Capability Group on ISR and Lieutenant Colonel Matt Martin, US Air Force, Trial Commander. Also available in high definition.   show less

Moldova still faces the after-effects of intensive use of dangerous pesticides in agriculture under the former Soviet Union. A NATO Trust Fund is helping the country to destroy these harmful chemicals.

An all-Afghan planned, all-Afghan executed military exercise involving helicopters, armour, artillery, infantry and multiple special operations forces performed a training exercise for an audience of high-ranking members of the government and military, as well as international and domestic media. Coverage of exercise as well as interview with Ministry of Defence 1st Deputy Spokesperson General Dawlat Waziri. Also available in high definition

With new deployments of fighter jets, NATO has tripled its air policing mission assets guarding the skies over the Baltic region. Visuals include arrivals of Danish fighters in Estonia and ceremonies in Estonia, welcoming Danish contribution to the mission. Soundbites from General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Taavi Roivas, Prime Minister of Estonia and Soren Kelstrup, Danish Ambassador to Estonia.

Danish fighter jets land in Estonia, while Poland and the United Kingdom take over guarding the skies in Lithuania, tripling the NATO air policing mission strength in the Baltic region. Produced by Ruth Owen.

Australian Peter Anderson, who has played and coached cricket for 35 years, has just arrived in Afghanistan for the first time to head up its National Cricket Academy. Interview and footage of Anderson practicing with Afghanistan’s young cricket enthusiasts. Also available in high definition

Major General Jalander Shah Behnam, Commander of the Afghan National Defence University discusses the purpose of this educational establishment, which is made up of the National Military Academy of Afghanistan (NMAA), the Afghan National Army Officers' Academy (ANAOA) and the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Academy. Short interviews with a teacher and two cadets are also available. Covering footage shows the university.
Teaser: The Afghan National Defence University, modelled on the United States Military Academy at West Point, provides an entry point to the Afghan National Army for hundreds of aspiring military leaders while offering them a broad education.

In Afghanistan, votes are being counted in the Presidential and provincial council elections. Though no official announcement is made for a few weeks, people can see who’s won in individual polling stations from the results that have been stuck up on walls. Also available in high definition

Coverage of voters during election day in Kabul. Afghans in Kabul and across the country take part in a historic event, the first ever democratic transition of power in Afghanistan’s history. Turnout was high and security tight as voters went to the polls in their droves. This version includes graphics and voiceover.

The story features the winners of a contest to find an anthem for the upcoming presidential elections in Afghanistan.
The program, entitled Sola (meaning peace), was launched with the aim of spreading the message that “participation in the election is cool!”. Some of this footage was filmed in Darulaman Palace, with two of the contestants who are backing the program. The young rappers offer their thoughts about democracy, the importance of voting and why the country’s youth should... read more

The story features the winners of a contest to find an anthem for the upcoming presidential elections in Afghanistan. The program, entitled Sola (meaning peace), was launched with the aim of spreading the message that “participation in the election is cool!”. Some of this footage was filmed in Darulaman Palace, with two of the contestants who are backing the program. The young rappers offer their thoughts about democracy, the importance of voting and why the country’s youth should care about the election. Teaser: Many young Afghan rap artists have taken part in a competition to determine an anthem for the upcoming presidential elections. Two males and one female, all from Herat, won the contest. Their lyrics spoke about the importance of people going to the polls.   show less

One of our reporters, Laurence Cameron, has managed to embed with the Afghan National Army (ANA) in Sangin, in the week leading up to the Afghan presidential elections. Sangin is one of the most volatile districts in Helmand. Laurence films the ANA as they conduct large clearing operations in and around the district to try to secure the area for people to be able to turn out and vote in the elections.
Teaser: Days before the Afghan presidential elections and the Afghan army have been securing areas around the volatile district of Sangin in Helmand, to allow people to vote this Saturday. Soldiers have been carrying out clearing operations, discovering and destroying improvised explosive devices or IEDs. Produced by Laurence Cameron.

Interview with Commander of Norwegian Joint Headquarters (Exercise Director) in which he discusses the why and what of training in winter conditions and why it is important for NATO nations. Covering footage shows the three dimensions of winter war fare.
NATO Allies and partners worked together in the cold, harsh environment of northern Norway as part of Exercise Cold Response 2014. Altogether more than 16,000 sailors, soldiers, airmen and Marines representing 15 nations participated in the exercise. Produced by Luca Fazzuoli.

