Exercise Dynamic Mix 2000

A major training exercise involving forces from 14 NATO countries is taking place in the Mediterranean region from 20 May to 10 June. Dynamic Mix 2000 is designed to improve the Southern Region's capability to implement NATO's strategy and to deal simultaneously with crisis and humanitarian operations. Exercises are therefore taking place concurrently in more than one location, with many countries participating in different aspects of the same exercise.

Italy, Greece and Turkey are hosting this multi-phase, multi-force exercise involving approximately 15,000 troops, 65 ships and 290 aircraft, as well as most NATO Headquarters in the Southern Region, under the direction and co-ordination of the Commander-in-Chief, Allied Forces Southern Europe (CINCSOUTH).

The exercise will help participants improve interoperability and practise training for humanitarian operations, deployment, re-deployment, integrated communications, and amphibious, land, sea and air activity. The military command, AFSOUTH, based in Naples is focusing on promoting stability and preventing conflict through dialogue, port visits, cooperation and exercises such as this.

Dynamic Mix 2000 is scheduled to be held every other year. This year marks the first exercise with NATO's new structure, including the new Joint Headquarters SOUTHCENTRE in Larissa as well as COMSTRIKFORSOUTH acting as the Regional Reaction Force Commander. It will also involve the new Combined Air Operations Centres. Activated last September, these Centres and their organisation streamline and improve command and control of NATO air assets throughout the Southern Region.