July 2014 / issue 03 overview
EDITORIAL Dear readers, P i A airs e ie PA F AF P tavr s A whole year almost passed since the change of our A edia nit rin Ana sis A e r i s P t ra er Ad in A F e r i s magazine and we have delightedly reached the third issue of the NRDC-GR Herald. Our initial, as well as constant, ni ati n n r ati n e ambition is to be the Herald views, opinions and enquires e ai in a r r nat int e ai nd r a ai unfolded among the NRDC-GR staff and not only. nrd r e anne t e ser nrd ree e Our Magazine constitutes a multinational forum where not only official stances are conveyed but also anyone can editorial address to a wide audience his views and researches over - s ommander s Address p 01 several military, historical, sociological, cultural and other issues of common interest. You are invited to contact us for special guests any further collaboration you want. We are open to all! ommander A isit to - - tatement p 02 ommander isit to - - ntervie p 05 What is more, the PAO has made a remarkable attempt Never Again: Illusions and Realities - Alexandros P. Mallias p.10 at ameliorating the public image of the Headquarters; this newsletter magazine has in fact began being distributed in articles a greater number of recipients within Greece as well as to New Chief of Staff in NRDC-GR p.14 foreign receivers, which currently include NATO Headquar- Exercise Gordian Bonus I/2014 (GOBS I/14) p.15 ters and other organizations in more than15 nations. If we The Role of Legal Advisor in Operational Planning Process p.17 Terrorism Considerations in the 21st Century Security Environment p 1 have achieved in doing so, it is up to you to comment on it. ombat tress p 22 - hange of ommand p 2 Of course, this change has not only affected the print- Web-Based Training p.29 G8 Branch “Let us introduce ourselves” p.31 ed media related to the NRDC-GR. The website upgrade (www.nrdc.gr), the recent NRDC-GR YouTube channel and seminars - conferences NRDC-GR/Flickr are possibly the reasons which have result- Operations Assessment Seminar 2014 p.32 ed in the increase in its internet traffic, an increase of more Logistics Report Training p.33 than 50% in a daily basis. Operational Planning Seminar p.34 Public Affairs Seminar p.35 Legal Conference p.36 As always, the Public Affairs Office would like to ex- Affiliation Conference 2014 p.37 press its gratitude to our readers for their input and sup- Main Planning Group (MPG) Training Seminar p.38 port. We value your contributions, criticisms, and praises Gordian Pike 2014 (GOPE 14) p.39 ADAMS Training Course p.40 in our goal of informing you on the latest developments at Pre- Deployment Training p.41 NDRC – GR Headquarters.
comunity relations I hope you all have a great summer, with time and re- NRDC-GR Visits Affiliated Units p.44 laxation to think and regain strength, so you will have the Hellenic National Defence College (HNDC) Visit to NRDC-GR p.45 ability to move towards all the expected and unexpected NATO NIFC SPRC Visit to NRDC-GR p.46 Visit of the Alternate Minister of National Defense of Greece p.47 future challenges. ommander of 1st Turkish Army visit to NRDC-GR p.48 Bulgarian Flag Raising Ceremony p.49 Best wishes, Hellenic Flag Raising Ceremony p.50 Stavros SIDIROPOULOS Italian Republic Day Ceremony p.51 OF-5 (HAF) Romanian Flag Raising ceremony p.52 Chief PAO/StratCom Advisor EDITORIAL COM NRDC-GR HQs Lieutenant General LEONTARIS Ilias
L at the histor of - and following the Alliance’s steps, HQ Secondary Training Audience. from its humble beginnings to here - has started its upgrade to a On the verge of Gordian Knot 2014 we are today, it is clear to me that this High Readiness (Land) HQ, demonstrat- and ith our minds set on the upgrade organization will continue to play - apiv ing the consistence of both the Frame- e are more determined than ever e otal role ithin the raduated eadiness work and Contributing Nations, to the all must continue our efforts to move for- Forces (Land) community. Since the first NATO Level of Ambition to confront the ward by streamlining our procedures in steps of building up this - future challenges. all domains appl ing in parallel the rel- has evolved immensel and has estab- Framework Nation’s decision to up- evant lessons identified and core docu- lished a good reputation among the rel- grade the as the trigger for - ments refinement in order to consolidate evant AT s GR to make the “HRF HQ project” hap- the HRF status by the end of 2014, thus As the current Commander I will con- pen. Being involved in the NRF domain creating the desirable conditions for a tinue to build upon the visions of my pre- for 3 years, the HQ has started its reori- successful evaluation in 2015. decessors and the groundbreaking work, entation back to the “war fighting mind- hile e set the ground for the - which this organization has carried out set”, challenged by the new ambitious VAL in 2015, our mind is on our next task over the past 13 years. task. as Joint Task Force HQ as it is foreseen in ntering the post A era AT is The initiated transformation in all the Long Term Rotation Plan. We need to seeking its new role on the global chess- domains has been supported b vari- enhance our coordination and coopera- board and decided a more functional ous training activities combined with a tion with NCS and NFS HQs, to conduct new structure aiming towards “NATO lot of staff work with regard to the core our transition in a smooth and timely Forces 2020”. A number of relevant ac- documents revision and refinement to manner tions have been launched like the “Con- reflect the changes deriving from the The quality and dedication of our staff nected Forces Initiative”, the “Mutual ne status along with the support of the framework Training Support” and the “Joint Task Our main focus for 2014 is the exer- and the participating nations and above Force Headquarters” concept, which add cise Gordian Knot 14, nested in LAND- all, our ambition and aspiration to move more burdens on our shoulders COM exercise Trident Lance 14. NRDC- forward pledge the continuation of our Facing the multi-complex and rapid- GR will deploy and exercise as a Corp successful past. ly changing global security environment level HQ in its own location, acting as 01 s ecial uests
COM LANDCOM Lt Gen Frederick Ben Hodges Visit to NRDC-GR
n une 0th 2014 the ommander bilities and way ahead of NRDC-GR fol- GORDIAN KNOT-14 with LANDCOM. of and ommand A lowed by a discussion on the upcoming Later on, General Hodges, accompa- ieutenant eneral rederic en - common exercise with LANDCOM and nied by COM NRDC-GR, was transferred ES paid an official visit to NRDC-GR HQ. NATO issues. to Roupel Fortress, at the northern bor- The Hellenic Chief of Defense General The COM LANDCOM during the dis- der of Greece, one of the most historical Mikhail KOSTARAKOS welcomed the COM cussion highlighted the following: and significant military installations, built LANDCOM in an official dinner hosted by The quality of NRDC-GR HQ’s person- in 1914. COM NRDC-GR Lieutenant General Ilias nel During his tour to Roupel, the Gen- LEONTARIS in his residence on 29th of His commitment to the effort to in- eral received wide briefings in each part June. clude USA personnel in the manning of the fortress installations regarding An official welcome ceremony took of NRDC-GR the significant role that “Metaxas Line” place in NRDC-GR HQ premises on 30th The significant improvement achieved played during WWII defensive operations of June followed by an office call by COM by NRDC-GR for the HRF upgrade. by the Hellenic Army. His appreciation for the contribution NRDC-GR HQ. A briefing delivered to the A short statement of COM LANDCOM and positive stance of NRDC-GR during distinguished visitor in the HQ’s main given to NRDC-GR public affairs team the collaborative Crisis Response Plan- planning conference room “Alexander concluded the visit. the Great” for the history, mission, capa- ning for the exercise TRIDENT LANCE/ 2 s ecial uests
and NCOs to get the experience serving here, to learn the culture, to build rela- tionships with the officers and - under stand the Greek army as well as the other parts of NRDC Greece. The next thing I want to say is how im- pressed I am with the story of the soldiers here at the fortification of Roupel. Amaz- ing vision by the leader of Greece to de- velop the “Metaxas Line”, the work that was done by soldiers without modern en- gineering equipment, by hand to build this fortification is an incredible accom- plishment and then the determination of the soldiers to fight here to accomplish their mission against ,really, significant odds to be as successful as they were. It is very impressive and I think that the way that Greece has preserved this location is The statement important for Greeks to come here and pay their respect and to learn from the example here. Sir, with your visit to NRDC-GR in conference that is in October in Thessa- Thessaloniki, concluded today’s short loniki. I am very excited about the progress that Allied LAND COMMAND, our HQ in tour in this historical fortress at the north So, it is a very busy HQ delivering Izmir has made over the past two years. more than the small numbers will indi- borders of Greece that played a signifi- We achieved our IOC, initial operational cate what you will expect and in a very cant role in the evolution of WWII, could capability, two months early back in the progressive way which is also impressive you tell us a few words about what is the to me. And I really attribute this not only TAKE AWAY for this visit in NRDC-GR HQ to the talented people in the HQ but the and furthermore, which are your future positive leadership of General Leontar- perspectives for LANDCOM in this chal- is. I believe almost any problem can be lenging global environment? solved with positive leadership and that is what he has. First I had a great visit today with the HQ and staff of NRDC GREECE. I am so I am also very happy that the core HQ impressed with the positive a tude, the attacking the challenges of interoperabil- work ethic and the direction that Gener- ity for communications, it is a very diffi- al LEONTARIS has the whole HQ moving. cult challenge and this corps I think has This is a very important year and as the made a lot of progress in that regard. next year will be for NRDC Greece. What I So my biggest take away for the visit is am convinced is that NRDC GREECE is not that you got the right spirit here, the right afraid of the challenge and definitely is ethos and the right leadership, that’s go- not afraid of the hard work. ing to help this core HQ continue to ma- You are on the path to be a principle ture and I am very confident that it will training audience during Exercise Tri- achieve high readiness certification in dent Lance 2014 where there you will be May of next year. one of the cores along with LANDCOM in I also, as a US Army officer, am very in- December and then of course you are on terested and committed to seeing Amer- a path to achieve high readiness certifica- ican officers and NCOs come to this HQ. tion in May of next year and also this HQ,I I think it could be helpful for American am very excited, will be the host sight for officers to get to serve here, that will be the next LANDCOM Corps commander’s also very helpful for American officers 3 s ecial uests
fall of 2013. We are on track to achieve full oper- ational capability, FOC, in December of this year. The manning situation is very good we are at 80 now ahead of schedule. Greece in particular has filled every position in its HQ and the quality of the Greek officers in our HQ is outstanding. Brigadier Demestihas has been part of the HQ from the very beginning and has been an exceptional talented officer who’s been very important in our foundation. We are going to lose him this summer, I will be very sad to see him leave but all of the officers and NCOs that Greece has provided to Allied Land Com- mand have been that sort of talent. So, I am very happy about the future, the progress that we have made. We have an eval- uation in December, of course, Trident Lance, NRDC- Greece will be an important part of that exercise. I am very proud about the fact that our HQ has earned legitimacy and credibili- ty amongst all of the nine Corps that make up the NATO Force Structure as well as for the land forces of all the different Nations and NATO that have land forces. I am very happy to see the progress that has been made in terms of improved interoperabil- ity but I have also learned that we have a long way to go. Our HQ exists to make sure that land forces of all NATO countries and our partners can be effective and interoperable and can be contribute as part of contingency forces for the Alliance. So, when I look at and I see a Greek soldier I see a NATO soldier, when I see a Bulgarian sol- dier I see a NATO soldier, when I see a German soldier I see a NATO soldier, when I see a Turkish soldier I see a NATO soldier and when I see an American soldier I see a NATO soldier. And that’s what our HQ is all about. Thank you Sir.
Georgios THEODOROU OR-9 (HE A) SA1 Monitoring Analysis NRDC-GR/PAO 4 s ecial uests COMKFOR Visit to NRDC-GR C ommander KFOR (COMKFOR) Ma- jor General Salvatore FARINA visited NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Greece Headquarters (NRDC-GR HQ) during his official presence in Thessaloniki on June 2, 2014. The distinguished visitor had a courte- sy meeting with the Commander NRDC- GR Lieutenant General Ilias LEONTA- RIS, where they had the opportunity to discuss the current situation in Kosovo, agreeing for the importance of KFOR mission. During the visit the Major General re- ceived a detailed brief on the structure, mission and training activities of the HQ. In the context of a better understanding of NATO presence in Kosovo, General FA- RINA delivered a detailed briefing about KFOR mission and future developments. Major General Salvatore FARINA had the opportunity to meet with the Italian contingent in NRDC-GR HQ in a separate meeting, expressed his best wishes for the 2nd of June, a day that the consti- tutional referendum was held in Italy in 1946, a key event of the Italian contem- porary history. “Focus on KFOR”, Major General Salvatore FARINA was interviewed by NRDC-GR PAO and in a comprehensive approach materialized the last develop- ments in the KFOR towards the future. In a special reference the General stressed out the outstanding professionalism and commitment of the Greek soldiers from the beginning of the mission. Before his departure COMKFOR ex- pressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality as well as his confidence that NRDC-GR has the capabilities to accom- plish its mission, highlighted the pro- fessionalism of both Hellenic and Allied personnel. The visit was concluded with a commemorative family photo in the main entrance of the Headquarters.