Interviews with three officer cadets (Faizal Manaman, Nazar Mohammed and Hajii Mohammed) at the Afghan National Army Officer Academy who were previously interviewed and filmed when they had first joined the academy. Covering footage shows the cadets training in harsh conditions.
Teaser: Faizal Manaman, Nazar Mohammed and Hajii Mohammed left their civilian lives behind to become the first young men to undergo the rigorous and inaugural year-long training programme. NATO Channel catches up with them six months into their training at the new Afghan National Army Officer Academy. Produced by Lally Snow, Kabul, Afghanistan.

The story features the performance of the play “Seven” by high-ranking military personnel from seven countries, of which six represent NATO members and one from Sweden, a NATO partner nation. The play is a work of documentary theatre that presents the real-life stories of seven women’s rights activists. The performance took place on 11 March 2014, at the SHAPE headquarters in Mons, Belgium. Compelling soundbites on the importance NATO places on women’s rights and snippets from the... read more

The story features the performance of the play “Seven” by high-ranking military personnel from seven countries, of which six represent NATO members and one from Sweden, a NATO partner nation. The play is a work of documentary theatre that presents the real-life stories of seven women’s rights activists. The performance took place on 11 March 2014, at the SHAPE headquarters in Mons, Belgium. Compelling soundbites on the importance NATO places on women’s rights and snippets from the actual play are available. In the fight for equality, SHAPE puts on the performance of a lifetime. “Seven” is performed by high-ranking military personnel who take on the task of playing the parts of women militating against gender-based discrimination.   show less

One of NATO’s most advanced air-defence war ships, the Aegis-capable Alvaro de Bazan of the Spanish Navy, fends off a simulated fighter aircraft attack by the French Air Force, 50 miles east of Djibouti in the Gulf of Aden. Also available in high definition

Afghanistan is estimated to have $3 trillion worth of mineral deposits, which through years of insecurity have remained unexploited. Gold, iron ore, copper ore, emeralds, lapis, rubies as well as natural gas are all found in the north of the country.
Now with help from advisors from the US Task Force for Business and Stability Operations (TFBSO), the Afghanistan Geological Survey is gaining the skills it needs to explore and exploit the country's resources. Geologists and drillers are being trained to investigate sites to test for the presence of resources. Also available in high definition

Interviews with two of the new instructors currently being trained at the Afghan National Army Officer Academy (ANAOA). Also interviews with ISAF and ANA instructors and mentors. Covering footage shows the girls in classrooms and doing sport in the snow.
Teaser: In just over two months, the new Afghan National Army Officer Academy will be opening its doors to the first class of female officer cadets. In preparation, eight female instructors are currently being put through their paces. Produced by Lally Snow, Kabul, Afghanistan.

Piece covers a rally that was held in Kabul to support members of the Afghan National Security Forces. It includes shots of the crowd standing the rain. Some are holding banners, others are punching the air with their fists. The protest was organized after an attack on an Afghan army base in Kunar in the east of Afghanistan that left 21 soldiers dead. Also available in high definition

As Canadian troops leave Afghanistan, the last commander of Canada’s combat mission says Canadians should be proud of their accomplishments. Major General Dean Milner oversaw many operations that were key to improving security in the province of Kandahar. Includes sound bites from Major General Dean Milner who commands the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan (NTM-A).

With less than two months to go until the Afghan presidential election, the country is gripped by an unprecedented level of election coverage from Afghanistan’s own media. At the heart of this will be the first election in Afghanistan, where all of the key candidates take part in live debates. NATO Channel is given exclusive access behind the scenes of 1TV’s first live presidential debate, to see how political journalism and the country’s media landscape has developed and changed in... read more

With less than two months to go until the Afghan presidential election, the country is gripped by an unprecedented level of election coverage from Afghanistan’s own media. At the heart of this will be the first election in Afghanistan, where all of the key candidates take part in live debates. NATO Channel is given exclusive access behind the scenes of 1TV’s first live presidential debate, to see how political journalism and the country’s media landscape has developed and changed in the last thirteen years. The elections may well be fought on the issues of security, the economy and radicalism, but it is members of the young, educated local press which are driving the most hotly contested Afghan elections in modern times. Teaser: NATO Channel is given behind the scenes access to Afghan 1TV’s live presidential debate, and finds out how the country’s changing media environment is having a huge impact on the elections.   show less

Chris Short, founder of Shorsec Racing and a former Royal Marine, will attempt to ride his motorbike from Kabul to London to raise for Mission Motorsport, a UK-based charity, which aims to aid in the recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by military operations by providing opportunities through motor sport.

NATO Channel interviews Chris about his motivation for doing the drive and follows some of the preparations for his epic journey, including a look at his specially adapted motorbike and support vehicle, built in Kabul. This version includes voiceover and graphics.

