The military, security and political challenges we face across the region demand active management across institutional boundaries and in close cooperation. The JEF is also configured to respond further afield, for example, in response to a humanitarian crisis; it is, as its name makes clear, an expeditionary force. The JEF Chiefs of Defence (CHoDs) subsequently endorsed the concept of JEF Operating Framework for the JEF. This was designed to provide clarity in determining the role of the JEF and deliver direction for undertaking Force Development activity.
The JEF Operating Framework is designed to support national requirements of the Participant Nations, both in peacetime and in crisis. In peacetime, Nations integrate capabilities to clearly demonstrate unity and cohesion in an increasingly volatile region. If the JEF chooses to respond in crisis, it is agile, capable and can act swiftly and decisively. Any activity would be entirely complementary to the aims and objectives of NATO. Furthermore, with an operational and joint focus, the JEF is well placed to champion the integration of Maritime, Air, Land, Space and Cyber operations given its responsive and dynamic nature, common understanding and shared Participant Nation experiences.
Given the centrality of NATO as the ultimate guarantor of European security, the JEF will remain aligned with NATO – in peacetime, in crisis and in conflict – assuring complementarity and effective use of (multi)-national capabilities.
The active political and strategic dimensions of the JEF enables operational activity to be delivered at pace. Recent operationalisation of the JEF has led to the development and delivery of both persistent JEF Integration Options (JIOs) and proactive JEF Response Options (JROs). JIOs and JROs are a series of planned integrated military activities designed to enhance multilateral capabilities, reassure nations, deter overt aggression, and complement NATO, throughout the continuum of competition to conflict.