5 s ecial uests A comprehensive approach by the COM KFOR Major General Salvatore FARINA (Under KFOR/PAO & NRDC-GR/PAO Coordination)
esti n in e t e e innin 21 troops composing 3 Liaison Mon- immediately think of Athens or Sparta: t e erati n ree e as r vided s itoring Team deployed in Kosovo North but if you’re in KFOR the most important rt t F in ter s tr s e i area that is the main focus of KFOR Mis- Greek city is Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki is ent and isti a s rt sion. home to one of the largest ports in Eu- t ere in essa ni i as a read The LMT’s operate in 3 of the most rope with over 6.5 Km of quayside and een a r ia isti a area sensitive municipalities located in the it is the Point of embarkation and debar- t in t at t re st re F d North namely LEPOSAVIC, VECAN and kation for most of KFOR’s major equip- di s et in in t e s rt r SHALA VALLEY a Kosovo Albanian town ment. vided r t e F itse at is t e near the MITROVICA North Municipal- Camp KODRA, located in Thessaloniki, rrent ree ntri ti n t F ity. The LMT main task is to contribute to Greece, is the home to the Sea Port Op- Greece has been a NATO troop con- KFOR’s “Situational awareness”, and col- erations Unit located at Communications tributing Nation to KFOR since the very lect open information through a liaison one South (COMM S). This Unit is un- beginning of the Mission in 1999. The activity with the International organiza- der the command of the Joint Logistics current overall Greece contribution to tions, local institutions and population. I Support Group (JLSG), HQ KFOR and be- KFOR is 123 troops. personally consider the Greek soldiers as came a NATO base in 1972 when it com- 90 soldiers of the Security Company an example of outstanding professional- menced operations as an Advance Com- guarding Camp Film City in Pristina; ism and commitment. mand Post to support NATO operations 4 Staff Officers within the KFOR HQ; When thinking of Greece, one will in the Balkans. In 1999 KFOR troops were first deployed to Kosovo through Thes- 6 s ecial uests saloniki and thus began the association between KFOR and Camp KODRA. The Mission of this Sea Port Opera- tions Unit is to co-ordinate the reception, staging and movement of KFOR con- tingents and their equipment through Thessaloniki, be that by Air or by Sea. Camp KODRA is ideally placed, situ- ated half way between the Airport and the Seaport. The Camp sits at the end of a new bypass of Thessaloniki City and access is quick and easy to both the Air- port and the Seaport. COMM (S) does not maintain a staging facility at either the Airport or the Seaport. However, due to the close liaison and cooperation be- tween COMM (S) and the local authori- ties, certain areas are ear marked for KFOR use. Most recently COMM (S) assisted with the repatriation of the Moroc- can contingent’s personnel and military to the good willingness demonstrated north. Similarly in December 2013, the ordnance and equipment and with the so far: I should say that a new era has payment of import taxes on goods enter- movement of replacement armored ve- started where dialogue and cooperation ing in Kosovo from Serbia through the hicles for the Portuguese contingent. The have been commi ng all the parties to Gates in the north was implemented. infrastructure of the Camp is maintained explore a common shared solution for On the other side, KFOR has already at a very high standard and it can accom- small and large issues yet to be resolved. transferred the “security responsibility” modate forty personnel if required. The KFOR mandate has not changed: as of 8 out of 9 historical and religious sites esti n n A ri e rade in the past, KFOR will stand ready, pru- to a special multi-ethnic unit of the Ko- and Pristina rea ed an A ree ent n dently and impartially, to support the im- sovo Police, as a sign that overall security r a i ati n i i e t i plementation of this latest agreement to situation is gradually normalizing. r ve re ati ns et een t arties the best of its ability. At the moment, I’m working to create i e ivin a ne e rand t t e In recent months, there have been the necessary conditions to transfer the r At anti inte rati n t e est many advances in Kosovo and mostly in last, which is the last site still monitored ern a ans s F read t s rt the north, thanks to this new positive cli- and protected by KFOR troops (PrDSS- t e i e entati n t is atest a ree mate of dialogue. As an example, start- Property with a Designated Special Sta- ent t t e est t eir a i it it in ing from September last year, obstacles tus), Decane Monastery, to the Kosovo t e rrent andate in the north were removed and to date, Police. In this line I would like to empha- The 19th April agreement between there has been no interruption to the size that another historical event for Ko- Pristina and Belgrade with the media- freedom of movement along the main sovo is upon us: on June the 8th, for the tion of the European Union represents routes. first time, general elections will be held a positive step forward for peace and In November last year, for the first Kosovo wide which will include all the security in Kosovo. The overall security time in the history of the country, local municipalities in the north and the local situation in Kosovo is calm and stable; elections involving all municipalities Ko- Serb community. however the situation in the north is sovo wide were held. In the same month esti n is t e eve calm but fragile: KFOR is fully committed the process of integration of approxi- erati n F it t e t er a t rs to its mandate that is to provide a safe mately 280 police officers (former mem- in t e area r e a e nited ati ns and secure environment and freedom of bers of the Serbian Police in the North) r ean ni n nternati na r ani movement. into the Kosovo Police commenced. They ati ns et id esta is t e a r However, much progress has been were trained at the Police Academy in riate eve ni ati n it a made in the last nine months, thanks Kosovo and are currently on duty in the 7 s ecial uests
that NATO is not planning to reduce the military presence in KOSOVO. The mis- sion has not changed. We will continue to adjust the level of our forces based on the reality on the ground. NATO’s goal is to keep moving towards a smaller and more flexible troop presence when - cir cumstances allow and when the time is right. For this reason the downsizing of KFOR troops should reflect the condi- tions on the ground, and not based on timelines: we are here to set-up those conditions that so far have not been reached. esti n e se rit sit ati n in t e n rt ern s v as a a s een tense e ieve t at t re de i si ns n rt er red in F s t rint in s v d even rsen t e sit ati n t ere t ese entit es lice (the 1st responder) to ensure and As I said, Kosovo is calm and stable, Cooperation is a pillar of the KFOR provide a safe and secure environment even in the north where the situation is mission: the progress and the improve- and to guarantee freedom of movement calm but fragile. The center of attention ment of the general security situation throughout Kosovo with a specific focus of KFOR remains the northern part of the have been possible thanks also to the on the North. country even if the forces under my com- synergy of efforts made by all the inter- esti n ada s A is mand are able to operate and quickly national actors present in Kosovo with eadin a ea e s rt erati n in deploy Kosovo wide thanks to the air lift KFOR: the European Union, EULE , the s v sin e in s rt ider component. OSCE, the Quint Ambassadors, and UN- internati na e rts t i d ea e Among others, KFOR has a strong MIK. and sta i it in t e area as t e se Crowd and Riot Control and a Reconnais- In this context, it seems appropriate rit sit ati n i r ved en in rder sance Surveillance capability in sup- to emphasize the importance and the t r eed t a ne F st re t port of the command and control activity fruitful cooperation established between ards a ini a resen e plus a substantial availability of reserve KFOR, the Central and Local institutions The presence of NATO military forces forces that allow me to be able to face in Kosovo and the Kosovo Police without in Kosovo has undergone a drastic reduc- any situation or escalation of violence if forge ng the cooperation and support tion in the years from about 55,000 sol- needed. Having said, I confirm that the of NATO to the Kosovo Security Force diers in June 1999 to the current 5,500 available forces under my command are within the current mission and mandate. troops. The troops comprise 30 different appropriate and sufficient to accomplish Exactly in the field of the “tactical co- NATO and non-NATO nations operat- the mission. operation”, KFOR, in order to enhance ing daily side by side; among them the As for the future, I am confident: the and boost its own capability and to Greece contingent is providing an - out signs of an improvement of the situa- maintain the readiness of troops increas- standing performance in all fields. This tion are clear and the trend is definitely ing the operative flexibility, is planning, is the tangible proof that security is 10 positive so far. In this regard, the general organizing and conducting specific joint times better today than in the past. The improvement of security has prompted exercises with international and local Multinational Battle Groups and Joint me to embark on a process of gradual partners. Regional Detachments under my com- reshaping of the static presence (Foot- In this context, I want to underline mand are nowadays oriented to a more print) of the forces on the ground in favor that KFOR, being 3rd responder as se- discreet and less invasive presence on of a more maneuver-oriented dynamism curity provider, works on a daily basis the ground, a concrete sign that we are along the two main valleys which start in close co-ordination with EULE (the certainly on the road to stability. from Mitrovica northbound until the two 2nd responder) and with the Kosovo Po- But in this sense I would like to stress crossing points with Serbia. 8 s ecial uests
In this vast area KFOR is strongly pre- sent with its multinational presence in -or der to ensure constant vigilance (day and night) and freedom of movement with a dynamic modality in opposition to the static base-oriented forces which - char acterized the footprint until few months ago. In summary I would like to stress that the downsizing of KFOR troops should reflect the conditions on the ground, and will not be based on a specific timeline. I do not want to make predictions about the future of KFOR but I can definitely say that we are working hard together with our partners, the international commu- nity and the central and local institutions of Kosovo to create these conditions. esti n F is an ena er t e re i na sta i it d F i r ve and r te t is n ti n take place in Montenegro with the par- tain the security. KFOR is definitely an essential element ticipation of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of Some big steps have been taken, of stability in the Balkans. Proof is the fact the armed forces of these countries and measures and guidelines have been set that since the beginning of the mission in representatives of Kosovo Security Forces in order to help the local authorities, but Kosovo no further outbreaks of instabil- on the use of security forces to deal with there is still a long way until the condition ity have arisen in this part of the Balkans. situations of public emergency and natu- is in place, according to COM KFOR. The succeeding element that allows us to ral disasters. An additional brick added Concluding, the General pointed out consider KFOR a success story is defi- “more together” to build up the bridge the great importance in the cooperation nitely the equidistance and impartiality that will unite all the people of this part of Kosovo with its neighboring countries, along with firmness and determination of Europe. being beneficial for both sides for their that have always characterized this work. rin is visit t in es further development and stabilizing. In But everything was possible only if the sa ni i ntervie A the end he departed thanking the inter- relations among these important actors ara a s A viewer and the rest of the staff. of the geo-strategic European scene are COM KFOR Major General Salvatore Watch the Interview on YouTube: based on dialogue and the desire to co- FARINA, in a face to face dialogue, em- http://youtu.be/vp2PqjjdY operate. For this reason, I meet on a reg- phasized the Greek contribution to KFOR ular basis the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the and overall in NATO’s mission, referring Armed Forces of neighboring countries to Camp KODRA as well. He explained the (Albania, FYROM, Montenegro and Ser- importance in the agreement between bia) as part of the terms of the Military Kosovo and Pristina for the normalization Technical Agreement the “Kumanovo of the situation. Treaty”. Going on, General Farina described in In addition I meet the Minister and detail the roles of KFOR and the rest of Commander of the KSF in Pristina at least the actors in their mission in Kosovo and once a month. This type of activity is es- the cooperation they have with them. sential to maintain and develop coopera- When asked about the reduction of force Haralampos MYLONAKIS tion between KFOR, the armed forces of in Kosovo, he said that the condition to OR-7 (HE A) these countries and the Kosovo Security do so is not time based but condition Intel OPS/RFI Manager Force. based, meaning the stability in the situ- NRDC-GR/G2 Furthermore, from 10 to 12 June, with ation there, especially in the north, and the facilitation of KFOR, a conference will the capability of the local forces to main- 9 s ecial uests
‘’NEVER AGAIN: ILLUSIONS AND REALITIES’’ by Ambassador (ret.) Alexandros P. Mallias
Ambassador (Ad Honorem) Alexan- dros P. Mallias is currently: • Special Advisor at the ELIAMEP (Hellen- ic Foundation for European & Foreign Affairs) • Distinguished Fellow at the New West- minster Colleg (Vancouver, Canada) • Member of the Advisory Board of the Intl Business College Mitrovica (Ko- sovo) • Wide personal network of high level political, business and media contacts. He was Ambassador in Washington, USA and worked as Special Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Greece. Having spent more than 20 years deal- ing with Balkan issues and traveling ex- tensively throughout the region, Ambas- sador Mallias led the shaping of Greece’s position in the Balkans. He has served as Director of Balkan Affairs at the Hellenic Ministry of- For eign Affairs, as Greece’s Ambassador to Albania and as the first Head of Mission at Greek Liaison Office in the Former Yu- goslav Republic of Macedonia. He also served with the European Union Moni- tor Mission in agreb, in Sofia and in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in 1994. ‘’NEVER AGAIN: ILLUSIONS AND REALITIES’’ Alexandros Mallias served as Ambas- This was indeed the darkest page in sador of the Hellenic Republic to the 1. NEVER AGAIN? contemporary European history. United States from 2005 to 2009. These were the words used by our fa- thers in the aftermath of the bloody and It is often said that HISTORY REPEATS With family roots in the high moun- catastrophic Second World War. ITSELF. That is true in Europe. tains of Arcadia (Stemnitsa), Ambassador We all wished to send a clear message: In the aftermath of the war we stood Mallias was born in Athens on October no more wars, no more inhuman treat- up promising ‘’NEVER AGAIN’’. 