The J3 Operations branch plays a crucial role in the European Union Training Mission in Mozambique (EUTM-MOZ), making significant contributions to the overall success of the mission. J3 Operations and Planning Office conducts current, mid-term operational planning, produces reports, drafts orders, coordinates movement and employment of forces, ensures the smooth execution of tasks, and provides support to the EUTM-MOZ forces on the ground, manages the EUTM Force Protection Teams, supervises and runs the MFHQ SITCEN and monitors and directs operations, and monitor activities to enhance operation success in the mission Operation area (AO).

The J3 Branch works in coordination with all other Branches concerning all the operation planning, Force Protection, Cyber, and SERE aspects of the Mission. Is responsible for operation planning and the FP policy in the mission, including documentation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and for the activation of the reaction/correcting procedures and measures in case of incidents. This involves conducting comprehensive assessments of the situation on the ground, evaluating the capabilities and resources available, and identifying potential risks and challenges.

The J3 Branch is composed of the J3 Head (Chief, Cyber officer and SERE officer) and two different FP teams (with SITCEN) which ensures 24/7 situational awareness and force control in the operation area. The safety and security of the EUTM-MOZ personnel are considered the priority within the mandate, therefore, active and passive measures of FP, self-defence and passive defence have been employed/conducted. Namely, 24/7 SITCEN Duty shifts at both permanent EUTM-MOZ locations in Chimoio and Maputo, and Mobile FP team to support at both training camps (Dongo and Katembe).

Firstly, the FP of EUTM-MOZ is based on risk management, not risk elimination. FP is defined as preventative measures and means to minimize the vulnerability of personnel, facilities, material, operations and activities from threats in order to preserve freedom of action and operational effectiveness thereby contributing to mission success. Those FP measures ensure the safety and security of the deployed EUTM-MOZ personnel in the Operation area by countering threats from an adversary and expected human hazards. According to the EUTM-MOZ regulations, the Defence Plans Maputo and Chimoio are conducted regularly to maintain the preparedness and readiness of the EUTM-MOZ personnel in case of an imminent attack on our facilities. It is also important to identify lessons learned, update procedures, and apply best practices. The MDP drill was triggered based on the situation assessments produced by J2 and the decision made by the EUTM-MOZ Deputy Force Commander/Chief of Staff.

Secondly, J3 is responsible for ensuring that appropriate Cyber Defence (CD) resources are established and prepared in accordance with a risk assessment to be able to prevent, detect, respond and recover from cyber incidents/attacks that impact the mission objectives. EUTM-MOZ has continued to improve cybersecurity, mainly by constantly updating and adjusting the Policy and Procedures, Physical Security, Network Security, User Security, Application and Data Security, covering in this way Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability pillars. Cyber threats are considered one of the gravest risks for its operational capability; therefore, EUTM-MOZ will define and build up a resilient CD structure based on trained and cyber-aware personnel, with appropriate technical resources.

Finnally, the J3 Officer/NCO SERE is double-hatted as a trainer of Survival Evasion Recovery Extraction (SERE) instructor for FADM troops. The main tasks are to Assist J3 in Force Protection coordination, providing plans, information,  advice and management during a Personnel Recovery operation. The J3 officer leads personnel recovery operations and SERE in theatre training to EUTM-MOZ personnel. In addition, the J3 SERE officer coordinates and provides training in Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Extraction (SERE)  to FADM trainees.

In conclusion, the J3 Operations branch plays a vital role in the EUTM-MOZ by planning and coordinating operational activities among different units. Contributing all together to the success of the EUTM Mozambique.