JUNE 2007 AA pilgrimagepilgrimage for reconciliation

During the third weekend of May servicemen and women from 32 countries met for the 49th International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Members of the Slovak Armed Forces in their ceremonial uniforms were joined by the members of the Slovak Republic`s prison and justice department, police, firefighting and rescue corps, and railway police. Many civilian employees of the Slovak ministries along with their families also took part in the event. The motto of this year’s pilgrimage was: “Let yourself be reconciled with God.”

Military Bishop František Rábek and Commander of Training and Support Forces Maj Gen Ján Kačmár stood at the forefront of the Slovak delegation. On Saturday at noon the 159 Slovak pilgrims were joined by Slovak Defence Minister František Kašický and his wife. The tradition of the international military pilgrimage began to be recorded in 1958, on the 100th anniversary of the first appearance of the Virgin Mary. Slovak soldiers were invited to Lourdes for the first time in 1995 and since then they have missed not a single pilgrimage. The pilgrims had a rich programme during the weekend. A few hours after their arrival on Friday, they could get their fill as concerts were performed by military bands from various countries, while they could admire the beauty of ceremonial uniforms. Following the Slovak mass in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, soldiers and other pilgrims moved in processions to the Underground Basilica of St. Pious X, which on that particular night saw about 20 000 people. Slovak pilgrims together with the Polish delegation later held a mass at the Grotto where the Virgin Mary appeared. It was celebrated by Bishop Rábek in both Slovak and Polish. On Saturday night the most anticipated event was held – the torchlight procession, where a massive number of pilgrims singing songs and holding candles in their hands moved from the Cap de Vielle Plaza to the Rosary Basilica, carrying a symbolic light of life. On Sunday pilgrims took part in a Stations of the Cross Procession along the Via Sacra, where replicas of the Stations of the Cross are shown life size. The procession culminated in the Chapel of Calvary. Accompanied by all Slovak pilgrims, Defence Minister František Kašický placed a wreath at the Memorial to the Fallen Soldiers at the Peyramale Plaza in memory of all those who have lost their lives for their country. The highlight of the pilgrimage was the international mass served in the Underground Basilica of St. Pious X. The military pilgrimage in Lourdes ended with the release of doves as a symbol of peace. It should be added that two Slovak soldiers participated in the pilgrimage as part of a multi-national group of soldiers serving in the KFOR mission in Kosovo. Report Michaela FARKAŠOVÁ Photo Peter MICHNICA

2 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES SLOVAK ARMED FORCES Contents: Editorial Magazine of the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic 2000 Date of production start: In the first half of 2007 the June 2007 most important event for the Slovak Armed Forces was the Amendment of Act No. 346/2005 on State Service of Professional Slovak Soldiers. The aim of its creators is to stabilise the pool of expert personnel and to make military Hawk service even more attractive in the eyes of the public or rather make it even more attractive for people interested in a profession within the Slovak Armed Forces. The MoD Publisher: Page 7 believes that it will increase the motivation to become a member of Communication Division, Ministry of Defence, the Slovak Armed Force in the eyes of the able and perspective Slovak Republic applicants for professional military service. At the end of April Slovakia witnessed close cooperation Editor-in-Chief: between the Defence and Interior Ministries. From mid-April Mgr. Pavol VITKO firefighters were fighting a large fire near the mountain pass at Tel.: +421 960 312 072, +421 903 820 847 Donovaly. The fire raged in difficult and inaccessible terrain, where [email protected] Slovak cistern trucks with water could not get through, so the containment of the extensive fire became dependent on the use of the Mi-17 Chief of Edition: military helicopters with Bambi Buckets. At the same time Donovaly Mgr. Michaela FARKAŠOVÁ Missions hosted a tactical and operations exercise of the Firefighting and Tel.: +421 960 312 806, +421 903 820 847 Rescue Corps of the Slovak Republic, with participation by firefighting [email protected] teams from Hungary and a Czech Bell 412 helicopter. All the Page 10 - 13 firefighting teams had the chance to test their expertise, skills and Assistant Editors: capabilities for international cooperation for real during the forest fire Jozef ŽIAK, Colonel Rtd containment. Tel.: +421 960 332 755, +421 903 820 194 Slovakia confirmed its leadership in the fight against terrorism in e-mail: [email protected] the sphere of explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and its subsequent management at the 3rd NATO International Conference concerning 1st Lt Vladislav VAVRINEC Tel.: +421 960 312 980, +421 903 820 854 EOD at the beginning of May in Vienna. Part of the conference was e-mail: [email protected] also the EOD Demonstrations and Trials 2007 event in Felixdorf. It was Armaments organized by the Slovak Defence Ministry in cooperation with the Photo Editor: Austrian armed forces. Another fact which strengthens Slovakia’s Peter DOVINA, tel.: +421 960 312 945 leading position in this much specialised sphere is the establishment of a NATO EOD training centre (Centre of Excellence EOD - CoE EOD) Graphic Designers: in cooperation with France, which has the potential to gain a status Capt Otakar HRABÁK of “Center of Excellence” within NATO structures. It will be located in Lýdia ŠEVČÍKOVÁ Page 22 - 23 the Central Slovakian town of Nováky and should be operational by Ivana MIŠKOLCIOVÁ November 2007. There have also been changes in the sphere of international Editorial Office Secretary: cooperation and crises management in the past six months. Slovakia Milena SLEZÁKOVÁ has recalled its unit from Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq in Tel.: +421 960 312 984, accordance with the Slovak Government Manifesto, but there are still fax: +421 960 312 520 six Slovak officers serving in staff functions of various command e-mail: [email protected] centres of the coalition operations. Slovak soldiers had their premiere Good in the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon. Servicemembers of the Slovak Editorial Office Address: SLOVAK ARMED FORCES Armed Forces are still participating in PSO missions across Communication Division, MoD People Afghanistan, Kosovo, the Golan Heights, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kutuzovova 8, 832 47 Bratislava Cyprus. So far the Slovak Armed Forces have sent out over 11,000 of e-mail: [email protected] its members on foreign missions. It is a positive fact that the presence www.mosr.sk/saf of our soldiers in peace support operations around the world still Page 30 enjoys the support of the Slovak public. However, the MoD is planning Printed by: to decrease the number of missions Slovakia is participating in from 5th Carto-Reproduction Base Nemšová the current seven to three, which would permit improved readiness, increase the quality of training of the units which will be deployed on Cover Picture: specific operations and also allow for improvements in the quality of Photo Peter DOVINA the armament and equipment of the soldiers being sent out to © Ministry of Defence, fulfil tasks outside the territory of the Slovak Republic. Slovak Republic According to the Government Manifesto set forth by Licence Number: 2351/2000 Warrant Officer the acting Slovak government, one of the missions should fall under the UN Strongman mandate, the second should be in the colours of NATO and the third should be under the banner Page 34 of the European Union.