1st, 1949. ment; no more concentration camps; no EUROPE was trying to recover. The path to reconciliation and peace proved This article is based on the text of genocides and ethnic cleansing. Mauthausen and Auschwitz as well to be bumpy. The wound healing process Ambassador Mallias lecture organised as Kalavryta and Distomo in Greece are was engaged. A lot of optimism. by the YASAR University (Izmir), on 18 tragic reminders of inhuman behavior. Yet, the realities were different. The arch 2014 It is impossible to forget. victorious armies advancing to Berlin 10 s ecial uests from the west and from the east had principal negotiator for Greece. were wrong. Ignorance, lack of foresight different agendas. The ‘’cold war’’ was Modesty was not a flower growing and understanding, political realism or launched even before Berlin’s conquest in the fertile grounds of diplomats and just political cynicism and destruction. speechwriters in Paris. I still have not the right answer. If I try In terms of politics and ideologies, the Presidents George H. Bush (41), Mi- to judge the past through the present ‘’Berlin Wall’’ existed before its erection. chail Gorbatchev and Francois Mitter- stance and mismanagement of the in- In 1988, I was posted in Vienna at the rand hancellor elmut ohl and the ternational community in Syria, in Libya Conference on the Security and Coop- late Margaret Thatcher were there to or in Ukraine I could argue: Probably all eration in Europe (today’s O.S.C.E.). On declare ‘’the end of confrontation and di- together. Few months following the sign- May 1st 1988, some of us, NATO and EU vision in Europe’’ or that ‘’their relations ing of the Paris Charter, the DEJA VU in diplomats, while in West Berlin, visited will be based on respect and coopera- Europe re-emerged. History repeated it- the Eastern part of the city, then capital tion‘’. Finally, that ‘’Europe is liberating self. The NEVER AGAIN promise and com- of the German Democratic Republic. We itself from its past’’. mitment was sidelined; forgotten indeed. took the metro from the Friedrichstrasse How and why Because, I quote ‘’the Close to Greece’s borders, in fact one station to East Berlin. We briefly attend- courage of men and women, the strength hour drive from our northern border, we ed the last May 1st parade organized in of the will of the peoples and the power witnessed, with some intervals, military Karlsplatz. Then, we walked back to West of the ideas... have opened a new era of aggression, religious and ethnic conflicts, Berlin through Check Point Charlie. A democracy , peace and unity in Europe’’. killing of civilians, ethnic cleansing, mass unique experience indeed. In fact the ‘’NEVER AGAIN’’ state- graves, burning of houses and villages, On November 19, 1989, while serv- ment was once more very present in the and the destruction of cities. ing at the United Nations in New York, I speeches and in the minds during the We witnessed again in our ‘’New Eu- watched with joy and relief the fall, the Paris Summit Meeting. Euphoria, won- rope”, extended from the Atlantic to the dismantlement of the Wall. derful ideas and declarations. Urals, the skeletic bodies, the concen- The fall of the Wall led to the collapse Never in Europe’s history, so much op- tration camps, rapes of bodies and con- of the Soviet Union and the secession of timism expressed by so many leaders, in science. an important number of independent so many words, was founded on so many Millions of refugees and displaced states from Central Europe to Central illusions. persons. Serb snipers shooting against Asia. As the Athenians told the Melians ac- innocent civilians crossing the infamous That was meant to be the end of bi- cording to Thucydides ‘’to judge from ‘’snipers’ alley ‘’ in the historic city of Sa- polarity in Europe and globally. It also ce- your decision, you are unique in regard- rajevo. Destruction of religious sites and mented Germany’s reunification and im- ing the future as more certain than the historic monuments. plied the end of Europe’s division. It also present, and in allowing your wishes to Sarajevo, upa, enitsa and Mostar, in accelerated the collapse of communism, convert the unseen into reality’’. Bosnia and Herzegovina. Malisevo, Rat- at least in terms of its soviet orthodoxy. Jim Hogland, in his editorial, posted cak and Prekaj in Kosovo. Soon, we found out that our expecta- on November 20 1990, with the Wash- Dubrovnik and Vukovar in Croatia. tions were not well-founded. There were ington Post and the International Herald Do not forget Srebrenica, a stigma in still many illusions; they were contradict- Tribune commented that ‘’...the break- our conscience. ed by the realities. ing up of the Soviet empire... and the Let’s be frank: Democracy’s and re-emergence of fragile nation-states 3. ON INTEREST AND JUSTICE Peace’s dividends were distributed in an with complex ethnic balances in Central The disintegration of former Yugosla- uneven way and only to some stakehold- Europe, pose the same problems for the via gave birth or rebirth, depending on ers. continent that confronted the Congress their case, to seven new states. of Vienna and the Versailles Conference Furthermore, beyond the Balkans, after clear military victories by the domi- 2. FROM “NEVER AGAIN” TO there is a proliferation of new states al- nant powers at those two meetings... ”DEJA VU” most everywhere. I suspect that also in In fact the ambitions of the Paris Sum- A year later, on November 21 1990, Middle East and North Africa as well, the mit Meeting involved nothing less than the 34 Heads of State or Government shaping or the reshaping of the political breaking the chain of wars, revolutions of the then onference on the ecu- map is not over. In Europe, before the and repressions that have exploded from rity and Cooperation in Europe (today’s unfolding of the Ukranian crisis and the Europe’s cultural and political diversity OSCE), frequently quoted as the Helsinki Crimean ‘’faits accomplis ‘’, the Russian with regularity’’. Process, signed in Paris a supposed to be invasion in Georgia on August 2008, was The respected journalist was right. Our historic document labelled as the ‘’Char- the last link in the chain. leaders and we, their diplomatic advisors, ter of Paris for a New Europe’’. I was the Here we have a real problem. 11 s ecial uests
Where do we stand Do we side with dependence is an act violating the U.N. example in shaping governmental or op- the INTEREST, based on national or kin- Charter and the Helsinki Final Act. position coalitions. ship affinities or do we side with PRINCI- This is also the case in regional poli- PLES 4. SOME REFLEXIONS FROM THE tics. At this juncture, in some parts of the Thucydides, in the History of the Pelo- BALKANS -THE FOUR PILLARS OF MENA region this can be better under- ponnesian War, this all classic and pow- WISDOM stood. erful book on politico-military analysis. This is also the golden rule and not the Let me also share with you some les- Leadership and strategies defines in the exception in global politics, in particular sons learnt, I hope at least, from the re- ‘’Melian Dialogue ‘’ the limits of power, in power politics. cent, very recent indeed, Balkan wars: justice and interest. Here is an extract: A A A : there The reconciliation process is now en- ATHENIANS: You know and we know, is no standing guarantee for effective gaged in the Balkans but it is not over. as practical men, that the question of jus- early warning, preventive action and po- Yesterday’s enemies, Kosovo and Serbia, tice arises only between parties equal litical engagement of the International are joining forces to shape their common to strength, and that the strong do what Community. The recent events in Ukraine European membership process. Learning they can, and the weak submit’’. could also support this argument. to live in peace is a difficult exercise. MELIANS: As you ignore justice and Remember: there was not adequate Notwithstanding its deficits, believe have made self-interest the basis of dis- commitment and engagement, propor- me there is no better, more credible or cussion, we must take the same ground, tional to the anticipated humanitarian more attractice alternative to the Euro- and we say that in our opinion it is in your catastrophy, to prevent or even to con- pean Union. I am also aware of the fact interest to maintain a principle which is fine the wars during the dismantlement that today E.U.’s image has serious de- for the good of all that anyone in danger of former Yugoslavia. faults; within Europe’s boundaries as well should have just and equitable treatment NATO’s interventions in Bosnia and as beyond them. and any advantage, even not strictly his in Kosovo took place only after crimes The European Union’s membership due, which he can secure by persuasion. against humanity were committed. The process since the Thessaloniki 2003 Su- Those, who two decades ago were red line was crossed. mit Meeting became a serious and at- advocating the END OF HISTORY, should A A tractive alternative for the Balkan states. now try to understand why there prog- P A P : It is open to all those who meet the nosis failed. The explanation is not new -The path from tyranny, despotism standards and the criteria; to those who but is there, since Thucydides’ era. Ide- and human suffering to democracy and respect the rules of the game. ologies may collapse; political systems human dignity is not a single act. It is a Yet, there are leaderships who still act may collapse. Yet, self-interest based bal- PROCESS. Sometimes, a long process. and behave in an anachronistic manner. ance and equilibrium cannot bear lasting -For sustainable success in the process They opt to loot history, and build peace and security dividends. Principles of change, patience and perseverance monuments and statues instead of bridg- and values are the mother of history. are needed. Let me also emphasize that es with their neighbors. Let me put it clear; In Crimea or else- to be successful in the process of change, I prefer to believe that they are the ex- where in Europe: one must learn to live in peace with his ception. There is not a fine red line between fellow citizens, with his neighbors and The European membership process is good and bad ‘’faits accomplis’’.There is above all with his own conscience. the ‘’sticking glue’’, a soft power incen- no room for selective action or reaction, -Learning to live in democracy is also a tive for democracy and reforms and for based mostly on self-interest. process. It requires more time than what the solution of open issues and conflicts Military invasions and annexation is expected or anticipated. Democracy involving the candidates. Yet, I must ac- agendas simply are illegal, incompatible cannot simply mean casting a ballot in knowledge that this political framework, with the European acquis and in violation the elections. The hardest, the most re- this tool and process has not always been of the international law. warding test, is to reach an all-inclusive successful. In Crimea and elsewhere in Europe. consensus. It is about respecting the will of the people. Invasion is the appropriate name for 5. SOME REFLEXIONS ON THE MENA P A F : There an invasion. (Middle East and North Africa) An occupation is the right word for any are only permanent interests. And the in- The diplomatic orthodoxy would rath- occupation. terests differ and change. Both in terms er prefer to use the terms ‘’instability, un- A unlawful declaration for annexation, of importance and urgency, in nature and predictability and volatility ‘’to define the as the de facto anchluss of Crimea, or an in content as well. situation in the MENA. Though, probably, internationally unlawful declaration of in- This is the case in domestic politics, for the most appropriate definitions are with 12 s ecial uests the words crisis, drama, tragedy or even have been punished. I understand that democratic and centralized governments chaos. the red line crossed or not to be crossed is under scrutiny or change. At least in the The fundamental values which in the was the use of chemical weapons. constitutional format we knew so far. past generated a genuine enthusiasm in Over 130.000 Syrians dead, killed dur- Each country in the MENA region has its Europe are very simple concepts. They ing the hostilities, is not considered as a own specifics and characteristics. There is also have a simple name: democracy, reasonable figure and criterion to engage not a generally applicable solution. Nev- freedom, humanism. an internationally enforced punitive ac- ertheless, there are some general axioms Europe’s policies in the larger Middle tion The answer was and still remains applicable all over the world. They are East area should reflect the right mix of NO. enshrined in the UN Charter and in the justice and interest; what I could call Eu- Injustice, loss of credibility, double Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In rope’s ‘’smart power’’. On the top of the standards and short term political consid- Europe, there is also the ‘’acquis Commu- agenda, human dignity should be at the erations are the winners. nautaire’’ and the jurisprudence of the Eu- center of policies. Anyway, what is the Justice, humanitarian and international ropean Court of Human Rights. meaning and the value of ‘‘ ΟΛΙΤΙ Η’’ law and dignity and the universal princi- (politics), if not the quest for human free- ples are the losers. 8. THE ‘’ETHOS’’ OF KNOWLEDGE dom and dignity A regime or a ruler in Damascus or Heraclitus said that ‘’many fail to grasp Ill -founded political considerations elsewhere who does not respect its own what they have seen, and cannot judge and short term interests cannot be the people cannot expect to be respected what they have learned although they tell substitute for democracy and liberty. by its neighbors. There is a fundamental themselves they know’’. Unfortunately, the E.U. membership difference between a fear-based from a It is precisely, what generally happens ‘’sticking glue’’ or similar process is genu- freedom-based society. with politicians and diplomats. inely missing in the MENA (Middle East e nd: Four politico-military condi- Heraclitus went on his thought explain- North Africa). tions had to be met before any kind of mil- ing that ‘’the habit (ethos) of knowledge Furthermore, E.U.’s stance throughout itary engagement. In Syria or elsewhere. is not human but divine’’. I am inclined to the on-going turmoil in the Arab world Based, inter alia, on the ‘’Iraqi freedom’’ concur with him. and beyond is an indicator of absence of experience: With one minor adjustment: today, the common and integrated foreign policy. I A. a decisive in configuration and - fire ‘’ethos’’ is not only absent from the human will also argue that there are conflicting power force was needed to secure the knowledge; it is increasingly absent from interests among member-states. effectiveness of any kind of military op- domestic and international politics. Beyond the European Union, the divi- eration. Most of the words used during the on- sion was also apparent within NATO as B. a clear political aim/target had to be going ‘’Four Seasons’’ in Middle East and well as within the U.N. Security Council. fixed orth Africa from Tahrir quare to the It became clear during the Libyan drama C. the definition of ‘’success’’ should be roads leading to Damascus, such as chaos, and loud and clear throughout the Syrian clear(ed) in advance. crisis, tragedy, tyranny, anomaly and dra- tragedy. D. the political ‘’exit strategy’’ definitely ma are of Greek origin. The fact that the United States dis- secured, to avoid premature ‘’mission It is up to us to replace them by others played also lack of consistency, deter- accomplished’’ celebrations. such democracy, political ethos, metron, mination and means and some regional The ‘’Day After’’ should have been the symphony, synergy, pragmatism and dia- players made miscalculations and dis- outcome of meticulous orchestration and logue. They also sound Greek. played lack of pragmatism and foresight, not a wishful- thinking based political op- During Athens golden era, the Atheni- taking their wishes as realities, be ng tion. In other words, we should have se- ans used to say ‘’ΣΥΝ ΑΘΗΝΑ ΑΙ ΕΙΡΑ thus on the wrong horse, does not pro- cured the endgame and the outcome. To- ΙΝΕΙ’’, meaning ‘’do not expect everything vide comfort to me. day, we have secured neither the process, from goddess Athena; use also your own the so-called ‘’political solution’’, nor the hands’’. 6. DO NOT FORGET SYRIA endgame. In our troubled world and in particular Syria is almost forgotten. It is not in in our region we should remember that the news anymore. CNN and BBC moved 7. MACRO-POLICY notwithstanding Heraclitus or Athena, the their anchormen to Kiev and Simferopol. In macro-policy terms, I believe that: present course of events and the future of Yet, allow me to share with you my per- The era of the familiar to most interna- our children and grand-children depends sonal views regarding the Syrian tragedy, tional leaders Baath-style dictatorships or mainly from our decisions and acts; good as I expressed them last September in anti-Baath absolutist monarchies, without or bad. This is something that Greeks and Greece and in Washington. constitutional checks and balances, will Turks should not forget.- First: Yes, the Syrian regime should come to an end. Equally, the model of un- 13 articles New Chief Of Staff in NRDC – GR Major General Dimitrios KALOGEROPOULOS
elcomes its ne hief port across the Alliance. ordinator of the Joint Plans Branch in JFC of Staff. After the decision by the Hellenic Moreover, the General is decorated Naples. Supreme Military Council, Major Gener- with a profound knowledge not only on The HO/TO ceremony took place in al Dimitrios KALOGEROPOULOS was as- NATO but also on several international the NRDC – GR HO complex, where our signed as COS of NRDC – GR. issues. In his first commitment oversees Commander Lieutenant General lIias LE- Major General Dimitrios KALOG- (1992), he served under the United Na- ONTARIS, former Chief of Staff, inducted EROPOULOS has been serving our HQ as tion flag as Observer in UNIKOM. During the new COS and he wished him success DCOS Support for the past three years. international service, he was assigned a in his new duties. As a result, he is fully aware of the con- variety of posts in NFS and NCS HOs, DA- cerns and future challenges that could COS G4 in NRDC – SP, ACOS G5 in NRDC arise through the enhanced mutual sup- – GR, Chief of the PSYOPS Branch and Co-
14 articles
EXERCISE GORDIAN BONUS I/2014 (GOBS I/14)
T Exercise GORDIAN BONUS/GOR- DIAN DILIGENCE I/2014 (Ex. GOBS/GODE I/14) (Battle Staff Training 1) was con- ducted in the framework of the stage 2 of the Exercise Gordian Knot 14, from 26 to 30 May 2014, at PEDION AREOS CAMP in THESSALONIKI and LEVANTI Camp in SIN- DOS accordingly. The whole training was effective, realistic and deeply productive to the final outcome of the exercise, thus for better preparing of reinforcements personnel to be more consolidate and familiarize with NATO procedures, seeing next activities of HQ NRDC-GR.
