Different Missions but one team

Visit of 361st Civil Affairs Brigade Commander

On 17 March 2016 Colonel Miguel A. Castellanos (US) visited the CCOE in The Hague. He is the Commander of 361st Civil Affairs Brigade in Kaiserslautern, Germany. He was accompanied by Major Kelly Pajak.

Aim of this visit was to get an insight of CCOE’s working environment, to coordinate events and strengthen relationships. 361st Civil Affairs Brigade is one of CCOE’s biggest supporters and partners. They send students as well as instructors on a regular base to CCOE courses. The CCOE very much appreciates that outstanding cooperation as it is CCOE’s vison to be the preferred network campus to connect people and share collective knowledge.

During his visit Colonel Castellanos was provided a short overview program. He was introduced to basic facts regarding the CCOE, Centers of Excellence in general and especially the CIMIC Training and Education landscape. Afterwards he visited the currently running NATO CIMIC Higher Command Course and met one of his officers participating in that course. During lunchtime Colonel Castellanos had the opportunity to discuss topics like CIMIC Lessons Learned capabilities, possible exercise contributions and future coordination with CCOE branch chiefs.

Finally the Civil Affairs Brigade Commander was briefed on the Master of CMI program at the CCOE and the planning for a common course of his Brigade and the CCOE in September 2016 in Germany was arranged.

Colonel Castellanos handed over a token of appreciation to Lieutenant Colonel Rudolf Keijzer who was representing the CCOE Director. “Thank you for making us a part of the team.” he stated.

The mission of 361st Civil Affairs Brigade is to mobilize, deploy civil affairs capabilities, and conduct civil affairs operations in support of U.S. Army Europe missions for the purpose of supporting the commander in planning and conducting Civil-Military Operations and promoting stability in full spectrum operation.

Article is written by CCOE/ PAO/ Major Peter Kaminski (GER A)