29/01/2026
📆 Wednesday 28th January -ARO Joint programme ✨
We joined with our partner organisations CIOR, CISOR and NCR to hear from senior leadership from across the Alliance, focusing on how reserve forces are transforming to meet the demands of future conflict.
We opened with General Aurelio Colagrande, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, who underscored the urgent need for rapid, adaptive transformation across NATO to maintain readiness and strategic advantage in an increasingly complex security environment.
Lieutenant General John P. Healy, Chief of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, highlighted the enduring importance of personal relationships, multinational training, and interoperability at both tactical and strategic levels. He emphasised the breadth of international partner missions undertaken by the USAF Reserve, reinforcing the principle that we are truly .
“High-end tactical interoperability provides a decisive advantage.”
Rear Admiral M.A. Hopper, Chief of Reserves (Canada), set out why reserve forces must continue to modernise and fully integrate into force posture plans in response to evolving global threats. He highlighted the critical contribution reservists make in enhancing capability, resilience, and lethality across the Alliance.
Finally, General Martin Herem, former Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces, provided a compelling overview of Estonia’s defence model, demonstrating how an effective conscription system can motivate and engage youth while delivering credible national defence.
A powerful day of insight, challenge, and collaboration across the Alliance.
NATO - Allied Command Transformation (ACT)
NATO
CIOR - Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers CISOR