Crisis Management Exercise 2023 (CMX 2023)
It took place between 9 and 15 March 2023. This exercise involved civilian and military personnel from the Allied nations, Finland and Sweden. There was no mobilisation of forces on the ground, but rather NATO capitals, headquarters and strategic commands practised responding to incidents in a complex civil-military scenario developed in a hybrid threat environment.
NATO: Crisis Management Exercises and National Participation
Crisis Management Exercises (CMX) are organised by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and their main objective is to test and validate collective consultation and decision-making mechanisms for crisis management. These exercises simulate scenarios with a potential framework for consultation under Article 4 and collective defence under Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.
The Importance of the National Response Cell (CRN)
To monitor the progress of each exercise, a National Response Cell (CRN) is set up, responsible for coordinating information provided by the relevant services and responding to NATO requests. The CRN brings together representatives from various entities and government bodies with responsibilities in the area of national security and defence, ensuring a broad and collaborative approach.
Objectives of National Participation
Participation in NATO exercises complies with the following political and operational objectives, published in Order No. 14651/2002 of 26 December:
Strengthen solidarity between Alliance countries and their partners
To exercise national integration in potential crisis responses.
To familiarise participants with the operation of the CRN, promoting effective interaction between the bodies and entities involved.
Improve CRN procedures and coordination, ensuring efficient coordination and an integrated response.
During the exercises, the aim is to collect data that will enable us to:
Improve the processes and means necessary for the CRN to operate;
Strengthen the exchange of information and civil-military co-operation;
Test civil emergency planning procedures and assistance to allied countries;
Evaluate preparedness against threats such as terrorism, cyber-attacks and weapons of mass destruction;
Exercise the practical application of the rules in force for public information;
Verify and adjust national capacity to respond to Article 4 and 5 scenarios.
CRN Structure
The CRN includes:
A National Liaison Officer at NATO HQ (ENL) and a CRN Coordinator (COORD), both from the Ministry of National Defence;
Representatives of the following entities: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Defence, General Staff of the Armed Forces, Internal Security System, Information System of the Portuguese Republic, National Security Authority and National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority, which ensures coordination in civil emergency planning with the entities that make up the National Civil Emergency Planning System.
Planning and execution within the HELP framework
The exercises are part of the High Level Exercise Programme (HELP), which provides for the following between 2023 and 2026:
Two CMX (in the first quarter of 2023 and 2026).
Four SNEXs (held annually in the last quarter).
The Short Notice Exercises (SNEX) stand out for their short duration and lack of prior warning, requiring rapid and coordinated responses. All exercises are planned collaboratively, so national planning should follow this methodology.
Learning and Improvement Opportunities
In addition to testing capabilities, exercises offer valuable opportunities for all entities, especially Emergency Planning Committees, to incorporate lessons learnt, evaluate the effectiveness of the measures adopted and implement improvements in the crisis response process. The participation of the CRN ensures that the country is prepared to act efficiently in contexts of consultation and collective defence.
Continued collaboration and improvement in these practices reinforce the national commitment to NATO principles, consolidating collective security and readiness in the face of global challenges.
