Common Effort Background
The story of Common Effort began in 2010, when it became clear that peace support operations in Afghanistan could only succeed through strong civil–military cooperation. In these operations, mutual understanding, informal relationships, proved just as vital as formal structures and agreements.
Building on these lessons, Common Effort shifted its focus after 2015 to the Sahel, where connecting economic development with security became essential to countering the threat of jihadist groups. Guided by the same spirit of collaboration and trust, Common Effort continues to bring diverse partners together strengthening resilience side by side. From this starting point, Common Effort evolved into a platform that brings together military forces, governments, and civil society actors, particularly to improve collaboration and mutual understanding to address the complexities of modern operations.
1 German-Netherlands Corps Background
1 German-Netherlands Corps is a multinational war fighting headquarters assigned to NATO and EU. We lead forces in land heavy operations.
The 1 German-Netherlands Corps (1GNC) was established as a symbol of close military cooperation between Germany and the Netherlands after the Cold War. It began in 1995, when both nations decided to combine parts of their land forces into a single headquarters in Münster, Germany. This step reflected a new era of European security cooperation, where former divisions made way for integration and collective defense.
1GNC is committed to defending the Alliance’s interests to protect our people, our values and our future. From the very beginning, 1GNC has embraced a comprehensive approach, working closely with both military and civilian partners. This approach ensures that the Corps can adapt and operate effectively in diverse environments, from large-scale combat operations to stability missions alongside international organizations and civil actors.