A feature on Lieutenant Colonel Heffington who has just finished his deployment in Afghanistan. It includes sound bites from him and pictures showing him meeting General Salangi, the former Kabul police chief, who he worked alongside for a year. Footage also includes shots of Lt Col Heffington in the back of a car driving through Kabul and him meeting with police officers at the Afghan Ministry of Interior. During his deployment, Lt Col Heffington was referred to as an ‘Afghan Hand’. He... read more

A feature on Lieutenant Colonel Heffington who has just finished his deployment in Afghanistan. It includes sound bites from him and pictures showing him meeting General Salangi, the former Kabul police chief, who he worked alongside for a year. Footage also includes shots of Lt Col Heffington in the back of a car driving through Kabul and him meeting with police officers at the Afghan Ministry of Interior. During his deployment, Lt Col Heffington was referred to as an ‘Afghan Hand’. He was part of a program designed to integrate American military and civilian personnel within the Afghan government and society. Teaser: Not many people have got so close to Kabul’s former Police Chief General Salangi. Colonel Steve Heffington, however, spent the past year working alongside General Salangi, helping to advise him on ways to modernise his police force. The relationship they built up extended far beyond work.   show less

The running of day-to-day ISAF operations in Afghanistan now has a new commander. Lt. Gen. Joseph Anderson has been sworn in at a flag ceremony at ISAF Joint Command. He takes the place of Lt. Gen. Mark Milley who’s just completed his third tour of Afghanistan. The piece includes soundbites from Gen. Joseph Dunford, commander of ISAF, Lt. Gen. Joseph Anderson, commander of ISAF Joint Command and the former commander of ISAF Joint Command Lt. Gen. Mark Milley. A flag ceremony was held to welcome Lt. Gen. Anderson to his new post and to say farewell to the outgoing commander, Lt. Gen. Milley. Produced by Mel Preen. This version includes voiceover and graphics.

An insight into the emergence of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as an alternative fuel source for motorised vehicles in Afghanistan. LPG conversion on vehicles, after an initial outlay, can bring huge cost saving benefits to motorists and drastically reduce emissions and particulates being pushed into the air.
Especially popular in Jalalabad, where a huge number of three-wheeled motorbike taxis or “tuk tuks” have undergone conversion, specialist outlets providing LPG to motorists have sprung up across the province. Also available in high definition

A profile of the CEO and founder of one of the biggest construction companies in Afghanistan, Ishaq Sadat. Insights into the Afghan construction industry, in particular his company’s work on fire stations and ANA/ANP bases. His thoughts on the future of the Afghan economy.
Teaser: An Afghan refugee who drove taxis to support his family, Ishaq Sadat returned to Afghanistan after the fall of the Taliban to establish a highly successful construction business, creating jobs for hundreds in his home town of Jalalabad.

In Afghanistan eleven candidates are vying to win the next Presidency. Campaigning is now officially underway with posters and billboards up all around the country. The candidates have two months to win over the voters. Six thousand eight hundred polling booths are expected to open. Election day is April 5 April. Also available in high definition

Package about handing over security for religious heritage sites in Kosovo. Produced by Mike Muhlberger.

NATO Channel visits the surgery of Dr Mohammad Shirzad who is a doctor offering alternative treatment for skin diseases like vitiligo and epilepsy in Parwan, Afghanistan. The doctor who claims thousands of satisfied patients, uses the venom which he extracts from scorpions and snakes in his medicines. The doctor and his family have been working as alternative medical practitioners for over 215 years, despite their lack of formal medical training. The story follows Dr Shirzad as he diagnoses a patient and also prepares a fresh batch of medicine, using freshly harvested scorpion venom. Also available in high definition

After three decades of conflict, many young Afghans have only ever known war. But for the first time since its inception, The Afghan National Army has recruited a new breed of soldiers for a year of rigorous training at the new Afghan National Army Officer Academy modeled on the British Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
NATO TV meets three of tomorrow’s leaders and finds out what motivates them to fight for their country. Produced by Lalage Snow.

In 2001, after the fall of the Taliban, there was little in the way of a functional police force in Afghanistan. Instead armed militias carried out their own brand of justice. Now, police figures have surpassed 150,000, and building, training and improving the Afghan National Police or ANP is a priority. Produced by Jake Tupman.

In November 2013, fourteen selected Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operators, commanders and staff officers from the Iraqi Armed Forces started a series of basic and specialised “Train the Trainers” course to learn new techniques to counter the threat of improvised explosive devices. The aim of the course was to teach the Iraqi experts to recognize, visually identify and defeat improvised explosive devices and their components.

In the last presidential elections, women voters and MPs faced persecution, death threats and violence. With 2014’s elections drawing near, NATO Channel speaks to female MPs who discuss the real issues facing female voters. With 2014’s elections drawing near, NATO Channel looks at the problems many Afghan women are still facing and what measures are being implemented to ensure free and fair elections.

