interview
General Tod D. Wolters, Supreme Allied Commander Europe
“SOLIDARITY AND
COMMITMENT
are key to NATO’s success”
General Wolters stresses that the Armed Forces of all the
countries of the Atlantic Alliance “have responded to the
complex situation caused by COVID-19”
US Air Force General
Tod Daniel Wolters
has led NATO’s Allied
Command Operations
(ACO) since May
2019, from where he has coordinated
the efforts of the allied armed forces in
assisting the civilian authorities of the
member states in their battle against
COVID-19. Aware of the enormous
challenge faced by all in confronting
the pandemic, this pilot with more than
5,000 flying hours is proud of NATO’s
capability to respond when required in
this health crisis, while continuing with
operations and ensuring deterrence and
defence against old and new threats.
He highlights disinformation as
one of these threats and believes that,
to neutralize it, it is essential for all
actors involved to work together, “from
international organizations and national
and local governments to private
companies, civilian society and free and
independent media, including Allied
Command Operations”. As far as Spain
is concerned, SACEUR underscores
(SACEUR)
Spain’s unwavering commitment to
NATO and argues that “it is a key
actor for an Alliance with a 360-degree
approach” to deter every potential
threat and defend allies against any
adversary.
—You have coordinated all the
Alliance’s military support to counter
COVID-19, what did this assistance
consist of?
—Every nation has responded to the
crisis, demonstrating the solidarity and
commitment to one another central to
NATO’s success for more than 70 years.
Forces across the alliance deployed
to their homelands to strengthen
civil efforts by providing planners
and constructing care facilities. They
assisted with the decontamination
of the affected areas, and delivered
critical resources to those in need.
Across the alliance, forces employed
military transport capabilities to
move medical personnel, equipment,
supplies, and treatment facilities under
great stress. Our goal throughout has
been to facilitate those activities and
add value without disrupting national
responses.
—The Allied Hand operations plan
has been developed in case there is a
new pandemic, what are the general
guidelines of this plan?
—Operation Plan Allied Hand
ensures that we are ready to provide
requested assistance to our Allies and
Partners in need. The plan establishes
a stockpile of medical equipment and
“Our goal in the
pandemic has
been to strengthen
civilian efforts and
provide added
value”
6 Revista Española de Defensa April 2021