3 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES Defence Minister František Kašický: concept within the MoD, reflecting NATO`s new crises management system. Under the auspices of the Slovak MoD and in cooperation with other ministries and vital public institutions, the Long-Term MoD Development Plan with a View to 2015 has been drafted. It defines the priorities for specific state It is about the system organizations in the defence area, while creating conditions for coordinated processes to take place in the course of their • Defence Minister, one of the decisive steps during the first year retainment of personnel currently serving in military uniforms. implementation. In accordance with the Long-Term Development of your office term was to put forward an amendment to the The final result will be the stabilization of personnel within the Plan of the Defence Ministry with a View to 2015, we have Act on State Service of Professional Soldiers. Why was it so Slovak Armed Forces, which I hope will quickly become manifest drawn up an MoD Action Plan for Years 2007 – 2012 and important? in our force levels. For their support, appreciation goes to the a Defence Budget for Years 2007 – 2009. While implementing The amendment of the Act represents the fulfilment of the parliament and to the President of the Slovak Republic Ivan the conclusions arising from the 2005 Comprehensive Defence declared Government Manifesto, which I am trying to implement Gašparovič, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Slovak Review, the first changes in the mid-range planning procedures within our MoD. I am glad that the National Council of the Armed Forces. were made in the programming for years 2008 – 2013. These Slovak Republic approved the Act, which was not an easy changes create the conditions for evaluation of effectiveness process. The MoD had drafted this Act following wide-ranging • Which other steps that you have taken in the previous few when it comes to expenditure of financial resources. Another discussions with experts and members of the armed forces, so months do you consider to be most important? positive fact was the establishment of a Mid-Term Development that it would reflect the maximum requirements which needed to Drawing on the Government Manifesto, the Slovak MoD Plan of the Slovak Armed Forces for the Period 2007 – 2012, be solved. We had taken into consideration the fact that the began the re-evaluation process of the country’s defence system. which defines the goals, tasks and priorities for the creation and previous law failed to enable the creation of a truly attractive This process is embedded in the Reform Concept for Defence sustainment of required capabilities of the Slovak Armed Forces environment for recruitment of people into the Slovak Armed System of the Slovak Republic, with emphasis on improving the within the planned period. They also identify the risks and Forces. The result of that is that today we have about 2,800 quality of the defence management by the State, developing the operational deficiencies in individual spheres. vacancies. Last year`s goal was thus not achieved. However, the capabilities of the Slovak Armed Forces, and interconnecting the contents of the new Act create motivational factors not only for defence and crises management systems of the Slovak Republic. • And in international cooperation? recruitment of new members of the armed forces but also for We have begun the process of updating the crisis management We have continued with the harmonization of the Slovak

4 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES support element in NRF-10 for the first half of 2008. The General Generally speaking, the most difficult task was to get the Staff of the Slovak Armed Forces has begun to process planning MoD to function properly, so that its operations would not be documentation in respect of the deployment, sustainment and endangered, in other words, to make the financial system, withdrawal of earmarked forces and equipment. human resources, command and control function in a way that The Slovak Republic will participate in the creation of an EU was badly needed. I am not saying that everything we set before Battle Group along with the Czech Republic, which will be ready ourselves has been fulfilled to the letter, because we can really to deploy in the second half of 2009, by contributing evaluate this at the end of the year. However, we have set up the – a mechanized company, a chemical, biological, radiological basis for the system. We have approved the budget for next year, (CBR) protection platoon, a logistic support company, a military a move unprecedented in the history of the MoD. We have police group and a national support element. In 2006 we approved new priorities, an annual action plan, as well as discussed the text of the Memorandum of Understanding with a centralized public procurement plan. Now the question is how the Czech Republic, which will be signed later this year. people who are in the position of executing these objectives will I can also mention that the Slovak Republic has assumed the be able to fulfil these tasks. They will be assessed on how they role of LEAD NATION in the field of Explosive Ordnance Disposal fulfil these tasks. There is no other way. As regards our successes, (EOD) and Consequence Management. In cooperation with I again want to reiterate my satisfaction with the fact that we France and Germany, we have prepared the establishment have been able to approve new rules in the Act on State Service of a NATO EOD training centre in Zemianske Kostoľany. The of Professional Soldiers. We are preparing other laws which will training facility aims to achieve the status of a “Centre concern the abolishment of district offices, an aim which is of Excellence“ EOD as early as 2007. contained in the Slovak Government Manifesto. We are in the process of drafting an intelligence services bill. The MoD shares • What are the proposed changes in our peace support operations? the responsibility for its preparation while closely cooperating We put a lot of effort into crises management operations. In with the Slovak Information Service and the Interior Ministry. the Slovak Government Manifesto we declared that we would re-evaluate our military participation. In absolute agreement with • A more personal question – besides the drafting of new bills the General Staff, we would like to create the conditions for our and managing the MoD, you can be seen moving among participation in three major operations. Our aim is to deploy soldiers across Slovakia seven days a week, or meeting with organic units. We will also attempt to acquire adequate organizations cooperating with the MoD, you also attend public representation in operations commands. We have prepared events, representing the MoD and the State on international a specific material to be considered by the Slovak Security level. Why then such a high level of engagement? Council and the government. It appears that we will have one For the time being I have enough energy and the current mission within the UN forces, one under NATO command and Defence Minister`s secret code – “Duracell” – seems to fit me one led by the European Union. I am also pleased that we are well (laughing). Of course, my work has its minuses as well. It able to post high quality personnel to mission commands and takes place at the expense of my family, not to mention my free staffs. As of 31 December 2006 there were 57 members of the time. My principle is to fully exploit every day in the post of the MoD and the Slovak Armed Forces representing the Slovak Defence Minister with the aim of pushing the military forward. Republic at NATO and EU bodies, with 91 personnel serving at My meetings with soldiers help my enormously in this. Should I the NATO and EU command and staff posts. sit in the office and look like I know everything or that I get enough information from my closest subordinates? No way, that • It is expected that the military education system will be is not my style. For me, it is important not to lose contact with reformed. What will it look like in the future? reality and to listen to people who really experience things on It is not a simple process. At the moment we have the Armed a day-to-day basis. At the same time, meetings with soldiers or Forces Academy in Liptovský Mikuláš, which is a tertiary employees are important for me because there I can express my education institution. In the same facility there is also the appreciation and respect for these people. The State and our National Defence Academy, which looks after the career and MoD need these people and they cannot feel overlooked or specialized education of military professionals and civilian unappreciated. And I try to speak to the citizens about the value employees. In this regard, I have asked for materials to be drafted and honour of our personnel, as well as about our aims and in order to collect information on the current and future interests. It is not always easy, but that is my choice. Republic`s defence planning with that of NATO. We have taken requirements of the Slovak Armed Forces and the MoD agencies. steps to synchronize the planning cycles, set responsibilities for In the future that will mean not only acquiring a university • The Slovak Armed Forces have always been among the top individual planning disciplines, and outlined their management diploma, but also pursuing life-long education. I am also three most trustworthy institutions in the country since their and coordination. In this context we have begun drawing up interested in recruiting civilians with required qualifications. All establishment in 1993. On average they have the support a comprehensive defence planning methodology document. requisite analyses have been conducted already. We are currently of 70 per cent of Slovak citizens. Paradoxically, in a similar Hence, defence planning is based on performance of Force Goals preparing the integration of the said academies, so that all “popularity survey” featuring politicians, not a single former 2006 with emphasis on securing capabilities for the defence of duplicity is removed, and so that we have one, effective, capable Defence Minister was able to get to the top places. How come the Slovak Republic and on training units deployable and and progressive educational institution in place. It is in our that in the June 2007 survey on the most trustworthy sustainable according to NATO standards in a wide spectrum of interest to turn it into a tertiary level establishment of a university government members you gained almost 60 per cent of votes operations under NATO, EU, UN or other international type. We want our graduates to gain such qualifications that are and Slovak citizens placed you right behind the Premier and the organisations’ command. In the past few months Slovakia has not only acceptable in the Armed Forces but also within the Vice-Premier, who is also the Interior Minister? continued performing its political-military ambitions defined in Slovak Republic and even Europe. For that reason the Academy I am grateful for their trust, but I do not accept it personally. the Defence Strategy of the Slovak Republic, i.e. to have the will attempt to cooperate very closely with partner military I am pleased that our citizens have trust in us, despite the fact Armed Forces ready to participate in at least two concurrent tertiary education institutions. We will support foreign language that in the last few months we have faced some successes but operations by the end of 2010. skills and life-long education for soldiers and state employees. also very sad events. In November 2006 Slovak medic Rastislav Since 1 January 2006 the mechanized battalion has achieved We would also like to offer defence and security education, one Neplech was killed in Iraq. In March there was a tragic explosion full readiness as a high readiness force. It forms an essential part that is not only limited to the military. For example, we intend to in the warehouse of the Military Repair Company in Nováky. of the mechanized battalion group that is scheduled to achieve offer a national security course, which will be open to personnel Eight employees died in the explosion. In these cases we stepped full operational capability within 1 January 2008. In 2006 for the from the MoD, Interior Ministry, National Security Authority, or forward and spoke the truth in front of the public and we tried first time the Slovak Armed Forces contributed to the rotation of from the Office of the Security Council of the Slovak Republic. to mitigate the pain and sadness of the families of the victims. forces in the NATO Response Force (NRF-7). We have finished the Our honest, heartfelt and truthful approach was accepted by the preparation for our participation in the NRF-8 rotation, whereas • You have held the position of the Defence Minister for almost public and that is another reason why people in Slovakia our unit will be on stand-by in the first half of 2007. Today we a year now. What key priorities have you had in this period and continue to have trust in the military. That is why we are can say that the Slovak Republic has also confirmed its what vital tasks await you in the next few months, besides those committed to work responsibly. Interview Pavol VITKO participation through a mechanized battalion with a national you have already mentioned? Photo Capt Peter MICHNICA