Bags of ammonium nitrate, explosive remnants of war, modern improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Unexploded ordnance is still a huge problem in Afghanistan and the largest cause of civilian casualties. With counter-IED now an integral part of the NATO training mission in Afghanistan, the battle against explosives remains a top priority for both the international community and the Afghan forces. Also available in high definition

War and art have been interlinked since the dawn of time, and the war in Afghanistan is no different. War artist Anna Redwood visits the 7th Armored Brigade, also known as ‘The Desert Rats’ in Camp Bastion; her mission, along with metalsmiths from the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers (REME), is to build a giant ten-foot rat out of old armored vehicle parts.

NATO’s ARRCADE Fusion 13 exercise brought together 2,500 military and civilian personnel from 16 NATO and partner nations. This report shows how the UK-based Allied Rapid Reaction Corps trains and develops its ability to command the NATO Response Force by simulating a large-scale deployment from a temporary command and control centre in Cornwall, England.

Two and a half thousand Afghan leaders gathered in Kabul, to discuss the country’s pending Bilateral Security Agreement with the United States, which will be the basis for a US presence in-country post-2014 and pave the way for the planned NATO train, advise and assist mission due to start in 2015.

It’s been five years since Poland first sent troops to Ghazni. Here the 10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade take over from the 25th Air Cavalry Brigade in the same week as the Polish side of the joint Provincial Reconstruction Team closes. Apart from improving combat capability and instilling confidence in the Afghan National Security Forces, Polish-funded projects have also developed areas of the province.

Afghan medics are now treating their injured soldiers and police in a newly built trauma center, a first for the country, based in Helmand in the country’s south. In the past, any Afghan security forces wounded on the battlefield were taken to ISAF’s hospital at Camp Bastion but now, local medics at the field hospital for the 215 Corps, are treating their own.

Mazar-e Sharif in Regional Command North (ISAF). Germany has been lead nation in RC-North since 2003. NATO Channel interviews the Commander of RC-North, Major General Jörg Vollmer. He gives his views on progress in this region, since his first deployment back in 2009.
Teaser: The German commander of NATO-led forces in the north of Afghanistan, Major General Jörg Vollmer, gives his views on progress in the region and underlines Germany’s long-term support. Produced by William Bonnett. Also available in High Definition.

In Afghanistan mines are quite literally everywhere. Along with other explosive remnants of war or ERWs, they are responsible for the serious injury or death of more than thirty Afghan civilians every month. NATO TV ventures to Parwan province in central Afghanistan to meet the men whose job it is to unearth and destroy an enemy that lives beneath the ground.
Teaser: In Afghanistan, mines are a plague that terrorize rural communities, with children their primary targets. Clearing mines is a secluded, dangerous and high-pressure task that requires nerves of steel.
Produced by Jake Tupman, Parwan, Afghanistan. Also available in High Definition.

Shows highlights from SFJ13 Media day, including live fire demonstration in Poland, and NATO Secretary General meeting troops. Includes soundbite with NATO Secretary General and Commander JFC Brunssum, General Hans-Lothar Domröse. This version includes graphics and voiceover.

Teenage girls in Afghanistan are often caught between two conflicting worlds; tradition and modernity, but after the recent successes of the Afghan national football team on the world stage, a new generation of teenage girls in Kabul is kicking against old traditions and taboos and paving the way for the future.

Next year, the command of the NATO Response Force will pass to Allied Joint Force Command, which is based in Brunssum in the Netherlands. We learn how its staff are being put to the test during Exercise Steadfast Jazz 2013. They need to demonstrate that they are able to run joint operations involving land, sea and air forces in response to the full range of crisis situations. This version includes graphics and voiceover.

NATO ships sail from the port of Gdynia in Poland to take part in the week long exercise “Steadfast Jazz”. Includes interviews with Dutch, Italian and Polish naval officers and file footage from the pre-runner exercises “Brilliant Arrow” in Norway and “Brilliant Mariner” in Italy. Interviewees: Lt. Col. Harold Liebregs, Commanding Officer of HNLMS De Ruyter; Col. Fabio Agostini, Commanding Officer ITS Caio Duilio andCapt. Mariusz Koscielski, Polish Navy. Also available in high definition.

Last June, the stand-off detection of explosives (STANDEX) project, which is being developed in the NATO-Russia cooperation framework, was tested in the underground railway of a European capital. This innovative system combines three different detection technologies into a data merging and tracking system, and may help NATO countries and Russia to counter terrorist attacks more effectively. This version contains graphics and voiceover.