15 articles
The aim of this exercise was to train not only the permanent HQ NRDC-GR personnel, but also the 51 reinforce- ment’s personnel, in their respective role through decentralized independent ac- tivities for both MAIN and REAR/Alt CP Training Audience (TA). The MAIN CP kept its ground at PEDION AREOS Camp while the REAR/Alt CP e loye at LEVANTI Camp. Each Entity had to autonomously arrange and conduct the practical train- ing requirements with the view to fulfill the anticipation on the scope of the exer- cise. The exercise was conducted in three phases: the Initiation Phase, the Entity Training Phase and the After Action Re- view (AAR) Phase.
All in all, the exercise triggered the challenge in order to improve much more their capacities and sustain the familiar- ization with the process, through close co-ordination between the HQ NRDC-GR and reinforcements personnel.
16 articles
THE ROLE OF LEGAL ADVISOR IN OPERATIONAL PLANNING PROCESS
I political and legal of LOAC or other applicable laws. fully integrating LEGAD into the planning environment in which military forces are During de ent and e e ti n process and providing direct input into required to operate the military com- the Legal Adviser’s principal tasks involve the decision-making process. mander is confronted with an increasing advising the command and managing le- By fully participating in the OPP -LE number of legal issues that can impact on gal processes, requiring continuous liai- GAD can engage the staff on legal issues the successful completion of the military son with host nation legal officials, senior during the planning process as well as mission. Legal Advisor can make a signif- and subordinate command legal staffs, review the plans and mission orders for icant contribution to the success of mili- coalition partner legal staffs, the ICRC and all legal issues. Legal issues may be found tary operations by ensuring that the com- other non-governmental organizations throughout the plan. Every plan will ad- mander is informed of the legal factors and agencies related to the operation, dress many P A iss es including, that should be considered when making and effective integration into the head- but not limited to, rules of engagement; command decisions. He also provides an quarters staff. The Legal Adviser should criminal jurisdiction; claims; displaced essential and flexible resource for com- be prepared to provide advice on ROE’s, persons; riot control agents; command manders at all levels within the chain of treatment of civilians, of detainees/Pris- and control; and fiscal law. command. oner of War (POW) and other LOAC is- Moreover, Legal Advisor’s role in Given the importance of legal issues sues, compliance of targeting decisions OPP is to identify legal issues, formulate to modern operations the involvement with LOAC, civil-military cooperation, and courses of action, and evaluate the rel- of the Legal Advisor at the earliest stages other international legal matters. Manag- ative strengths, weaknesses, and legal of the planning process provides a most ing legal processes may include investi- consequences of each COA. In assisting cost effective and efficient means of en- gation of alleged LOAC violations and co- the Commander and Command Group suring operations are conducted in a le- ordination with host nation and sending during the operational planning process, gally defensible fashion. nation legal and investigative staffs. the Legal Adviser must ensure that he During any i i ati n and re de In order to accomplish this, Legal thoroughly understands the contingency, ent ase the Legal Adviser should Advisers s d arti i ate in e de any existing contingency plans or con- establish liaison with any Legal Advisers isi n a in r esses, becoming in- cepts of operation, the applicable inter- attached to senior command staffs and volved in early stage to identify and re- national law, NATO policy, and national with coalition or other friendly force solve legal and non-legal issues before laws that may affect the operation. staffs, and legal officials with the host these become command problems. Ad- The Legal Adviser must be a part of nation and non-governmental organiza- ditionally, Legal Advisers must help their any Operational Planning Group or other tions, such as the ICRC. Issues of Host-Na- Commanders and NATO to conduct op- planning and coordination cells. Input on tion Support, SOFAs, and other issues erations in conformity with international ROEs should be provided and staffed. Ef- should be identified and worked on as law and preserve international and na- fectiveness in this stage includes inform- early as possible. Briefings should be tional public support. ing the Commander and staff of the legal prepared and delivered to deploying per- The Legal Advisor must be involved obligations on the force, ensuring that sonnel and should cover the legal basis in every aspect of the Operational Plan- plans comply with LOAC, protecting the for the operation, the legal status of de- ning process, assisting in the develop- legal status of the force, and contributing ploying personnel, relevant country law, ment of a plan that is suitable, feasible, to the provision of responsive and eco- guidance on the treatment of civilians in and legal. This can be accomplished by nomical host nation support. The Legal the area of operations, and applicability Adviser is also responsible for supporting 17 articles
the Commander in helping ensure that Finally, a detailed and easily under- Concluding, legal considerations personnel have been trained or receive stood legal Appendix to an OPLAN, com- play a key role in the decision making training on LOAC and other international plete with relevant references, is essen- process and during the conduct of an law affecting operations. tial. Specific legal Annexes or Appendices operation. The legal considerations will Significant legal issues may arise must be tailored to each operation, and have to be expressed in advance in terms during each of the OPP steps. A list of developed on the basis of individual mis- of evaluating possible legal consequenc- common legal issues that should be ad- sion statements and force composition. es, including legal limitations and propos- dressed during OPP follows: ing courses of action in conformity with international law. a e ain e a nsiderati ns d rin re deve ent • Compatibility of OPLAN with International Law • Mandate UN, NACL Transfer of Authority, Political constrains • SOFA, HNS agreements, Claims • Criminal Jurisdiction • Acquisitions during Combat or Military Operations • Fiscal Law Considerations • Legal Review of Rules of Engagement • Law of War/Armed Conflicts/Humanitarian Law • Environmental Law Considerations • Intelligence Law Considerations Vasileios KARAT IAS • Cyber-attacks legal considerations OF-3 (HE-J) • Prohibition of the use of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Weapons Senior Legal Advisor • Targeting and Weaponry (including nonlethal weapons). NRDC-GR/LEGAD • Enemy Prisoners of War, Detainees, Captured, IDP’s • Interaction with the International Committee of the Red Cross andother Non-Governmental and Private Voluntary Organizations (NGOs/PVOs)
18 articles
TERRORISM CONSIDERATIONS IN THE 21ST CENTURY SECURITY ENVIRONMENT
terrorism has become a global phenomenon and a huge threat to de- mocracy, human rights, economical and social progress; the rigorous studying of this calamity represents a major concern for our society. So far, the majority of the researchers or main state agencies involved in the fight against the scourge of terrorism haven’t reached a consensus regarding a comprehensive definition of terrorism. The latest developments regarding the Euro-Atlantic security relations indi- cate new and complex challenges posed by the fight against terrorism and there has been no final decision or solution proposed thus far that can put an end to this problem. duced by terrorism on human behavior What is the behavior of a terrorist, The enlargement of NATO, the actions and within the society as a whole. Using the social structure network of a terrorist of redefining its global role and tasks re- multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary organization And what can be done in garding the 21st century new security researching on the appearance and de- order to prevent and minimize the effects challenges and the need to reshape and velopment of terrorism, the tactics, tech- of a terrorist act. control the security environment repre- niques and procedures used by terrorists Notably, after the 9/11 attacks against sent very interesting topics for the aca- should be identified and investigated the biggest world military power, the po- demic research and civilian society. and, especially, the best way the state or litical decision makers understood that In order to understand better, the ter- specialized services can react in order to everyone is vulnerable to this type of rorist phenomenon needs to be studied prevent and counter act future terrorist threat and the world realized that much also from the social sciences perspective, attacks should be found. Additionally, study is needed in order to prevent and based on the sociological dimension of topics should be identified and discussed neutralize these types of incidents. How- it. This calamity has become very pres- related with the social knowledge devel- ever, the international community hasn’t ent in our lives after the terrorist attacks opment and integration of the terrorist succeeded in preventing or neutralizing against USA symbols of military and eco- phenomenon by analyzing and modeling this phenomenon thus far. The war on nomic power, Pentagon and World Trade terrorism. terrorism is far from won, especially, in Center and has affected and reshaped More specifically the following ques- the more troubled areas of the globe the internal and international security tions should be answered: what is the where the increasing number of the ter- environment. Also, it is needed to study current level of understanding, the ori- rorist attacks has been helped by global- and to understand the implications, the gins and the causes of terrorism and po- ization. aftermath and the transformations pro- litical violence There are a lot of studies on terror- 19 articles ism, many security agencies, civilian insti- terrorism, the typology of the threat, and litical impact of terrorism, the aftermath tutions, international seminars and uni- the reactions of the people who cope of terrorist attacks and the upgrading and versities have been spending seemingly with terrorism. the refining of the tactics and procedures limitless resources and manpower as of Analyzing the social studies regard- used by terrorists. late. Actually, many international univer- ing terrorism indicates the fact that it is As well, we should have answers to sities and colleges, especially Americans pretty difficult shaping this phenomenon the following questions, such as: and Europeans, have conceived research because of the complexity of the prima- - What are the dimensions and ampli- programs about terrorism that consider ry data and indicators and the necessity tude of this phenomenon the impact of this phenomenon on soci- of interconnecting of knowledge from - What are the main characteristics, ety, humanities, social sciences, etc. various fields such as sociology, political types, tendencies and future ways of Although the process of understand- science, law and jurisprudence, security action ing the whole picture regarding terror- studies, history, cultural studies, data- - What are the factors that influence this ism is in its genesis, we face important bases, etc. In order to evaluate the po- progress using methods from sociology, tential impact of the researched pattern politics, history, statistics, etc, in order to on the fight against terrorism and the find the best ways to neutralize prevent threats that derive from it, it is neces- and control this scourge. Notably, since sary to indentify the primary data and the 9/11 attacks, important progress has the main characteristics of the calamity, been made regarding terrorism studies, such as causes, origins, social basis, orga- when the decision makers understood nization, activities, effects and outcomes that in order to fight a successful battle of the attacks. The phenomenon should against terrorism, in addition to huge lo- be depicted by using an interdisciplinary gistics resources needed, it needs also ex- and comprehensive approach, by under- pertise and large intellectual resources, standing the connections and relations experts from social sciences and another between the terrorist actions, speeches domains who need to work together and and terror, the importance of language, exchange information. the reality of the demands connected Also the various security agencies with the specific historical characteristics have understood the need of cooper- of the people who were living in the re- ation and exchanging information and spective areas. In order to do that many have started to elaborate theoretical variables should be taken into consider- methods and techniques for analyzing, ation, as much as possible, such as the synthesizing and predicting of solutions genesis, the quintessence and evolution and consequences, studying the dynam- of the terrorism, the present level of re- ics and causal links in complex situations. search on the topic, the terrorism con- After all of that, the conclusions and re- cept, the causes and way of actions of sults were tested in the real world using terrorism within modern era, the paral- real facts. lelism between the evolution of the hu- man societies and the terrorism, media Nowadays, the increasing collabora- and terrorism, the sociologic perspective tion of the social sciences researchers of terrorism, Islamic fundamentalism as a with the security specialists, leads to source of the religious terrorism, the use great achievements in understanding of the social networks for analyzing and terrorism. Researchers are trying to un- studying terrorism and terrorist organiza- derstand the origins and the causes of tions, the social, security, cultural and po- 20 articles
social phenomenon, taking into consid- ratist groups. All the actions are based on nication tool and also to shape the public eration the social environment where violence or threats, generating instability, opinion. Certainly the access of the ter- the terrorist came from, the age, reli- insecurity or disorganizing the civilian so- rorist organizations to new technologies gion, sex, level of literacy, social status, ciety. and satellite communications represent etc The democratic world finally got a huge advertising potential and useful - What are the procedures, tactics and conclusion: terrorism changes and re- tools for their propaganda. techniques used by the terrorist, the shapes societies and international rela- The end of the previous century and necessary time to prepare, organize tions, produces cleavages of the world the beginning of 21st century brought and carry out an attack and also has, as a cause, the cleavages various societal changes and, under the - Is there any logic, any plausible reason which originated from the massive social huge pressure of globalization, created to carry out a terrorist attack structural transformation, as have been and continue to create a polarized world, the formation process of the nations, - What are the ways to get in the mind of full of contradiction and continuously industrialization and the aftermaths of a terrorist in order to foresee, prevent moving and changing under the race of the after-industrialization and the conse- and counter an attack gaining power, political influence and quences of “The Great Disruption”. The resources. It is noticed that the global- As economic globalization is already theory of cleavages needs to be applied ization phenomenon is irreversible and in motion, in order to fight and prevent considering the impact and the influence this process affects global security. The the terrorist attacks, we need to consid- of the social, religious, political and other 21st century brings new challenges to the er the multidimensionality of the phe- cleavages on terrorism, all the while tak- mankind, posed by the evolution of the nomenon, one of the biggest threats to ing into consideration that today, in the security environment; the world is more global security and even to the existence age of information and technology, the and more connected and more interde- of the human being. According with the new social order is under a profound dis- pendent. The security organizations need past incidents, terrorist attacks started to solution and alteration of its basic values to study and approach terrorism in a mul- influence and modify the domestic and and moral standards and forced to give tidimensional and multidisciplinary way foreign policy of the states. up of keeping and maintaining the tradi- in order to understand and determine The terrorist attacks on the USA, tions. what causes trigger this attacks and what Spain (11 of March 2004, Madrid), Russia determine a man to become a terrorist. The new international order, the al- (September 2004, Beslan), Great Britain Thinking in this way, the modern world teration of the social capital and the in- (18 of July, London) and more recently in decision makers and the governments creasing of violence worldwide, should Burgas, Bulgaria, or other areas demon- can find the best ways to forecast, pre- be seen, taking into consideration that on vent, counteract and, if it is possible, to strate how devastating acts of terrorism st 21 century a new world order is shaping st can be. suppress this calamity of the 21 century. based on globalization, economical de- Terrorism becomes extremely dan- velopment, the race for resources, secu- gerous for global security if we expand rity and power. Actually, we are witnesses our imaginations to the possibility that of the alteration of the social capital be- some terrorists may have access to arms cause of the worldwide economical and of mass destruction. Because of these financial crises and the relations between devastating aftermaths of terror attacks, mass media as information warfare and society should reconsider the approach the proliferation of terrorism. Both, ter- towards understanding terrorism and rorism and mass media are using the Ion MINCA OF- 4 (ROU A) combating or preventing it. Beginning same tool named information in order hief 2 with this century, terrorism has known a to reach the final goal, but the terrorist NRDC-GR/G2 major proliferation as actions of national, organizations are using mass media and fanatic, ethnic groups, religious or sepa- the latest technologies as a mass commu- 21 articles COMBAT STRESS
