Military Deed of the Year Award The ninth “Military Deed of the Year“ award ceremony was held in the -based Theater Arena. Individuals and teams within the Defense Ministry were awarded for their unhesitating help at decisive moments. The “Military Deed of the Year”award is primarily dedicated to those who attach to this word an actual meaning of humanity and humaneness.

The award jury chaired by Defense Minister Martin Fedor awarded the top people in four categories: Life Rescue, Public Assistance, Friend of the Armed Forces, and Extraordinary Award. For the first time ever, this year saw the nomination of a foreign participant, namely Croatian Defense Minister Berislav Rončevič. In August 2005, in the Lovrecina inlet he saved the life of the Slovak tourist Marek Randjak from Oravská Polhora, who was drowning after hitting a sea rock. He pulled him out of the water, gave him first aid, and provided for the boy’s transport to the hospital. If it was not for him, the young man, who is now 19 years old, would not be alive anymore. The March meeting of the rescued and the rescuer was among the most moving moments in the Arena Theater. The young man not only received a shirt of the Croatian national soccer team but Minister Rončevič himself invited him for a joint vacation on the Island of Brač. Jozef ŽIAK Photo Michal BURZA

2 IN NATO Contents: Editorial Circular of the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic 2000 Date of production start: In June 2006, at the June 2006 end of the electoral term, the international and political position of Slovakia is completely Defense different than it was four years ago, let alone the of our territory year 1998 until when, from an international and and interests political point of view, the Slovak Republic “was blundering” and its security policy was hardly legible. Page 4 - 6 After 1998 Slovakia became consolidated and made Publisher: determined efforts to reach its goal, gaining membership The Ministry of Defence of the Slovak in European and Euro-Atlantic economic and security Republic, in KOd KaMO bodies. The mission has been successfully accomplished in the course of the past four years. Slovakia became a Editor-in-Chief: regular member of both the European Union and the Mgr. Pavol VITKO North Atlantic Treaty Organization. One comparison. Tel.: 0960 313 072, 0903 820 847 Five priorities “Definitely yes” was the answer of nearly one half of the [email protected] Slovaks who participated in the April opinion poll which of modernization was trying to find out the answer to a rather general, Assistant Editors: though key question, of whether the direction towards Jozef ŽIAK which Slovakia was headed was correct. As stated by the Tel.: 0960 332 755, 0903 820 194 Bratislava-based Institute for Public Affairs, the same e-mail: [email protected] Page 7 - 9 positive response was given four years ago by not more than 28%, and eight years ago by only 20%, of 1st Lt Mgr. Vladislav VAVRINEC Tel.: 0960 312 980, 0903 820 854 respondents. Being members of the security community, e-mail: [email protected] one more fact must have pleased us in April. Approximately three fifths of the Slovak population Chief of Edition: support the participation of our servicemembers in PhDr. Michal KRIŠKO, tel.: 0960 313 054 missions. This is the outcome of an opinion poll conducted e-mail: [email protected] The Spiritual Siege by TNS SK Agency. The Armed Forces continue to rank among the most credible Slovak institutions, namely with Photoeditor: 71 percent of respondents. Up to 63% of them regard the Michal BURZA, tel.: 0960 312 395 of Lourdes dispatching of soldiers to crisis areas as a good thing. Approximately the same number of people considers Graphic Design: participation in the missions a good opportunity for Capt. Ing. Otakar HRABÁK Page 14 - 15 improvement of the Armed Forces. At the same time it was revealed that 60 percent of respondents also see an Editorial Office Secretary: other aspect of our participation in the missions – Milena SLEZÁKOVÁ improvement of Slovakia’s position in the world. Tel.: 0960 312 984, fax: 0960 312 520 This is good news for the national security policy, e-mail: [email protected] particularly after the January plane crash near the Hungarian town of Hejce, when 42 Slovak soldiers, Editorial Office Address: returning from the KFOR mission in Kosovo, lost their lives. OBRANA IDEB 2006 The days following the crash were very sad for the Slovak KOd KaMO, Kutuzovova 8 832 47 Bratislava Armed Forces. Despite the fact that the tragedy was a e-mail: [email protected] great blow to all people, trust in the Armed Forces was not www.mod.gov.sk, www.mosr.sk impaired. A marginal 10% decrease in trust just confirmed that Slovaks respect and have confidence in the new Printed by: Page 18 - 21 Armed Forces, which are undergoing transformation. They 5th Carto-Reproduction Base Nemšová also support the state policy built on the pillars of NATO and EU membership and the fulfillment of membership- Cover picture: related international commitments in the field of security Photo by Michal BURZA and protection. All this is discussed in the current issue of Slovakia in NATO. © The Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic Licence Number: 2351/2000 Slovaks help extinguish sparks

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3 SLOVAKIA IN NATO Martin FEDOR, Minister of Defense: Defense of our territory and interests

 How do you perceive the current changes affecting the ready to intervene in the case of a global conflict between dards, our successful participation in foreign operations, tasks and functions of the ? world powers to smaller yet mobile ones ready to protect and the growing readiness of the Slovak Armed Forces as the inhabitants, defend the country, and promote our they perform a wide range of NATO assignments. The Slovak Republic and its Armed Forces will continue interests also beyond the Slovak borders. Concurrently to operate in the strategic environment impacted by glob- with the reform of the Armed Forces and Model 2015, we  What is the status of the national defense moderniza- alization, changing demographic and environmental con- are also making changes in the service activities through- tion plans? ditions, break-up of states, radical ideologies, and unset- out the Ministry. The Defense Ministry will pursue only tled conflicts. In connection with defense of our security those activities which are related to the core tasks of the I’m happy that we are also advancing in this regard. interests it is therefore necessary to apply a broad, multi- armed forces. After ten years we are fielding new items of armament, dimensional, security concept. This includes tasks such as equipment and ammunition on a larger scale. To give an conflict prevention, peace support operations, disaster  What challenges do our Armed Forces face at present? example, I can list the wheeled armored vehicle Aligator response and humanitarian aid. We have already proved 4x4, Aktis and Tatra trucks, modernized rocket launcher many times that we perform our tasks also within the so- The initial stage of the reform was primarily focused on RM 70/85 Modular, 81mm mortar including ammunition, called assistance activities, e.g. during the recent floods in the human dimension. Today, after a demanding reduction 40mm grenade launcher with fittings, 155mm live and Slovakia. and restructuring, which have taken several years, we are training ammunition, and new small arms. gradually succeeding in stabilizing the Armed Forces per-  The Slovak Armed Forces are undergoing a significant sonnel. We are intensifying the training, and step by step,  What special programs are the Armed Forces involved transformation. How would you define their present sta- we are increasing the budget for upgrading and purchas- in with regard to the global war on terrorism? tus? ing new technology. The Ministry is making the spending of budgeted resources more effective. Our effort is bear- All our effort is focused on the strengthening of our We are experiencing a shift from large armed forces ing fruit, namely in the form of meeting the NATO stan- capabilities to respond to a broadly defined range of

4 SLOVAKIA IN NATO threats which have changed dynamically. Therefore, we no boundaries. Under the conditions of NATO and EU the expeditionary capability of the selected military units in are preparing the Armed Forces for interventions far from membership it is impossible to separate the security of Slo- performing the collective assignments of NATO and the the Slovak borders, adding flexibility to the system of deci- vakia from that of our allies. Slovakia has usually been very EU. Accordingly, major changes relate to strategic trans- sion-making on the use of forces, and improving the abil- active in terms of assigning our soldiers to foreign opera- port, intelligence, communications, and logistics. We are ity of the Ministry to systematically review concepts and tions. Nowadays there are about 600 service personnel continuing to implement our commitments in the field of plans on the march. The Armed Forces are changing into participating in 13 operations and missions abroad, includ- protection against chemical, biological, radiological, and multifunctional forces able to perform a much wider scope ing operations with an antiterrorist dimension in nuclear weapons, to enhance supremacy in the field of of activities than in the past. It is not easy to get ready for Afghanistan and Iraq. This year we are launching another command and control, combat efficiency, as well as the unpredictable threats in the current security environment. stage part of our responsibilities as NATO LEAD NATION ability to carry out speedy deployment and sustainability Yet we know how to set up the national defense system EOD, namely developing an EOD Center of Excellence in of forces. We fulfill our voluntarily assumed commitments and adapt to new situations quickly and flexibly. Slovakia. This specialized workplace will be used as a train- for development of military capabilities in favor of collec- ing and testing facility to support interoperability between tive defence in decisive areas. The reform of NATO military  Do you think that a major multinational involvement, the allies in one of the key areas of the fight against ter- capabilities entails the reform of the armed forces of all its whether under the umbrella of NATO or the UN, is a must rorism. members, Slovakia included. Our reform is an essential in the fight against terrorism? contribution in the entire mosaic. To be more specific, I  What assignments will the Slovak Armed Forces per- could conclude by saying that it is inevitable to ensure, as Stable environment guaranteeing the survival and form in the future, and what changes still need to be soon as practicable, that the professionall abilities of ser- development of society cannot be ensured without coop- made? vicemembers in the Slovak Armed Forces equal the level of eration which starts at the inter-ministerial level, continues those serving in the modern armed forces of the NATO in the relations with foreign partners, and ends with a new The armed forces of yesterday were built to protect our member states by the end of 2006. partnership between the public authorities and the citizen. territory. Today we need them to protect our interests in International cooperation is never sufficient, particularly in the areas where necessary, i.e. in missions abroad. The Martin KOVALIK terms of prevention and response to threats which know reform of the Armed Forces is focused on an increase in Photo by Michal BURZA

5 SLOVAKIA IN NATO Defense of the Slovak Republic Status and Perspectives

“A comprehensive evaluation has shown that Slo- defense planning does not fully comply with the NATO deployment of units within the said Rapid Reaction Forces vakia was able to respond to a significant change in guidelines. No efficient feedback on defense planning was and Battle Groups. Despite failing to secure 2 percent of the security and political environment resulting from available. the GDP, the budget’s absolute value continues to its membership in NATO and the European Union,” Slovakia, with certain reserves, has been fulfilling its obli- increase. In 2005 it stood at SKK 25.5 billion. This year it emphasized the Minister of Defense Martin Fedor on gations arising from its NATO and EU membership, as well is about SKK 28 billion and the outlook for next year April 25 in Bratislava during a conference entitled as commitments under international treaties and ambitions. exceeds 30 billion crowns. It means that the defense Defense of Slovakia – Status and Perspectives. The We met the critical goal for 2005 – to make the Mechanized budget is growing on average by 10 percent every year . Defense Ministry hosted it in cooperation with the Battalion ready. The Martin Immediate Reaction Battalion According to Martin Fedor the goal of the comprehen- Konrad Adenauer Foundation . was confirmed by the Alliance. Integration of the fighter sive evaluation of the Slovak Republic’s defense for 2005 units into the NATO Integrated Extended Air Defense Sys- is to evaluate its levels under NATO standards and “There’s no need to rely on our own forces only,” tem (NATINEADS) has allowed us to secure our airspace. methodologies and make the results fully comparable observed the Minister in connection with Slovakia’s integra- Some reserves emerged in building the military capabilities with other NATO members. The material is, therefore, of tion into NATO’s system of collective defense. Martin Fedor according to NATO planning standards, so-called NATO a political and military nature. It covers the key areas and pointed out that today the Slovak Armed Forces are able to Force Goals. issues to which the recommendations and conclusions help its allies, too. This can be proved by the comprehensive At present Slovakia has an adequate legal framework to refer. evaluation of defense for the last year. continue reforming the country’s defense system. The legis- Building on the assessment results, the Defense Min- lation needed to accelerate decision-making on dispatch of istry will issue respective guidlines. A similar evaluation WE FULFILL OUR OBLIGATIONS troops outside the territory of Slovakia within NATO and EU will be worked out every year as an internal part of “Our contribution, namely 600 soldiers serving in 14 Rapid Reaction Forces is lacking for the time being. We are national and ministerial planning and evaluation process- operations, ranks us among the leaders within Central still not succeeding in fulfilling the obligation to earmark 2 es. It will be incorporated into the state security report to Europe." One of the priorities of the Defense Ministry over percent of the GDP for the defense budget (we spend more be discussed by both the government and parliament. the previous years has been to improve defense planning than 1.8 percent). The comprehensive evaluation process, due to take place guidelines and harmonize relations between long-term every second year, will be used to meet the needs of the plans, programs, and budgets. As stated by the Minister, INCREASE BY 10 PERCENT EVERY YEAR NATO and EU planning and evaluation process. experience has confirmed the existence of several shortcom- In cooperation with other governmental bodies, the ings. A cross-sectional analysis of the core evaluation docu- Defense Ministry must resolve, as soon as practicable, the Jozef ŽIAK ments dating back to early 2004 has found that national issue of expenditures for unplanned operations and Photo by Michal BURZA

