LISBON, Portugal. Commodore António Neves Correia, Portuguese Navy, assumed command of NATO’s Joint Analysis and Lessons Learned Centre from Commodore Fernando Artiheiro, Portuguese Navy, in a Change of Command Ceremony held at the Centre’s facilities on 17 July 2024. Major General Adrian Ciolponea, the official representative in Europe of General Philippe Lavigne, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, presided over the event.
The ceremony, which was marked by the traditional exchange of flags between the outgoing commander and the incoming commander, was attended by representatives from various NATO and National entities, including Lieutenant General Eurico Craveiro, the Portuguese Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, Portuguese Flag Officer- General Officers, and representatives from NATO, including from the Naval Striking and Support Force NATO (better known as STRIKFORNATO), the Joint Warfare Centre, as well as various Military Attachés.
General Lavigne’s Representative in Europe, Major General Adrian Ciolponea, stressed that “Allied Command Transformation has a unique role and responsibility within NATO’s military structure. Straddling the Alliance’s past, present and future… There is no clearer reflection of that diversity than the complimentary nature of our foresight and lesson learned endeavours, which together will help move NATO’s Force Design and Force Development efforts… which brings me, naturally, to the jewel in Allied Command Transformation’s crown: the Joint Analysis and Lessons Learned Centre.”
Commodore Artilheiro, who is standing down early due to his retirement, noted that it had been a privilege and an honour to command the Joint Analysis and Lessons Learned Centre. Highlighting some of the Centre’s achievements from the past two years, including the NATO Lessons Learned Conference 2024 and several notable Joint Analysis Lessons Learned Centre Analysis Reports, he shared: “… it has always impressed me, as I hope it impresses you, how this relatively small headquarters, with just 49 staff members, punches well above its weight.”
Commodore Neves Correia, who will be taking over command of the Joint Analysis and Lessons Learned Centre for the remaining year of the Portuguese three-year tenure before Romania takes command next year, is no stranger to NATO and the international security environment. With several international commands to his name, his legal background and vast experience will stand him in good stead as he takes over the command of this key headquarters for NATO’s Analysis and Lessons Learned Capabilities. Touching on the important work the Centre has done with Ukraine he noted that: “…the lessons coming from Russia’s war against Ukraine are making it painfully clear that NATO needs to learn faster: that means faster collection, faster analysis, and faster implementation of everything NATO needs to learn to Out-Think, Out-Excel, Out-Fight, Out-Pace, Out-Partner, and Out-Last its potential adversaries. NATO needs to be agile in its approach to Lessons Learned. NATO’s Digital Transformation will be key to enhancing what is already in place and working well, and innovation will be key to developing new and better ways of doing Lessons Learned. I intend to ensure that the JALLC embraces both Digital Transformation and Innovation in its pursuit of the continuous improvement of the Alliance’s ability to learn.”
Situated in Lisbon, Portugal, the Joint Analysis and Lessons Learned Centre serves as one of three subordinate commands under Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, Virginia. Established with a clear purpose – supporting and enabling Alliance-wide implementation, sustainment, and development of NATO’s Lessons Learned Policy and Capability– the Centre plays a central role in ensuring the Alliance’s ability to transform and adapt at a rapid pace. This is achieved through meticulous analysis of complex data generated inside and outside of NATO, analysing and synthesizing it into actionable insights and recommendations.
Over the years, the Joint Analysis and Lessons Learned Centre has produced hundreds of insightful analyses, delving into critical areas like observations from Russia’s war in Ukraine, and technical exploitation and battlefield evidence. The Centre’s commitment extends beyond analysis, offering a robust selection of training courses. These cater to diverse audiences and objectives but all share a common goal – ensuring effective implementation of NATO’s Lessons Learned Policy throughout the Alliance.
The NATO Lessons Learned Portal, which the Joint Analysis Lessons Learned Centre manages, serves as a central repository for all Lessons Learned-related information. It facilitates knowledge exchange and information sharing amongst NATO entities, member nations, and partner nations.
Furthermore, the Centre fosters a vibrant NATO Lessons Learned Community. This is achieved through the NATO Lessons Learned Portal, targeted training activities, and impactful events like the NATO Lessons Learned Conference. This key event attracts participants from across NATO and beyond, fostering invaluable exchanges of knowledge and experiences centred on focused themes.
As NATO’s focus continues to evolve, the Centre remains a dynamic entity, adapting its activities to meet the Alliance’s changing needs. This ensures NATO stays on the path of continuous learning, well-equipped to navigate the challenges of our dynamic world.