5 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES Slovakia as Lead Nation EOD

The Slovak Republic assumed the role of Lead approved. This programme is aimed at developing new of a NATO Centre of Excellence EOD (CoE EOD). This Nation EOD and Consequence Management with- EOD technologies directly connected with the fight undertaking falls within the competency of the in NATO. It was not a coincidence that the 3rd against terrorism. General Staff of the Slovak Armed Forces. The Centre International NATO EOD Conference was held in “For experts, discussions on terrorist threats are as aims to attain the status of a “Centre of Excellence Vienna between May 8 to 10, 2007. The conference important as exchanges of experiences. We must EOD” within NATO structures. “It is a facility which will was accompanied by the EOD Demonstrations and constantly search for early warning systems against provide the Alliance and other cooperating countries Trials 2007 event in Felixdorf and was organized possible attacks,” stressed State Secretary Jaroslav with the required support in the areas of education, by the Defence Ministry of the Slovak Republic Baška, “As a relatively new member of the Alliance we training, exercises, testing and laboratory capacities together with the Austrian Armed Forces. need support. In this respect, I would like to thank when it comes to explosives and ammunition. Norway and France. Norway for its help it provided at The operational capability of the CoE EOD depends on The conference brought together 180 experts in the the beginning of our work in the Alliance and France the filling of the approved national positions, as well as field and representatives of companies taking part in for its continuous support and a French officer advising on the international positions (EOD experts from NATO the development and manufacture of EOD equipment on cooperation and EOD at the Slovak MOD. Other countries). This requires concerted efforts and invest- as well as teams from 28 countries. The conference was countries have also been actively participating in the ment on the part of the Slovak MOD. It would be great opened by Peter Flory, NATO Assistant Secretary Gener- initiative, especially Germany, Belgium, the United if this capability was achieved in November this year, al for Defence Investment, General Roland Ertl, Chief of Kingdom, Latvia, Greece, Hungary and Poland. The which is possible if all available forces and resources are the General Staff of the Austrian Armed Forces, and CNAD POW DAT project in the sphere of EOD and IED used effectively,” informed Maj Drahoslav Hagara, Jaroslav Baška, State Secretary of the Slovak Defence is open to PfP and MD countries. I assure you that the Head of LN EOD Management and Coordination Ministry. Slovak Republic will continue to actively and Department and the Director of the Conference in one Slovakia assumed the role of Lead Nation EOD at the responsibly perform its task as Lead Nation EOD. I think person. The centre will be subordinated to the Training Istanbul Summit in July 2004. This occurred following that we have a lot to offer to the Alliance even in such and Support Command in Trenčín and should be locat- the spring meeting of the Conference of National a highly specialized sphere,” added State Secretary ed in Nováky. The full operational capability of this cen- Armaments Directors (CNAD), where the Conference of J. Baška. tre is scheduled for November 2007. National Armaments Directors Programme of Work for The biggest project currently underway, in which Report Vladislav VAVRINEC Defence against Terrorism (CNAD POW DAT) was Slovakia is participating with France, is the construction Photo Peter DOVINA