i accounts of combat Mild Stress Reactions stress on arriors can be traced back PHYSICAL EMOTIONAL to early mythology. But it as not until Trembling Anxiety, indecisiveness the 17th century that military leaders Cold sweats, dry mouth Irritability, complaining began to realize that the stress on sol- Insomnia Inability to concentrate diers could have a profound influence on Pounding heart Nightmares the success of military operations. The Dizziness Tears, crying condition as originally called “Swiss PHYSICAL EMOTIONAL disease,” because doctors and leaders Fatigue Easily startled by noise, movement, and in the Swiss Army noted that some men light no longer had the motivationor ability Difficulty thinking, speaking, and Anger, loss of confidence in self and unit communicating to continue fighting. Many would just give up or become so incapacitated Severe Stress Reactions by fear that they could not physically PHYSICAL EMOTIONAL function. Over the next centuries this Constantly moves around Talks rapidly and/or inappropriately phenomenon ent through several Flinches or ducks at sudden sound and Argumentative; acts recklessly name changes, including nostalgia, ir- movement ritable heart, shell shock, battle fatigue Shakes, trembles Indifferent to danger and the current designation of combat Cannot use part of body (hand, arm leg) Memory loss for no apparent physical reason stress reaction. Inability to see, hear or feel Stutters severely, mumbles or cannot Combat stress (sometimes called speak at all combat and operational stress or combat Is physically exhausted; cries Insomnia; severe nightmares and operational stress reaction) is a com- Freezes under fire or totally immobilizes Sees or hears things that do not exist mon response to the mental and emo- States vacantly, staggers or sways when Has rapid emotional shifts tional effort service members exercise standing when facing tough and dangerous situa- tions. Simply put, combat stress is similar to the muscle fatigue and soreness expe- A A rienced after a tough physical workout. The way your brain handles combat stress Ranges of fatigue, fear, anxiety, and Severe stress reactions may prevent can be compared to the way your body depression affect most Service members the individual from performing his duties may handle a physical workout. It is not in combat and in some military opera- or create a concern for personal safety or an illness and may be experienced by any tions other than war. Mild stress reaction the safety of others. A variety of more service member during both peace and may be signaled by changes in behavior serious reactions or warning signs is list- war, due to stressful conditions during and only be discernible by the person ed below. These do not necessarily mean training, deployment, humanitarian mis- himself or by close comrades. Below that the person must be relieved from sions, government support missions and there is a list indicating some mild stress duty, but it is an indication that some- reaction. thing is happening. other assignments.
22 articles
tions often cannot fall asleep even when the situation permits, or, when he does fall asleep, he frequently wakes up and has difficulty ge ng back to sleep. Nightmares Terror dreams, battle dreams, and nightmares of other kinds cause difficul- ty in staying asleep. Sleep disturbances in the form of dreams are part of the coping process. This process of working through combat experiences is a means of increasing the level of tolerance of combat stress. The individual may have battle-related nightmares or dreams that a close relative (spouse, parent) or another person important in his life has been killed in the battle. As time passes, the nightmares usually occur with less intensity and less frequency. anced diet to keep his muscles and brain Visual/Hearing Problems and Partial Fatigue supplied for sustained operations Paralysis The most common stress reactions Circulatory and Respiratory Systems Stress-related blindness, deafness, include: Heart Palpitations loss of other sensations, and -par Slow reaction time. Rapid heartbeat, a sense of pres- tial paralysis are not true physical Difficulty sorting out priorities. sure in the chest, occasional skipped injuries, but physical symptoms that Difficulty starting routine tasks. beats, and sometimes chest pains are Indecision, difficulty-focusing atten- unconsciously enable the individual common with anxiety or fear. Very irreg- tion. to escape or avoid a seemingly in- ular heartbeats need to be checked by Loss of initiative with fatigue and- ex tolerably stressful situation. These medical personnel. haustion. symptoms can quickly improve with Muscular Tension Hyperventilation reassurance and encouragement Headaches, Backache Hyperventilation is identified by rap- from comrades, unit medical per- Inability to Relax id respiration, shortness of breath, dizzi- sonnel or battalion physician. Shaking and Tremors ness, and a sense of choking. It is often Visual problems include blurred vi- Perspiration accompanied with tingling and cramping sion, double vision, difficulty in fo- of fingers and toes. Simple solutions are cusing, or total blindness. Hearing It is normal to experience either increased exercise and breathing with a problems include inability to hear mild or heavy sweating or sensations of paper bag over the nose and mouth; or orders and/or nearby conversations chilliness under combat stress. breathing slowly using abdominal muscles or complete deafness occurs. Digestive System (called “abdominal breathing”). Anxiety Loss of Appetite Sleep Disturbance (Fear of Death, Pain, and Injury) Appetite loss may result as a -reac Difficulty Falling Asleep Fear of death, pain, and injury caus- tion to stress. It becomes a significant Sometimes a Service member who es anxiety reactions. After witness- problem if rapid weight loss occurs, or has experienced intense battle condi- ing the loss of a comrade in com- the person does not eat a sufficiently bal- 23 articles
If the Service member is in a de- are rested. After 72 hours of continuous pressed mood, he may be observed to combat, the tendency to seek shortcuts is exhibit very little body movement and an very strong, and accident rates increase50 almost expressionless (mask-like) face. percent. Substance Abuse Catastrophic accidents can occur Some Service members may at- when fatigued (and under-experienced) tempt to use substances such as alcohol crews man weapon systems. Ways to or other drugs as a means of escaping safeguard Service members include de- combat stress. The use of substances in a veloping and following safety standing op- combat area makes some Service mem- erating procedures and increasing super- bers less capable of functioning on the vision during extended operations. job. They are less able to adapt to the tre- Food Intake mendous demands of the combat. If Service members are too busy, stressed or tired to eat adequate rations P F A A A during continuous operations, their ca- P A loric intake will be reduced. This may Every Service member, team, and lead to both physical and mental fatigue unit must learn to effectively sustain and degraded performance. For exam- bat, a Service member may lose performance in continuous operations. ple, in accidents judged to involve avia- self-confidence and feel overly vul- While it is an important ingredient, the tor fatigue, there is some indication that nerable or incapable. The death of a determination to endure does not en- before the accidents occurred, the pilots buddy leads to serious loss of emo- sure effectiveness. Gaining the required had irregular eating schedules or missed tional support. Feelings of “survivor capability goes beyond a high level of one or more meals. In field tests done by guilt” are common. The survivors proficiency in combat skills and technical the U.S. Army Natick Research, Devel- each brood silently, second-guess- specialties. It means learning to identify opment, and Evaluation Center, Natick, ing what they think they might have the adverse conditions of continuous op- MA, some personnel subsisting solely on done differently to prevent the loss. erations, cope with them and overcome meals, ready to eat (MREs) lost weight While the Service member feels their effects. Units, leaders, and person- over just a few week. Leaders must en- glad he survived, he also feels guilty nel must prepare and execute plans and courage troops to eat all of the main about having such feelings. Under- train to sustain performance. Adverse items in their MREs, not just the candy, standing support and open grieving conditions progressively degrade Service to get balanced nutrition. shared within the unit can help alle- member effectiveness. Fortunately, long- Although the relationship between viate this. term remedies exist for slowing the rate performance and nutrition is not clear, Explosion of Aggressive Behavior of performance decline. These remedies, eating regularly is important in continu- Sporadic and unpredictable explo- which must be introduced prior to com- ous operations, as well as providing hot sions of aggressive behavior (violence) bat, include safety, food intake, combat meals at assigned times or when the can occur with little or no provocation. load, and physical fitness. workload has been sustained boosts mo- For example, a Service member tries to Safety rale. pick a fight with another Service mem- Combat Load Safety, which encompasses such fac- ber. The provocation may be a noise, such In combat, the load carried by a tors as using proper lifting techniques and as the closing of a window, an accidental Service member significantly exceeds staying alert and careful, is influenced by bumping or normal, verbal interaction. optimum recommended weights. In the fatigue. Overtired Service members are Change in Outward Appearance case of a light infantry Service member, more vulnerable to injury than those who the combat load is as much as double the 24 articles recommended load. Physical conditioning cannot compensate for this degree of ex- cess. Service members tire faster and, in continuous combat, recovery from fatigue becomes more time-consuming. When the Service member must carry excessive amounts of equipment, the effects of stress and lack of rest are magnified. Load concept must be considered to ease the strain on Service members. In this concept, the unit sepa- rates an individual’s equipment into two loads fighting and existence. As the unit closes the objective, the heavier ex- istence load is dropped and the Service member continues with the lighter fight- ing load. serving in harm’s way. Resilience and the Physical Fitness Warrior Ethos apply in more situations The combat stress can have a tre- than those requiring physical courage. Good physical conditioning delays mendous impact on a service member. Sometimes leaders will have to carry on fatigue, builds confidence, and shortens But targeted and prompt intervention for long periods in very difficult situa- recovery times from illness and injury. It can help mitigate the acute effects of tions. The difficulties Soldiers face may also prepares individuals to better grap- it. The military has recognized the im- not only be ones of physical danger, but ple with the physiological demands of portance of ensuring quality mental of great physical, emotional, and mental stress. Service members in top physical health care to its members. At a mini- strain. condition can better control their inter- mum, our country owes these brave nal physiological functions, which will im- An essential part of the warrior men and women a return home to their prove their overall performance. Physical mindset is discipline. Discipline holds a loved ones and a future not plagued by fitness including aerobic fitness, mus- team together, while resilience, the War- emotional and psychological problems. cular strength, and endurance must rior Ethos, competence, and confidence We are not so naive as to believe that be developed in all Service members to motivate Soldiers to continue the mission these warriors ill be completely un- strengthen their ability to rebound from against all odds. Raw physical courage affected by their experiences. But by exhaustion. Aerobic fitness increases causes Soldiers to charge a machine gun adapting psychological principles com- work capacity and the ability to withstand but resilience, discipline, and confidence mon in the civilian sector to the bat- stress. While feelings of depression and backed by professional competence help tlefield, one can alleviate the damaging moodiness accompany tiredness, aerobi- them fight on when they are hopelessly effects of the inevitable cally fit Service members are affected less outnumbered and living under appalling than those unfit. The ability to quickly conditions. As Erwin Rommel wrote in recover from physically strenuous work- 1937, it is still valid for the complex com- loads is maintained by smart physical bat environment of the War on Terrorism: training, performed consistently and rou- Training to high standards-using scenari- tinely. os that closely resemble the stresses and effects of the real battlefield-is essential A Dimitrios LEFAKIS to victory and survival in combat. OF-2 (HE A) It is important for Soldiers to acquire Chief AD Integration and maintain a warrior mindset when NRDC-GR/G3 AIR 25 articles NRDC-GR Change of Command
the Hellenic Govern- by capitalizing on the experience gained thermore, he mentioned that optimism, mental Council for Foreign and Defense in 2012 NRF commitment. In addition, will and mood to change our mentality Affairs, Lieutenant General LEONTARIS Il- he said that he is quite convinced that can bring us forward. ias assumed command of Headquarters, NRDC-GR will have great success in the At the ceremony were present the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Greece future and that honor, courage and devo- Religious, Military and Political Authori- (HQ NRDC-GR) from outgoing command- tion will provide the necessary guidance ties from the city of Thessaloniki as well er Lieutenant General DEVET IS Nikolaos. to accomplish its mission and he submit- as General Consuls from the contributing The Hand Over-Take Over ceremony took ted his heartfelt wishes for success to his to NRDC-GR Nations. In addition, profes- place at “Pedion Areos” camp Thessalon- successor. sors from the Aristotle and Macedonia iki this morning. The whole event was Lt. General Ilias LEONTARIS assumes universities honored with their presence honored with the presence of Lieutenant the Commanding tasks of NRDC-GR after the two Senior Flag Officers. General TELLIDIS Vassileios, Commander his previous assignment as the Chief of NRDC-GR is a fully multinational in of the Hellenic 1st Army. Staff of this HQ. By saluting the historical nature and organization HQ, comprising The new assignment of Lt. General War Flag of the C’ Army Corps and pay- of personnel mainly by the framework DEVET IS is First Deputy Commander of ing on kneels respect and gratitude to its Nation Greece and with 8 Partner Nations the Hellenic Army General Staff. At his honored heroes, Lt. General Ilias LEON- contributing the remaining complement Order of the Day he mentioned that he TARIS mentioned at his Order of the Day of personnel (Albania, Bulgaria, France, is considerably fortunate because, during that personnel consists the most precious Germany, Italy, Spain, and Turkey). As his command, NRDC-GR achieved a very element of NRDC-GR and with the con- a NATO GRF(L) HQ is standing now as a significant goal which is the gradual tribution of the allied personnel we are High Readiness Force for any potential preparation as a High Readiness Corps able to achieve our common goals. Fur- NATO mission. 26 articles COM’s NRDC – GR HQ Order of the Day March 2014, the 10th