At a ceremony in Uruzgan Province in Afghanistan, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and leader of the opposition Bill Shorten announced the closure of the Australian-led provincial reconstruction team or PRT in Uruzgan, marking an important milestone in the Australian mission in Afghanistan. This version includes graphics and voiceover.

In 2006, the NATO-Russia Council nations launched a counter-narcotics training project. The aim: to improve the skills of counter-narcotics officers from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Central Asia. In September 2013, the North-West Institute of Advanced Studies of the Russian Federal Drug Control Service in St Petersburg hosted some 20 Afghan police officers. Also available in high definition

The Peace Music Festival took place in Kabul, as musicians from Afghanistan, India and Pakistan came to the famous Babur Gardens to play for a large crowd, while many more watched on television across the country. In a week that also saw another suicide attack on Kabul, the concert's message was clear; Afghans want peace. Also available in high definition

A series of air, land and maritime exercises are taking place this fall to prepare next year’s NATO Response Force. During the air exercise Brilliant Arrow in Norway, 800 personnel from nine air forces trained to NATO standards putting their interoperability to the test. Includes rare flight footage of fighter jets and helicopters, as well as sound bites with Exercise Director from NATO’s Single Air Command in Ramstein, Germany and Norwegian intelligence officer. Produced by Mike Muehlberger.

The Applied Physics Science and Technology Centre (APSTEC) in St. Petersburg, Russia has been working with NATO to develop a technology to detect explosives concealed on suicide bombers in mass transport locations. Eighteen scientists and engineers are working on this project for the “Stand-Off Detection of Explosives”, known as STANDEX. This version includes graphics and voiceover.

Over the past 12 years, Kabul’s fire department has grown from just two operating fire engines to a fully functional fire service. Between March and July there were 56 fires in Kabul alone. These are some of the men who put them out. Also available in high definition.

As Afghan pilot instructors graduate from Shindand air base in western Afghanistan and Afghan-only flight crews embark on active missions across the nation, the Afghan air force is once again developing into an important part of the Afghan security forces. In the early 1980s Afghanistan had a strong and capable air force. But in the civil war all that changed. Today, Afghanistan’s air force is still a work in progress, but one that has come a long way in a short space of time. Produced by Sayed Mansoor.

In Helmand Province, Afghanistan, police have taken a significant step towards regional autonomy by unveiling a police training facility. The Lashkar Gah Training Centre (LTC), opened by the British in 2009, will now see Afghan police trainers teach a variety of courses as they look to take on one of the biggest challenges in Afghanistan – policing Helmand. Also available in high definition

Forward Air Controllers are responsible for guiding pilots onto ground targets. NATO’s mission in Afghanistan has shown the importance of allies being able to provide Close Air Support for each other safely and reliably. Maintaining this capability through multi-national training is a key priority for the Alliance. Also available in high definition

The NATO-led combat mission in Afghanistan will end in 2014. Nations have started the redeployment of their equipment. The British Army started the redeployment process in October 2012. Expensive and sensitive pieces of equipment, such as helicopters and vehicles, are sent by air to an air base in the United Arab Emirates and then shipped by sea to the military port of Marchwood in Southampton. This version includes voiceover and graphics.

Imagine seeing a suspected suicide bomb car approaching. What are your options? Signal, shoot, flee? Now there’s a new option. A technology is being tested at a secret location in Norway that can make a car’s engine cut out using high-intensity jammers.
Better still, it can also take out drones, jet skis, and any other vehicle used to deliver bombs.
And it has also positively tested disrupting remote control-activated bombs – even chemical and biological ones.
This video shows the device being put through its paces using fast cars, briefcase bombs and drones as it prepares to be unveiled. Available in high definition.

It’s been eight years since Lithuania first sent troops to Ghor Province in central Afghanistan. Their mission now complete, they’re soon to return to Lithuania. Apart from improving combat capability, Lithuanian funded projects have also developed the area and helped the local people. This is their story.
As Lithuania prepares to withdraw from Afghanistan after eight years in the country, NATO TV takes a look at their legacy in Ghor Province, Central Afghanistan. But what exactly is their legacy? And how have they helped improve the local area?

Show Danish and German Forward Air Controllers being trained by Belgian and British officers during a large multinational NATO exercise in the Czech Republic (Ramstein Rover 2013). Highlights the challenges of counter-insurgency operations in urban areas featuring a realistic training scenario. Also available in high definition.

