The work plan of the General Staff on its concepts for 2010
(BRUSSELS2) The work carried out by the EU on military concepts continues (see also history of concepts). The EU Military Committee thus adopted in September a complete program up to 2011. gave the opportunity). It should be remembered that it is the EU General Staff which prepares military planning at two levels: political and strategic and, in certain circumstances, at the military-strategic level.
The concept of EU external operations. A framework concept on the deployment of military operations led by the EU (Expeditionary Operations lead EU) — as well as derived concepts concerning the “land”, “sea”, air” components – must be prepared. Only a general concept, in fact believe the military, can cover the complete spectrum for the deployment, the execution of the missions. Currently, a framework concept exists for rapid response but not for standard military response. These concepts
will have to be supplemented by several studies carried out by the European Defense Agency: on deployable air power, on the maritime establishment (Sea Basing), on the recovery of personnel (Personnel Recovery).
Other concepts and work must be carried out: a framework concept for force protection, studies of the EDA on anti-aircraft missile devices (MANPADS or man-portable anti-aircraft system), coordination of anti-IED measures (improvised explosive devices) with theater air missile defense (TAMD) and, possibly, anti-mine measures in maritime littoral zones. The concept of deployable air power and the rapid air reaction component must provide the framework for the implementation of the operational deployment base (DOB) of Eufor. A document from the General Staff should be released in November 2009. The study on interoperability carried out by the "headline goal" task force of the General Staff cannot be concluded before autumn 2009. But already emerges the need to work on different complementary concepts, for example on maritime security operations.
At the planning level, if the concept on the special operations is finished, that on the TAMD was deferred at the earliest to the 2nd quarter 2010 when the concepts “of protection of force” and “external operations” will be ready.
By the end of the year, four key concepts – drafted by the General Staff – must be completed: Operating Implications of a Comprehensive Approach (OICA), expeditionary operations, protection Force, Computer Network Operations (CNO). A series of military concepts will be drafted: implementation of the air deployment operational base (end of 2009), use of force (early 2010), maritime and air rapid reaction (mid-2010), recovery of personnel (early 2nd quarter 2010), Sea basing, C Manpad and Deployable Air power (1st quarter 2010).
Side standing instructions, must be finalized that on the EU Headquarters and the Operations Headquarters (OHQ) (mid-2010), then the FHQ (end of 2010), and finally the State crisis management manual- Major (beginning of 2nd term 2010).
Finally, a series of reflections is initiated to adapt the General Staff to the new institutional order: new structures and responsibilities of the Council secretariat, as well as debate on the civil-military connection...