Ceremony to Mark Joint Forces Command Reaching Full Operating Capability

Joint Forces Command

19 April 2013

Ceremony to Mark Joint Forces Command Reaching Full Operating Capability

A ceremony has been held today to mark the creation of a new military command, which will improve the way the Ministry of Defence prepares for and conducts operations.
Joint Forces Command (JFC) reached full operating capability on 2 April and yesterday an event was held at its home, Northwood HQ, to celebrate the occasion. Reaching full operating capability means that JFC is now fully-manned and able to fulfil the entire range of its responsibilities in support of Defence’s objectives for current operations, future contingencies and for the longer term.

The creation of JFC - which brings together more than 30,000 military and civilian personnel to ensure that joint capabilities are correctly prioritised and prepared for operations – is regarded within the MOD as a significant milestone in the ongoing process of Defence Reform.
In addition to thousands of personnel working in Cyprus, Gibraltar, the Falkland Islands and the British Indian Ocean Territory, JFC also includes the Defence Academy in Wiltshire and Defence Intelligence and cyber capabilities. A number of units have also been transferred to the Command to ensure better training and coherence for a range of specialities, from medical specialists to linguists and military surveyors. A key aim of the establishment of JFC is to create a more direct link between front-line experience and top-level planning.
Commander Joint Forces Command, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, and the Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Philip Dunne MP, were the ceremony’s key speakers.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, who was appointed in December 2011 to establish the Joint Forces Command, said:

“I am very pleased that we mark the full operating capability of the Joint Forces Command in record time. This new Command, an essential element in the transformation of UK Defence, is already making its mark around the world. As the first commander, it is quite clear to me that this is an idea whose time has come.”
Philip Dunne MP said:
“Joint Forces Command reaching full operating capability is an impressive achievement and it is right that we recognise the efforts of all those involved in such a complex and challenging process.
“Historically, the capabilities that now come under JFC have not had sufficient attention because they do not fit well with any single service. But the JFC concept is a recognition that these capabilities are far too important to fall between any cracks.”

The creation of JFC was recommended by the Defence Reform review, led by Lord Levene, as part of the most significant programme of change across the Ministry of Defence in a generation. The report was published in June 2011.
Around 10,000 sailors, soldiers and airmen currently deployed on operations, including in Afghanistan, continue to be commanded by the Permanent Joint Headquarters, part of the new organisation. Both are based in Northwood. A key task for the JFC is to help ensure that lessons learned on operations are absorbed into the development of future concepts and capabilities, helping the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force to build on their strengths in the future.
Photographs:
The unveiling of the Joint Forces Command badge by Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology Philip Dunne (right) and Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach.
Recipients of Joint Force Command Commendations receiving appreciation from fellow recipients.
The unveiling of the Joint Forces Command Commemorative Garden, opened by Lord Ivan Mountbatten and Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach.
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013