Officers, Non Commissioned Offi- gratitude to its honored heroes. Today, NRDC - Greece, upon his up- cers, Soldiers and Civilian Staff of Upon the assumption of the com- grade following the Hellenic Governmen- the C’ Army Corps and NRDC-GR: mand of both headquarters, a new era tal Council of Foreign and Defense, paves By order of the Hellenic Govern- rises in the near future. the way for its trek towards a demanding mental Council for Foreign and Defense C’ Army Corps has concluded the future. Affairs, I assume the Command of the First Phase of its restructure at the end Both headquarters, C’ Army Corps Corps, today, succeeding Lt. General Ni- of the past year and it has been assigned and NRDC - GR, represent an integrated kolaos Devetzis. a new mission over a broader Area of Re- entity, retaining the distinguished roles Fully cognizant of the honor to lead sponsibility. and ways of function. one of the most glorious formations of In addition, the Corps constitutes As an entity, we are obliged to pres- the Hellenic Army, which paid a signifi- the Mother Headquarters for the devel- ent our best in order to correspond to the cant toll strolling along the path of sacri- opment and operation of the Allied NDC calls of the ages. fice throughout the past years, - Greece Headquarters. I recall the rem- Peering the future, the rest of the I salute the war flags of the C’ Army iniscences, fifteen year ago, when this Second Phase of the Army’s restructure Corps and I kneel paying my respect and venture seemed impossible. and the assimilation of the new mission 27 articles
for the C’ Army Corps along with Com- omize our efforts. We must gain more, vant- actions have been launched like the bat Readiness Evaluation of the NRDC consuming less. “Connected Forces Initiative”, the “Mutu- - Greece by the Alliance, compose one Officers, Non Commissioned Offi- al Training Support” and the “Joint Task more challenge with one only option; cers, Soldiers and Civilian Staff of the C’ Force Headquarters” concept, which add To succeed. Army Corps and NRDC-GR, in order to more burden on our shoulders. With my Order of the Day I would achieve the aforementioned we must NRDC - Greece budges to the future like to commune you with my intention work with methodology, discipline, high in line with the NATO ambition, preparing and the objectives of my command, as morale and devotion. itself to subject the accreditation process follo s We must develop a human centric as High Readiness Force Headquarters in The personnel consists the most command, staff which trusts its com- 2015 while envisaging its role as a Joint precious element of our organization. Its manders, along with a pleasant and pro- Task Force Headquarters in 2018, since amelioration can be reached through the ductive working environment. We must it has been attached in the Long Term proper training, evaluation and develop- develop our solidarity and strengthen the Rotation Plan after Hellenic authorities’ ment based on the individuals skills and bond within the army’s family. decision. aptitudes. We are not alone in this struggle. Ultimately, allow me to express my We must focus on the development Our superiors along with the prefectural sincere gratitude to Lieutenant Gener- of charismatic leaders devoted to the and local authorities, the church and the al Nikolaos DEVET IS for his excellent duty and prepared to drive our army to- local community are co walkers to our en- work and the honor to serve under his wards the future. We must provide prop- deavors. command over the last year. I wish him er training, which is the source of morale Taking over my duties, today, I wish success at his new duties as First Deputy for our staff. to thank my predecessors and the com- Commander of the Hellenic Army Gener- We need to proceed with a rational manders of the Corps’s formations and al Staff. usage of the materials and means that units for the work already done and I Officers, Non Commissioned Offi- our country has provided us. It is our pledge the continuation of their efforts. cers, Soldiers and Civilian Staff of the C’ responsibility to keep our means opera- In addition, I wish to bring in front Army Corps and NRDC-GR, tional, ready to be used at any mission. the essential contribution of the NRDC Keep in your mind that any success It is a very difficult period. Never- - Greece allied personnel, who offer belongs to you while I assume the re- theless, it’s in our hands to transform the their devotion, high professionalism and sponsibility for any failure. crisis to an opportunity. Our optimism, knowledge for the achievement of our I wish the whole mighty God to give will and mood to change our mentality common goals. health, felicity to you and your families can bring us forward. We need to adapt At this point, I wish to highlight the and strength to overcome any obstacle in ourselves to the reality. significant transition period of the NATO, your private and professional life. C’ Army Corps and NRDC-GR, we as well. NATO seeking its new role on God bless you all. need to change. We must seek, always, the global chessboard decided a more t enera ias A the cost effective options in our daily life. functional new structure aiming towards A We must schedule, prioritize and econ- “NATO Forces 2020”. Number of rele- 28 articles Web-Based Training Why Web-Based Training?
a number of interna- tional developments in the economic, social, technological and cultural spheres push more and more adults for acquiring knowledge and skills in order to be adapt- ed on the changes which take place. In the business world, training is part of its operation and a vital function for further development. The intensifi- cation of competition in the globalized economy, and the successive technolog- ical changes lead to new forms of work organization, which in turn require the use of trained manpower, which is capa- ble of responding to changes. The actual economic climate leads to higher unem- ployment. More and more young people find it difficult to enter the labor market, while mature workers lose their jobs. A key way to improve the situation is (re) education and professional (re) orienta- tion. Education and training via the World various ways for instructional and instruc- in which computer-based training (CBT) Wide Web are growing rapidly. Reduced tional support purposes. For example, is transformed by the technologies and training costs, world-wide accessibility, Web-based instruction offers the learn- methodologies of the World Wide Web, and improved technological capabilities er unparalleled access to instructional the Internet, and intranets. Web-based have made electronic instructional deliv- resources, far surpassing the reach of training presents “live” content, as fresh ery to adult learners a viable alternative the conventional classroom. Web-based as the moment and modified at will, in to classroom instruction. instruction also makes possible learn- a structure allowing self-directed, self- ing experiences that are open, flexible, paced instruction in any topic. WBT is The World Wide Web can be used in and distributed, providing opportunities media-rich training fully capable of eval- for engaging, interactive, and efficient uation, adaptation, and remediation, all instruction. Phrases such as “flexible independent of computer platform. navigation,” “richer context,” “learner centered,” and “social context of learn- Advanta es ing,” are populating the literature on The Armed forces seeks to take Web-based instruction. Furthermore, advantage of the benefits offered by the rendering of cognitive-based the- distributed learning, such as reduced ories of learning into the terminology travel costs, increased accessibility, and of Web-based instruction extends the improvements in learning. The cost ad- technical nomenclature to actual in- vantage of even basic forms of technolo- structional practices. gy-based instruction has been document- at is e ased rainin ed. Web-based training offers interac- Web-based training (WBT) is an in- tivity with instructors and students and novative approach to distance learning 29 articles
isadvanta es of the “M7-126 NATO eLearning Instruc- tional Design Course”. It aims to provide Are there disadvantages Yes, but participants with the basic knowledge only the provided technology can limit required to create eLearning products. the performance something that can be Furthermore the students learn how to easily overcome. implement and evaluate eLearning solu- bandwidth/browser limitations may tions in support of NATO E IT activities. restrict instructional methodologies The course accompany by an additional limited bandwidth means slower week of online instructions that introduc- performance for sound, video, and es students to the possibilities of online intense graphics tutoring and online teaching. someone must provide server ac- References cess, control usage, bill users • http://www.calpro-online.org/eric/ docs/dig218.pdf (EDO-CE-00-218 - Web- e ased rainin in A Based Training) nit http://www.techopedia.com/defini- The NATO School in Oberammergau tion/2544/web-based-training-wbt together with International Relations Se- http://indianstrategicknowledgeonline. com/web/Effectiveness 20of 20Web- curity Network (ISN), Allied Command based 20Training.pdf (The Effective- Transformation (ACT) and United States ness of Web-Based Instruction - Robert Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) de- A. Wisher U.S. Army Research Institute) veloped a series of Advanced Distributed http://www.webbasedtraining.com/ Learning (ADL) courses which are avail- home.aspx quick access to supplementary online able to the NATO and partner nations. https://natoschool.org/news-story/ resources. As the technology improves, The use of the web-based self-training m7-126-nato-elearning-instruction- Web-based instruction may have an ulti- ADL-system as an enhancement tool al-design-course mate advantage. Here are some: to have, anytime and anywhere, high- http://www.act.nato.int/index.php/ easy delivery of training to users elearning est quality education, training and - per opportunities for group training formance aiding, tailored to individual Pictures (asynchronous and synchronous) as needs. http://www.benning.army.mil/garri- well as individual training son/DHR/aces.html The key principles of NATO’s e-Learn- https://www.websmithgroup.com/ multi-platform capabilities (Win- ing initiative include: blog/ dows, Mac, UNI , PDA, phone, other Effective, efficient and affordable: http://spectrum.apc-colleges.org/ wireless devices) page/14 Concise instruction based on NATO easy updating of content https://jadl.act.nato.int/ current and strategic priorities is https://natoschool.org/news-story/ quicker turnaround of finished prod- delivered globally through multiple m7-126-nato-elearning-instruction- uct methods and requires little invest- al-design-course requires less technical support ment to use. http://www.wired.com/2010/03/in- about-face-marines-embrace-web-20/ billing options by user ID, number of Improved nation and partner en- accesses, date/time of access gagement: Courseware is readily access is controllable available on networks, enabling options for installations on private personnel just-in-time acquisition of networks for security or greater knowledge and skills to effectively bandwidth contribute to the NATO mission. options to link with other training Incorporated guidance: Standards systems and guidelines for developing an multitasking capability suitable for e-Learning capability are available to electronic performance support sys- education and training institutions. tems (EPSS) Polychronis PAPAVASILEIOU vast market for distributed training The NATO School in Oberammergau OF-2 (HE AF) growing level of acceptance contributing in NATO’s eLearning, con- ASM2 ducted first time in May 2104 the pilot NRDC-GR/G3 AIR 30 articles G8 Branch“Let us introduce ourselves” Thucydides, one of the greatest of the ancient historians, quoted: s check if the execution of G8 task is in line with the NATO regulations. In general G8 acts as the financial advisor of the chain of command. Financial support is achieved through complex procedures and contin- uous practice during the exercises. The branch has already tested successfully its capabilities by participating in all the- ex ercises of NRDC-GR. G8 operates in accordance with the established Memorandum Of Un- derstanding, the NATO Financial Regu- lations and the Financial Administrative Procedures. Following all the appropriate NATO financial procedures, implement- ing optimal use of available resources In G8’s point of view this quotation is Fiscal section is responsible for and reducing the risk of financial process- fully applicable. Our mission is to manage the detailed accounting of budget es are G8’s pillars in order to provide the the financial resources in order to ensure credits and for the checking and financial support. that adequate and appropriate funding is authorizing of the expenses and P rs in t e st e e tive available to cover the NRDC-GR HQ train- their compliance, aiming to the op- ness is an end rin r e ing and exercises activities. timization and cost effectiveness of d re and re ains nstant In order to accomplish its mission, the budgetary resources with elab- r rst ri rit G8 is organized into three sections, a oration of the funding priorities and Budget and Disbursing, a Purchase and covering the “minimum capability Contracting and a FISCAL section. These requirements”. sections, through solid and effective pro- Purchase and Contracting section cedures, create the necessary flexibility is responsible for all purchase and to act and react under any circumstanc- contracting through extensive and es, aiming at an effective financial man- transparent procedures, seeking the agement. reduction of purchased goods’ pric- In particular, G8 responsibilities are es as well as gaining more benefits as follo ing for NRDC-GR HQ. Aikaterini PETKOU Budget section prepares the budget The Disbursing section receives OF-2 (HE A) Chief Contrancting and is responsible for all necessary guarantees and liquidates pay- NRDC-GR/G8 changes in the course of the budget ments. planning and budget execution. The Internal Review Officer has to
31 seminars con erences Operations Assessment Seminar 2014 N RDC-GR G5/Assessment Section carried out the Operations Assessment Seminar on 14 and 15 Jan 2014, which was the first pilot seminar referring to “Operations Assessment” domain. The seminar focused on methodology and procedures with the aim to provide a comprehensive approach and cement a common understanding of Operations Assessment process that drives the deci- sion-making process. The outcome of the seminar is culmi- nated to the following: a) Raise awareness of terms and defi- nitions and enable a common -under standing in the conduct of Operations Assessment process. (b) Underline the differentiation be- tween Operations Assessment and other type of Assessments like Intelligence As- sessment, Risk Assessment, etc. (c) Train the participants through practice by giving practical examples on the Operations Assessment process steps in order to familiarize them with the work of the Assessment Working Group (AWG) during operations or exer- cises. (e) Exercise and practice the Assess- ment Board (AB) Briefing to the COM. In addition to the HQ staff personnel, external participants from affiliated to NRDC- GR formations such as 33 MECH BDE and IV ARMORED BDE joined the seminar.
