In a major training event this September, over 50 commanders and senior staff officers from nearly 20 NATO countries gathered in Riga, Latvia, for the STEADFAST PYRAMID and STEADFAST PINNACLE exercises. Over the last two weeks, these events enhanced participants’ knowledge of operational planning, leadership, and decision-making within the NATO Command Structure and NATO Force Structure.
Allied Command Operations, represented by Admiral Sir Keith Blount, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, oversaw the exercises while Major General Norbert Wagner of the NATO Joint Force Training Centre served as the Officer Conducting the Exercise. The Joint Force Training Centre delivered the exercises with support from a team of experienced planners, subject matter experts, and facilitators, guided by seasoned NATO senior mentors.
The STEADFAST PYRAMID and PINNACLE exercises, a cornerstone of NATO’s training initiatives for over two decades, are designed to prepare senior leaders for leadership roles within the Alliance. STEADFAST PYRAMID focused on operational planning and joint operations, while STEADFAST PINNACLE provided insights into the political, military, strategic, and operational levels of NATO.
General Philippe Lavigne, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, addressed the participants and shared that “one of the most important things to consider in our military world is the talent, or in other words, having skilled armed forces through education and training. That is why you are here today, attending Steadfast Pinnacle! We are learning at any age.”
NATO’s Joint Force Training Centre, responsible for preparing and executing these exercises since 2018, was supported by experts from across NATO, including the Joint Headquarters of the Latvian National Armed Forces. Together, they delivered realistic scenario-based training, an engaging curriculum, and valuable networking opportunities for the participants.
By participating in these exercises, commanders and staff officers gained a deeper understanding of NATO’s operational planning processes, leadership requirements, and the complexities of modern warfare. This knowledge will be invaluable as they assume leadership roles within the Alliance and contribute to its continued success.
NATO’s two strategic commands (Allied Command Operations and Allied Command Transformation) work together to foster joint initiatives, enhance interoperability, and support NATO’s core tasks of collective defence, crisis management, and cooperative security.
Allied Command Operations, headquartered in Mons, Belgium, is NATO’s Strategic Warfighting Command. It is responsible for the planning and execution of all NATO military operations, focusing on the immediate and future operational environment. Allied Command Transformation, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, is NATO’s Strategic Warfare Development Command. It is responsible for shaping the Alliance’s military structures, forces, capabilities, and doctrines, with a long-term perspective.
Though subordinate to Allied Command Transformation, NATO’s Joint Force Training Centre also works closely with Allied Command Operations to deliver high-quality training and exercises that support NATO’s strategic objectives as they have through the STEADFAST PYRAMID and STEADFAST PINNACLE series.
The exercises highlighted the importance of collaboration, communication, and decision-making in complex operational environments. Participants learned how to effectively plan and execute joint operations, coordinate with multinational forces, and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances.
NATO’s commitment to continuous training and development is essential for maintaining its readiness and effectiveness. The STEADFAST PYRAMID and STEADFAST PINNACLE exercises demonstrate the Alliance’s dedication to ensuring that its leaders are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the future.
