Staff Support Battalion

Staff Support Battalion (StSptBn) provides real life support to  Headquarters 1 (GE/NL) Corps, CISBn and the StSptBn itself. The support  consists mainly of logistic support and force protection.

In March 2001  the existing Staff Support Unit that supported the Headquarters (HQ) from 1995  transformed to StSptBn. Contrary to this unit (consisting of a pure German and a pure Netherlands company), StSptBn was built bi-national down to the level of group and even below. 

During deployment in case of e.g. NATO Reaction Force (NRF), High Readiness Force (HRF) or European Union, StSptBn will be tailored to the mission and if deemed necessary reinforced with additional capabilities.

For force protection this might be 1 or 2 subordinated mechanised infantry companies securing the Headquarters, the compounds and even convoys. Next to that engineer support and additional logistic elements (to stock and transport supplies up to 7 days of supply) are planned. A separate medical taskforce will execute medical care. 

In peacetime StSptBn consists of a Staff, a Staff Support Company (StSptCoy) and a Logistic Company (LogCoy). In general the StSptCoy has capabilities to execute 1st line support for the HQ and the two battalions. The LogCoy has the capabilities to receive, store, distribute and maintain up to level 3.

To command and control this foremost German unit (70%) a balanced (50% German/ 50% Netherlands) staff was created to execute the demanding tasks and to strive for bi-national solutions with one single policy and set of guidelines.

StSptCoy’s logistical capabilities are meant to logistically support the HQ with services & all classes of supply (food, water, fuel, ammo etc.), to execute 1st line maintenance (battle damage repair) and to secure vital elements of the HQ Command Post. It therefore consists of a HQ platoon with some engineer and infantry capabilities and a support platoon.  

The LogCoy has the higher-level logistic capabilities in order to receive, store, distribute and maintain material and stocks. It consists of a supply & transport platoon tasked to transport and store all supplies (in peacetime “Warehouse”) and a maintenance platoon for up to 3rd level maintenance.

The Staff Support Battalion – together with the CISBn - are dedicated to the Corps and enables the HQ 1(GE/NL) Corps to control and conduct exercises and missions. Headquarters relies on the StSptBn to execute its intense and demanding training plans intended to maintain the professional skills required for a High Readiness Forces (Land) Headquarters.