J3-5 Operations and Planning Branch - Coordination, Operations and Security

Maputo, Mozambique - At the operational heart of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique (EUMAM MOZ), the J3-5 Branch coordinates operations, plans responses, and ensures force protection, guaranteeing that the Mission is conducted safely, with readiness and effectiveness in support of the Mozambican Defence Armed Forces (FADM).

Integrated within the Commander's Headquarters, J3-5 is the operational centre of the Mission: it is here that short, medium, and long-term plans are developed and synchronised; Mission Orders and Fragmentary Orders (FRAGOs) are issued; and the common operational picture is maintained in order to monitor the security situation and, when necessary, act as the central point for threat mitigation, protecting the EUMAM MOZ complex.

The Chief of J3-5, Lieutenant Colonel Regimantas Balius, from the Lithuanian Armed Forces, leads and directs the branch personnel, advising the EUMAM MOZ Mission Force Commander and Deputy Mission Force Commander on operational and Force Protection (FP) matters. He is also responsible to produce Mission Orders, FRAGOs, and Directives, while coordinating medium and long-term planning and the integration of training with the Staff. As branch chief, he oversees FP risk analysis, develops and updates the Emergency Evacuation Plan and the Base Defence Plan, and provides operational advice - ensuring that the Mission's plans, orders, and FP posture enable safe and coherent support to the FADM.

European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique, 2025

The J3-5 Operational Planning Officer, from the Hellenic Army, acts as the branch planner and adviser, responsible for developing and reviewing the Mission Plan and Mission Order. He drafts Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and doctrinal products, while also leading the assessment and reporting of operations. He may also act as the lead of the Joint Operations Planning Group (JOPG), when required. This officer contributes to strategic reviews and ensures that medium and long-term plans and assessments remain coherent, viable, and aligned with the Mission objectives.

The J3-5 Current Operations Officer, from the Estonian Armed Forces, acts as the "battle captain" of daily operations: managing the Situation Centre (SITCEN); maintaining the real-time operational picture for the Mission Force Commander and the Crisis Response Team; preparing briefings and reports; and supporting personnel recovery and liaison tasks. This officer implements current operational orders, assists in FP coordination, contributes to SOPs, and ensures the immediate operational control and situational awareness required for timely decision-making.

Finally, the Force Protection Team (FPT), composed by 12 military personnel from the Romanian Special Forces, ensures the security of EUMAM MOZ personnel and assets in accordance with European standards, safeguarding them throughout the execution of the Mission while providing a permanent individual and collective self-defence capability based on situational awareness, in order to minimise personnel vulnerability.

European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique, 2025