JCBRN Defence COE Supports NATO’s STEADFAST DUEL 2025

The JCBRN Defence Centre of Excellence (COE) once again played a key role in supporting Exercise STEADFAST DUEL 2025, NATO’s largest computer-assisted command post exercise of the year, held from 22–30 October 2025.

Planning and Preparation

Support began months in advance, with the COE’s Exercise, Training and Evaluation Department (ETED) contributing to the exercise scripting. Their work helped shape realistic and contemporary CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) threat scenarios within the 360-Degree Multi-Domain Setting, designed to reflect complex and evolving global security challenges.

Exercise Execution

During the exercise, the ETED continued its support by evaluating the functionality of the CBRN Cell and its associated assets, such as the CBRN Joint Assessment Team. Additionally, the COE’s liaison officer ensured that CBRN incidents were executed smoothly and in accordance with the exercise plan.

Operational Participation

During the exercise, the COE’s Operations Support Department (OSD) augmented 16 training audiences from NATO Command and Force Structure headquarters. This year’s iteration was particularly demanding, as it marked the first time NATO’s three Joint Force Commands (Brunssum, Naples, and Norfolk) were trained simultaneously at the operational level, and the first to test a 24/7 battle rhythm.

To meet these demands, the OSD deployed personnel to support CBRN operations planning and communications, and activated its Reachback Section (RBS), which forms the core of NATO’s CBRN Reachback Element (RBE).

CBRN Reachback in Action

Throughout the exercise, the RBS received and responded to multiple Requests for Information (RFIs), addressing a wide range of CBRN-related issues. The team coordinated expert input to deliver timely, accurate responses , including technical and scientific information and assessments, as well as modelling and simulation products.

Looking Ahead

The COE’s involvement in STEADFAST DUEL 2025 provided valuable insights and reaffirmed its readiness to support future NATO exercises. Through its continued commitment to excellence, the COE contributes meaningfully to NATO’s operational success; especially via its pivotal role in CBRN reachback.

Autor: LTC Conrad Elsegood, Ms Linda Vařeková

Photo: JCBRN Defence COE Archive