Volcanex
VOLCANEX 04
The exercise took place from 27 Sep to 8 Oct 2004 and was built on previous years’ experience with the addition of activities for CIS, STO/FP and LOG/POL. The helicopters and other aircraft were refuelled from a multinational set of French, UK and Italian tactical refuelling stations. Logistics personnel also conducted multinational trials and developed specific SOPs.
VOLCANEX 06
The main focus of the exercise was not only to provide a realistic environment but also to trial new concepts and standardize those already proven. This aim was tuned into 3 main objectives:
•A multinational bulk fuel installation consisting of three forward BFIs (FRA, ITA, GBR) which had the capability to refuel approximately 12 aircraft each simultaneously and a French Forward Arming and Refuelling Point (FARP) to refuel rotary wing assets. The FARP was resupplied by bowsers (ITA):
- A Combined Air Terminal Operation (CATO);
- A Multinational Logistics Cell (MNLC) which coordinated and, where appropriate, controlled the logistics activity.
VOLCANEX 07
The exercise took place in Germany over the period 13-22 June and HOLZDORF was designated as the Forward Operating Base. The higher level command and control organisation was simulated by exercise control staff from the EAG.
The extensive range of activities encompassed force protection, joint personnel recovery, rotary wing operations, medical, logistics and communications. Its aim was to validate and update EAG developed products (Technical Arrangements, studies, handbooks and SOPs) exploitable in the real world and that can be used by planning staffs during future multinational operations.
VOLCANEX 08/AVMED
This exercise took place in Orland (Norway) on 2/13 Jun 08 with focus on Force Protection (FP) and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) areas led by the Royal Norwegian Air Force. The aim was to exercise tactics and procedures in order to increase the proficiency, level of standardisation and interoperability, by the use of EAG SOPs, in the field of multinational FP and MEDEVAC. Furthermore, the Norwegian annual strategic MEDEVAC exercise “SAMARITAN” was incorporated into the second phase of the exercise.
During VOLCANEX 08 a great opportunity was offered to practise the entire medical evacuation cycle, from the Point of Wounded (POW) to a Casualty Staging Unit (CSU), through to tactical evacuation by road or air, and finally, back to the home country (Strategic Medevac) for extended medical treatment.
VOLCANEX O9/LOGS
The exercise will take place during the period 3-10 Nov 09 in Italy. Villafranca Air Force Base (Verona) will act as MOB and Parma (ItAF POL unit,) will act as FSB. The overall activity (including deployment, redeployment, FIT etc) will run from 29 Oct to 10 Nov. The core activity will focus on AEROMEDEVAC trials although FUEL and CATO activities will play a significant role in support of LIVEX and RLS (OOA movements to Afghan Theatre). A Distinguished Visitor Day (DVD) has been scheduled for 5 Nov.
Around 200 personnel are expected to participate in the exercise, of which up to 70 will be from EAG Nations other than ITA.
