“In a rapidly evolving security landscape, the ability to adapt is no longer optional – it is the very essence of our credibility as an Alliance. The Joint Force Training Centre stands at the forefront of this imperative, translating strategic intent into operational success, through rigorous education and training”, Admiral Pierre Vandier, the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation stated in his recent article for the Transformation Through Training magazine. In 2026, the Centre will keep up with the pace. On 15 January, Major General Bogdan Rycerski, the JFTC Commander, officially opened another busy year of training.
Addressing close to 100 guest, including the Centre’s key staff members, partners and friends, who gathered for the JFTC New Year’s Reception, General Rycerski stressed that the upcoming months would be extremely dynamic and full of challenges. “There is a lot of work ahead and our main effort will be to support our warfighters to be better prepared to deter our enemies, and to defend NATO countries. We will begin with a warfighting exercise LOYAL LEDA 2026, one of our biggest engagements this year”, the Commander said.
In 2026, JFTC will remain focused on enhancing the allied readiness through the conduct and preparation for NATO major joint operations+ exercises. The Centre will also continue providing pre-deployment training for the advisory NATO Mission Iraq. It will also host the Allied Command Transformation-led NATO’s largest interoperability testing exercise – CWIX, and support Allied Command Operations by delivering training for NATO key leaders – Exercise STEADFAST PYRAMID/PINNACLE. Throughout the year, the Centre will also conduct and engage in a variety of warfare development, innovation and experimentation initiatives that are key to NATO transformation and training.
Summing up JFTC’s activities in 2025, General Rycerski thanked all those who contributed to the success of the JFTC’s mission. He thanked the whole JFTC personnel: “Thanks to your involvement and devotion, our centre is the Alliance’s truly appreciated training institution.” The General also underlined that the JFTC’s success would not have been possible without the continuous support of the Host Nation, or without the close cooperation with other NATO entities located in Bydgoszcz.
The JFTC Commander also thanked local civilian and military authorities, represented by the Vice Voivode of Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region, Mr Michał Koniuch, the Deputy Mayor of Bydgoszcz, Mr Mirosław Kozłowicz, and Brigadier General Mariusz Skulimowski, the Deputy Chief of the Inspectorate for the Polish Armed Forces Support. The General also addressed other institutions and partners, to include universities and honorary consuls, and media whose reliable work supports the Centre’s mission tremendously. General Rycerski, expressed deep gratitude for their continuous friendship, good cooperation and assistance that allowed the Centre to fulfil its mission smoothly.
The first 2026 training and exercises are approaching fast. With the professionalism and dedication of its staff and the support from its external partners and friends, JFTC is fully equipped to continue its pivotal mission.
