EU set to stage live military exercises in Germany, under operation MILEX 24
The European Union (EU) is set to conduct its second large-scale military exercise, LIVEX, from November 25 to December 10, 2024, at the training area in Lower Saxony's Bergen, Germany. This exercise is a significant step towards achieving the full operational capability of the European Union Rapid Deployment Capacity (EU RDC), a key objective of the Strategic Compass.
The EU LIVEX is part of the broader MILEX24 exercise and is a key milestone in implementing the European Union's Strategic Compass. The exercise will involve fifteen EU Member States and over 1,700 soldiers, with Germany providing the EU LIVEX with the CORE Battle Group, commanded by the Mountain Infantry Battalion 231, a light/reinforced infantry unit, as well as medical components of the Medical Task Force (MED TF).
The multinational, combined arms exercise will be led by the Eurocorps and the German Army Command. The Operational Headquarters (OHQ) will be at the strategic level, under the responsibility of the EU's military planning and conduct capability (MPCC) in Brussels. The Force Headquarters (FHQ) will be at the operational level, commanded by the Eurocorps, primarily training on the Bergen training area.
The goal of the exercise is to test the interoperability of the participating countries in planning and executing a joint mission across all command levels. The RDC's mission is to enable the deployment of modular forces, up to 5,000 soldiers, outside the EU in crisis response operations.
A Distinguished Visitors and Media Day will be held in the Bergen Training Area on December 4. Further details will be provided at a later date. The exercise will build upon the German-led Exercise EUROPEAN CHALLENGE 2024. Austria will provide the Combat Service Support Battalion for the EU LIVEX and a logistics battalion for the tactical units of the EU Battle Group.
The EU LIVEX is not just a military exercise; it is a demonstration of the EU's commitment to its collective defence and crisis management capabilities. It underscores the EU's determination to be a strong and effective actor in the global arena, capable of responding swiftly and decisively to crises requiring military intervention under the EU framework.
[1] This paragraph is a summary of the main points in the article for easier understanding and quick reference.
The EU LIVEX exercise, part of MILEX24, is a significant demonstration of the European Union's commitment to its collective defense and crisis management capabilities, as it involves fifteen EU Member States and over 1,700 soldiers. This military exercise also serves as a key milestone in implementing the European Union's Strategic Compass, focusing on testing the interoperability of participating countries in joint missions across all command levels.