6 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES During the joint theoretical preparation phase, the mixed crews first became acquainted with the mission, Exercise Slovak Hawk 2007 tactical capabilities, maneuver capabilities and performance parameters of the aircraft they were An international exercise with participation of Hawk, MiG-29 and L-39 aircraft were successfully con- going to fly. the Slovak Air Force and the Royal Air Force of ducted. Pilots on both sides thus gained the opportu- In the concluding phase of the exercise Slovak and Great Britain and Northern Ireland (RAF) took nity to acquaint themselves with the aircraft`s flight, British air force pilots undertook composite air opera- place at Sliač Air Force Base between May 9 – 18, performance and maneuver capabilities, as well as with tions (COMAO) packaging in respect of air defence 2007. Aircrew members of 1st and 2nd Squadron the tactics used during air combat maneuvers. systems and defensive activities against air strikes. with four MiG-29 and two L-39 Albatros aircraft According to Lt Col Dorčák, Exercise Slovak Hawk 2007 took part in the exercise together with members MIXED AIRCREW MEMBERS ABOVE SLIAČ helped especially the younger, less experienced airmen of No. 100 Squadron of the Royal Air Force based The exercise above Sliač Air Force Base was an of 1st and 2nd Squadrons. They gained much needed at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire with five Hawk adventure for the pilots of the British Hawks as well. experience from this joint activity of NATO`s air force T-1/1A aircraft. Until now they had not had an opportunity to get to units. Commander of No. 100 Squadron of the Royal Air know the MiG-29 aircraft. Maj Bryce Bullet praised the Force Lt Col D. A. C. Legg was also satisfied with the According to Lt Col Ivan Dorčák, Deputy Comman- flight capabilities of the Slovak machine. The 24-year results of the exercise. der of Sliač Air Force Base, the British counterparts old Tornado fighter-bomber navigator Claire Birtch was Report Jozef ŽIAK were very helpful when it came to the exercise prepa- also up in the air. Photo Peter MICHNICA ration. “The aim of the exercise was to carry out theo- retical preparation and practical training of air combat maneuvers while employing different types of aircraft; it was also aimed at preparing and conducting combined air operations. It is especially in these areas that the members of the British Royal Air Force and, particularly this squadron, have a lot of experience to share,” explained Lt Col Dorčák. BRITISH HAWK SURPRISED Amongst other things, the joint exercise tested our cooperation in logistic support of the British RAF unit with the equipment available at Sliač Air Force Base. Moreover, it helped our air controllers to improve their English skills, as they communicated with UK pilots. All missions undertaken part of Exercise Slovak Hawk 2007 by mixed English-Slovak and Slovak-English crews on

SLOVAK ARMED FORCES Development of NATO logistics An interview with Brig Gen PAVEL MACKO:

Brigadier General Pavel MACKO (1964) is the Deputy Chief of Staff for Support, Allied Land Component Command Headquarters Heidelberg – ALCC HQ Heidelberg. Currently he is also the highest ranking Slovak officer within the NATO structures. Since he spent the major part of his military career in various logistics positions and he is responsible for this sphere even in his present position, the interview is dedicated to this particular branch of the military.

• What are the underlying trends in the development of NATO logistics? First of all, these trends need to be comprehended from a broader perspective of NATO transformation, armed forces of NATO member states, as well as in connection with the changing security environment in the world. The scenarios for conducting military operations typical of the Cold War era have been outlived and NATO and its armed forces must adjust speedily to the changing circumstances. In the past, NATO logistics had to be adjusted to the conduct of large-scale military campaigns exclusively in the territory of NATO member countries, while exploiting the massive domestic infrastructure as well as the option to mobilise all domestic resources. In contrast, the contemporary character of armed conflicts and of the conduct of military operations in general, enables the use of original concepts and capabilities only up to a very limited extent. Moreover, the dynamics of force and resource deployment is undergoing a decisive change. For this reason, the issues relating to mobilisation are being thoroughly reviewed in terms of their content and dynamics. The armed forces of NATO member states must be capable of responding to emerging threats of a global character and at the same time be ready to undertake large-scale military operations. Indeed, common territorial defence remains the basic pillar of the Alliance. But NATO today must, above all, be able to respond duly and timely to crisis situations beyond its own territory and intervene within a short period of time in the full spectrum of possible operations, ranging from initial entry into the crisis region under the conditions of active armed resistance, through operations against international terrorism, peace enforcement or peacekeeping all the way to urgent provision of humanitarian assistance upon occurrence of natural future theatre of operations, to be more exact, the area of • What should the system of military logistics be like during disasters. operations is a non-linear battlefield, where units will perform NATO operations themselves? in especially difficult geographical areas, in many cases in Currently the building up of the NRF forces based on a • Does that mean that there is more emphasis put on the especially complex political and ethnic areas. We can count on rotational principle is not only a tool for the Alliance`s rapid expeditionary character of armed forces when it comes to their deployments in vast unconnected territories, where numerous response to possible crises situations around the world, but deployment? geographical constraints will come into play. In view of the primarily a transformation tool for the armed forces of NATO Exactly. By far the most important requirement in this character of crises we must count on many other international member countries and with that their logistic support as well. regard is emphasis on the expeditionary character of government and non-government parties which will perform The future of the support to the NRF forces operations is mainly deployment of NATO armed forces and conduct of their their activities in the same areas and at the same time as a result seen in the strengthening of multi-national and joint logistics on operations. Providing support for such deployment in an area of which there will be many constraints to the activities of an operational level. The aim is to achieve integrated logistics distant thousands of kilometres in a very short time and military units. A very significant factor could also be the poor on the level of theatre of operations. In this regard integrated sustaining troops in the area of operations are the primary development of local infrastructure and very limited local logistics is a process, which should optimize the support to joint trends in the development of military logistics within NATO. The resources. armed forces on an operational level via systematic

