Colonel Stéphane Counasse assumed command of the Eurocorps Multinational Command Support Brigade (MNCS Bde) on 3 July. A graduate of the Belgian Royal Military Academy, he began his career in the Belgian Army in 1995 as a signals officer. Over the years, he has gained extensive experience in multinational operations, having served on several missions abroad. Prior to his current appointment, Col. Counasse was based in Brussels, working on the Digital Policy Committee within the Permanent Representation of Belgium to NATO. He is married and the father of three children.
In this interview, the MNCS Brigade Commander shares his views on international cooperation, leadership in a multinational environment and his vision for the Brigade.
How are you tackling this new responsibility?
Taking over command from Colonel Billard, a French officer who set high standards for the Brigade, is an exciting challenge. My goal is to build on the strong foundation he laid, supported by the highly skilled and professional soldiers under my command, and by the Brigade’s well-established mindset and culture. Getting to lead such a unique unit, with all the responsibilities that entails, is a tremendous opportunity.
What will be your mandate for the coming years?
Eurocorps provides a force for the EU and NATO. During my mandate, we will continue to carry out this twofold mission. This requires close coordination not only with the Command Group, but also with the Headquarters’ Plans, Operations and Support & Enabling Divisions. Among our first challenges will be to provide continuous home base support while simultaneously contributing to upcoming exercises.
We must also remain vigilant and adaptable with regard to the evolving global security environment and emerging threats. A forward-looking strategy is essential to maintaining our operational effectiveness. We need to anticipate and engage in dialog with our Framework Nations on the evolution of our capabilities. A key part of my role is driving these discussions at all levels to ensure the Brigade’s needs are met.
In your opinion, what are the main strengths of the MNCS Brigade, and what challenges will it face in the near future?
Multinationality can be both our greatest strength and our biggest obstacle. We should leverage it, as it allows us to learn from one another, while respecting our differences. For instance, the Multinational Training Week that we’re organizing in November is a fine example of how we can transform our differences into an asset to enhance interoperability and more effectively prepare for upcoming missions.
As for challenges, I think we must be ready to integrate innovative equipment, especially in the Communication and Information Systems (CIS) domain, though not exclusively. I see the Brigade as an excellent platform for testing new capabilities introduced by the Nations. Our multinational composition gives us access to a wide range of expertise, making us an ideal laboratory for innovation and collaboration.
To conclude, could you share the motto that inspires your leadership style?
The first idea that comes to my mind is ‘less is more’. While we all face constraints, I believe we can make our limitations work to our advantage. As a commander, my goal is to set out a clear vision by explaining the ‘why’ behind our actions and place trust in the personnel under my command. I cannot be everywhere at once — our soldiers are our frontline ambassadors. When this vision is well understood by everyone in a climate of mutual trust, we can all move in the same direction and seize on opportunities. Consistency and unity come naturally when we speak with one voice.
Closer look to the MNCS Brigade
A Brigade at the Forefront of Operational Support
The Multinational Command Support Brigade is an essential pillar in the smooth functioning of Eurocorps. Comprising more than 600 permanent military personnel, the Brigade provides comprehensive support to the Headquarters, whether in garrison, during exercises or on real-world deployments anywhere around the globe. On operations, the Brigade can assume command of support units provided by partner nations, multiplying its strength according to the mission profile. The brigade has undergone the same EU and NATO certification processes as the Headquarters, ensuring a high level of interoperability and readiness.
A Multinational and Permanent Structure
The MNCS Brigade is integrated at Headquarters Eurocorps, and led by a colonel appointed on a rotational basis for a two-to-three-year term. The Brigade comprises the following permanent sub-units: the multinational Headquarters Support Battalion, based in Strasbourg (responsible for setting up command posts, transport, and day-to-day support), a multinational Communication and Information Systems Company, located in Strasbourg, and a German Signal Company based in Lebach.