6 SLOVAKIA IN NATO Lt Gen Ľubomír Bulík, Chief of the General Staff of the Slovak Armed Forces: Five priorities of modernization

In early 2006 we stood at a historic The new professional forces represent a number of new 1. Individual – procurement of modern support systems crossroads of the transformation and moder- challenges and opportunities. During the upcoming ten years (bulletproof and combat jackets, night vision optics, nization of the Slovak Armed Forces. Starting it is important to ensure that they have quality and modern global positioning system (GPS, Gore-Tex outfit, etc.) from January 2006, we left behind old inherited equipment, materiel, weapon systems, and other technology structures associated with the armed forces of as may be necessary. The modernization effort in this field 2. Training – set-up of modern training facilities (combat the past, which were primarily concerned with must be focused not only on our capacity to be interoperable training centers, simulations, live-fire training ranges, state defence, and, to a large extent, were based with NATO and EU partners but also on requirements which etc.) on conscription, using obsolete technology, and are essential to accomplishing our national military missions the so-called cyclical training of soldiers of the pursuing security and protection of the interests of the Slovak 3. Sustainment – capability to provide comprehensive compulsory military service. We are entering a Republic. To clarify this process, I am going to talk about five support for forces, either those to be deployed or new era in which our Armed Forces will consist of modernization initiatives aimed at meeting the transformation those currently deployed, and resources of the Slovak voluntary professional servicemembers and requirements of the Armed Forces: Armed Forces civilian employees.

7 SLOVAKIA IN NATO 4. Technology – perspective technology and equipment able to stop or slow down shots and splinters and reduce bases in Turecký Vrch and Valaškovce is a must. This means (communications and information systems and the number and seriousness of wounds. Moreover, our modernizing the existing infrastructure so as to support the replacement of heavy vehicles with light wheeled soldiers need modern devices that will provide them with rotation of troops; building modern live-fire training ranges armored vehicles) target identification and night vision capabilities, especially for individuals and garrisons; introducing combat training in reduced visibility and during operations performed at (complexity, maneuvering) which will make individual 5. Transportation – acquisition of transport and night. This is possible by means of three basic technologies: training and training of small troops more real; and conveyance means ( and to optical image intensification, infrared binoculars and lasers. extending the ability to perform combat training of troops provide transport and support for deployed forces up to the company level. To improve the training quality, and assets). PRIORITY NO. 2 the building of the Combat Training Center in the Military Training Area Lešť will be of primary importance. The These modernization programs should guarantee the TRAINING center’s name reflects the complexity of the issue (ranging creation and formation of modern, quick-responding and from combat arms through combat arms support to mobile military forces competent to fulfill the internal SET-UP OF MODERN TRAINING FACILITIES combat service support), dominant focus on maneuvering assignments of the state as well as the international (combat training centers, simulations, live-fire training (movement, fire...), including the terrain features which will commitments within NATO, the EU, and other ranges, etc.) simulate the probable battlefield. organizations. To succeed in fulfilling their international PRIORITY NO. 3 PRIORITY NO. 1 commitments, training of the Slovak Armed Forces must become more intensive and copy, as accurately as possible, SUSTAINMENT INDIVIDUAL the probable conditions of the present and future battlefields. To achieve this goal, the following will be CAPABILITIES TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT PROCUREMENT OF MODERN SUPPORT SYSTEMS necessary: to improve significantly our training base; to FOR FORCES, EITHER THOSE TO BE DEPLOYED OR (bulletproof and combat jackets, night vision optics, global modernize those ancillary training establishments which THOSE CURRENTLY DEPLOYED, AND RESOURCES OF positioning system (GPS), Gore-Tex outfit, etc.) will support the realistic and exacting training of the THE SLOVAK ARMED FORCES. troops; to use the existing modern training technologies Modern support systems ensure the maximum possible within the entire range of live, virtual and constructive Well-armed and trained soldiers must be equipped success of soldiers in any asymmetrical combat area and domains and to improve the training effectiveness in this with supplies and materiel necessary for their sustainment concurrently increase their chance to survive. In this respect, regard. and support in a modern battlefield. Speed, accuracy, and first of all, servicemembers need to be equipped with It is essential to build a comprehensive Combat flexibility of maintenance systems aimed towards providing advanced personal protective systems to protect them Training Center in the Military Training Area Lešť. It should soldiers with the right materials at the right time are vital against the traps of the modern battlefields. We must be functional in early 2007. The new training program of for their success or failure in the battlefield. To accomplish procure a new generation of bulletproof jackets designed, the Armed Forces is designed to ensure that all troops carry this goal, it is important to continue transforming logistics. contrary to older models, so as to provide soldiers with out goal-oriented training at least 32 weeks a year. To meet The decisive ability for such a substantial advanced protection and comfort. These systems will be this goal, the substantial modernization of the training transformation is the ability to perform automatic“key”

8 SLOVAKIA IN NATO logistic functions, including supply, maintenance, the defined area to fulfill the national security and defense we have focused on enhancing the ’s capabilities transportation, health care and provision of services. From strategies and to assist effectively the Interior Ministry in and extending lifetime programs which supplement the 2006 we began to introduce a logistics information control support of civilian administrations (floods, earthquakes, regularly scheduled overhauls for the majority of the Air system known as the Extended Materiel Management. forest fires, nuclear/biological/chemical accidents or other Force’s aircraft. We must have available a broad range of container disasters – either natural or man-made). To fully accomplish its mission, the Air Force must also units and methods for fast provision of supplies, armament, The implementation of a modern communications and be able to ensure transport by mid-sized aircraft and and materiel necessary for support and sustainment of our information system, including an automated command and helicopters. The current options represented by the An- combat forces. Within the modernization of logistics and control system, is, undoubtedly, an important part of 24/26 and the Mi-17 can meet this requirement only to a sustainment systems, it will be important to continue building the required capabilities. It is presumed that the limited extent, namely in the short or medium term, being reducing and consolidating our supply and materiel bases, mentioned requirements will be met by the gradual subject to their modernization and extension of the present storage sites, and other components. This will allow us to implementation of technologies within the MOKYS project. and projected technical life. At any rate, the planning of the concentrate the majority of our stock and materiel in two To improve the quality of control processes, information replacement of the aforesaid aircraft, which will be able to modern multifunctional logistics bases and bases of other systems for human resources management, creation of the meet the requirements of both national needs and materiel brought into compliance with NATO’s five classes Armed Forces’ structures, logistics, and the entire so-called international commitments, remains a hot issue. of supply. Two modern multifunctional logistics bases, IT architecture, will be developed. namely one in Nemšova and one in Poprad, will be built within the modernization program. PRIORITY NO. 5 CONCLUSION PRIORITY NO. 4 TRANSPORTATION The modernization of the Slovak Armed Forces is a very complicated, multidimensional, and long-term process TECHNOLOGIES ACQUISITION OF TRANSPORT AND CONVEYANCE requiring cooperation which involves not only the Defense MEANS Ministry but also many entities including the government, PERSPECTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT (aircraft and helicopters to provide transport and support for industrial, commercial as well as international partners. In (communications and information systems, and deployed forces and assets) accordance with the Long-Term Development Plan of replacement of heavy vehicles with light wheeled armored Defense Ministry Until 2015 we have many modernization vehicles) The task of the is to maintain the programs which are either in progress or subjects to trained and prepared forces and means to protect the air planning, research, development or procurement. All of At the turn of the 21st century it is very important that sovereignty of the Slovak Republic within the coalition them are important for the future modernization and our Armed Forces are gradually adapting themselves to the today; to be able to employ the forces and materials to transformation development of our Armed Forces. changing conditions of the conduct of warfare. It is clear support NATO and EU commitments; and to provide forces that as NATO and EU members we must be able to for the joint force commander in the case of operations cooperate in new operational conditions in the intended to protect state interests or ensure military Lt Gen Ľubomír BULÍK, CSc. international environment. At the same time, the Slovak support for civilian organizations. In this regard, the Chief of the General Staff of the Slovak Armed Forces Armed Forces must be capable of deploying rapidly within modernization of our Air Force has already started, whereas Photo by M. BURZA

9 SLOVAKIA IN NATO simulator, which increases the efficiency and quality of the training.” Lieutenant General Lubomír Bulík is convinced that as Success of the Martin soon as the affirmation process is evaluated, other units will make use of lessons learnt by the Martin immediate Reaction Battalion. First of all, the expertise will be used by the Nitra Mechanized Battalion, which as the second unit of our Armed Forces is awaiting affirmation. Battalion in Lešť THE LARGEST EXERCISE THIS YEAR The Commander of the Land Forces, Major General Milan Maxim, stated that this was the culmination point Tactical live-fire training excercise of the battalion “SHOP WINDOW“ of the training undertaken by the Immediate Reaction took place in the Military Training Area Lešť in mid After watching several training episodes and visiting Battalion after the end of the affirmation process and March. It was the only excercise performed this year. the individual workplaces where he got acquainted, concurrently the first as well as the last training of such The Martin Immediate Reaction Battalion, reinforced besides other things, with defensive combat procedures, extent to be carried out this year. by other support units, was fulfilling the tasks in combat firing, battalion’s command post, and outfit, “To perform a wide range of missions, the battalion was accordance with the excercise scenario: An Martin Fedor stated: “The Martin Immediate Reaction strengthened by some other elements and capabilities. It is operationally committed battalion outside the Slovak Battalion as the oldest and professional unit has always the only unit of the Slovak Armed Forces which has at its territory. It was practicing procedures for the been the “shop window“ of our Armed Forces. This is disposal a field ambulance, TATRAPAN armored off-road situations in which it may find itself as soon as 2008... confirmed by the fact that it was our first unit which vehicle, ASTRA air surveillance system, 98mm towed succeeded in NATO’s affirmation process. Full practical mortar in the Fire Support Company, and communications One part of the exercise was also watched by the integration into NATO activities is very important for center MSU-V1 in the Command Platoon of the Command Slovak Defense Minister Martin Fedor and the Chief of the Slovakia, in terms of providing compatibility between our Support Company. With regard to the future performance General Staff of the Slovak Armed Forces, Lieutenant units and other NATO forces. The exercise has confirmed of assignments part of the NATO Response Force (NRF), it General Ľubomír Bulík. He was accompanied by good levels of readiness of the units participating in the will be necessary to provide the battalion members with representatives of the General Staff, Land Forces HQ, and exercise. New technologies are used during the exercise. additional equipment which is missing for the time being, Training and Support Forces HQ. To give an example, they use the SIMLAS tactical laser e.g. towing and special vehicles.”

