We will work together to the Corps’ benefit following the idea "Unity of Thought, Purpose and Action".
It is a great honor and pleasure for me to be appointed Commander of Headquarters Multinational Corps Northeast. After six years, the wheel of history has brought me back to Szczecin and to the extraordinary environment of the Corps. I had the opportunity already to co-command the Headquarters at the beginning of its existence and formation. Today, Multinational Corps Northeast is a completely different structure. Having achieved Full Operational Capability, the Corps is now a part of NATO’s Low Readiness Forces prepared for commanding or taking part in full-spectrum operations.
The moment of my assumption of command coincides with the most challenging task and, at the same time, test for the HQ, being the deployment for the NATO mission in Afghanistan. This mission will provide evidence that achieving Full Operational Capability was well deserved and that our Corps is capable of being an important factor in the NATO command structure, even during such a demanding mission like ISAF X. This mission will definitely be decisive for the Corps’ future position within the NATO structure, and it will strengthen our image in the public arena as a valuable asset for peace support operations.
For the first time in ISAF’s history, a composite Headquarters has been created and our staff will take part in this undertaking. We will demonstrate our ability to cooperate but also meet numerous challenges, thus proving a high level of mission awareness. The training activities completed during the last six months, among them the comprehensive training package in Stavanger, in Norway, which I monitored personally, have clearly demonstrated that we can do the job and bring this mission forward. We will spend the next six months in Kabul together, and I will use this time to get to know you better. These experiences will be very helpful in commanding the Corps successfully.
It is one of my priorities to make sure that we as a Corps are treated as an equal, valuable and reliable partner within the NATO structures, especially those of high-readiness forces. I want to ensure that the Corps keeps on developing and operates effectively. That means that we have to constantly improve our high operational capabilities and to increase the number of our personnel, and of the allied nations, participating in the Corps as well.
My experience proves that a stable situation at home determines success in the professional field. This is why I will be sensitive to my subordinates’ needs and their problems. After all, I am the type of person, who listens carefully to what subordinates say and offer. I want to encourage you to come forward with any problems and obstacles but do not forget about solutions.
Keeping in mind that treating others with respect will encourage them to respect you, we will work together to the Corps’ benefit following the idea "Unity of Thought, Purpose and Action".
