Logistics Exercise (LOGEX)

The Logistics Exercise (LOGEX) series is an essential component to improving the multinational expeditionary logistics capability and interoperability through bilateral and multinational engagements to which EUCOM J4 and the Joint Staff J7 Joint & Coalition Warfighting remain committed.

Since the restructuring of Europe in the early 90’s, multinational logistics exercises have been a force enabler, helping Partner for Peace (PfP) and NATO members attain their nation’s logistic membership action plan and force goals, and prepare them for a range of NATO military operations. Whether it’s combat, counter-piracy, or humanitarian relief efforts these events require coordinated and on-time logistics support from a capable and competent staff. 

LOGEX, first designed in 2006, typically involves 10-12 nations, the Joint Staff, NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT) and a geographic Combatant Command (COCOM) Staff, which trains more than 100 logisticians. The benefits of the exercise can be categorized into three themes:

1. Strategic value of multinational logistics exercises
2. NATO and partner relationships
3. How the series has become a regional force enabler

The complete cycle of a LOGEX series takes about a year and a half. Actual development begins about 18-months out with the Concept Development Conference (CDC) with JSJ7 and the participating nations. The execution phase of LOGEX consists of a series of bilateral and multilateral events which includes:

• Exercise planning conferences  like the IPC, MPC, & FCC
• Exercise development and bi-lateral functional workshops
• The CPX or final exercise execution
• An assessment also known as the Post Exercise Discussion (PXD)

Nations recognize the contribution that the LOGEX series can have on their standing as NATO or PfP members, and the importance it has in developing critical logistics skill sets at the brigade level and higher. The PXD brings senior leaders together to discuss and assess the outcomes and lessons learned from a multinational goals perspective, and gain a greater appreciation of the logistics challenges that all nations face. Continued success, participation, and relevance of the exercise demands frank and open discussions that address critical aspects of national capabilities and contributions to NATO Logistics.

The LOGEX series has become an important tool for developing the multinational logistics community. It not only serves as one of the development bedrocks for a NATO logistics staff officer, but it is also shaping the order in how to interact and operate as a team. As EUCOM strives to build partner capacity to enhance transatlantic security, the LOGEX series will continue to contribute to our collaborative effort to train multinational logisticians.