12 November 2026
As exercise Common Tenacity 26 (CT26) enters its final preparatory phase, the headquarters has reached a significant milestone: “The planning and drafting of operational orders are complete, marking the end of months of detailed preparation, coordination, and collaborative effort across all functional areas,” highlights Colonel Thiry, Chief of the G7 Branch (Training) at the Eurocorps Headquarters.
The focus now shifts from planning to execution, involving all Eurocorps units as well as additional external personnel (augmentees) who will join the exercise during this phase.
During the upcoming Command Post Exercise (CPX), the headquarters will operate from a deployed command post environment, emphasizing the internal processes, coordination mechanisms, and operational tempo required to conduct operations effectively. “This transition,” notes Colonel Thiry, “represents a fundamental step in validating how we function as a headquarters under realistic operational conditions.”
In recent weeks, final coordination meetings have taken place, ensuring that all branches, cells, and support elements share a common understanding of the exercise objectives and expected outcomes. Roles and responsibilities have been clarified, key procedures reviewed, and interfaces between various staff functions refined. These activities have laid the groundwork for a productive and demanding exercise.
The goal is clear and shared by all participants: Common Tenacity is not about demonstrating perfection, but rather about creating the conditions necessary to learn, adapt, and improve. It offers a valuable opportunity to test our processes and evaluate our ability to operate effectively in a dynamic environment.
Furthermore, the exercise provides a controlled environment in which weaknesses can be identified before they develop into critical problems. “By identifying shortcomings in procedures, communication, coordination, or decision-making, we gain an honest assessment of our current level of readiness. These findings should not be viewed as failures, but rather as opportunities for organizational improvement and growth,” the colonel states.
Ultimately, the lessons identified during CT26 will directly contribute to strengthening the headquarters in preparation for its formal evaluation. Every observation, every challenge encountered, and every corrective measure taken will enhance our collective readiness and improve our ability to accomplish the mission.
As we enter the final stretch, the commitment and professionalism demonstrated by all participants throughout the preparation phase provide solid grounds for confidence. The path forward is clear: train with intensity, identify weaknesses, implement corrective actions, and continue building a more effective and resilient headquarters.
“The Common Tenacity exercise is not the end of the road; rather, it is a decisive step toward meeting the expected standard during the upcoming evaluation and ensuring operational readiness for future missions,” concludes Colonel Thiry.