32 seminars con erences
NRDC-GR I n the frame of “NRDC-GR Annual Training Plan’’ for 2014 and specifically Logistics Reporting Training the preparation for 2015 HRF Combat Readiness Evaluation, a training concern- ing Logistics Reporting System named “LOG REP’’ was carried out in NRDC-GR HQ on 27th to 29th January 2014. The aim of this training was to famil- iarize the attendees with the software systems and pass them the knowledge concerning the creation of a new Da- taBase, in which a whole Force Profile can be included. Furthermore, the par- ticipants learnt how to create and export several kinds of reports upon the exist- ing DataBases and Force Profiles through LOGFAS Data Manager (LDM) or Geo- graphic Manager (GeoMan). In addition, to the NRDC-GR HQ’s par- ticipants, external trainees from Hellenic National Defense General Staff, Hellenic Army Superior CSS Command, affiliated to NRDC-GR formations such as CSS Di- vision, 33 MECH INF BDE, 71 AMB BDE, Armor Division, IV Armor Brigade, joined the training.
3333 seminars con erences
N RDC-GR HQ carried out the Op- NRDC-GR erational Planning Process (OPP) Course from 03 to 07 Feb 2014. Operational Planning Seminar Apart to the HQ staff personnel, - ex ternal participants from SEEBRIG and affiliated to NRDC-GR formations joined the course. The purpose of the Course was to prepare the attendees to contribute to NATO’s Operations Planning Process as a planner or related staff officer while applying the Comprehensive Operations Planning Directive (COPD) and the princi- ples of a Comprehensive Approach. The objectives of the Course were: (a) Provide a comprehensive ap- proach of the organization, methodol- ogy, responsibilities and procedures of conducting the Operations Planning Pro- cess (OPP). (b) Raise awareness of terms and definitions and enable a common under- standing in the conduct of OPP. (c) Apply the NATO Operations Plan- ning Process in Crisis Response Opera- tions and the principles of operational art in accordance with NATO doctrine. During the course, the attendees worked in syndicates and implemented the Operation Planning Process in ac- cordance with the NATO policy and doc- trine. Lieutenant General LEONTARIS Ilias COM NRDC-GR, ex-Chief of Staff, high- lighted to all participants that this - par ticular course is one of the most impor- tant for Staff Officers enabling them to plan any operation at any level of NATO organization.
34 seminars con erences NRDC-GR Public Affairs Seminar
W ithin the context of the Annual mation on the latest developments of sion, a thorough Q A period followed Training Plan 2014 and its cooperation the military Public Affairs activities and each lecture. with Civil Advisory Group, NRDC-GR car- responsibilities. Taking the advantage of the positive ried out a Public Affairs Seminar in Thes- Mr Papathanasiou shared with the response Theofanis Papathanasiou to be saloniki on 10thFebruary 2014. participants his unique and extensive presented in NRDC-GR PAO Seminar in It was a very fruitful and productive personal experience in various military Thessaloniki, Public Affairs Office mate- Seminar with special guest lecturers conflicts throughout the world and the rialized his experience as an embedded Mr Papathanasiou Theofanis, a famous challenges which military personnel is or unembedded journalist with military news anchor at the Hellenic Public TV facing right now while dealing with Me- forces in an interview that will be includ- and Professor PANAGIOTOU Nikolaos, dia. ed in the 2nd issue of the HQ’s NRDC-GR from the Department of Journalism and Mr Panagiotou managed to provide a HERALD magazine. Mass Media of Aristotle University of different approach to the seminar, con- Lieutenant General LEONTARIS Ilias Thessaloniki. In addition, the seminar textualizing his comments within the COM NRDC-GR, ex-Chief of Staff, ex- was attended by post-graduate students se ng “Diffused Wars, Diffused Media; pressed his warm thanks to the guest from the Faculty of Economic and Politi- Uses of new Media” inspiring the partici- speakers for their contribution to staff cal Science of Aristotle University. pants on the interaction with Social Me- individuals training program and pointed The purpose of the seminar was to dia in current times. out the significant role that Social Media provide to all participants update infor- During the fascinating morning ses- might play in future conflicts.
3535 seminars con erences Legal Conference at NRDC-GR
W ithin the context of the Annual Training Program 2014 and in coopera- tion with the Hellenic Society of - Inter national Law and International Relation, NRDC-GR Office of Legal Advisor organ- ized and conducted on 17th February 2014 a Legal Conference on the “Evolu- tion of the Law of Armed Conflicts; com- bining practitioners and academics per- spective” in the facilities of NRDC-GR. High Ranking officers, NATO military experts, legal advisers of the armed forc- es on one side and prominent academics LEONTARIS IIias, ex-Chief of Staff, wel- and researchers of the Public Interna- comed all the attendees and expressed tional Law on the other had the opportu- his appreciation to all participants and nity to discuss on the same table about especially to University Professors Had- the contemporary challenges to the Law jiconstantinou and Sarigiannidis for their of Armed Conflict (LOAC) enabling a valuable contribution to the successful common understanding on the relation- conduct of the event. In addition, COS ship between this part of Law and the highlighted the importance and the vital operational art. role of Legal Advisers in armed forces. The discussions focalized on how op- erational commanders select and assess potential targets and how the LOAC re- flects the logic of military doctrine re- lated to this process, with a special refer- ence to its relationship with the Rules of Engagement. Due emphasis was put on the thorny issue of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) and to cyber-attacks as a new form of disaqqreqated warfare. Issues of liability arising from multina- tional operations could not be skipped out from the agenda and also other complex - legal issues regarding the child recruitment, the special rights of prison- ers of war, missing persons and last but not least the integration of a gender per- spective into military operations. COM NRDC-GR Lieutenant General
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H Q NRDC-GR held the Affiliation Conference 2014 in Thessaloniki from 26 to 27 February 2014. The aim was to enhance relationship and to establish a direct connection with the affiliation network, exchange ofin- formation, explain working procedures in operations and / or exercises and fa- cilitate the contribution to the HRF up- grade process, especially the support needed for the exercise Gordian Knot 14 and 15, between NRDC-GR HQs and the affiliated formations and units. During the first day of the conference all delegates were briefed about NRDC- GR training program for the next two years with focus to HRF Full Operational Capability (FOC) in 2014 and CREVAL 2015 activities that most of the affili- ated units will be involved. In addition, detailed data needed for NRDC-GR HQs planning for exercises and Operations were provided to all representatives. To achieve the conference’s objec- tives, special briefers from NRDC-GR HQs branches delivered basic presenta- tions followed by syndicates in branches’ working areas, during which concepts, directives and all internal standing oper- ational procedures and instructions were clarified in detail. The whole event was successfully concluded by promoting and improving the mutual knowledge, identifying main expectations and training opportunities and proved to be an excellent milestone in the NRDC-GR road map for upgrading its capabilities as a High Readiness Force (Land) Headquarters.
3737 seminars con erences Main Planning Group (MPG) Training Seminar
T he Main Planning Group (MPG) Training Seminar took place from 26 to 28 March 2014 in the Main Conference Room of NRDC-GR HQ. The Seminar in- cluded lectures that were presented by G5 Planers and by the representatives of the respective Branches as well as dis- cussions over the operations planning process within NRDC-GR. The purpose of the Seminar was to fo- (Rules Of Engagement, Commanders In the end Major General KALOGERO- cus on providing necessary information Critical Information Requirements,- Tar POULOS Dimitrios, NRDC-GR Chief of about the Operations Planning Process geting). Staff, stressed out that the form ofa in tactical level, enhancing planning ca- During the seminar, DCOS OPS high- planning team is an important issue for pabilities of MPG members and to dis- lighted the importance of the MPG for each Command Group, as this staff is cuss the main Planning Standard Operat- the planning process within NRDC-GR, considered a key element for an effective ing Procedure (SOP) in detail. pointing out the necessity of profession- execution of any operation. The objectives of the seminar were: alism and honesty to the Commander. 1. To study and discuss the operations planning process in tactical level. 2. To familiarize with the planning ter- minology and terms. 3. To discuss and clarify the role and functions of the relevant branches within the Operations Planning Process (OPP). 4. To understand the relationship be- tween operational and tactical level in OPP, as well as with the sub units. 5. To understand the relationship between MPG and the other working groups, to define the synchronization of activities in particular with Logistic Plan- ning Group (LPG) and Assessment Board. 6. To “refresh” MPG’s knowledge about Tools for Operations Planning Functional Area Service (TOPFAS). 7. To understand some mechanism related with planning during operations.
38 seminars con erences GORDIAN PIKE 2014 T he first Key Leader’s Training scheduled for 2014 was conducted from 05 to 08 May 14 in Alexander the Great room of NRDC-GR/ HQ. The whole activity was conducted in the framework of Ex. GOKT 14, which will be the preparatory exercise - rehearsal of CREVAL in first semester of 2015 and prerequisite for NRDC-GR HRF upgrade. The exercise was given the nickname “GORDIAN PIKE 14” (GOPE 14) and its major purposes were not only to update and further familiarise NRDC- GR Key Leaders audience on the latest NATO concepts, procedures and on some evolving ‘techniques” but also to enhance team build- ing at Command Group level by promoting focused discussions relevant to the sessions given during this exercise. Lieutenant General lIias Leontaris, Com- mander of NRDC-GR, who was present in this activity as well as the rest Command Group, exploited this activity in the way of prepar- ing the upcoming high intensity exercise TRLE 14/GOKT14. Shared information, based on previous experiences, both collective in NRDC-GR and individual, gave the activity the true sense of it, not so much guiding debates but more importantly synthesizing practical and collective way ahead. The briefings during GOPE 14 were well prepared, satisfactorily introduced and ped- agogically delivered, providing controlled information and stimulating further discus- sions. Topics covered a wide range of as- pects related to tactical operations at Corps Level and gave the opportunity to the train- ing audience to discuss and exchange views on critical issues related not only to tactical activities at Corps level but also to logistics issues and aspects concerning Host Nation Support (HNS) or legal aspects arising during operations etc.
3939 seminars con erences ADAMS Training Course
H Q NRDC-GR welcomed Warrant Of- ficer (W.O.) Renato Parsquali and Chief- Of ficer (C.P.O.) U.S.S Navy Hector Eli Gonzales instructors from NCISS, Latina to train us in the M T Fundamental and Allied Deploy- ment and Movement System (ADAMS). Both of them are very experienced trainers of NCIS (LATINA), being able to teach all the related courses. ADAMS is used by G4 and other Branches dealing with deployment of forces. It is a com- puter based application used by all NATO HQs and National Formations in order to plan and execute the deployment from the Home Base of the force up to the Theatre of Operation, based on the Commander’s needs, priorities and the Desired Order of Arrival. The training, that lasted two weeks, took place from the 5th of MAY 2014 to the 16th of MAY 2014. The representatives that -par ticipated in the training were not only from our HQ but also from the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, 1st Hellenic Army, CSS Division and National General Staff of Norway. The Commander of NRDC-GR Lt. General Ilias LEONTARIS addressed to the instructors and attendees, emphasizing to the fact that it was the first time that a MTT, NCISS, Latina came to our HQ and both of them highlighted the importance of the specific software to NATO planning process. At the end of the course, a formal certifi- cate from NCISS, Latina was given to the par- ticipants. In conclusion, for the overall success of the activity it is important to stress out the pro- fessionalism of the instructors, the active par- ticipation of the attendants and everyone that guided and motivated us in our first step of our effort in order to improve ourselves and our competence so as to execute our mission in the most efficient and effective manner. For one more time it was proved that “NOTHING HAPPENS UNTIL SOMETHING MOVES”.