10 SLOVAKIA IN NATO organize the trainings in a manner which approximates the most to the reality and current trends. Every member of the battalion should know where his position is and what he is supposed to do in a combat action. This is applicable to the physical trainer, psychologist, clergyman, PR officers or commanding non- commissioned officers. The December training in Germany proved that the affirmation process is just the first step, followed by certification of the unit. “It’s been a great experience for us. I have never experienced something like this before in my military career. And it doesn’t matter that we used simulation technology. The training has opened my eyes and I have realized that unless we continue improving our knowledge of foreign languages, particularly referring to operations terminology, and unless we communicate in English when making decisions and practice radio The exercise of the Martin Battalion near the Observation AFFIRMATION IS THE FIRST STEP communication in this language, we might have Post Dolné Dlhé Diely included combat between the “I’m especially satisfied with our personnel’s problems in the future,” stated Lieutenant Colonel defensive forces and the enemy and their subsequent commitment to action, supporting their units in decisive Stoklasa. withdrawal from action, using smoke screen, redeployment moments. We have realized what should constitute the I greatly appreciate the assistance of the CUBIC Team of mortar and antitank platoons, and destruction of the core of training and activity of both the headquarters and JSOC people from Liptovský Mikuáš. The enemy from a firing position. According to the Commander, and staff and the entire battalion in the event of a commanding NCOs were proving their ability in the Lieutenant Colonel Martin Stoklasa, the principal task of the potential deployment. Today, after the end of the entire process. The people in Martin were among the first battalion, and especially of the headquarters and staff, was affirmation process, we have taken another step towards in the Armed Forces to start implementing NATO Force to stand the test of planning and controlling the stabilization actual deployment in a short time. To do well and with Goals. They set out on an untrodden path with a number operation in a conflict of high intensity. All these tasks were honor, we have to introduce several steps and measures of windings. The CUBIC Team as well as other specialists fulfilled by the battalion members in the course of the in the everyday life,” emphasized the battalion gave them a helping hand. tactical exercise with combat firing. commander. According to him it is necessary to hold and EVALUATION OF BRIGADE COMMANDER Brigadier General Stanislav Petrenec, Commander of the Light Brigade, conducting the exercise, has made several observations. This was the first time the members of the recently established ISTAR unit from the town of Michalovce participated in the exercise. By using their equipment, they were purposefully disturbing the radio communication and made the conditions more difficult for soldiers. In addition, while they were fulfilling their tasks, the Air Force was performing combat firing in the area. “This exercise was a logical continuation of the affirmation process. By participating in this field exercise we undertook to test the experience gained by the Martin Staff during the affirmation. The battalion was supported by nearly 90 soldiers from other units of the Light Brigade. The Engineer and Logistics Platoons boosted the battalion’s capability to operate independently. Although the battalion has performed all the prescribed assignments, we will have to resolve certain issues in the future. This mainly concerns providing soldiers with adequate personal equipment for training in winter conditions, and ensuring a gradual integration of new professionals who have recently joined the battalion after completing training programs in training centers,” concludes the Brigade Commander.

Jozef ŽIAK Photo by author and Miroslav GYUROSI

11 Memorial in Hejce

A memorial dedicated to the victims of the An-24 plane crash is to be unveiled in 1,2 million was allocated by the Ministry of Finance from its reserve fund. the village of Hejce in October 2006. For the unveiling of the memorial, bearing the Defense Minister Fedor has already unveiled a memorial plaque dedicated to the victims names of the 42 victims, all relatives of the servicemembers will be invited. of the tragedy directly at the site of the accident on Borsó Hill. The ceremony was organized by Hungarian foresters. According to Hungarian tradition, when lives become extinguished The Defense Ministry has organized a memorial design competition in which designers in the forest, foresters pay tribute to victims by laying memorial stones. A forest path leading from the Chamber of Architects are competing for the best memorial design. Besides Slovak to the three-meter tall stone memorial is expected to be erected soon. 42 small stones will and Hungarian contestants, Austrian architects have also shown an interest in the then be placed behind the main stone, symbolizing 42 extinguished lives. competition. The preparation and implementation of the project will amount to almost SKK Two memorials for the air disaster victims were already erected in Kosovo – one of them 4 million. The general public has contributed SKK 1,2 million and 1 million was donated by is on Šajkovac Base and the other one at KFOR HQ in Pristina. OTP Bank. From its sales of the DVD entitled “Unfinished Mission – Last on 19 January 2006“, which pays tribute to the victims, TA3 Television has donated SKK 350,000 and SKK Photo by Michal BURZA Five men in the NATO Training Mission Slovakia has fulfilled its promise by manning five vacant posts with the Slovak Armed Forces members within the NATO Training Mission in Iraq. Four Slovak specialists flew to Baghdad in late February to train members of the Iraqi Security Forces. We have already two instructors in Iraq. One of them rotates. Before leaving for the NATO training mission NTM- I, the specialists participated in speciazed training in . In Iraq the soldiers hold the positions of Logistics Training Instructor, Communications System Training Instructor, and Operations . We also contribute to the long-time stabilization of Iraq through our engineer unit, our contributions to the NATO Trust Fund, and donations of redundant military material to the Iraqi Security Forces. (ko) Photo by Vladislav VAVRINEC

12 SLOVAKIA IN NATO CISM meeting in Bratislava ,,Sport is a social phenomenon which crosses state borders and the limits of human capacities, helps establish friendships, unites nations and continents“, emphasized Defense Minister Martin Fedor in opening the meeting of the Executive Committee of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) which was held in Bratislava on March 7. “The International Military Sports Council is a powerful institution whose fundamental role remains unchanged – to bring sport to the soldiers”, remarked the chairman of CISM Gianni Gola. Changes take place not only in our armed forces but also in sports, said M. Fedor to the attendees. (mk) Photo by Peter MICHNICA NATO training in Slovakia In February the Slovak government agreed to host NATO military training in Slovakia. The training, entitled CMX06, was attended in early March by the executive bodies of the Alliance members’ crisis management, competent NATO structures, and strategic headquarters. It was focused on the solution of a crisis situation with asymmetric threats, while the use of weapons of mass destruction against allies was envisaged. The training was Conference conducted by NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer in the presence EU, UN, and OSCE observers. Servicemen of the armed forces are to participate this year in forty trainings in of military historians total. Eleven trainings will take place abroad under NATO or EU command, while soldiers of fourteen foreign armies will participate in the scheduled training on Slovak territory. The 6th International Conference of Military Historians was held in Bratislava in April under the name Post Conflict Military Operations. The event hosted by the Military History Institute of the Slovak Defense Ministry in cooperation with the French Service Historique de la Défense was held under the auspices of Defense Minister Martin Fedor.

The week long conference, which is the largest event of this kind organized this year in Europe, is concurrently the central event of the Military History Working Group of the Partnership for Peace. One of the missions of the group in question, formed in 2000, is to bring the countries of the former back to the multilateral European and world historical forum. This is performed in part by means of conferences similar to that referred to above. The conference held in Bratislava has been the largest one until now. It was attended by 67 military historians from 18 countries, including the USA, Canada and . On behalf of Defense Minister Martin Fedor, Lieutenant General Ľubomír Bulík, Chief of the General Staff of the Slovak Armed Forces, awarded commemorative medals to Captain Andre Rakota (ret.) and Vice Admiral Luois Dubessey de Contencon from France. Robert Sterling Rush from the US Army Military History Institute could not take over his medal in person due to his current assignment in Iraq. (pv) Photo by Michal BURZA Pilots from the East “The Winning Battle of the Czechoslovak Pilots, Allied Airmen and the Airborne Brigade“ is the name under which a photo exhibition was opened at the MOD Club by Doc. Col. Ján Daňko, CSc (ret.) along with the officials from the Military History Institute and the Defense Ministry. Ján Daňko, graduate from the Flight School in Banská Bistrica, joined the in August 1944. As a 19-year-old man he fought at Telgárt and at other towns until he received orders to fly to the . After WWII he studied and taught technical subjects in the Flight and Business Schools in Košice and later on moved to Prague where he still lives. With the assistance of the Czech Defense Ministry, he established a travelling exhibition featuring Czech and Slovak fighter pilots on the eastern front. Last year the exhibition was staged in 17 Czech garrisons throughout the . In May 2006, in cooperation with the Slovak MOD’s Military History Institute, Ján Daňko, Chairman of the Czechoslovak Foreign Pilots Association, finally brought his exhibition to Slovakia. (pv) Photo by Michal BURZA

13 SLOVAKIA IN NATO The Spiritual Siege of Lourdes

More than 17,000 soldiers from thirty The spiritual atmosphere can be felt all around the Lourdes for weeks and months for recovery and countries invaded the city of Lourdes in the most popular city of pilgrimage. The regular visitor hope for a better life, give the place an inimitable penultimate week of May to participate in the can notice major and minor improvements in the and emotional atmosphere. People from all around 48th International Military Pilgrimage. The surroundings of the holy basilicas and the military the world extend their hands to each other. “Let us place of pilgrimage was visited by 162 pilgrims camp as well as innovations in the organization of pray for reconciliation between nations” - the from Slovakia traveling in four buses. the military pilgrimage. Mass prayers in the pres- motto of the military pilgrimages as voiced by the ence of fifteen bishops and tens of priests, the French Marshal Juin at their very beginning is still Lourdes is preparing for the 150th anniversary parade of the guards of honor in fine uniforms, topical. 90 servicemen from multinational units of the apparition of Virgin Mary. In 2008 military military bands with meticulous musical expression, who flew in from Kosovo could tell stories about it. pilgrimages will celebrate their 50th anniversary performances of chorus singers, impressive parad- So could the military invalids, a 1,600-member and the Armed Forces Ordinariate will commemo- ing of soldiers from four continents, military veter- group who came from Croatia, including a Gener- rate the 10th anniversary of the sacred mission. ans and invalids, together with those who pray in al missing both legs and one arm. And so could the

14 SLOVAKIA IN NATO soldiers from the Ivory Coast, who must intervene in the conflicts of neighboring countries. And so, for sure, could the US soldiers who have participat- ed in many missions. The city of Lourdes is a place of hope. Bishop Mons. František Rábek said it in a telling way: “People participating in the international military pilgrimage form one big family. It is unthinkable that they shoot each other. The sacred mission of Lourdes contributes to the humanization of armies and soldiers. It is not the fight, but it is the peace, security and their protection which makes sense.” Every participant left the place with a strengthened soul, believing in a peaceful and bet- ter life.

