U.S. and Czech Republic among 40 Nations Working to Improve Information Flow between Governments

Prague, September 8 – 1,400 people representing 40 nations have gathered in Grafenwoehr, Germany, through 16 September to help foster smooth and rapid unclassified information exchange between military and civilian communication and computer systems across Europe, the US and Canada.

The collaborative project, called Combined Endeavor, is in its sixteenth year.  The 40 participating nations use the program to coordinate aid and logistics to address crises or natural disaster.  For example, Switzerland used tools developed in Combined Endeavor to coordinate its aid contribution during the 2004 Tsunami relief effort.

Many emerging nations use the Combined Endeavor program to leap generations in technology and to build working relations with EU and North American partner nations. The US State Department has approach the annual exercise portion of Combined Endeavor as a means to effectively address the growing diplomatic need to integrate partner and emerging nations.

Media are invited to cover the event and interview participants. We are organizing on-site and remote interviews through web-cam and phone.

Event Dates:

• 7-11 September
  Media week (during computer network testing and simulations)
• 12-15 September 
  Testing and simulations completed
• 16 September
  Closing ceremony    

Learn more with our online Media Kit: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=239412614519 

Media also have full access and are welcome to navigate and participate in the site. The Press Kit is under the information tab and discussions tab, all content is public. Not all content is endorsed or controlled by the U.S. European Command Public Affairs Office.

Nations participating:

Austria, Afghanistan, Armenia, Albania, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Georgia, Hungary, Italy, Iraq, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro,  Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, Spain, Serbia, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Ukraine