The representative forecourt in front of SHAPE’s main building was chosen as a proper place for the Change of Command ceremony. Soldiers and civilian staff of the NCISG HQ, as well as the commanders and senior enlisted leaders of currently three NATO Signal Battalions staff members stood in ranks. Their presence was a testament to the discipline and readiness of the command.
SHAPE Command’s parade grounds, Brigadier General Jarkko Karsikas, DCOM/COS NCISG (in front), NCISG HQ staff members at the Change of Command ceremony, 4 April 2025, Mons, Belgium.
Many distinguished guests, including the General Manager of the NCIA, Mr Ludwig Decamps; the Director NATO Digital Staff, Rear Admiral Nicholas Wheeler; NATO Chief Information Officer, Mr Manfred Boudreaux-Dehmer; Major General Frank Schlösser, COM NCISG from 2021-2024; National Military Representatives to SHAPE; representatives of the German Military Representative to NATO HQ and fellow SHAPE, NCISG and SACT first flag officers attended the ceremony and thus underlined the numerous good cooperative relations of NCISG to Alliance stakeholders.
SHAPE Command’s parade grounds, General Markus Laubenthal, SHAPE Chief of Staff (left), new NCISG Commander, Major General Rainer Beeck (right), invited guests (at the back) at the Change of Command ceremony, 4 April 2025, Mons, Belgium.
A pivotal moment in the ceremony was the passing of the unit colours for which the Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL), Chief Master Sergeant, Andreas Merz, the custodian of the unit’s flag, stepped forward.
The Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL), Chief Master Sergeant, Andreas Merz, SHAPE Command’s parade grounds, the Change of Command ceremony, 4 April 2025, Mons, Belgium.
The NCISG colours, symbolically for the history of the NCISG and the honors that the group received in the course of numerous missions and exercises, were passed from General Markus Laubenthal, SHAPE Chief of Staff to the incoming NCISG Commander, Major General Rainer Beeck, symbolizing the transfer of authority and the unwavering commitment to the NCISG’s mission.
General Markus Laubenthal, SHAPE Chief of Staff (right) passing the colours to the incoming NCISG Commander, Major General Rainer Beeck (left) at the Change of Command ceremony, 4 April 2025, Mons, Belgium.
During his speech, General Markus Laubenthal, SHAPE Chief of Staff (COS) addressed not only the NCISG but also the many guests, when he highlighted the Group’s achievement in the past and looked at the challenges ahead of us. Furthermore, General Laubenthal welcomed the new Commander and acknowledged Major General Beeck’s achievements in the past, expressing confidence in his leadership, ensuring that the Group is fit for purpose not only today but also for what might come in the future. The Chief of Staff stated:
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, effective communication and information sharing are not merely support functions, they are key to our operations.
NCISG is the very backbone that enables NATO’s command and control ensuring that our forces can operate seamlessly across domains throughout SACEUR’s area of responsibility. Therefore, I want to express my full support and confidence to the incoming NCISG Commander, Major General Beeck, as you take the flag and lead the Group. I am certain that under your leadership, NCISG will continue to excel and adapt to meet the challenges which are certainly to come.
General Markus Laubenthal, SHAPE Chief of Staff (left), the incoming NCISG Commander, Major General Rainer Beeck (right), the Change of Command ceremony, 4 April 2025, Mons, Belgium.
Following General Laubenthal address, the incoming Commander took the podium as well. General Beeck’ speech was forward-looking, outlining challenges such as the implications for NATO after the brutal attack of Russia against the sovereign Ukraine and SHAPEs transformation as a Warfighting Headquarters. Major General Beeck explained being deeply impressed about the dedication of a former commander of the Ukraine southern front, a Brigadier General who commanded 120 000 men and women in a war against a strong enemy. Major General Beeck said:
I know the forces are stretched and the transformation to SHAPE as a WARFIGHTING HEADQUARTERS adds challenges for you and your teams. I encourage you to keep going and support our missions to defend the free world, our democratic values and any soil of NATO territory. It is worth it.
The incoming NCISG Commander, Major General Rainer Beeck (right), the Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL), Chief Master Sergeant, Andreas Merz (left),the Change of Command ceremony, 4 April 2025, Mons, Belgium.
Major General Beeck concluded with a quote from Dwight D. Eisenhower, underlining the importance of teamwork and the collaborative effort:
It is better to have on person working with you than three people working for you.
In a gesture of welcome, a bouquet of flowers was presented to the wife of the new commander. This tradition underscores the significant role that families play in the lives of military leaders and acknowledges the sacrifices they make in support of their loved ones’ service. The warm applause that followed this presentation highlighted the strong sense of community within the command.
Major General Rainer Beeck’s wife (middle), the Change of Command ceremony, 4 April 2025, Mons, Belgium.
The Change of Command ceremony at NCISG was more than just a symbolic exchange. It was a reaffirmation of the values of duty, honours and selfless service. The ceremony was honoured by live music from the SHAPE Music Band.
For further insights into the Change of Command ceremony, stay tuned to SHAPE Community Life Magazine (SCL) (April 2025 release): www.shape2day.com/publications/scl-magazine.