On 20 August 2013, history was made as the national football teams of Afghanistan and Pakistan played a friendly match in Kabul at the Afghan Football Federation (AFF) stadium, just two days prior to the start of the Roshan Afghan Premier League's (RAPL) 2013 tournament. The last match between the two nations was 37 years ago. Also available in high definition

Monsoon rains have swept away a bridge near the mountainous Khost-Gardez pass in Paktia province, Afghanistan. The road has also been badly damaged, leaving the Salerno bowl and both Afghan and ISAF bases cut off.
Redeployment activities from Forward Operating Base Salerno have already been disrupted and local people are struggling to cross the riverbed. A team of combat engineers from Kandahar are called to drive through the night to get to the scene of the disaster – they will need the... read more

Monsoon rains have swept away a bridge near the mountainous Khost-Gardez pass in Paktia province, Afghanistan. The road has also been badly damaged, leaving the Salerno bowl and both Afghan and ISAF bases cut off. Redeployment activities from Forward Operating Base Salerno have already been disrupted and local people are struggling to cross the riverbed. A team of combat engineers from Kandahar are called to drive through the night to get to the scene of the disaster – they will need the protection of members of the US Army’s 101st mountains. Using a Mabey-Johnson bridge first used in the Second World War by British forces, the US Army 1438th bridge building company must get the road reopened. This version includes graphics and voiceover.   show less

Afghanistan’s Dog’s of war are coming home with the help of a former British Royal Marine. A veteran of Helmand province in 2006, Pen Farthing has since returned to Afghanistan on his own animal rescue. Produced by Joe Sheffer.

The Afghan postal service was established in 1870 and, had developed, by 1970, into a modern service that allowed Afghans to send letters around the world. But years of war, followed by the Taliban regime, have set the postal service back in time. A building boom since 2001 across the country has added to the service’s problems. In Kabul, the city’s population has grown in size by nearly five times since 2001, and the city still lacks any system of street naming or numbering. We follow postman Walid on his rounds, while back at the main sorting office, the service’s operations manager offers a perspective on the history of the mail service in Afghanistan, war, stamps and diplomacy. Also available in high definition

Afghans across the country gather at registration centers, collecting their voter cards in order to have their say in the next presidential elections coming in April 2014. Soundbites from Gul Habib, Samim, Sukriya Barekzai. Produced by Sayed Mansoor.

Risking (and not entirely avoiding) a million little stings – NATO Channel heads into the Afghan countryside to meet the bee-keepers who are doing more for Afghan agriculture than simply producing honey. Honey, wax, fruit pollination and venom - the benefits to beekeeping in Afghanistan are wide and varied. In some of the southern provinces, national and international bee-keeping initiatives are encouraging opium farmers to switch to bees, and with projects and grants aimed at training and assisting bee-keepers, bees are doing far more for Afghan agriculture than just producing honey. Produced by Jake Tupman. This version includes voiceover and graphics.

Supplying drinking water is a major issue during a military operation. Drawing and treating the water
require a considerable logistic effort. The nations do their best to pool their skills. During Exercise Capable Logistician at Lest in Slovakia, NATO member and partner nations tested their skills in providing drinking water. This version includes voiceover and graphics.

Over 9000 spectators poured through the gates of the Kabul National Cricket Stadium to watch their heroes battle it out wicket by wicket at the largest national tournament Afghanistan has seen.

Members of the national team captained five regional teams in a tense play-off over six days. The excitable crowd came to Kabul from all over the country, defying ethnic and tribal differences in a united front of support for one of the most popular sports in Afghanistan. Produced by Lalage Snow. This version includes voiceover and graphics.

Georgia provides the biggest non-NATO contribution to ISAF forces in Afghanistan. Soldiers provide assistance to the mission by conducting patrols, bomb clearance and engaging with locals in the volatile district of Musa Qala in Helmand Province. Includes sound bites from Captain Jemal Tsitadze, Chief of Staff, 12th Battalion, 1st Infantry, Georgian Armed Forces and Captain Nate Warthen, Officer in charge, USMC Air Fire Control Team. Also available in high definition.

Aviation in Afghanistan has undergone huge transformation over the past decade. With several new airports under development and new Afghan airline companies opening more and more routes, air travel is connecting the country to itself and the rest of the world. Also available in high definition

Back in 2010, Sergeant Gates arrived in Afghanistan for the first time. His company, tasked to push deep into enemy territory were getting hit daily and getting into constant firefights. This time around his mission is very different. Working alongside Afghan security forces, Gates says he has noticed a “massive change” in their capability and attitude, and are actually “taking care of their own.” This version includes graphics.

Standing tall for over 800 years, the Minaret of Jam is one of Afghanistan’s most ancient archaeological treasures. Hidden among the mountains of Ghor Province in central Afghanistan, it is virtually inaccessible. The NATO Channel braves 100 kilometres of dusty, dangerous, desert highway to reach this iconic monument. Also available in high definition.

