Regional Military Commander

The Royal Netherlands Army (RNLA) makes an important contribution to peace and security, both at home and abroad. National security has been in the spotlight in the past few years. The RNLA has developed into a permanent partner in crisis response in the Netherlands.

For that purpose, the RNLA has divided the Netherlands into 3 regions. Each region falls under the authority of one of the existing three army brigades. These brigades perform the role of Regional Military Commander for their respective regions. Military Security District officers work together with colleagues from municipalities, police, fire brigades and medical services on a daily basis. For instance, the brigades participate in crisis plan development and combined disaster exercises. At the request of civil authorities or other organisations in society, the brigades can provide military support.

Support in national crisis situations

A soldier and a paramedic help an elderly lady out of an ambulance. The brigades have both regular and reserve personnel at their disposal, who are all deployable for all kinds of duties during national crisis situations. In addition, the army brigades can call on military personnel from the other elements of the Defence organisation.

Providing support to social organisations

Although it is not one of the core tasks, the army can also lend support to social organisations and their activities. The army brigades serve as the first points of contact for such requests in their respective areas of authority. They assess the request and weigh the effort required against the wider social benefits to be gained.

Military facilities

The management of military facilities (barracks and other military sites) of the RNLA is divided among five different army elements. This division is independent from the areas of authority of the brigades.

Regions

The 3 regions are assigned to the brigades as follows:

• 43 Mechanised Brigade in Havelte: Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe, Overijssel, Flevoland and Gelderland;
• 11 Airmobile Brigade in Schaarsbergen: North Holland, South Holland, and Utrecht;
• 13 Mechanised Brigade in Oirschot: North Brabant, Zeeland and Limburg.