Major General Bogdan Rycerski, Polish Army, assumed the command of the Joint Force Training Centre (JFTC). He succeeded Major General Norbert Wagner, German Army, who had led the Centre since September 2021. The Change of Command ceremony, led by Vice Admiral Simon Asquith, the Chief of Staff to the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, took place on 30 September.
Farewell to Major General Norbert Wagner
“This Change of Command marks another significant milestone in the history of the Joint Force Training Centre, at the culmination of a year of commemorations for our great Alliance” – marked Vice Admiral Simon Asquith, recalling the 75th anniversary of NATO, 25 years of Poland in the Alliance as well as 20th anniversary of both Allied Command Transformation and Joint Force Training Centre. He also added: “These celebrations are happening while we experience a particularly complicated and momentous period in NATO’s history. Our security environment has never been as complex, unstable or unpredictable.”
The three years of Major General Wagner’s leadership at the NATO Joint Force Training Centre fell in very demanding times, marked with significant changes in the geopolitical situation. It was also the time when JFTC’s focus shifted towards collective training in support of NATO Force Structure. The LEDA series of exercises, with JFTC as the Officer Conducting the Exercise, gained momentum. Topics like multi-domain operations, digital transformation or wargaming capabilities became important areas of development also in the context of NATO training and exercises. At the same time, JFTC kept expanding its role in supporting NATO warfare development, continued professional support to NATO current operations through NATO Mission Iraq Pre-Deployment Training, and tightened links with NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Centre.
“Thank you for all you have done for JFTC, for ACT and for our great Alliance.” – said ADM Asquith.
Looking back at the past three years, Major General Wagner highlighted: “I was deeply impressed about our staff and its commitment. Everybody showed high engagement and great dedication to support our main customer – NATO Force Structure – to prepare for deterrence and defence and to improve readiness.” As “cohesion”, one of NATO fundaments, was one of Major General Wagner’s key objectives, he also added: “You did a great job working together, sharing your expertise and experience and enhancing cohesion”.
Major General Wagner also thanked all NATO commands the Centre has cooperated with over the years, NATO bodies stationed in Bydgoszcz, Polish military and civilian authorities, to include the Voivode and Marshal of Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship as well as the Mayor of Bydgoszcz. They all supported the Joint Force Training Centre’s mission and allowed the Centre to develop and address NATO training requirements better and better.
The New Commander
Addressing the new JFTC Commander, Vice Admiral Simon Asquith highlighted his broad experience.
“Major General Rycerski, dear Bogdan, as you can see, you have big shoes to fill. But I have no doubt someone with your operational and staff experience is up to the task. Especially coming from your last role as Chief of Staff of Multinational Corps Northeast.” Looking into the future cooperation, ADM Asquith quoted the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, who said: “Because we are at a crucial moment for the Alliance, our credibility is on the line. Much will depend on our ability to drive 32 nations to work together, and on how we train and educate them. Working together is our job. That means that JWC, JALLC and JFTC are really important tools to make that happen”. Turning to General Rycerski, ADM Asquith added: “I think it is fair to say, that you and your team will have much to do over the next three years.”
The incoming JFTC Commander also addressed the staff and JFTC partners and friends. Thanking his predecessor for his efforts for JFTC, he focused on future development based on continuity of effort.
“The first thing I would like to highlight is the continuity of the mission and the projects started by my predecessor, Major General Norbert Wagner. I believe that continuity is vital for development of every command.” Addressing all units, structures and authorities the JFTC has cooperated with, and especially those from the city of Bydgoszcz and Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region, General Rycerski added: “I am looking forward to our future cooperation and I am sure that the next three years will be fruitful, filled with success and development.”
Before assuming the command over the Joint Force Training Centre, Major General Bogdan Rycerski was the Chief of Staff at the Multinational Corps Northeast. His broad military experience also includes international assignments.
Read the full biography here.