Michal KRIŠKO

SLOVAKIA IN NATO Slovak Republic as a member of the UN Security Council

On January 1, 2006 the Slovak Republic became a non-permanent member of the Security Council of Kosovo which is on this year’s agenda of the UN Security the United Nations Organization for a two-year term. As stated by Peter Burian, the Slovak ambassador to Council. Attention is also being paid to the issues of the UN, this fact is the logical consequence of the existing participation of Slovakia in a broad range of Cyprus, Eastern Europe, and the Near East,” states P. UN activities. Burian. Special attention is paid by the Slovak diplomacy to “The given office is one of the most important and attitudes,” states P. Burian. He adds that Slovakia actively the fight against all forms of terrorism and the most prestigious offices within multilateral diplomacy. In communicates and cooperates with all other UN member proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. As regards accordance with the UN Charter our country assumed the states and the UN Security Council. In any case, our the value priorities of the Slovak Republic, they include in corresponding portion of responsibility for preservation of cooperation with the EU and NATO partners with whom all issues a consistent respect for democratic principles, peace and security in the world,” says Peter Burian who we share common values is distinctively specific and close. human rights, law and constitutional state, and exercise made his mark as a diplomat especially in the Office of the of good governance. Thematically, priority attention is Ambassador to NATO in at the time when our THE BALKANS, CYPRUS, THE NEAR EAST paid to the role played by the civil society and non- country was getting ready for joining, and subsequently As pronounced so many times by Foreign Affairs and governmental organizations in preserving peace and became a member of, the organization. “Slovakia does Defense Ministers Eduard Kukan and Martin Fedor, the security, as well as in preventing conflicts. And as far as not represent in the UN Security Council any regional Western Balkans is among the priority interests of Slovakia the UN scope is concerned? “Besides the above- group or political party but acts with the national in the field of security. The same applies to our position mentioned priorities we heed the expansion and mandate under its own responsibility and thorough expert toward the agenda of the UN Security Council. “At increased efficiency of UN cooperation with regional and evaluations. This does not mean any isolation of our present it is primarily the issue of the future status of sub-regional organizations in reforming the sectors of

16 security and defense, namely in the context of in the practical solving of issues of the world peace and calm down regional conflicts all around the world. P. Burian preservation of peace and stability anywhere in the security. Our share until now in the UN missions is an says that the major current problem in terms of providing world.” integral part of the given perception of our country. We for sufficient capacities is the UNMIS mission in Sudan, the The UN is currently undergoing (and particularly have transformed our commitments and promises into future UN mission in the province Darfur, Southern Sudan, following the World Summit held in the fall of the last specific actions in this manner. Moreover, we are now and the MONUC mission in the Democratic Republic of the year) significant reforms in many areas. P. Burian says that perceived by the UN member states in a much more Congo. Incidentally, two military observers from Slovakia the EU member states, including Slovakia, are among the comprehensive way: as a regular member of the EU and will arrive in Darfur by the end of spring. strongest promoters. Major transparency in the NATO, as the 30th member country of the OECD, and “Great attention is also being paid to the formation of expenditure of common funds, strengthening of control definitely as a country which has undergone a integrated missions in Africa. An example is the mechanisms, and setting of the clearest possible rules, comprehensive social transformation and succeeded, in a interconnection between UNOCI and UNMIL which operate form a considerable part of the reform effort. This is rather short time, in transforming itself from a former in Ivory Coast and Liberia. A similar approach has been applicable also to UN peacekeeping operations and the beneficiary to a provider of development assistance.” adopted by the MONUC and ONUB missions in the Congo intermediation of services, goods, and purchases. “Our Ambassador Burian does not wish to quantify the and Burundi. In the coming period the attention of the UN responsibility, acting in the capacity of a Security Council participation of the Slovak soldiers in the UN missions as will be paid especially to Africa. Major involvement of the member, is to closely investigate all suspicions, punish the compared with other countries in such a simplified UN in the Middle East, i.e. Afghanistan and Iraq, can be culprits, and introduce functional and transparent mathematical way. However, he says that the Slovak expected as well. In terms of ongoing political and security mechanisms,” emphasizes the ambassador. Republic is ranked 36th overall in the number of soldiers processes, greater attention will be paid to the missions in dispatched to UN peacekeeping missions. Moreover, the Haiti, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. AFRICA, TOO majority of developed countries and EU members slightly “The UN peacekeeping operation system is based on When asked whether the UN really pays close lag behind Slovakia in the soldiers dispatched to own the contributions of the individual member countries. In my attention to the African continent and what role Slovakia inhabitants ratio. He emphasizes that it is necessary to be opinion, the participation of the Slovak Armed Forces in the plays in this, P. Burian answers as follows: aware of the more intensive involvement of these countries UN missions is sufficient for the time being, but it should be “Yes, African issues represent a large portion of the in financial and humanitarian assistance to crisis areas. At maintained at least at the existing level over the entire UN Security Council’s agenda; I estimate it is about 60 to any rate, the present contribution of the Slovak Armed period of our membership in the UN Security Council,” 80 percent. However, they are not the priority areas of Forces to the UN missions stands as one of our strengths. concludes Peter Burian, the Slovak ambassador to the UN. Slovakia’s interest, as we have limited knowledge and “ UN operations have not been the exclusive issue of Let’s add that there are 95 Slovak soldiers at present experience in this field. On the other hand, during the soldiers for a long time,” P. Burian points out. He participating in the UN mission in the Golan Heights, Syria, Slovakia’s mission on the UN Security Council, Slovak explains: “The establishment of peace requires involvement and 196 soldiers operating in Cyprus. Another two military diplomacy will also attend to these issues more in the of police, governmental and non-governmental observers from Slovakia operate under the umbrella of the context of long-time priorities of the common foreign and organizations, international institutions, donors, etc. It is, UN in the UNTSO mission accredited for , Lebanon, security policy of the EU.” therefore, necessary to participate more and more in the and Syria. Together with the soldiers in coalition forces (Iraq Let us add that as far as Africa is concerned, Slovakia provision of other forms of assistance in crisis regions, - 104), NATO operations (Afghanistan - 56, Kosovo - 111), recorded the major representation in this continent in building of the relevant capacities, etc. and the European Union (Bosnia and Herzegovina - 35), 2000 through 2004, when a 199-member field engineer there are 614 Slovak soldiers, including nearly twenty unit operated in Eritrea. Within the UNMEE mission it was SLOVAKS IN SUFFICIENT NUMBER people in the headquarters, operating abroad. in charge of the reconstruction of roads, bridges, other As regards the territories which the UN will focus on engineering works, and primarily of mine clearance. It is in the near future in connection with the dispatch of necessary to say that Slovak Bozena mine clearance peacekeeping forces, it is necessary to point out that the Pavol VITKO systems from Krupina and not least accommodation organization itself does not have sufficient capacities to Photo by Michal BURZA containers made in Slovakia, in the town of Trencin, have stood the test of time. Within the UN missions in Africa, Slovakia had military observers not only in Eritrea but also in Angola, Liberia and Sierra Leone. We should not forget the fact that 150 Slovak soldiers were completely ready in 1998, following agreement with the UN, to participate in the mission in Western Sahara, but the mission was not accomplished due to the political situation in the region. MILITARY SHARE IN SUCCESS The non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for the years 2006-2007 were elected by secret ballot in the UN General Assembly held on October 10, 2005. Slovakia received 185 votes, which meant it significantly exceeded the required two-thirds quorum of all 191 UN member countries. It was an extraordinary success for Slovak diplomacy and the entire country. When asked how important was the fact that Slovakia has been continuously participating in the UN peacekeeping missions since its formation for our election as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Peter Burian answered: At the beginning it is necessary to point out that the election has definitely confirmed that the Slovak Republic is regarded as a respected and reliable member of the international community which has been positively committed for a long time and has had not only the potential for but also interest in a more active participation

17 IDEB 2006 After six years of its presence in Trenčín fairground Pod Sokolicami, the International Defense Exhibition Bratislava (IDEB) moved this year into the Exhibition and Convention Center Incheba situated in Bratislava. The May event was opened by Slovak Defense Minister Martin Fedor in the presence of the President of the Slovak Republic Ivan Gašparovič, Czech Defense Minister Karl Kühn, Chiefs of the General Staffs Ľubomír Bulík and Pavel Štefka, as well as other guests.

More than 220 exhibitors from 13 countries partic- tured by Trenčin Konstrukta Defence for the Slovak ipated in IDEB 2006, which took place between 3-5 May. Armed Forces. On this occasion he pointed out that the Exhibits which reflect current changes in the internation- currently updated Model 2015 represents a means by al political and military situation were presented on an which the necessary modern technology and equipment area of 25 thousand square meters. Sophisticated can get to the units. weapon systems, new communications and information The aforesaid trends were documented by Grand technologies, as well as equipment and protection of the Prix and Prix IDEB 2006 prizes awarded in five categories soldier of the 21st century come into focus. This fact was to the exhibitors by Lieutenant General Ľubomír Bulík, also confirmed by the head of the Delegation of Nation- Chief of the General Staff of the Slovak Armed Forces, al Military Representatives from SHAPE, Brigadier Gener- and Alexander Rozin, CEO of Incheba Expo Bratislava. al Hedegaard Sorensen. AWARDED EXHIBITS SOLDIER OF 21ST CENTURY The winner in the category Equipment and Ammu- “Over the past ten years our Armed Forces have not nition Grand Prix was the Aligator 4x4 light armored experienced such modernization as they are experienc- vehicle in a CBRN configuration manufactured by the ing now, and as they will experience in the near future,” Military Repair Company Trenčin. The Prix prize was said Martin Fedor. He went on to say that the objective awarded to the Mobile Work Station CBRN manufac- in the field of personal equipment was to bring the Slo- tured by the Military Technical Institute Liptovský vak soldiers and their equipment up to the NATO stan- Mikuláš. dards. On the first day of the exhibition, during the President Ivan Gašparovič remarked that these two opening ceremony, the Minister took delivery of a new Slovak products, together with mine clearance systems, SVO A1 Self-Propelled Mine Clearance System manufac- stand the best chance of getting a share in foreign mar-

kets. The product of the British company Envisage Tech- nology , known as Sentry Scope, designed for protection of free spaces became the win- ner in the category Communications and Information Systems, Reconnaissance and Security Systems/Devices. TL 98 Modular System of the Czech firm Martin Hanus – ALP was awarded the Grand Prix in the Combat Clothing and Individual Equipment category. The winner in the category Logistic Support Equip- ment and Devices was the Non-Explosive Obstacle Sys- tem manufactured by VOP Dolný Bousov, a company from over the Morava River. Honorable mention in the category of the Most Creative Exposition was received by the Israeli exhibitor Rafael Ltd. The exhibition of the Czech Defense Ministry and Army of the Czech Republic was honored, too.

18 SLOVAKIA IN NATO PROFESSIONAL SIDE EVENTS There were a number of side events prepared for the military professionals during IDEB 2006. Bratislava hosted the Conference of the NATO Industrial Advisory Group (NIAG) and the EOD Workshop with Slovakia acting in the capacity of the LEAD NATION within the Alliance. Another event, the International Scientific and Technological Con- ference “Special Technology”, was organized by the Trenčín-based University of A. Dubček, Faculty of Special Technology. It was focused on logistics in the armed forces, ammunition and bomb disposal, as well as on innovations in the field of construction and manufacturing of special technology. Lectures were delivered by experts from Slo- vakia, the Czech Republic and Poland. Jozef ŽIAK, Pavol VITKO Photo by Michal BURZA, Jozef ŽIAK

SLOVAKIA IN NATO Prize awarded to Mobile Work Station CBRN

Winning products in the category Equipment and Ammunition of Land Forces included Aligator CBRN, which was awarded the first prize, and the Mobile Work Station CBRN manufactured by the Military Technical Institute in Liptovský Mikuláš.