8 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES coordination, rationalization and performance of maintenance system and a complex life cycle management are the basic The advantage of the manufacturing of logistics technologies is functions. Integrated logistics will be built on four basic pillars: requirements for the current military logistics equipment. the larger market in view of the prevalent dual usage of this - joint operations involving combined forces, which is the An especially important requirement is the increasing of technology for military and civilian purposes and the possibility base for future operations, protective features in respect of vehicles, particularly for direct use of experience for the purposes of wholly civilian - unity of logistic command on an operational level, the transport vehicles, their ability to survive under difficult production. The impulse for the take-off of our industry in this - multi-national approach, which is vital for some member operational conditions and in the face of increased risks of sphere can be supported even today by the currently vital wide- countries, attacks by handheld guns and explosive devices. For example, ranging modernization of the logistic capacities of the Armed - logistic suport based on robust information management not even ten years ago we thought that on an operational Forces of the Slovak Republic. Although this will be very capabilities. level transport vehicles would operate in the “rear”, where it demanding financially, modernization of military logistics is an would be enough to have equipment developed on the basis excellent investment. Besides other advantages for the reason In the future, the commander of a NATO campaign led by of regular container carriers and trucks capable of travel on that modern logistics equipment of the armed forces can be the NRF will not only be entrusted with the competencies to roads or in light or slightly harder terrain. However, current much more than just classical combat equipment and can be conduct military operations, but also to direct logistic support. conflicts and guerrilla style of fighting are showing us that used in the assistance of civil authorities in times of various The commander will not only be assigned competencies over logistic convoys not only represent a so called “soft target”, exceptional situations. logistic support on the operational level by the contributing but for that reason are becoming the main target of attacks by countries, but he will also be responsible for joint "logistic armed enemy groups. With that the advantage of operating in • As the former chief of Slovak logistics in what way are the operations". The tool for the realization of this responsibility will the rear is definitely lost and the requirement, for more Slovak Armed Forces are different from armed forces of similarly be the JLSG – Joint Logistic Support Group. Concurrently the resistant military technology equipped with weapons carriages sized countries within the Alliance? NATO Commander will be delegated with restricted for effective defence and modern communication equipment There are the same challenges in front of Slovakia as in competencies over the so-called NSEs – National Support on the same level as tactical combat units, came back to the front of comparable member countries. Some of our logistics Elements, which will fall under the JLSG Commander within the fore. capacities are insufficient and they do not fit current regime of the so-called logistic control (LOGCON). When it comes to categories of equipment, the definite requirements even by their structure and quality. There are also leader is land transport vehicles, as well as, tactical transport common problems with strategic air lift and insufficient tactical • Is there any place for national command and control? aircraft, whether with fixed wings or helicopters. The biggest air transport capacities. Another problem is the fact that for On a tactical level, the so-called first and second level of demand in this regard is for technology which fully supports smaller armed forces it is almost impossible to have all logistics, the tasks relating to organic national logistics will containerization and palleting of supplies – various multi- the logistic support spheres covered. remain unchanged and so tactical logistics will still remain functional container carriers, platform pallet carriers and the On the other hand, we were able to achieve significant primarily part of the competencies of NATO member countries, appropriate technology to manipulate the said systems. progress or find the right direction in many spheres. For example although it is possible to expect some elements of multi- There has been a significant increase in the demand for our container accommodation when it comes to longer national logistic support to appear on that level. There is also a engineering logistic infrastructure for rapid construction of deployment is on world class level. The situation is similar when role to be played by the so-called multinational integrated horizontal and vertical structures. Another hit is equipment it comes to our field hospital, which passed a very difficult test logistics units (MILU), although these have their limits, in my for the preparation and distribution of drinking water. The during its long operation in East Timor. We also made significant opinion, when it comes to their effectiveness and are sometimes important factor here is inter-operability, which enables the progress when it comes to the personal kit of an individual - more a sign of political will rather than military sense. use of equipment within multi-national formations, as well professional soldier, even though in this sphere there are still Furthermore problems relating to the creation of “organic” as the use of the combination of all the types of transport – many improvements we need to make. Wide-ranging multi-national tactical logistics units are no less demanding than by land, sea and air. modernisation and change of combat and logistics equipment those with multi-national use of national logistics units on an The real secret of logistical success is not hidden only in is vital, both when it comes to quality and quantity. There is an operational level within JLSG, probably the opposite is true. the used equipment, but also in the way we apply it. insufficient range of information technologies and inadequate When it comes to more wide-ranging NATO operations, or Flexibility in the use of equipment and the correct pre- supplies of modern communication devices. All this is a regular long-term operations, we must point out the fact that the definition of logistic processes, their complete mastering by occurrence within the NATO logistics sphere. There are member logistic concept of the NRF operations is slightly in front of the the armies is the key to effective and efficient support of countries which are comparable with Slovakia in terms of general NATO logistic doctrine. Recently finished and current operations. These logistic processes must be sufficiently population numbers, and which are much further along today. long-term NATO operations have their history with regard to expressed in the whole set of logistic procedures and For example, Norway. At the same time we can say that these logistics. There is a clear trend away from solely national support sequences from the strategic level to the most detailed countries are much richer. or from restricted bi- or multi-lateral support from the beginning tactical level. The ability to integrate is very important for The positive is that within the armed forces there are of the 1990s towards so-called cooperative logistics and at logistics equipment, as are logistics units. Even the most enough professional soldiers and civilian employees left in present to a partial integration of support. I am convinced that modern artillery system cannot fully assert itself unless it is logistic positions. Many of them are top experts in their fields. as we gradually gain more experience with integrated NRF able to be fully incorporated in an integrated system of This was one of the factors which enabled us to take the lead support we will slowly re-evaluate the whole NATO logistic artillery support within the whole battlefield and is not at the nation role in the sphere of unexploded ordnance disposal doctrine and the manner of support for running NATO same time fully equipped with its own complete support and (EOD). The specialist unit in the sphere of CBR equipment and operations. The trend is clear – further shifts to multi-national maintenance system. It is something very similar when it training from Zemianske Kostoľany is also part of our logistics. and more integrated solutions. This change will not be comes to military logistics equipment and the possibility of its It gained international recognition as a result of the work of its implemented in jumps, but will flow as a long-term process and “commercial” success. experts. We also have top class civilian employees, for example, we can expect a lot of problems and hurdles on the road to experts from logistics command have been very successful in achieving this goal. • What possibilities can you see for Slovak companies to assert participating in such tasks as the creation of the UN food code themselves in this sphere? for which they received praise directly from the UN • Which logistics equipment is currently „in“ ? I am a soldier not a businessman, but I can assess that headquarters in New York. We must consider the preparation of When it comes to logistics equipment the current stress the current wide-ranging modernization of military logistics future young logistics experts, so we can guarantee continuity is put on its multi-functionality. In other words – modern represents a huge challenge and at the same time offers a huge of processes. logistics equipment must enable variability of its use for opportunity for “captains” of the armaments industry. There is In any case, in view of the limited economic resources, it is various tasks and in a variety of climatic conditions. On the an unprecedented expansion in the automotive industry and in our best interests to support the current NATO initiatives, one hand, emphasis is put on maximum use of technology complex logistic services in Slovakia. It is especially in the sphere such as the joint logistic support within the Joint Logistics built on the basis of commercially produced equipment, so of logistics systems that Slovak companies have the biggest Support Group. Slovakia is actively participating in this sphere, called “off the shelf”, as a result of the constantly decreasing chance to catch the current trends and assert themselves. For when, for example, during the establishment of the very first size of the armed forces and the costs associated with the that we do not need to be a comprehensive producer of JLSG within the NRF we had major representation of our experts acquisition and subsequent maintenance of equipment in transport, manipulation and automation technologies – these in the JLSG command not only from the NATO command operation. On the other hand, there are increasing markets are held by stronger players. However, we can structures, but also directly from within our units. requirements for specific attributes and high dependability significantly participate in the approximation of existing Interview Pavol VITKO for use within the armed forces. Low fault rate, simple repair resources to the requirements of the modern armed forces. Photo Mário PAŽICKÝ

