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BERGEN, Germany – Exercise COBALT CLOUD 2023 (COCL23), conducted across twelve disparate locations across Europe from 21 August to 17 September is the largest NATO Communications and Information Systems Group training exercise to date.  

COCL23 effectively reinforced the training for multinational forces in the planning, mounting, deployment and rapid delivery of Communications and Information Systems (CIS) capabilities for the operational community. Service-members from the NCISG Headquarters and three NATO Signal Battalions deployed in a simulated multi-Joint Operating Area scenario, with complex real-world logistical movements from as far away as 2500 kilometers.

Range shooting at the NATO Training Area Bergen, Germany, September 14, 2023.

Brigadier General Luigi Carpineto, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff NCISG, was very positive on the results of the exercise.

After a two-year long preparation, starting when COVID-19 was still affecting our activities, it’s a great satisfaction to see soldiers, aviators and sailors from all the Group gathering in Bergen, training together, and sharing their experience to improve the overall readiness in support of SACEUR.

The Exercise focus was not only CIS in nature, but to practically demonstrate and assess Command and Control (C2) and logistics capabilities, in addition to analyzing modified crew concepts to optimize the combination of workforce, mobility, and technology.

During the site visits, Major General Frank Schlösser, Commander NCISG, highlighted the significance of the COCL23 for NATO: 

I appreciate the pro-active approach and attitude in overcoming the challenges of the Exercise. The Exercise has proven that NCISG will be ready to plan, support and posture itself for SACEUR’s Concept for Deterrence and Defense of the Euro-Atlantic Area, with variable DCIS assets, fully deployed or partially deployed, and provide support from Peace Time Locations. 

Range shooting at the NATO Training Area Bergen, Germany, September 14, 2023.