In 2012, Headquarters Eurocorps, together with NATO Rapid Deployable Corps - Spain (NRDC-ESP, based in Valencia) will be deployed to Afghanistan within the framework of the ISAF (International Security Assitance Force) mission. The Eurocorps Commander signed a specific common training directive with NRDC-ESP (Bi-SHQ training directive). The training consists of 3 phases:

• phase I in the HQ,
• phase II in Stavanger, Norway, for the Main Rehearsal Exercise (End of 2011),
• phase III in theatre, during the hand-over/take-over period (Begin of 2012).

Every soldier has to be declared combat ready by his/her nation through the IRT (Individual Readiness Training). During this training, they will practice shooting techniques, first aid skills, … Besides, HQ members have an individual responsibility to enhance their language skills (English and Dari) and to get the JADL (Joint Advanced Distant Learning) certificate. The core of Phase I lies in common training activities. The guest speakers of the Mission Specific Training (MST) complement the JADL in order to enhance the situational awareness and understanding of the complex Afghan environment. During a seminar, selected experts explain the crucial topic of the Counter Insurgency (COIN). As far as Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) is concerned, Eurocorps's specialists have prepared a theoretical course followed by practical exercises in the French training facility of Valdahon.

HQ members learn the tricks of their new jobs during the FAT (Functional Area Training). They also need to become familiar with the various software used in Kabul. This is the objective of the FST (Functional System Training) with the help of instructors from NC3A (NATO Consultation, Command and Control Agency).

Finally and before Phase II, any kind of incident should be tackled with all the newly acquired skills in order to have a comprehensive approach to the problem. This part of the preparation is called "XFAT" (Cross Functional Area Training). As Eurocorps will be deployed along with NRDC-ESP, all these activities have to be coordinated and prepared together with our Spanish colleagues. Delegations of both HQs are therefore exchanged to participate in each other's training activities. For the XFAT, each HQ will be in charge of organizing the training of two cross-functional teams. (ISAF)