The Institute produces about five vehicles of this type every year. The system is designed for planning and control of radiological and chemical reconnaissance of lower levels, e.g. RUDA with the BRDM-2 chassis. The Mobile Work Station is able to collect, store and evaluate data on NBC agents in the environment. The system is in-built in the container. The crew has two to three members who are equipped with data transfer devices and devices for measurement and detection of radiation and the presence of toxic chemicals.

20 SLOVAKIA IN NATO Grand Prix for Aligator The Aligator 4x4 light armored vehicle in CBRN configuration manufactured by the Military Repair Company Trenčín and developed in cooperation with Elektrotechnicky vyskumny a projektovy ustav a.s. (Electrical Engineering Research and Design Institute, JSC) in Nová Dubnica became the winner of the International Defense Exhibition Bratislava IDEB 2006 in the category Equipment and Ammunition of Land Forces.

The prototype was equipped in line with the requirements and needs of the CBRN servicemembers. There are nine detectors on board to indicate radiation and the presence of toxic chemical and biological substances. Moreover, Aligator CBRN variant is equipped with a sampling device, cooler for the storage of samples, decontamination kit, meteorological probe and computer system. Isolation devices and protective clothing of the three-man crew are standard equipment. Besides the awarded prototype CBRN, there were also other Aligator modifications exhibited at the fair. Attention was paid not only to the off-the-shelf command, engineer and police versions but particularly to other prototypes. One of them was the DDP (artillery reconnaissance vehicle) with the observation turret armed with the 7.62 mm PKT machine gun. The vehicle carried not only the gun but also ALIGATOR additional navigation equipment and observation devices. The PLN prototype is used as an advanced forward air control system. Special equipment consists of observation Length: 4,34 m and navigation devices, target illuminator and supplementary radios. Aligator with a Width: 2,38 m remote-controlled weapon system Mini-Samson manufactured by the company Rafael Combat weight: 6,7 t is participating in the tender for a light armored vehicle which was announced by the Max. speed: 120 km/h Czech Army. The set is made up of the machine gun, Spike rocket and firing detector. Floating speed: 6 km/h A vehicle with such equipment is useful for convoy escort. Consumption: 20 l/100 km on road, 30 l/100 km in terrain Text and photo by Miroslav BARIČ

21 SLOVAKIA IN NATO Training by Slovak CBRN Specialists

The Organization for the Prohibition of OPCW SATISFACTION WITH COURSES SLOVAK EXPERTISE PROVES ITS VALUE Chemical Weapons (OPCW) based in the Dutch The course’s chief instructor representing the Armed All course participants train according to the standards town of The Hague was established in May 1997 Forces, Major Oliver Toderiška from the Joint Operations of the Slovak Armed Forces, and use the materiel and with the aim to enforce the Convention on the Staff, General Staff, has gained a lot of experience protective equipment introduced in our Armed Forces. Prohibition of Development, Production, through his work in NBC units both in Slovakia and Major Toderiška is informed of the efficiency of the course Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on abroad. “The content of the courses has been gradually in individual countries. As discovered by the OPCW their Destruction, which took effect on April 29, modified, namely in accordance with the requirements Technical Secretariat, it is the Slovak experience which has 1997. The OPCW has 168 member states. Each of and suggestions of the participants. Initially, up to 60 contributed, to a significant extent, to the improvement of them contributes as much as possible to the activity percent of the course time was dedicated to theoretical civilian protection against the effects of chemical weapons of the organization. Slovakia has been hosting assignments. The contrary is true, as different practical in countries such as Armenia, Serbia and Montenegro, international courses on protection against assignments now represent more than 70 percent of the Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Slovenia. chemical weapons since 2000. course content. The participants had to master “Our expertise and procedures have met a positive sampling, provide the transportation of samples, detect response in Saudi Arabia and the Republic of South Africa, The course is co-organized by the Defense, Economy chemical agents, decontaminate persons, passenger as well. It was one of last year’s course participants who and Interior Ministries. It is held in the Training and cars, and trucks, and control the efficiency of informed us of him opening a similar course in his Technical Institute of Civil Protection in Slovenska Lupča decontamination. They also trained the procedures motherland. As he mentioned, our supporting materials in the Horehronie region. Participants of this year’s applied in premises contaminated with chemicals and allowed him to put together 70 percent of the course. course came from Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, for evacuation of affected persons,” states Major There are several examples of this kind. On the other hand, Cyprus, the Republic of Korea, Moldavia, Mongolia, Toderiska. when performing practical assignments, we try to find out Nepal, the , Poland, Saudi Arabia, Serbia The course instructors were servicemembers of the from each participant what procedures are applied in their and Montenegro, , Zimbabwe, Uruguay, the Rožňava CBRN Protection Battalion, and the lecturers home countries. Some of their procedures, unusual at first United Kingdom, and Armenia. John Makhubalo, comprised people from the Defense Ministry, the sight, extend the scope of our knowledge. Last time it was representative of the OPCW Technical Secretariat, General Staff, and the Land Forces Headquarters. “It is the experience of an Uruguay participant,“ says Major appreciated the level of the courses and their benefit to a welcome opportunity for all of us to communicate in Oliver Toderiška. Each participant takes away from Slovakia many member states whose system of civil protection English all week long, and to perfect the conduct of not only his or her personal experience but also a DVD on has not been so developed, particularly with reference assignments in this language,“ emphasizes Captain which individual practical and theoretical assignements are to the consequences of chemical weapons. Tomáš Daňo from the Defense Ministry. recorded. Text and photo by Jozef ŽIAK

22 SLOVAKIA IN NATO “In fact, they started to perform the duties assigned to our company as soon as they arrived at the base. They guard the entrance gate to the base where physical search of entering and departing vehi- cles and persons is carried out. The mobile guard Slovaks help patrol drives round the internal periphery of the base, which is about 11 kilometers. If necessary, we con- currently provide for protection of the base and its advanced command post, and perform other tasks. When they told me that I was to command a compa- ny which is made up of 150 people and consists of extinguish sparks four national platoons, I wanted to take some time to think about it first. It is not easy to command a multi- Althaea was the mother of Meleager. At Meleager's birth, the Cruel Fates threw a log of wood on to national unit where every national element is used to Althaea's hearth fire, saying that Meleager would live as long as the log remained unconsumed by the fire. its own working procedures and habits. It was a great Althaea promptly grabbed the log and locked it in a chest, determined to have her son live as long as challenge for me, but I don’t regret my decision,“ possible. This is what the Greek myth says. Since then Althaea has been considered the Greek goddess of says the company commander. treatment. Nowadays under her name the European Union is curing Bosnia and Herzegovina from the This has been his third foreign mission. In 1999 former military fire, ensuring that no other fire will ignite in this hard-hit territory of the Western Balkans. he served in Bosnia, in the SFOR mission. Three years ago he had the possibility to cooperate with Slovak There are 35 Slovak soldiers taking part in the headquarters of the Task Force North, South-East and soldiers within KFOR in Kosovo. Such a multinational currently largest military operation employing partici- North-West are situated in the aforesaid Tuzla, as well guard unit, consisting of Austrian, Czech, Slovak and pation of the European Union through EUFOR. The as Mostar, and Banja Luka. Apart from these, the Estonian platoons, is a rarity on Tuzla Base. guard platoon commanded by Lieutenant Ján Balciar Headquarters of the Integrated Police Forces is locat- “Our cooperation with the Slovak soldiers is very joined the mission in January this year on Eagle Base ed in Sarajevo. good. I tested it during my mission in Kosovo. The near Tuzla, within the Headquarters of the Multina- combination of all four national features and qualities tional Task Force North. EUFOR consists of nearly 7 FOUR NATIONS IN ONE COMPANY has allowed us, step by step, to put together one of thousand servicemen from a total of 33 countries. The Slovak soldiers serve in the multinational the best operating companies in the entire base. In The main headquarters of the forces are located at guard company. Its commander, Czech Captain Michal summer I should pass the baton to the Slovak com- Camp Butmir, Sarajevo. The individual territorial Vorschneider, is satisfied with the work of our soldiers. pany commander,“ revealed Captain Vorschneider.

23 SLOVAKIA IN NATO Our soldiers have also been praised by the Aus- face, that it must be his destiny to start up new mis- trian Brigadier General Karl Pronhagl, who com- sions; first was the Cyprus mission five years ago, mands the EUFOR Multinational Task Force North and now it is Bosnia. The house where Warrant Offi- based in Tuzla. “The successful activity of a unit cer Sedlák lives has become a kind of a cultural cen- made up of four different armies demonstrates the ter for the entire unit. The official center is supposed success of international cooperation in ensuring to be the Slovak House situated in the vicinity of the peace in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as Czech one, which in fact is a clubhouse, but sol- well as creating an ever stronger feeling of security diers visit Warrant Officer Sedlák’s house every sin- and safety in the area in question,“ emphasized the gle day. General. He would like to welcome Slovak military There are a sufficient number of places on the policemen to the mission soon. base designed for jogging. Lovely woodlets are not lacking either. However, taking a shortcut or mush- FORGET MUSHROOM PICKING room picking is not recommended here. You can The Slovak soldiers are accommodated, similar- find warnings all around stating that the terrain is ly to the other company members, in comfortable not secure as ammunition and explosives can be and spacious wooden houses. Eagle Base, where in found there. total 14 national military contingents are deployed, Our contingent is made up of members of the features well-equipped sports fields. Self-Propelled Artillery Battalion from the town of The executive non-commissioned officer of the Michalovce. Lieutenant Radoslav Kušnír, Logistics contingent, Warrant Officer Peter Sedlák, often vis- Officer, is satisfied with the administrative issues of its the fitness center or goes out jogging. This is his the mission. Except for everyday communication second foreign mission. He says, with a smile on his with the Czechs, the official language on the base is

English. This is an area on which the next Slovak contingent must focus more during its preparation for the mission. The soldiers should master the basic terminology used when checking persons and vehi- cles. The officers are required to speak fluent English in directing the everyday life of our unit.

THIRD MISSION AND MORTAR FIRE Jozef Belušák is the most experienced of the soldiers. He spent one year in Eritrea, nine months in Iraq, and now is serving in Bosnia. Each of the mis- sions have given him something different. “Eritrea was the first one. I gained basic experi- ence. We underwent long-distance transfers in dif- ferent climates, including both sea and mountains.

