SHARP DAGGER 2003

The NATO Rapid Deployable Corps - Italy (NRDC-IT) deployed Exercise SHARP DAGGER ‘03 at the German Army Warfighting Simulation Centre (GAWSC) in Wildflecken near Wurzburg, Germany, from 22 April to 2 May. This is a computer-aided, command post exercise designed to enhance the Corps’ ability to command and control PSO and war fighting operations, with particular reference to an asymmetric threat environment.

April-May 2003 Solbiate Olona, Italy - The NATO Rapid Deployable Corps - Italy (NRDC-IT) will deploy on Exercise SHARP DAGGER ‘03 at theGerman Army Warfighting Simulation Centre (GAWSC) in Wildflecken near Wurzburg, Germany, from 22 April to 2 May. This is a computer-aided, command post exercise designed to enhance the Corps’ ability to command and control PSO and war fighting operations, with particular reference to an asymmetric threat environment.Exercise SHARP DAGGER is part of the scheduled training programme for 2003 and HQ NRDC-IT's 11 nation staff will be the main training audience. A divisional response cell from Italy and the United Kingdom and a Brigade Hqs from Hungary will provide the Corps’ warfighting formations for the computer-assisted exercise. Combat support and combat service support formations will be provided by units from Italy. In all, over 600 people will be involved in the exercise, replicating a deployed Corps conducting NATO operation with over 50,000 troops. Elements of ACE Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) HQ based in Mönchengladbach, Germany will also assist in the exercise.

Exercise SHARP DAGGER ‘03 is HQ NRDC-IT's main training event of the year; the training programme includes several annual exercises and study periods designed to maintain a broad-base capability, high readiness and an ability to deploy rapidly in response to any crisis anywhere in the world.

The NRDC-IT successfully achieved its Full Operational Capability (FOC) last December during Ex Light Ship after an intense evaluation process started in June 2002.