9 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES Women’s Mission in Lebanon For Slovakia, the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon is “Our team helps with basic injuries and is able to very palatable foods. According to him, it was the first of its kind in which its Armed Forces have provide stomach, chest and neurological surgeries. It important that the first and second Slovak surgical more women than men. There are two soldiers not only helps soldiers but partly also civilians, teams continued to work in Lebanon and thus acquire and four Army servicewomen in the second although this help is often not welcomed by private valuable experience, so that the Army could use their rotation of Slovak military medics. hospitals in the area, which are losing paying patients expertise in other missions in the future. in such a way,” said Lt Col František Nikel, the The goal of the UN Interim Force is to secure peace in the border areas between Lebanon and its Defence Minister František Kašický accompanied by Commander of the Slovak contingent. As an illustration neighbouring countries, to cooperate with local Chief of the General Staff General Ľubomír Bulík visited of this – on the day of the visit one of the patients authorities and help civilians with projects such as road Lebanon on May 21-22, 2007. While in Beirut, they met treated by Slovak Lt MUDr. Katarína Belicová was repair, electricity and water supplies, or medical care. with the Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Gen a Chinese Sgt Xu Guo Cheng whose kidneys and liver At the time of this visit there were 13 700 personnel Michel Suleiman and visited Prime Minister Fouad were not working properly since his body would from 31 countries participating in the UNIFIL mission. Sinior. František Kašický informed his partners about overheat. Slovakia`s participation in the mission and our position Minister Kašický emphasized that Gen Claudio Report and photos Pavol VITKO on the situation in Lebanon. He emphasised that the Graziano, UNIFIL Slovak medical team was there not only to help the Force Commander, UNIFIL soldiers but also to assist local citizens – a fact and Maj Gen greatly appreciated by the Armed Forces Commander Maurizio Fiora- and the Premier. The Defence Minister went on to vanti, Commander reiterate the view that from the position of Slovakia as of the Western a UN Security Council non-permanent member, the Sector, where the situation in Lebanon should be resolved in a peaceful said field hospital is way. operating, had Defence Minister F. Kašický and General Ľ. Bulík only words of visited the six-member Slovak surgical team that has praise for the work been serving in Lebanon as part of the Belgian field of Slovak medics. hospital ROLE 2 in Tibnin. During the second ten-week He also appre- rotation there were four women of whom three were ciated the fact that nurses with the rank of Lance Corporal and one doctor our soldiers were – an officer. The mission commander together with able to cope with another colleague are surgeons and at the same time the provided basic officers. lodgings and not

10 Over the divided plaza SSgt Bartolomej Balog is the commander of we would feel if we were in the same situation, yet we taken over from the Austrians by Slovakia on 18 June Observation Post 129 (OP-129) in the middle of the still have to report them to the UN police. Recently we 2001. Thus, Slovakia became a commanding country in ethnically mixed and divided village of Pyla. From had to stop them by force from building a new road in one of the sectors of this PSO. the observation post platform perched on the roof the buffer zone, which was unannounced and did not The Slovak contingent`s Command HQ is located of a building in the centre of the plaza, the centre have the required permits. The worst experience was at Camp General M.R. Štefánik in Famagusta. The of the village life, where the two most frequented when we had to respond to an explosion of a cistern contingent is made up of two guard platoons in the cafés are located: Greek and Turkish, he observes truck near our position. Never ever in my life had I seen buffer zone, an engineer unit, stationed at Command the situation around. A view just a little bit further a burnt person and this was a child. We could not do HQ in Nicosia, which performs engineer tasks for the up the minaret reveals the Alcatraz Patrol Base, anything about it,” even three months later reminisces overall PSO, commander`s reserve units, military police, where his platoon members are stationed. with emotion in his voice SSgt Mislan. and Slovak soldiers serving in the staff, a Hungarian platoon and Croatian observers. The remaining two This is his second time on the island. He believes BLUE HELMETS sectors fall under the Argentine and British contingent. that the situation is much calmer compared to what it The operations of peace keeping forces in Cyprus, was four years ago. “Except for a few unhappy the third largest island in the Mediterranean (9,251 Report and photo Jozef ŽIAK provocateurs on both sides. There are six of us at each sqms, over 800,000 inhabitants, of whom 80 per cent post. Three are constantly on duty. Five times a day two are Greek Cypriots and the rest mainly Turks), began on soldiers go on an hour-long patrol. They go either by the basis of a UN Security Council Resolution of car or on bicycles and from specified locations guide 4 March 1964. Thus, the UNFICYP mission is one of the the activities at the Greek and Turkish positions. They longest continuous peace keeping operations in the report their findings. The citizens of both nationalities world. Blue helmets look after peace behave very well towards us, except for a few,” between the two sides. They control the comments SSgt Balog. buffer zone. UNFICYP forces have His two team mates in the observation booth on their headquarters in Nicosia and the roof, Cpl Ján Vinc and LCpl Emil Dzuba are on their operate in three sectors. Control first tour of duty overseas. At first it was very strange to over one of them (sector IV) was them that in Pyla everything was in duplicate – Greek and Turkish cemeteries, sports clubs, cafes, shops, schools, petrol stations, auto repair shops, markets and waste dumps. “They anxiously observe the actions of the other side. There is a problem when a ball flies across to the wrong side of the village during a game. In most cases it is lost forever,” shakes his head in disbelief Cpl Ján Vinc.

THE ALCATRAZ BOYS Up on the hill the commander of the PB-126 patrol base is SSgt Miroslav Mislan. This is the second tour of duty for him in Cyprus. His team is, among other things, also responsible for patrolling the buffer zone. “In most cases we have very good relationships with the locals. They greet us from afar. It is worse at the time of the hunting season. They go and hunt quails and sometimes rabbits. Movement in the zone is regulated; passes are required from the UN. They do not always have them, especially during night poaching. Some of them refuse to apply for permits. Out of pride. They tell us it is their land there. Why should they ask strangers for permission to go hunting there, or graze sheep, collect asparagus or snails when it rains. We understand them, we think about it how

SLOVAK ARMED FORCES PlacePlace ofof DeploymentDeployment

In March 2007 the Slovak engineer unit began to features highly efficient protection equipment and advanced The KAF base is one of the most important in the country. write a new chapter in the history of its service in technology. Active camp protection and defensive measures, It protects the life and activities of all operating units. Combat Afghanistan. During that month, based on the decision of ensured 24 hours a day by army aviation and infantry units units for all missions start from this base. It is here that the the Slovak government and the order of the Chief of the of the coalition forces stationed at the base, are top class, aircraft with reinforcements, combat equipment and wide- General Staff, the Slovak contingent launched “Operation too. From the security point of view, the decisive factor in ranging logistic support arrive. Judged by its size, the base is Redeployment” from Kabul International Airport (KAIA) favour of the redeployment was the fact that the engineers actually a city of its own, but it must be stressed it is a city to Kandahar Airfield (KAF). On 19 May “Operation would perform their specialised tasks within the confines of at war. With everything that comes with that. With the legacy Redeployment” was successfully accomplished. the base and not out in the open country. These guarantees of the surrounding minefields and mine areas close to the air led to the decision to transfer the unit as requested. Hence, strips, or even in locations where HQ ISAF plans to build new That is what a brief news report would sound like, but the Slovak engineers added a new name to the list of our lodging facilities for Coalition forces. That is the reason why the that is only a fragment of the reality and of the real story PSOs. After Lipik, Vukovar, Adi Qal, Al Hillah, Kabul, now it Slovak engineering unit was welcomed with open arms. It will behind it. Possibly the most significant development in the life was KANDAHAR. be part of its responsibility to check and clean up the area, of the unit since its participation in the ISAF operation, run by The title of the province and the city evoke the same disposing of mines and of other explosive ordnance. The unit the North-Atlantic Alliance, was preceded by numerous dangers as they did over 200 years ago in the battle against has also been entrusted with the reabul Airport and from the events and weighty decisions. Probably the most significant British imperial rule, or 20 years ago when the place became very beginning of their involvement within the ISAF mission was the political decision. The government of the Slovak the main stronghold of the Taliban and its leader Mull Omar. in 2004, the engineer unit has manually performed mine Republic carefully considered the request of the ISAF From here he commanded his faithful followers, members of disposal activities on an area of 58,085 sqm and mechanically, Command for redeployment of Slovak engineers from the the hardest and most fanatic regime the world of Islam had with the aid of the Božena mine disposal machine, on an area capital city to the unstable southern province of Kandahar. ever known and, in the end the area became the terrorist of 177,000 sqm. In total 1,665 mines and other unexploded The primary determinant was certainly the security issue of base and a source of tragedies that were to occur in the early ordnance have been found and destroyed. The second part of our soldiers. For that reason, in January 2007, Slovak Premier 21st century. However, the Taliban was defeated. Operation the multi-functional company, i.e. the engineering construction Robert Fico accompanied by Defence Minister František Enduring Freedom led by the Coalition forces and later by unit, has, during the ISAF operation, performed a huge amount Kašický visited the base at Kandahar Airfield together with ISAF gave the citizens of Afghanistan hope for a better life. of specialised work. Just to mention some achievements, military experts, so that they could have a look at the security In the last few months extremism of the worst kind has reared digging and transport of soil – 3,300 tons, construction of guarantees provided for our soldiers by ISAF. The ISAF officers its ugly head again, especially here in the south of the country gravel roads in the volume of 6,500 cubic metres of gravel, introduced the security system in place to the Slovak and is once again endangering the security of countries all almost a thousand cubic metres of concrete, etc. That is the delegation. In light of the base`s strategic position, the system around the world. reason the ISAF command and representatives of other armies