At an IT Security Conference in Amsterdam, hackers and IT security professionals talk to NATO Channel about how best to defend against cyber threats. The experts believe in keeping knowledge free and in defending networks through collaboration with all stakeholders - public, private, government, non-government and the military.

We illustrate the importance of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and related resolutions on Women, Peace & Security in Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the Bosnian War, sexual violence was used as a weapon of war. We talk to Vanja Matic, who works for NATO HQ Sarajevo, helping to promote gender awareness within the Bosnian army and within Bosnian society at large. We also interview Mari Skåre, the NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security, who visited the country in April this year. This version includes graphics and voiceover.

Drug addiction continues to be a problem in Afghanistan along with the escalating cultivation and production of opiates in the country. Now ministries are tackling the problem of addiction head on, by rounding up addicts and encouraging them into rehabilitation.

Teaser: Ministries in Kabul try to tackle the growth and production of opiates in Afghanistan, as well as the addicted people who use them in Kabul.

Produced by Sayed Mansoor / Edited and voiced by William Bonnett. Also available in High Definition.

Just a few days before Ronnie O’Sullivan cued his way to a fifth World Championship; against the odds, an Afghan player lifted the Asian Championship trophy – it was his and Afghanistan’s first major snooker success. NATO TV talks to Saleh Mohammad, Afghan snooker player and recent winner of the Asian Championship. Despite a lack of funding, Saleh has competed against (and often beaten) some of the world’s best. This is his story. Produced by Jake Tupman. This version includes graphics and voiceover.

General Lorimer, Deputy Commander ISAF in Afghanistan, speaks to NATOChannel in the ruins of a fort in Kabul about his previous deployments to the country and how things have changed over the years. Also available in high definition

NATO Channel profiles Afghan Mixed Marshal Arts (MMA) champion highlighting his dedication to his sport and how he hopes sportsmen can inspire the future of his country.
Teaser: Baz Mohammed Mobariz is a 27-year-old MMA fighter from Kabul. A dedicated sportsman, he prides himself on his aggression and explosive power in the ring. But Baz isn’t just a fighter; he thinks that Afghani youths can harness some of their energy to become ambassadors for their country, representing Afghanistan in the ring. Produced by Joe Sheffer, Kabul, Afghanistan. Also available in High Definition.

A festival held in Bamyan pays homage to the history and culture of the region, particularly its most famous site, the Buddhas, which were destroyed by the Taliban, 12 years ago. Produced by Sayed Mansoor. Edited and voiced by William Bonnett. This version includes graphics and voiceover.

On April 25th, a 5.7 magnitude earthquake turned villages in eastern Afghanistan to rubble. A quick response from the Afghan army and police was vital to save lives and move the wounded to hospital. A 5.7 magnitude earthquake destroys houses and other buildings across eastern Afghanistan. With people trapped beneath the rubble, a quick response is vital.

Afghan Special Forces and police quick reaction force fight side by side, to provide better security for Bamyan Province in central Afghanistan. Produced by Sayed Mansoor. Includes soundbites from General Abdul Razaq, police chief of Bamyan (in Dari), Habiba Surabi, governor of Bamyan (in English). This version includes voiceover and graphics.

For the U.S. and Australian Soldiers posted to Afghanistan's southern province of Uruzgan, an increase in local security and the passing of patrolling operations to Afghan forces means they have a new mission focus to help ensure the region can remain secure after ISAF forces leave. Includes sound bites from Colonel Simon Stuart, Combined Team Uruzgan Commander and Brigadier General Katz, ISAF Spokesperson.

The Kandahar Media and Information Centre started in 2010 has helped swing public opinion towards the government but as the 2014 deadline for the transition of all security to the Afghan forces fast approaching, and the presidential election in the same year - the information war in Afghanistan remains tightly contested, and the battle for public opinion is now at its most critical.

It's been two years since Afghan forces began to take lead responsibility for security in the country. ISAF's Deputy Commander, Lt Gen Nick Carter looks at the progress made since and the future for total Afghan lead in the country.

Sonia Sarwari talks to NATO TV about her struggle as a prominent Afghan female actress trying to provide for her family. Sonia carries on acting despite being attacked last October, and her struggles highlight the issues faced by all Afghan women who wish to pursue a career.

Croatian female police officer trains Afghan military police, despite social taboos. Major Vlasta Zekulic trains Afghan military police students on military investigation. She is not afraid of being discriminated against because she is a woman. Soundbites include Major Vlasta Zekulic. Produced by Alessandro Pavone, Kabul, Afghanistan. Also available in High Definition.