24 SLOVAKIA IN NATO During these trips I witnessed true poverty. Initially I without any license plate (which is the general cus- that,“ Private Pavol Ihnatko describes the incident. was frightened of serving in Iraq. The fear faded tom in Bosnia) violently rushed into the parking His colleagues, namely Private Marek Mihalco and away gradually but I felt great respect. You get used area. shift leader Michal Valko, say that they were not to the fact that it is really important to follow all “Two guys approached me asking for permis- sure if it was some sort of trap system which could security regulations and commands - not because sion to park their car there. I informed the shift have been set off by remote control on a passing they’re written on paper, but because they could leader, Private Michal Valko. After a while I could see military vehicle from the base. help save your life. When you find yourself in a sim- the man opening the car trunk and carrying a mor- A couple of minutes later a military police patrol ilar situation, you speedily distinguish the very tar grenade in his hands. He just murmured some- and a Polish EOD team came. The technician took important from the insignificant. It is the experience thing about having found it, then he put it down out the detonator in a place near the gate which is from both missions combined with certain language and hared off. We speedily reported the issue, and designated for the placement of this kind of ammu- skills which have helped me a lot in the current mis- closed the gates and entrances. We asked the cab nition, and carried the mortar grenade away for dis- sion in Bosnia,“ says Private Jozef Belušák. drivers who have their stand near the entrance to posal. One day in March, it was early in the evening, vacate the premises. It was a minor shock for us, at about seven, just one hour before the Slovak shift despite the fact that many of us served in the engi- Jozef ŽIAK at the gate was over, when an older red Mercedes neer unit and knew what to do in the situations like Photo by Michal BURZA

25 SLOVAKIA IN NATO psychical comfort for the Czech and Slovak soldiers over the entire six months of their mission. The only difference is that each of us has his own way to do it,” comments on his cooperation with the Slovak clergyman the Czech psychologist, Major Jiří Světlý, who participated in the Kuwait mission. The physician, Physician of souls Captain Anton Bezák, remarks that the soldiers need to have someone besides their doctor, someone who will Colonel Marko Trochan had previous upon their return to the barracks - Marko and Michal listen to their personal problems and concerns. This is peacekeeping experience before leaving for the Stang, included. particularly true when they serve abroad, far from their Balkans. Four years ago he worked in hot Africa, They went through thick and thin as military homeland. participating in the UNMEE mission in Eritrea. He clergymen. They tried to find their way to the soldiers in “There are different simple reasons for which this visited soldiers both at the Red Sea and in the the compulsory military service, military professionals, person cannot be their commander, but someone who mountains similar, in terms of their altitude, to our their families and civilian staff of the department. They they can contact without being obliged to follow the Tatras. He did a lot of traveling, driving on good as pursued their mission not only on the occasion of the official procedure. Colonel Trochan succeeded in winning well as bad roads. He was exposed to temperatures well-known events such as military pilgrimages to many people’s favor as soon as he arrived, especially higher than forty degrees, as well as temperatures Lourdes or Levoča, or walking pilgrimages from Warsaw thanks to his easy-going behavior. To give an example, he approaching zero. Never ever had he fantasized to Censtochova, but also in everyday military life. This put up amusing posters throughout the base in which about such a tragedy as the one he experienced in refers to the training performed in the military training he made a bit fun of himself,” the doctor, who does not Kosovo, even in his nightmares... areas and the barracks, where many soldiers addressed miss a single church service, if professional duties do not the clergymen with their problems. As Marko says, these prevent him from doing so, says with a smile on his face. The plane crash and the death of soldiers with whom are the occasions when soldiers need them most. Besides he spent only a couple of days undoubtedly have left this, they successfully organized religious camps for kids. PATH TO CHRISTENING traces on all people in our contingent, whether or not The guitar of Colonel Trochan and his songs gave color A serviceman of the Czech Army, Staff Sergeant they have admitted it. Moreover, a colleague of Marko, to the evening parties in the camps. The kids did not Robert Hofman, gets along well with the Slovak military Vicar General Michal Stang, with whom he joined the have to twist his arms twice to get him to play football priest, too. “I met the military priest for the first time Army ten years ago, lost his life in the crash. with them. during the training in the Military Training Area Lince, and I met him again here in Kosovo. When there is a BEANPOLE IN A TANK COMMON GOAL clergyman nearby, it is easier for you to overcome your I still have a picture from the Martin barracks in my Colonel Trochan, together with the clergymen of the problems. A discussion with him makes you think clearly. mind – a tall man wearing a uniform was trying to get Irish, Finnish, Swedish and Czech contingents I want Marko to prepare me for my christening into the driver’s seat ready for driving a tank. In the end, celebrated a requiem mass for the crash victims in the ceremony. He is a very good man and I’m happy to have he managed to drive the tank on an off-road course chapel of the Czechoslovak base in Šajkovac. People do met him,” he comments on Colonel Marko Trochan. without any significant problems, as well as to perform not say it in vain that the physician of the body and that Many of our soldiers, including the Commander of day-time and night-time small arms firing. He coped with of the soul are always closely related. This is applicable 8th Slovak Contingent KFOR, Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel the “trip” to the nearby Martinské hole (Martin Hills) also in the case of this base. Kerekeš, share his opinion and agree on the importance organized by the then Land Forces Commander General “We found common ground in many areas very fast, of the role played by the military priest in a foreign Vestenický, who wanted to find out if the clergymen and not only because the chapel is in the same building military mission. were as tough as their colleagues/soldiers. They stood above the library which I’m in charge of. Simply, we both the “tough” test, though all of them were sick of the trip have the same target, namely to ensure the best Jozef ŽIAK

26 SLOVAKIA IN NATO depressed when thinking about the hate between the two nations. The most insignificant event which in other European countries would result maximally to a quarrel can here give rise to an uncontrollable act of armed violence,“ states the mother of two sons in a sad voice. The woman who To make the Slovak soldiers sufficiently ready to cope with potential unrest and violence, the squad of Staff Sergeant Durkotová, together with Irish soldiers and Italian carabinieri, participated in joint training in suppressing crowds. Contrary to the situation from two years ago, they are now appropriately equipped. commands men One of the reasons for Renata herself to come to Kosovo was to gain first-hand experience and test her ability to cope with stressful situations where she is When soldiers Koloman Pusztai and Ľubomír GRENADES IN YELLOW HOUSE responsible not only for her own actions but also for Domaracký, both members of the Reconnaissance “The mezzanines and the top of the Monument bear those of her subordinates. For the time being she’s doing Platoon of the Trebišov Tank Battalion, learned that tables with titles written in the Cyrillic alphabet. They talk well. Her commander, Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel their Kosovo commander would be a woman, they about the history of the region and an aforesaid battle Kerekeš, has expressed his satisfaction with the activities were not very happy. “We had mixed feelings at dating back to 1389. I have no problems in speaking performed by the only female commander of the first. Maybe the superiors anticipated problems, as Russian and so I explain to the soldiers, especially to the mechanized squad in the 8th Slovak Contingent of KFOR well, but nothing bad happened. Today I would not Americans, Germans, French, Italians, and Scandinavians in Kosovo. “She is reliable,“ he comments on her military exchange her for any other squad leader. She can what the Serbian inscriptions mean,” commented Staff activities. run over many guys both in experience and Sergeant Durkotová. She is concurrently a kind of a tour Jozef ŽIAK knowledge,” says Ľubomír about his commander, guide in Kosovo, though a special tour guide, since both Photo by Michal BURZA while being on duty at the Kosovo Field Battle the visitors and she wear Monument. uniforms. At present, the Monument The first foreign mission is a great challenge for Staff duty is quite tranquil. Sergeant Renáta Durkotová. In the past she served in the Problems occurred when the military units in Prešov and Michalovce. First, she was local Albanians burned off the assigned to the Engineer Battalion, and following its dried grass. Then the Slovak reorganization, she was re-assigned to the Self-Propelled intervention squad had to Artillery Battalion. intervene two or three times a day to prevent the fire from 118 STEPS reaching the sentinel’s post. “I’m happy that we have succeeded in finding common From the psychological ground with the guys from my squad. They’ve understood point of view, the duty served that a female commander does not automatically mean in the school center in Obilič is alleviation in the fulfillment of tasks. I would say it’s the very demanding for Renáta contrary. Maybe the most exhausting is the Monument and other soldiers of her duty, which is performed in six-day runs. During that time squad. “We stay eight hours in there are four Monument duties eight hours long plus four one place. We meet the same duties in Obilič. In this period the weather in Kosovo was people. We monitor their not nice at all. The worst of the duty was up there on the activity and guard against the Monument. The soldiers have to run 118 steep steps incidental presence of wanted where the duty on the “Eye“, i.e. the top of the suspects whose description Monument, awaits them. You can see perfectly from there and appearance is provided by the entire central basin, the capital of Pristina, and the the superior bodies of KFOR. surrounding snow-covered hills which separate Kosovo At present it is rather quiet, from Albania and Macedonia. Unfortunately, such an except for the last week when outstanding view is accompanied by a very strong wind we found two functional and cold. After four hours spent up there you are hand-grenades under the completely blown out. This forced us sometimes to yellow building. The duty was exchange the soldiers on duty more frequently,“ 29-year quite busy then. People old Renáta describes the Monument duty. unknowingly returned in their According to her, people always visit the Monument minds to the memories of our when the weather is a bit better. Especially KFOR soldiers predecessors participating in visit it. They are curious about the place which has been the mission two years ago, the reason for so many conflicts between the Serbians and when there had been conflicts the Albanians. It is the national place of pilgrimage for one between the Albanians and nation, while the other nation would be happy if it was the Serbians, and realized that wiped off the map - similarly as the adjacent buildings not much is needed for it to which some time ago formed part of the Monument . catch fire. I’m rather

27 SLOVAKIA IN NATO The worst Slovak military plane crash

On January 19, 2006, an An- 24 aircraft flying Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, NATO Secretary General, Armed Forces as well as the Ordinary of the Slovak from Pristina, Kosovo, to Košice hit the ground expressed his condolences on behalf of the entire Armed Forces Mons. František Rábek, said their near the Hungarian village of Hejce, just a couple Alliance. Besides other things he said: “Today is a very, farewells on behalf of the Defense Ministry. of miles from the Slovak borders. Those aboard very sad day for all of us. The untimely death of so On April 11, during his visit to Kosovo, Defense were the soldiers of 7th Slovak Contingent KFOR many young and promising people is also a great Minister Martin Fedor unveiled, in the premises of the and their commander, Lieutenant Colonel Luboš blow to us, to the Alliance. The Alliance is also a big base Šajkovac and KFOR HQ in Pristina, a memorial to Balúch, who were returning home from their family and we also grieve. Through this terrible the Slovak soldiers who died during the plane crash. mission. Members of the support team from the accident we have all lost men and women who did A memorial will soon be erected at the crash scene in Defense Ministry and the General Staff as well as their duty in the name of peace and progress, who the Hungarian village of Hejce, to commemorate the the General Vicar of the Armed Forces showed dedication and courage, and who paid the tragedy. Ordinariate, Lieutenant Colonel Michal Stang, ultimate price for doing so.“ were among the passengers, too. The then Defense Minister Juraj Liška, Lt Gen Jozef ŽIAK Ľubomír Bulík, Chief of the General Staff of the Slovak Photo by Michal BURZA 39 men and three women, including the air crew, lost their lives in the crash. Their hearts stopped beating just in front of the doors of their home country. They were survived by 37 orphans. Only one man, First Lieutenant Martin Farkaš, was rescued. Slovakia bade them farewell on January 26 in the sports hall in Prešov. All three state leaders, namely President Ivan Gašparovič, Parliament Chairman Pavol Hrušovský, and Prime Minister Mikuláš Dzurinda, as well as 11 government members, attended the farewell ceremony. NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, Hungarian President László Sólyom, Vice Chairman of the Czech Parliament Jan Kasal, the Defense Ministers from the Czech Republic and Hungary, Karel Kuhnl and Ferenc Juhász, as well as other guests were among the participants.

