‘Common Tenacity’ exercise: training and preparation for the NATO joint assessment of Eurocorps

• One of the main objectives of this exercise is to provide a realistic assessment of current capabilities

‘To prepare to ensure operational readiness and efficiency in the fulfilment of its mission.’ This is the main objective of the Eurocorps training plan, which is carried out both independently and within the framework of NATO and the European Union (EU). Through a detailed programme of exercises, which sets the daily rhythm of this European headquarters, progress is made in individual and collective training in various combat roles. This is the case with the Common Tenacity (CT26) exercise, which takes place mainly between September 2026 and January 2027.

Exercise CT26 is a key internal training initiative designed to prepare Eurocorps for its Joint Assessment, scheduled for late 2027. Rather than a one-off event, “this exercise constitutes a comprehensive series of activities aimed at strengthening our collective readiness, refining our procedures and ensuring that headquarters and its support units are fully prepared to operate effectively in a demanding operational environment”, says Belgian Colonel Frederic Thiry, head of the G7 Training Section at Eurocorps Headquarters (EC HQ).

The training programme combines a wide variety of complementary activities. These include academic sessions to reinforce fundamental knowledge, specialised training in technical and procedural aspects, the development of plans at joint headquarters level, and command and control exercises conducted from a deployed command post. Taken together, these activities provide a realistic and progressive path towards operational excellence.

The ‘Common Tenacity’ exercise involves the entire Eurocorps. Its success depends not only on the personnel serving at Headquarters, but also on the Multinational Command and Support Brigade and the support elements, whose contribution is essential to the planning and execution of the exercise. The collective effort of all participants will ensure that the organisation can train in the manner in which it intends to operate.

One of the main objectives of this exercise is to provide a realistic assessment of our current capabilities. It enables us to gain an accurate picture of the Headquarters, identify shortcomings, recognise areas for improvement and implement corrective measures where necessary. In this way, the EC Headquarters can address constraints in good time and progressively develop the level of readiness required for the Joint Assessment at the end of 2027, as part of the NATO exercise Steadfast Dual 2027.

The contribution of the Spanish personnel is remarkable — as Lieutenant Colonel Pablo Domingo, posted to Eurocorps, points out — ‘they demonstrate their excellent training during the planning and preparation of operational documentation, and are held in high regard by their colleagues from other nations. In fact, they hold positions of responsibility in all sections of Headquarters, as well as within the Multinational Brigade itself’.

“Common Tenacity 26 offers us a unique opportunity to improve and prepare for future challenges. We are all aware of the constraints we face, just like so many other headquarters, but we must tackle these challenges to ensure we are ready to operate. Adaptability, initiative and teamwork are the elements that will enable us to fulfil our mission, always with the aim of contributing to peace and security wherever the six EC Framework Nations decide,” concludes Colonel Thiry.