40 seminars con erences The CREVAL starts from Individual Skills s s s 2014
I to maintain the ca- For all above topics, the aim Support was in lead to deliver the pability to assure the readiness to was to train the HQ NRDC-GR Staff training. deploy and successful execute the members to be ready (adequately The general concept was CREVAL in 2015, it is decisive that prepared for deploying on oper- to deliver the bulk of the train- the NRDC-GR HQ staff members ation), as well as to facilitate the ing package in barracks mainly keep up at high standard the indi- preparation and execution of the through lecture during a unique vidual military skills. CREVAL of the HQ in 2015. centralized sequence, combined According to HRF Standard, Consequently, seen in this point with practical training. However the Commander’s Training Direc- of view, G7 established and inte- for practical limitations, weapon tive 2014 - 2016, and the Individ- grated the overall requirements firing and practical part of First ual Training Program for 2014, the of the training for first semester Aid training was conducted in Individual Training for the 1 st Se- 2014. This training was based on ASSIROS firing range, and was re- mester 14 consisted of: First Aid, the individual standard and orga- peated also two times, for allow- CBRN, Basic pre-Deployment and nized the activity within means ing everybody to attend. Weapons Firing Training. and capability of HQ Support. HQ 4141 seminars con erences
devices. The interest showed during this training was very high. It took place on the 10th and 24th Jun 2014 conducted by the C’ Mil- itary Veterinary Hospital.
asic re e loyment rainin This training consisted of: Force Protection (G3), Mine-lED Awareness, Terrorism Awareness Prevention (ENG), Espionage from G2 and from LEGAD with Law of Armed Conflict and Rules of Engagement. This training took place on 12th and 26th of Jun 2014 in Conference Room of Building D. First Aid and Preventive with the Support of a Battalion Medical Coy. e icine rainin ea ons irin rainin The academic part was sched- This activity was organized uled to be conducted in two days rainin by NRDC-GR’s Support Battalion in plenary session and was a com- This training was scheduled in two different days. On 23rd of bination of classic briefings and to be conducted on one day in May and the 30th of Jun 2014. discussions. It took place on the plenary session and was a com- Each training day included both 11th and 25th of Jun 2014. The bination of classic briefings and firing training and First Aid prac- practical part of this activity had discussions with a short practical tice. Firing was conducted by rifle the aim to allow the Staff mem- demonstration on specific CBRN and pistol. bers to be confident with the First Aid procedures (Cardiac Pulmo- nary Resuscitation (CPR) - Ban- dage Application - Fracture Im- mobilization. This part of training was conducted in the area of’ As- syros, where a dedicated medical team trained practically the per- sonnel on the First Aid maneuvers and how to load/unload a wound- ed person to/from a vehicle. The activity took place in close con- nection and coordination with the firing sessions. This training was conducted by G4 Medical Section
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It is important to say that; the interest of the personnel for all Individual Training Activity for the first semester was high. And the number of participants that took part in the training was large enough. They were also asking questions and making remarks, especially the personnel who had the experience from missions abroad. The preparation of brief- ers was excellent too. Almost all presentations consisted of clever combinations between theatrical parts and mission’s experiences. The high participation and in- terest shown by all stuff officers, made us more optimistic in con- tinuing developing and improving the Basic pre-Deploying Training for the second semester 2014 and consequently made us more opti- mistic to expect a full success in CREVAL 15.
Kasem SALIASI OF-4 (ALB A) SO Staff Individual Training NRDC-GR/G7
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W ithin the context of the Annual Training plan for 2014 focusing to a bet- ter coordination, NRDC-GR has sched- uled a number of visits to the Affiliated formations and units of Framework Na- tion, Greece. During the visits, the representatives of NRDC-GR headed by HQ’s key lead- ers, had the chance to inform in details the Commanding officers and the staff of Hellenic Formations and Units on the way towards the Combat Readiness Eval- uation, which has been scheduled for 2015 and the requirements derived from this process. In addition, NRDC-GR delegates were briefed about the training activities and capabilities of each unit. Detailed discussions followed con- cerning the forthcoming Affiliated con- ference on 26-27thFebruary and the is- sues that need to be addressed. Each visit was concluded with a tour to main equipment and installations of the units.
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O n the 5th of May 2014 the Hellenic National Defence College (HNDC), visited NRDC-GR Headquarters in Thessaloniki. Commander Lieutenant General Andre- as ILIOPOULOS, the staff and students of the HNDC were welcomed by COM NRDC-GR Lieutenant General Ilias LE- ONTARIS and they were briefed on the structure, role and mission of the HQ. The presentation was followed by a very fruitful discussion. The Hellenic National Defence Col- lege (HNDC) is the last and highest level of academic education for the officers of the Armed Forces, as well as for the high ranking civilian personnel, and execu- tives of the Security Forces, Coast Guard, ministries, public organizations and insti- tutions, providing a high level academic knowledge in the broad field of Strategic Studies.
4545 community relations s s s A delegation of NATO Intelligence Fusion Centre Senior Policy and Resource Committee (NIFC SPRC) visited NRDC-GR on Thursday 08 of May 2014. The delegation which was led by the Commander of NIFC Colonel (USAF) Tim TRAUB was welcomed by Chief Of Staff of HQ NRDC-GR Major General Dimitrios KALOGEROPOULOS. The first part of the visit included a de- tailed briefing about the structure, role, mission, capabilities and the relation- ship to NATO intelligence activities of NRDC-GR. During the second part of the visit the delegates of NIFC SPRC had the chance to see some of the key installa- tions and facilities of NRDC-GR related to the operational capabilities and they were informed about the higher readi- ness status of the HQ.
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O n Tuesday the 20th of May 2014, mander NRDC-GR Lt. General Ilias LEON- Hellenic and Allied, as well as her confi- the Greek Alternate Minister of National TARIS, the Alternate Minister received a dence that NRDC-GR, the only NATO en- Defense Mrs. Fotini GENNIMATA paid an detailed brief on the structure, mission tity in Greece, is capable to accomplish official visit to NATO Rapid Deployable and training activities of the HQ. its mission to future challenges after the Corps – Greece (NRDC-GR) premises in Mrs Fotini GENNIMATA expressed her significant operational progress achieved Thessaloniki. appreciation for the high level of pro- within a short period of time. After an office call with the Com- fessionalism of all HQ’s personnel, both
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T he Commander of the 1st Turk- ish Army, General Ahmet TURMUS, paid an official visit to NRDC-GR HQ on Wednesday 4th of June 2014. After a warm welcome by the Commander NRDC-GR Lieutenant General Ilias LEONTARIS, the guest received a detailed brief on the struc- ture, mission and training activities of the HQ. General Ahmet TURMUS was accompanied by the Deputy Com- mander of the Hellenic 1st Army, Major General Dimitrios RESKOS, the Commander of SEEBRIG, Brigadier General Hakan ESER and the Turkish Defense Attaché Colonel Ilhan- YA SITU. The visit concluded with a cer- emonial emblem exchange and a commemorative photo in front of the main entrance of NRDC-GR HQ.
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T he Bulgarian Flag Raising ceremony garian flag is three-colored because of took place on 28th of February 2014, on the Bulgarian forces in the past. The sol- the occasion of the Bulgarian National diers on the left flank had a white band Holiday (The Liberation Day) at “Pedion tied to their spears; the soldiers on the Areos Camp”. The event was carried out right flank had a red one and in the mid- with the presence of the Deputy Com- dle there were the best soldiers who mander of NRDC-GR Major General Pla- were carrying spears with green bands. men Lilov, the Consul General of Bulgaria The first historically established flag Mr. Vassil Valchev, Senior National Rep- with colors: green, white and red was resentatives (SNRs) of the NRDC-GR par- used in 1861-1862 by the Bulgarian Le- ticipating nations, distinguished guests gia, founded by Rakovski – a Bulgarian The current flag was re-established from the Consulate General and the revolutionary and writer, who devoted with the 1991 Constitution of Bulgaria Bulgarian community in Thessaloniki, as his life to the Liberation of Bulgaria. The and was confirmed in a 1998 law. The well as the entire HQ staff. white color symbolizes peace and its constitutional specifications state that During the ceremony, a speech de- pure and sacred republic, green – the the flag of the Republic of Bulgaria be of livered by the Bulgarian Deputy Senior fertility of the Bulgarian lands and the three colors: white, green, and red from National Representative at HQ NRDC-GR forest – protector of Bulgarian rebels the top. Each stripe would be placed LtC Vasil Enchev highlighted the impor- during the Renaissance, and the red – horizontally. White for peace, green for tance of the day for the new chronology courage and hope of the people. freedom and red to honor those who of Bulgaria and the history behind the The first constitutional reference to shed their blood for the independence flag. the national flag of Bulgaria goes back to of Bulgaria. The Flag of Bulgaria has changed for the First Constitution of Bulgaria adopt- The ceremony ended with a military more than a thousand years’ history ed on April 16th, 1879, which stated marching song “Botev” and a small re- – from the “horse’s tail” at the time of that the national flag would be of three ception to the distinguished visitors at Khan Asparuh till today’s tricolor flag. colors, and contain three strips in white, the HQ Coffee/Bar facilities. One of the legends says that the Bul- green and red colors. 4949 community relations
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T he Greek flag Raising ceremo- ny took place on the 21st of March 2014 on the occasion of the Greek National Holiday (25th of March) at “Pedion Areos Camp”. The event took place with the presence of the Commander NRDC-GR Lieutenant General LEONTARIS Ilias and the en- tire HQ staff, political and military authorities from the city of Thessa- loniki. During the ceremony, a speech delivered by DCOS Support, Brigadier General SERGENTANIS Stylianos, un- derlined the importance of the day and the history behind the flag. The meaning of the Greek flag is the fol- lowing: the blue color represents the Hellenic sky, whilst the white color represents the furious sea waves and the pure Hellenic soul. The cross symbolizes the dedication to the Greek Orthodox Christian faith and honors Church, which played a cru- cial role in the fight for freedom and independence. The present form of the Hellenic Flag was defined in 1978. Nine hori- zontal lines were added, express- ing the syllables of the Hellenic revolution’s signal, ’’ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΑ Η΄ ΘΑΝΑΤΟΣ’’ translated as ‘’ FREE- DOM OR DEATH’’. The Flag hoisting ceremony was completed with a reception held in the HQs premises, hosted by the Commander of NRDC-GR.
50 community relations O n the 6th June 2014, at the premises of NRDC-GR, the Italian contingent to- gether with all NRDC-GR personnel paid a symbolic homage to this significant day that represents the beginning of a new era for Italy and the Italians. Col (IT A) LUNIGIANI Luigi Francesco, ACOS G3, as acting Senior National Representative, delivered the speech of the day. “The flag of Italy (bandiera d’Italia, of- ten referred to in Italian as il Tricolore) is a tricolour featuring three equally sized vertical pales of green, white, and red, with the green at the hoist side. Its cur- rent form has been adopted on 1st Janu- ary 1948. A common interpretation is that the green represents the country’s plains and the hills; white, the snow- capped Alps; and red, blood spilt in the Wars of Italian Independence. The Republic Day is the Italian Nation- al Day, which is celebrated on the 2nd of June each year. The day commemorates the institutional referendum held by universal suffrage in 1946, in which the Italian people were called to the polls to decide on the form of government, fol- lowing the Second World War and the fall of Fascism. With 12,717,923 votes for a republic and 10,719,284 for the monar- chy, the male descendants of the House of Savoy were sent into exile”. The NRDC-GR Commander Lieutenant General Ilias LEONTARIS, the Honorary Consul of Italy in Thessaloniki Christos SARANTOPOULOS and all the staff mem- bers of the Headquarters were present to the raising ceremony. After the -cer emony a reception was held in the HQ premises.
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O n the 27th of June 2014, the HQ held a celebration due to the day of the national Romanian flag. The ROU SNR, LTC Ion MINCA ex- pressed deepest gratitude to the Greek ci- vilian and military authorities, to the com- mander LTGEN llias LEONTARIS for support and cooperation in the organization of this event and also, he addressed a warm welcome to the guests, colleagues, and friends. The ROU SNR stressed: “in 2004 RO- MANIA became a full member of NATO with clear commitment to pursuit peace, to provide security, development and prosperity. Since ROMANIA joined to the ALLIANCE, we share a common set of val- ue, we served side by side in NATO oper- ations and we work together on a daily basis representing our countries. The- Ro manian Armed Forces performed a vital role throughout our millenary history and encompassed the long lasting tradition of the Romanian people. Today we honor the sacred flag and the militaries that died in the line of duty for protecting the coun- try. In front of our HQ stand tough chal- lenges and difficult missions but only to- gether we will be able to accomplish any mission and I am really proud to be part of an outstanding team of professionals as it is NRDC-GR.” After the ceremony, a small reception took place.
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