12 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES predecessors in other missions and operations. There were František Kašický and numerous relatives from all corners of thousands of sand sacks put on the container roofs and Slovakia. In his speech, the Minister said: “Always remember a protective perimeter fence of concrete slabs grew around the that during the performance of your tasks in the international camp. These works continued concurrently with the securing of environment you are members of an international team and the the 7th rotation. On the early morning of 5 June an aircraft failure of one part of the team could have influence on the arrived with 57 troops who were going to replace their success of the whole mission.” He repeated the same at an counterparts after their tour of duty. Together with them informal meeting with the soldiers directly prior to their another two planes with lodging containers touched the departure from Bratislava Airport. Let us hope that they will ground, and from the depths of the huge Antonov, with the accomplish their mission and return home safely. They still don’t heroic name of Ruslan, two armoured Tatrapans emerged. They have a name for their camp. In Bagram and in Kabul it was were sent to strengthen the protection of the engineers during “Tatra Village”. Maybe the tradition will go on in Kandahar. their mine disposal activities. The pre-deployment ceremony for these soldiers in Sereď was attended by Defence Minister Report and photos Bernard ROŠTECKÝ

S LOVAK ARMED FORCES MEMBERS IN PEACE SUPPORT MISSIONS IN JUNE 2007:

Mission Country No.

Peace Support Operations under NATO Command KFOR Kosovo 134 ISAF Afghanistan 58

Operations of Coalition Forces Iraqi Freedom Iraq 6

UN Peacekeeping Missions UNFICYP Cyprus 196 UNDOF Golan Heights 95 UNIFIL Libanon 6

HQ and Observers NATO HQ Sarajevo Bosnia a Herzegovina 1 UNTSO Observer Mission Syria 2 EUMM Monitoring Mission Territory of Former Yugoslavia 2

EU Peacekeeping Missions ALTHEA Bosnia a Herzegovina 35 –– KandaharKandahar Total 533

value and respect our unit. They know their qualities and the value of their work. That was also the reason why Contingent Commander Maj Tomás Bobko and Coy Commander Capt Robert Csaszar, who had the major responsibilities, found a lot of personnel willing to help with the redeployment of the unit. Capt Csaszar says that it was probably the most difficult task he had ever faced in his military career. It takes a lot to provide support for such redeployment in a foreign country. Seven flights were necessary for the transfer of the unit members, transport of equipment, lodging and storage containers was conducted by road in six convoys. Another seven flights took care of selected equipment, materiel and munitions. On 19 May Capt Csaszar could let out a deep breath of relief for a second. “Everything was taken care of without too many problems, if we disregard a few misunderstandings in communication with the locals who facilitated the transfer. But those were only insignificant details, compared to what we have achieved,” comments the satisfied commander. However, his breather did not last long. Immediately after the equipment was brought in, he and his soldiers needed to solve a thousand things connected with the construction of the new camp within the Kandahar base. Tasks ranged from demarcation of the perimeter fence, placement of the lodging containers, creation of the vehicle parking area, supplies of electricity and water. Having finished the construction of the camp, the Slovak unit began to reinforce its position, adding advanced protection while building on the experiences of their

SLOVAK ARMED FORCES Combined Endeavour 2007

It is seven o‘clock a.m. The Military Training James E. Pugh. From April 26 to May 10, 2007 twelve TELEPHONE CALLS THROUGH THE INTERNET Area of Lager Aulenbach situated near members of the Slovak Armed Forces took part in Besides the equipment of the MOKYS system and the the German town of Baumholder is waking up the largest and most prestigious exercise for C2 system the Slovaks had the opportunity to trial to a cold May morning. The rustling of trees is communication specialists from 42 countries in Germany. a newly implemented technology for the armed forces, changing to a quiet hum of the air conditioning “The tests that are done here are important for the Slovak voice transfer via the Voice Internet Protocol (VoIP). Tests systems, transmitters, computers and other Armed Forces, because the MOKYS mobile are conducted every day between countries of individual technology. The mornings of the three-week communications system is being tested directly under regions. Slovak soldiers were included in the group long “Exercise Combined Endeavour 2007” are field conditions and the exercise participants can bring containing the Czech Republic, Finland, Croatia, Latvia, one and the same. home impulses for its improvement, “added James E. Hungary, Macedonia, Slovenia and Switzerland under the Pugh. The main task of the Slovak signal troops command of Germany and Austria. This grouping is When it comes to the number of participating participating in this exercise was to trial the C2 command the result of the creation of EU Battle Groups, which will countries this is the largest exercise in the world. An and management system and the MOKYS mobile be deployed in future combat operations. interesting aspect is also the fact that with the aid of a communications system under field conditions. “Almost 1500 people from 4 continents are taking satellite connection, some tasks were also performed in The Slovak exercise participants were provided support in part in the exercise. Primary emphasis is placed on the capital city of Armenia, Yerevan. “I am very satisfied Slovakia by two members of the 5th Special Purpose Europe, since similar exercises are also conducted on with the performance of the Slovak Republic. People who Regiment from Žilina and two members of the signal the African continent (Africa Endeavour) and in the came here have shown that they understand their battalion from Ružomberok. For the purposes of this Pacific. The most important is the opportunity to walk specialties, which is evident from the 100 percent success exercise one member of the Slovak Air Force signal directly from tent to tent in the field and consult with rate in accomplished missions,“ commented the battalion operated the radio that had been set up at the others if any problem arises, and that`s what is being commander of Exercise Combined Endeavour 2007 Lt Col 5th Special Purpose Regiment Facility in Žilina. tested here. In this way resources are being saved for

