Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the United Kingdom participation in the Allied Command Europe simulation military exercise held at the NATO computer centre in the Federal Republic of Germany; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonI presume that the hon. Gentleman is referring to exercise ACE 89, a NATO theatrewide command post exercise, which took place between 6 and 17 November 1989 at the United States warrior preparation centre, Einsiedlerhof in the Federal Republic of Germany. The major objective was to evaluate the ability of computer-assisted exercises to allow senior commanders and their staffs to practise air, ground and sea operations throughout Allied Command Europe, without the costs and environmental implications of putting forces in the field. In addition to those United Kingdom personnel holding NATO appointments who took part, 1 British Corps provided a response cell.