Dynamic Move is NATO Allied Maritime Command’s (MARCOM) bi-annual tactical-level computer-assisted naval mine countermeasures (NMCM) command post exercise.
The aim of the two-week exercise was to empower multinational teams from the staffs of the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures groups to conduct mine countermeasures operations across the full spectrum of competencies for NATO Response Force certification in addition to training national mine countermeasures personnel. It also served as platform for evaluation of new doctrines and experimental tactics.
Naval mines, from very basic to high-tech, are an attractive and effective weapon available to both states and non-state actors to influence maritime traffic. Naval Mine Warfare is a key capability to enable the maintenance of the Sea Lines of Communication and exercise Sea Control and Sea Denial. This exercise is a critical training platform for our international teams
While the exercise was held strictly on land, it allowed participants to use a special war-gaming computer system at the Navy Academy and leverage the school’s experience in the field. Participants simulated the multi-layered coordination between surface, unmanned underwater, and air assets to successfully conduct mine countermeasures operations at sea.
Based on a fictitious scenario while using real geography, the exercise allowed participants to use realistic calculations to solve challenges such as time needed for mine clearance tasks, logistics and anticipated mine drift distance and direction. Staff rehearsed the command and control requirements for managing multiple minesweepers and mine hunters operating in a diverse set of water depth, bottom composition and weather in numerous locations.
“This exercise helps prepare and train command staffs in complex operational environment,” Commander, Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 Royal Norwegian Navy Commander Ole Torstein Sjo said. “It is perhaps the most important venue where the mine countermeasures community can meet and discuss core business, experimental tactics and future ideas in an informal setting across ranks and expertise areas.”
Dynamic Move 23-1 included more than 110 participants and planners from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland (partner nation), Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden (partner nation), United Kingdom, and the United States and as well as observers from NATO partners Egypt, New Zealand, and Ukraine.
Headquartered in Northwood, United Kingdom, MARCOM is the central command of all NATO maritime forces and the MARCOM commander is the primary maritime adviser to the Alliance. Like its land and air counterparts (LANDCOM and AIRCOM), MARCOM reports directly to NATO's Allied Command Operations (ACO), which is located in Mons, Belgium.