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen visits Afghanistan to re-confirm a NATO training and advisory mission within Afghanistan after the international security assistance force mission ends in 2014. He also visited Helmand Province to talk to the Provincial Governor and ISAF special forces. Also available in high definition

Shindand Air Base is Afghanistan's first and only pilot training center for the Afghan Air Force. They have a 100 percent graduation rate and have recently qualified the first Afghan pilot instructor in-country. Produced by Ruth Owen. Includes soundbites from Col. Luciano Ippoliti, senior advisor, Airbase Support Advisory Team (in Italian), Maj. Davide Dulcetii, instructor pilot (in Italian), and Col. Quadratullah, instructor pilot (in English). This version includes voiceover and graphics.

The Australian and American Commanders at Task Force Uruzgan say the Afghan Army must be build upon on its own sustainable procedures and draw from the knowledge of Afghan commanders and not try to be a mirror of the coalition. Produced by John Corlett.

The Afghan Air Force's southern wing in Kandahar is a crucial hub for supporting Afghan security forces as they increasingly conduct missions in the lead or solo in the country's most conflict-ridden area. Afghan Air Force members and their American and Ukrainian mentors talk about how the wing has progressed after only two years of operation. Produced by Ruth Owen.

The Afghan National Army demonstrates the value of their new armored vehicles supplied by the United States. In an all-out battle, Afghan National Army soldiers sharpen their counter-insurgency skills during live exercise at Kabul’s Military Training Center. This version includes voiceover and graphics.

After 19 months as commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan, General John Allen reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his time in the country.

In a country where attitudes towards female performers are, in some quarters, notoriously conservative, rapper Soosan Firooz’s rise from refugee to celebrity has been all the more challenging, and dangerous. Also available in high definition

From brand new portable mortars to heavy artillery from the Soviet era, the Afghan National Army has a range of weapons to fight the insurgency. Sustainable training, otherwise known as, “training the trainers” is key to keeping this weaponry in top condition. Soundbites include Captain Khavani Noori - Afghan National Army, Lieutenant; General Daniel P Bolger - Commander, National Training Mission, Afghanistan; Colonel Abdul Qudous Ghani - Commander, Afghan National Army Armor School and Brigadier Richard Dennis - Deputy Commander, Army Mission, NTM-A. Produced by Ruth Owen. Also available in High Definition.

NATO's Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan, Maurits Jochems, talks to the NATOChannel about challenges ahead in 2013, one year ahead of complete security transfer to the Afghans. Includes graphics and voiceover.

As NATO’s patriot missiles are moved into position atop the hills surrounding the Turkish city of Kahramanmaras, locals prepare to welcome their NATO guests assigned to protect them. This version includes graphics and voiceover.

The Aftaab theatre company, an Afghan troupe, was set up in 2005 with the help of the Théâtre du Soleil, the famous French company. The Afghan actors were trained in France and now perform in Paris and Kabul. On stage in Paris for a new production, they are rehearsing with French actors. It’s a good opportunity to learn about their respective cultures, particularly with the two Afghan actresses.
For Wajhma, a young Afghan woman, acting was a dream that had long seemed beyond her reach. In 2009 she joined Aftaab, a theatre company founded with the help of the Théâtre du Soleil. Now her dream has become a reality.
Produced by Laetitia Chadenat. Also available in High Definition.

NATO TV looks back at the key events in 2012, and asks what progress has been made in Afghanistan. This version includes voiceover and graphics.

As Afghan forces grow and develop, taking responsibility for lead security in their country, women too are stepping forward to join the nation's army and police forces. But those who volunteer for their nation's forces often face prejudice and harassment. At a recent conference in Kabul, women working in Afghan security discussed how best to fight prejudice against them. Includes sound bites from Maryam Ahmadi, member of Kabul’s Provincial Council, Jamila Haqdost, Policewoman, Major... read more

As Afghan forces grow and develop, taking responsibility for lead security in their country, women too are stepping forward to join the nation's army and police forces. But those who volunteer for their nation's forces often face prejudice and harassment. At a recent conference in Kabul, women working in Afghan security discussed how best to fight prejudice against them. Includes sound bites from Maryam Ahmadi, member of Kabul’s Provincial Council, Jamila Haqdost, Policewoman, Major General Mohammad Amin, Chief of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Afghanistan, Amna Mostaqeim, Head of Afghan Women’s Coalition Against Corruption, and Major General Abdul Rahim, Chief of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Afghanistan. Also available in high definition. Produced by Sayed Mansoor   show less

Dealing with bomb attacks is more than disarming the device and it's a small Irish bomb-disposal team which is helping Afghan security forces and law enforcers to build strategy focused on identifying and arresting insurgents before they have a chance to build the device. Also available in high definition