A Paradigm shift

For years, the EU primarily engaged in Command Post Exercises, aiming to further enhance the EU military decision-making capacity to respond to external conflict and crisis.  The focus on the EU’s structures and operating procedures have offered limited practical application when it comes to test the military rapid deployment capacity. The initiation of Live Exercises (LIVEX) represents a transformative paradigm shift, aligning with the evolving security landscape's demands for readiness, adaptability, and versatility.

The Strategic Compass has been instrumental in steering the Union towards embracing LIVEXes as a critical element in enhancing its preparedness for future crisis. The historical transition from predominantly Command Post Exercises to the brand-new LIVEXes signifies a shift in the EU's approach. The dynamic and complex nature of contemporary security threats demands an increased capacity to respond to imminent threats or quickly react to a crisis outside the Union at all stages of the conflict cycle.

Strengthening the Rapid Deployment Capacity

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As the EU stages its first-ever LIVEX, it signals not just a commitment to proactive crisis management, but also an intention to increase readiness and interoperability as crucial elements of our response to threats. A pivotal aspect of this milestone exercise is its significant impact on the evolution of the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity. By immersing member states and their armed forces in MILEX 23 scenario, this exercise presents a unique opportunity to assess the efficiency and readiness of the Rapid Deployment Capacity. The insights gained from this exercise will play a crucial role in refining concepts, identifying gaps, and improving operational processes to shape a more efficient and cohesive rapid response force.

MILEX 23 Crisis Management Exercise

MILEX 23 is a Crisis Management Exercise aims to increase the designated European Union Headquarters ability to plan, command an control a Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) military operation with the incorporation of a live battle group sized element as the first step in the incremental operationalization of the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity (EU RDC) which is due to come into effect in 2025.

The Exercise, conducted by Director General European Union Military Staff, will have three different training audiences:

• An EU Operations Headquarters (OHQ), provided by the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) in Brussels and reinforced with augmentees from EU Member States.
• An EU Force Headquarters (FHQ) provided by the Spanish Armed Forces, based on the Spanish Expeditionary Strike Group, and reinforced with augmentees from EU Member States as well.
• An EU Battlegroup sized force provided by ES as framework nations and with the participation of military units from eight EU MS.

The conduct of MILEX 23 will be divided in two parts:

• Part 1 (Command Post Exercise), from 18 September to 06 October 2023, will test the military planning process at the military strategic and operational levels from.
• Part 2 (Live Exercise), from 16 to 22 October 2023, where the EU Battle Group sized force will deploy in a simulated Theatre of Operations in the province of Cadiz (Spain) and will execute the Operational Plan developed during Part 1.

Conclusion

As the EU pioneers its initial Live Exercise, it serves as an evidence of the Union's progression in security and crisis management. The lessons gathered from this exercise will undoubtedly benefit the operationalization of the Rapid Deployment Capacity and will contribute to EU’s role as credible global security provider in an increasingly uncertain world.