28 SLOVAKIA IN NATO the pilot, was considered the third cause for which the aircraft had hit the ground (24%). There is no remarkable difference in the opinion of the individual categories of population on the causes of the crash. A certain divergence is recorded in No impairment connection with this issue only with the university graduates category. The majority of them believe that the aircraft hit the ground as a consequence of the pilot’s error (34%). A relatively minimal number of them see the cause of the crash in the poor technical condition of the aircraft (31%). One of the poll questions was meant to find out the of credibility public’s opinion on the preferential purchase of a new aircraft for the Slovak Armed Forces, which would cost several 100 hundred million crowns. From the answers given by the respondents, it In early 2006 Slovakia and its Armed Forces of residents. The given change is not related to one’s follows that the Slovak general public is in favor of the experienced the biggest tragedy in their history. The age, education, social class or job. purchase of a new aircraft. Up to 55% agree with the crash of the AN 24 in Hungary was the This outcome is positive from the Armed Forces’ purchase in question, 36.3% resolutely support the an event which caused great distress to all Slovaks. and the Defense Ministry’s points of view. It is purchase, and 18.4% agree with the purchase but For the Defense Ministry and its management it was indicative of the fact that the trust of the Slovaks in suggest waiting because of the price. Only 35% of the important to know the opinion of the general public their Services is rather strong and in the event of a Slovaks are against the purchase of a new aircraft or on the event in question, and the extent of its impact critical situation, as the one associated with the air think that the situation should be resolved in a on the reputation, which was positive until then, and disaster, the inhabitants take the Armed Forces’ part. different manner and not by way of purchasing a new aircraft. Less than 10% of the respondents did not comment on this question (they did not answer it, they are not interested in it, etc.). The regular opinion poll carried out for the Defense Ministry by a recognized independent research agency has revealed that the Slovak general public regards its Armed Forces with favor, and it takes their side, and its position on the Armed Forces has undergone no significant change following the worst tragedy in the history of the Slovak Armed Forces since its formation in 1993.

Karol ČUKAN, Head of Analyses and Public Opinion Section, Communications Division, Slovak Defense Ministry the credibility of the Armed Forces. Poor technical condition of the aircraft was A representative opinion poll carried out after the regarded by the Slovaks as the most probable cause of crash in February 2006 has revealed that the Slovak the crash (40%). It was followed by an unfortunate general public continues to have confidence in the coincidence (32%). Human error, namely the failure of Armed Forces. Up to two thirds of the Slovak inhabitants declared their trust in the Forces. The share of those having no confidence in the Forces amounts to only 26%. The people with a higher education, creative specialists, and businessmen are those who most trust the most the armed forces. The respondents who trust the Armed Forces more than the others include the young people from 26 to 45 years of age. The air disaster of the military aircraft directly influenced not more than one tenth of the respondents. Only 9.4% of them stated that their trust had changed to mistrust following the crash, while 0.2% of them said that their opinion on the Slovak Armed Forces had changed after the crash from mistrust to trust. A closer look at the poll figures suggests that the position on the Forces changed equally in all categories

29 SLOVAKIA IN NATO World War II – Ivan Schwarz second from the left

The former war pilot, retired Major General Ivan Schwarz, is glad that Major General Jozef Dunaj, the former commander of the Slovak air forces, has become the new military attaché in the United Kingdom. It was he who, while holding his office, contributed to a great Great challenge extent to the fact that the air base in Presov was given the name of the first Czechoslovak commander of the 312th Czechoslovak fighter of the . Moreover, during Dunaj’s term in office the base in Sliac was named after another outstanding pilot personality of the Western Resistance Movement of the air forces – the for a vet legendary fighter, Major General . It was the first time that a Slovak, namely establish and maintain friendships,” remembers I. However, that disturbed those who wanted to fish in Bratislava-born retired Major General Ivan Schwarz, Schwarz, who succeeded in earning his professional life murky waters. I was a thorn in the side of Moscow who grew up in Bytca, became the president of the primarily as a merchant on an international scale. cooperators’. One day they took away, without my Free Pilots Union based in London. At Before becoming a trader, this gentleman spent 1,200 knowing it, my telexes from the secretariat, where also the same time, he has set an important task for flying hours in combat missions in the United Kingdom as secret messages used to arrive. When I asked the security himself: a member of the Czechoslovak combat wing and officer for the reason, he answered that neither I nor the “I would like to reconstruct Czechoslovak house, altogether spent about 4,000 hours in the air. He came department under my management were trustworthy. whose purchase in London for the needs of the back home in 1945 but the political situation made him When I heard the word ‘not trustworthy’, I said to myself Czechoslovak legionaries was initiated as early as return to Britain soon. Why? He remembers that upon his – that is enough!” I immediately started to arrange my during by the first president of arrival in Prague he was placed in charge of providing for return to Britain. In late 1946 I was back in the British Isles, Czechoslovakia Tomas Garique Masaryk, his successor military air connections abroad. After a couple of months where I was naturalized in a few days. I wasn’t interested Eduard Benes, and the third co-founder of he was entrusted with all flight schools and in politics at all. What I’m interested in, is my work, which Czechoslovakia, Milan Rastislav Stefanik - a Slovak warehouses left behind by the Germans. As a First is enough for me. If I can’t help, I do no harm to anybody. wearing the uniform of a French General.” Lieutenant he carried out the work of a Major General. This is the motto of my life. Therefore, I moved to a place Can you imagine that he had a chauffeur-driven Mercedes where I was allowed to exercise my skills.” “The London house was a great place for us during the and an aircraft at his disposal? He speedily understood Ivan Schwarz made the right choice because the entire post-war period. It was the place of meetings, how deeply the influence of the Communist party had majority of his colleagues from the West Front who compatriots’ balls, , and other club activities which helped soaked into the army. He says: “I wanted to install a new remained in Czechoslovakia after the communist coup in us a lot to overcome separation from the homeland and transparent system, like the one that we had in England. 1948 were kept in prison, degraded, dismissed from the

30 SLOVAKIA IN NATO military service, and otherwise bullied by the new power. In Britain, he seized his opportunity. Although at the beginning he scraped for a living and ate watery vegetable soups and bread, his energy and gift for business grew every day. Besides other things, he became the executive sales representative of successful British companies delivering machinery to Central and Eastern Europe. “I negotiated the sale of connectors for the Slovak nuclear plants Jaslovske Bohunice and Mochovce, and I also cooperated with Hydrostav and Doprastav,” says without hesitationthe former war pilot, who currently only flies in airliners as a passenger - very frequently, though. He flies particularly to Bratislava, Prague and Sofia, where the majority of his business activities are performed. So, what is the story of Czechoslovakia house? Here is the answer of I. Schwarz: The building is situated on very pleasant grounds. Unfortunately, it does not meet certain safety parameters anymore, besides other things. The Wedding at second sight company that operates it on a lease basis runs a nice restaurant there, but it cannot provide accommodation Love at first and wedding at second sight – this is one of during the summer for its departure to Prague. “We were services because of the aforesaid safety regulations. the principal stories from the life of a vet of the Western waiting for transit at the Manstone base when the guard Resistance Movement, Major General Mikulas Grofcik. What Simply, a complete reconstruction of the building or its notified me of a visit. I didn’t expect anyone. It was her - was the story? He served in the 212th Czechoslovak wing Margaret. We were seeing each other for the second time in makeover is inevitable,” adds the vet who has devoted all which since 1942was flying in the formation of the British our lives. She had been granted permission to come to say his life to business, while club life was rather marginal for Royal Air Force. He was responsible for the operation of new good bye to me. She was sad. I wasn’t very happy either, we him. But now, when he has taken the office of the and strictly confidential radar equipment in all aircrafts of the fell head over heals in love at first sight. I proposed to her, chairman of the Free Czechoslovakia Pilots Union and fighter wing. “, member of the exile and she accepted. I immediately started to chase down the works also with the Czechoslovak Community of government, arrived at the airport where we served at that wedding permits with the commanders. She found Legionaries, he knows as a businessman that something time. After all the formalities a dance party in a hall adapted accommodation in the town near the base and the next needs to be done with the spiritual center of Czechs and for social events followed. Then I heard a female voice which morning, when they let me visit her for a couple of hours, the Slovaks in London. “I can imagine that after complete was familiar to me. We were already at the airport for two we got married in the city hall in the presence of two reconstruction more than two hundred studio flats can be months and I got to know that nice voice when testing the witnesses – my friends. As regards the wedding night, I radar set-up in the air – it was the voice which instructed me built there...” he states. When we asked him whom they could only dream of it for several months as we speedily from the control tower. So I invited her to dance and that arrived in Czechoslovakia. My wife reached me no earlier would be designed for, he explains: “A number of was the beginning of the story...” After a while Mikulas than in November 1945, and in February 1948 we managed countries, including those of the post-socialist bloc, have Grofcik had to go back to the aircraft as they were supposed to escape to Britain, just in time.” Well, what is the end of their community centers in London. They provide different to move to another airport the next day. They started to this story? The retired Major General Mikulas Grofcik smiles services, starting from advisory and ending with exchange letters. “When my friends noticed the frequency of slightly and adds: “She has always been a proud English accommodation. Do you know how helpful it is abroad the letters, they began to tease me that I was tying the woman and I’ve been a proud Slovak man until now. Despite when there are people around you who can give you a knot,” smiles the nearly 90 years old man when looking at this fact, we’ve been able to carry it in harmony and live hand, when the accommodation costs you less that the the picture, from more than 60 years ago, of his wife together in the London borough of Greenwich up to the usual price in the town, and when you don’t feel wearing a military uniform. present time.” abandoned? When I think of the literally thousands of When the war was over, the wing was getting ready young people from the Czech Republic and Slovakia who work in London and its surroundings, I’m convinced that this should be something which will bring them together.” Ivan Schwarz wants to give original texture to Czechoslovak house. Even if it is not used by the Slovak legionaries living in Britain whose number has been reduced to five, his objective is big-hearted without a doubt. Yet, considering the fact that this good-humored and energetic man made his living as a businessman, save for the war period, it is obvious that his objective is also sensible in economic terms. He is going to discuss his plan intensively with the Slovak and the Czech ambassadors in London. The man to whom the president of the Slovak Republic Ivan Gasparovic last year awarded, on the anniversary of the end of war, the White Double Cross State Decoration Class III for merits in anti-fascist combat during World War II and for merits in favour of the Slovak Republic, simply faces another great challenge. Text and photo by Pavol VITKO

