From James Stavridis, Allied Command Operations:  As I prepare to pass the baton to General Phil Breedlove, I’m encouraged and optimistic about NATO and EUCOM operations. I can’t think of a better choice than General Breedlove. He is an exceptional leader who knows this terrain extremely well with eight tours in Europe.

For his consideration I pass along these suggestions:
 
· Keep Cyber at the top of your list of priorities.
 
· Keep a close eye on NATO’s south-eastern border. Be ready on Syria if called upon.
 
· Keep the momentum going in ISAF. Work the transition to Resolute Support closely.
 
· Find ways to cooperate with Russia, especially in the High North.
 
· Build global partnerships, especially in the Mediterranean, Arabian Gulf, and eventually in the Pacific and other parts of the globe.
 
· Maintain momentum in the Balkans, on anti-piracy, and streamlining the NATO command structure.
 
· Encourage robust NATO member defence spending levels. Meet 2% as pledged.

Excerpts from "At Voyage’s End, Some Final Thoughts…" by Admiral James Stavridis, Supreme Allied Commander, Europe; Commander, US European Command.  (photo: EUCOM)

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