31 SLOVAKIA IN NATO Three documents

“The Slovak armed forces have completed the currently lives in the USA and could not attend the say goodbye will remain one of my most valuable process of their professionalization and one of their premiere. souvenirs.” crucial tasks for the present time is to participate in Ivan Simko, member of the Slovak Parliament and ex- peacekeeping missions and military operations. OPINION POLL INSTEAD OF CRITICAL REVIEW Minister of Defense: “It was very impressive and I’m happy Therefore, it is important that our citizens understand Lieutenant Colonel Jan Durmis, Commander of military that when talking about their motivation to participate in these tasks. There is no doubt that the projected films training area Lest, in 2002 through 2003 the First the missions, it was not the money that came uppermost to can help in this process,” said Slovak Defense Minister Commander of the Slovak contingent in Afghanistan: “I their mind but it was professionalism, patriotism, and desire Martin Fedor after the premiere of three documents went back in my mind to the places where we unpacked our to be of help in the regions where human misfortune still about the Slovak soldiers operating in Iraq, Kosovo first camp, accompanied by the dust, heat, and wind. You predominates.” and Afghanistan. The ceremonial showing of the films, can’t forget it – it is the friendship, it is the adrenaline, and Stefan Jangl, director of the Security Office of the Slovak made in co-production of the Defense Ministry and TV a piece of life with thorough work left behind. Therefore, Defense Ministry, ex-Commander of the Slovak contingent Markiza, took place in February in the Bratislava-based I’m happy to find someone who started to document the of the UNTAES mission in Croatia: “With regard to the fact Theater West. work in the missions on such a professional level.” that I still consider myself an expert in the area of mine Lieutenant Colonel John R. Walace, the USA defense clearance and engineering works, I personally appreciate The document on Kosovo had already beforehand attaché in Slovakia: “The films have positively left a good the major focus on the expert activities. Yet, the films fairly experienced its TV premiere. We must say – unfortunately. It impression on me and it would be fine if every Slovak present to the general public the life of the people was exceptionally broadcast by TV Markiza, which records watched them. They provide a very good picture of the participating in the missions. There is very much a human the highest audience rate, on January 23, 2005 at 07.20pm, missions where the Slovak soldiers operate. They talk about element involved, which is a good thing.” after the tragedy of the Slovak soldiers on their return from how demanding and often dangerous such work is, and at Dagmar Bolova, member of the Slovak Parliament: the KFOR mission. It was the program which attracted the the same time about how important their mission is.” “Among other things I realized that we are sometimes most TV viewers at the given time. “Being aware of respect Lieutenant General Lubomir Bulik, Chief of General Staff unable to be proud of our homeland. The soldiers whom we and esteem for the tragedy that had occurred, it was of the Slovak Armed Forces: “I’m really pleasantly surprised have seen on the screen showed us that pride.” evident even in such sad moments how important it was to as all three films inform people and the staff of the Defense Martin Nikodym, actor, anchorman of the projection document the operation of our soldiers in the missions, and Department on what the role of the professional soldier in evening: “I appreciate a lot that the people from the to provide the general public with information about their the mission is. We’ve accomplished a great thing and my Defense Department entrusted the project to really top film- lives,” observes the director of the Communication message for the authors of the idea and the entire project is makers, as these three skillful guys did a truly professional Department of the Slovak Ministry of Defense, Maros that their work deserves admiration. Concurrently, I believe job. I confess, the films captured me even if I’m not Kemeny, who was the project coordinator. that the films will enable us to address other people interested in the military issues.” Two of the three project authors were present at Theater interested in joining the armed forces.” Eva Jassova, psychologist, Institute of Political Sciences of West. Marek Vitek (on the right) worked for the prestigious Martina Sindlerova, singer, placed second in the Slovak the Slovak Academy of Sciences: “I admire the authors and Czech magazine Reflex, TV Nova and Czech TV. He was Superstar competition: “The films impressed me with their the way they succeeded in bringing so many emotions in awarded prizes for his documentary work in the Czech authenticity. It was as if the soldiers were not talking on the documentary procedures, tinged it with beautiful music, Republic, the USA, and Monaco. Radan Sprongl (in the camera but to their friends or family. No pretense or pose, and shot outstanding scenes. At some points it seemed that middle), who focuses on military conflicts all around the but trustworthiness. The thing that makes me very sad is the films approached the boundaries of works of art rather world, has experienced similar success. The trio of reporters that many of the soldiers whom I sang for in December in than of documents. associated in the organization A-News was complemented Kosovo are not alive anymore. The teddy bear wearing Pavol VITKO by Martin Rajec, a renowned Slovak TV journalist, who camos with the symbol of KFOR which they gave to me to Photo by Michal BURZA

32 SLOVAKIA IN NATO Transformation of military sports

had to dismiss twelve employees in total. As the The transformation process undergone by the staff cut did not affect the sports sub- defense department has had an effect on military department, the training of our recruits could sports as well. We discussed the changes with the continue without any interruption. senior responsible person – director of the Military Sports Center in Banska Bystrica, Pead Dr. Lubomir How will military sports benefit from the Roska. aforesaid process?

Mr. director, the transformation resulted in a merger of The center in Banska Bystrica will two military sports clubs in one budget-funded organiza- provide organizational, planning, tion – the Military Sports Center based in Banska Bystrica. financial, material, service, What was the overall objective pursued by the defense methodological, and control activities for the department through the process in question? benefit of not only the sports clubs in Banska Bystrica and Trencin but also of the detached Dukla The Military Sports Center (MSC) Dukla Banska sports teams in Liptovsky Mikulas, Lucenec, Bratislava Bystrica was formed by renaming the Army Sports Club and Zilina. It means fewer clerks and more money for (ASC) Dukla Banska Bystrica and merging with the ASC sports. Dukla Trencin. The primary aim of the transformation process was to simplify and make more effective the Could you evaluate the results of the MSC since its for- eight top-level military sportsmen in total. We can pride management in the field of sports, and to provide for a mation, i.e. since January 1, 2006? ourselves for example on the second best result achieved gradual reduction in the number of staff. Upon the by army sportsmen at the Winter Olympic Games in the establishment of the MSC, the command and We fulfilled the core tasks particularly during the history of independent Slovakia. The mentioned success management of the top-level sports within the department Winter Olympic Games, European Championship in was achieved by Master Sergeant Marek Matiasko, became uniform. The top-level military sports still remain in biathlon and weightlifting, Indoor European Championship biathlon representative, when he ranked fifth in the Banska Bystrica and Trencin but now they are under the in sport shooting and athletics, CISM World Championship endurance race. As regards our other achievements, we umbrella of one budget-funded organization. Naturally, in skiing and biathlon, Slovak Championship in wrestling or can mention the ranking of Warrant Officer Jozef Gonci at following the merger certain duplicity functions proved to sport shooting. This year’s Olympics were attended by the Indoor European Championship in Moscow. He took be redundant and subsequently had to be cancelled. We 4th place, missing a medal by only 0.5 score. Generally, I regard the first quarter of this year as successful, and I can say that the Military Sports Center Dukla Banska Bystrica has the potential to follow up the success of Slovak military sports also in the future. Interview by Vladislav VAVRINEC

ABOUT THE OPERATION OF MSC

There are 34 coaches and 89 military top-level sportsmen (of whom, 54 professional and 19 contracted sportsmen) operating in the MSC Banska Bystrica. The service, as the responsibility of MEDALS OF MILITARY SPORTSMEN IN 2005 the sports management division (sports secretaries and sub-department of health, diagnostic and recovery care), is provided by 17 people in total. The MSC allows the sportsmen to train primarily the following sports: athletics, biathlon, judo, modern pentathlon, parachuting, sport shooting, water slalom, wrestling, weightlifting, canoeing, cycling. Other sports include karate, bodybuilding, downhill skiing, swimming, water motoring, and white water rafting.

33 Obrana 4/2006 Military Center for Lung and Respiratory Disorders “The decision to receive an international quality sary, which we celebrate this year, will be remembered by lar civilian establishments. Yet we need to add that about certificate from the hands of a renowned foreign com- way of the international scientific conference of military two and a half thousand hospitalized patients are treated pany has emerged from the presumption that after internists,” MUDr. Pijak stated. in the MCLRD every year. The medical center is a contract- the transformation we will be providing services to Nova Polianka was awarded the quality certificate ISO ing partner of all health insurance companies, while the both Slovak and foreign partners,” says the chief 9001 – 2000 in late 2005 by the auditing company BVQI majority of the patients are clients of Spolocna zdravotna physician of the Military Center for Lung and Respira- London-Paris. “At that time there were only five medical poistovna, where the absolute majority of soldiers are tory Disorders (MCLRD) in Nova Polianka, MUDr. centers in Slovakia holding such a certificate, and the insured, too. Stanislav Pijak. Hospital of the Defense Ministry in Bratislava was one of Recently, we have succeeded in furnishing the MCLRD them,” says with satisfaction the chief physician, who has with new diagnostic and medical devices, as well as with On February 7, following the transformation from an been a member of the mountain rescue team for a long state-of-the-art communication and computer technology. organization receiving contributions from the Defense Min- time. When we asked him what the certification process They develop both scientific and pedagogic activity. The istry, the MCLRD in Nova Polianka became a part of actually consists of, he explained: “In fact, it is the imple- door is open within the postgraduate study to experts spe- Vojenske zdravotnicke zariadenia a.s. (Military Medical Cen- mentation and observance of a set of measures and proce- cialized in pneumology, allergology, or immunology. Future ters). The members of this joint stock company, where a dures that standardize the activity performed by the med- nurses and physicians are trained as interns here. The qual- 100% share is held by the state, include the Military Spa ical center and bring it in line with international rules. They ity of the medical center has increased, which was one of Institute Piestany and the Military Climatic Spa Tatranske concurrently minimize the chance of medical, economic or the reasons for its being referred to as “highly specialized”. Matliare, whose part is the Military Sanatorium in Tatranske work-related failures. It includes everything from patient Stanislav Pijak, who was furloughed last year, while Zruby. We can add that the establishments referred to care to the storage of drugs. If we did not hold this certifi- holding the rank of colonel, to a reserve after a 35-year above are also open to civilians and foreigners. cate, the foreign partners wouldn’t even talk to us.” service, became the chief of Nova Polianka in 1986. He Let’s now go back to Nova Polianka. The cornerstone of The level of the system of standardized procedures, acted in the capacity of director until the transformation of the military center situated in the High Tatra mountains control and efficiency in Nova Polianka was also very high the center. He will endeavor, in the capacity of chief physi- dates back to 1949. Tuberculosis was not a rare disease at before, and the auditing company had no reason for mak- cian, to maintain the reputation of the center as a top qual- that time. There were 238 people per 100 thousand inhab- ing radical changes in their work. Actually, the combina- ity domestic workplace, and to win prestige on an interna- itants suffering from it. The situation with soldiers was bet- tion of professionalism, discipline and economic parame- tional scale. He wishes the same to all his colleagues from ter (100 people), though many of them brought respirato- ters in other military centers is a standard. “We have 111 the newly established state-owned joint stock company, ry disorders home from the war. At the same time, the army employees, all staff included, for 172 beds,” enumerates Vojenske zdravotnicke zariadenia. wished to take major care of the soldiers’ health. “Our the director. When we do the math, there are “three quar- medical center was opened in 1956 and the 50th anniver- ters” of an employee per bed. It is usually double in simi- Pavol VITKO

34 SLOVAKIA IN NATO Slovaks in missions

This year the Slovak Republic strengthened the KFOR peacekeeping operation under NATO command in Kosovo by thirty servicemembers, and set up a new peace mission ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A new observer mission of the European Union has been launched in Sudan, where two servicemen of the Slovak Armed Forces have been posted since May 16, 2006.

SLOVAK ARMED FORCES MEMBERS IN PEACE SUPPORT OPERATIONS (JUNE 2006) Mission Country No.

Peace Support Operations Under NATO Command KFOR Kosovo 132 ISAF Afghanistan 54

Operations of Coalition Forces Iraqi Freedom Iraq 104

UN Peacekeeping Missions UNFICYP Cyprus 196 UNDOF Golan Heights 95

EU Peacekeeping Missions ALTHEA Bosnia and Herzegovina 39

HQ and Observers NATO HQ Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina 4 UNTSO Observer Mission Syria 2 NTM-I HQ IRAQ 5 EUMM Monitoring Mission Territory of the Former Yugoslavia 2 ALTHEA Bosnia and Herzegovina 4 AMIS II. Sudan 2

Total 639

35 SLOVAKIA IN NATO