14 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES Lager Aulenbach Training Facility

The Aulenbach Training Area is the third largest training facility in Germany. Soldiers have at their disposal 11,900 hectares of area, of which 43 per cent is made up of forest. The history of Lager Aulenbach began prior to the Second World War, when the first buildings were constructed in 1936 and soldiers moved in a year later. Soon 14 neighbouring villages needed to be resettled, so that new training facilities could be established. Between 1939 – 1975 a similar fate would befall other villages until a training area with the present parameters had been created. Currently, it is primarily used by the US Army, as well as by the armed forces of NATO member countries. Exercise Combined Endeavour has taken place in this area since the year 2000.

potential long-distance consultations or travel from country to country, “emphasised Pugh. Besides the planned tests there is also room for testing new processes and possibilities. One example is the testing of the connection between the Slovak and Czech telephone networks via another element – a Polish system for the change in communication standards. So the testing team could trial the communication between the Slovak telephone equipment of the VoIP standard and the analog telephone of their Czech colleagues directly in the field. Such tests were done regularly throughout the whole exercise, with the aim of creating a common battle group.

MAIN GOAL - COOPERATION Exercises are set at Lager Aulenbach, Baumholder, and have been annually conducted under the command of USEUCOM (US Command for Europe) since 1995. The aim of the exercises is to improve the effectiveness of mutual cooperation during troop deployment in an international crises management operation, operations under NATO and EU command, and humanitarian operations. Slovakia has been participating in these exercises since their inception. The main goal is to test and document the interoperability of mobile communications and information systems fielded with NATO member countries, members of the Partnership for Peace program and other participating countries. Besides Exercise Combined Endeavour, in 2007 Slovak soldiers will take part in 63 international exercises, both in Slovakia and abroad.

Report and photos Capt Peter MICHNICA

15 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES The pages of DEFENSE presented many thoughts on the common future state of Slovaks and Czechs. Among them were also the opinions of the major representatives of the future Czechoslovak state, including those of Tomáš Garique Masaryk, who was to become Czechoslovakia`s first President. The editorial staff also gave much coverage to General Milan Rastislav Štefánik, the first Czechoslovak Minister of War. The magazine also contained funny stories, illustrations and news documenting the lives of our countrymen abroad.

A TRADITION THAT GOES ON To build on this inviting tradition (while considering a title for a new Slovak military magazine in early 1993, admittedly, we first had no idea that a magazine of the same name had already been published in the USA), we took over the updated logo of American DEFENSE. In the header we wrote: Established in Cleveland (USA) in 1914 – Renewed in Bratislava in 1993. The first updated OBRANA came out on 17 March 1994. We still give reference to our origins on page three of every edition of OBRANA, although we gave up on the original header after a few years and put our faith in an updated title page. Magazine OBRANA comes out monthly in 6,500 copies. It is published by the 5th Cartographic and Printing Base Nemšová on 44 pages A4 format full colour. It is distributed all around the Slovak Republic. The editorial staff also forwards it to all Slovak units serving in PSOs, as well as to foreign military diplomats in the Slovak Republic and organisations that cooperate within the defence sector.

Report Jozef ŽIAK American Roots of OBRANA Monthly magazine OBRANA, published by the Defence Ministry of the Slovak Republic, which first came out in 1993 as a weekly magazine following the division of the Federal Army of the Czecho-Slovak Federative Republic, has enjoyed a much longer tradition. As early as 1914 in American Cleveland, where a large community of Slovaks still live today, Slovak immigrants began to publish a magazine by the same name. At the time American DEFENSE was published once every two weeks.

On its twenty pages it aimed to inform our countrymen Slovaks with US citizenship in military units bound for over the ocean of the news from around the world. It Europe to fight alongside France and Great Britain. Many played a part in reinforcing the national life. Moreover, Slovak boys and men voluntarily joined the Army of during the First World War it urged the Slovaks living in the United States as a result of the inflammatory call to arms the United States to join the Czechoslovak legions and by DEFENSE, fighting on the fronts of the First World War. thereby fight alongside the United States, France and Great Above all, they fought in France and Belgium. After Britain for freedom in their native country. With the the state coup of 1917 in Russia, they also fought against breakdown of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, these efforts Bolsheviks. successfully culminated in the formation of a new Together with the national organisations and state – the Czechoslovak Republic. associations across the United States and Canada, the DEFENSE editorial staff organised financial collections in RECRUITMENT OF VOLUNTEERS support of the newly-established Czechoslovak legions and Following the entry of the USA into the First World War, of the new state. The money was used for the stand-up, DEFENSE wholeheartedly supported the participation of weaponry and outfit of the legions.

16 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES PROFESSIONAL FEMALE SOLDIERS IN THE SLOVAK ARMED FORCES (AS OF 31 DECEMBER 2006)

Infantry 339 Training and Support Forces 215 Air Force 380 Defence Ministry 193 General Staff 58 Health workers 3 Slovak Armed Forces Total 1,299 8,6 % of all servicemembers

some time in the departments of emergency surgery, gynaecology, urology, plastic surgery and abdominal surgery. This promised to be a highly demanding programme for a five-year period. Officially she was classified as a head physician in the anaesthesiology department of the military field hospital. IN A BELGIAN FIELD HOSPITAL Lt Belicová accepted a special professional challenge. As she was successful in the selection process, in the middle of May she left as part of the second rotation of the Slovak surgical team to the Belgian field hospital in the UN UNFIL mission, southern Lebanon. Before her departure she had taken part in preparatory training in Belgium for a few days. “One of its elements was shooting preparation. At home my shooting never finished very well. In Belgium, the gun I had suited me very well. Surprisingly, I even did well in combat shooting. My colleagues laughed saying that if we were going to be attacked by any chance, they would not be afraid with me, since I would protect them. This mission is, above all, a huge professional challenge for me. It is a different kind of medicine, one that a civilian doctor usually does not have an opportunity to come into contact with. There are a lot of different wounds awaiting me. Most of them are caused by bullets or effects of mine explosions and booby traps. It will be a test of how I can cope with long- term physical and psychological overexertion. We are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in a closed, and to us unfamiliar environment,” says doctor Katarína Belicová. PRESIDENT OF SKI ALPINISTS Among her interests are different sports, especially endurance sports. Mountain biking, rock climbing, ski Doctor in uniform alpinism and, in the summer, high altitude hiking. Over the last few years she has been mainly taken in by ski alpinism. Katarína considered joining the Slovak Armed TEACHER-PARENT MEETING IN A FIELD “At its heart is being in the mountains, in the most difficult Forces for some time. One of the reasons was that UNIFORM terrain. That means something which is also close to she had worked as an anaesthesiologist in F. D. “One day my daughter said: “I hope you won`t go to the armed forces, especially to the members of special Roosevelt University Hospital in Banská Bystrica as the teacher-parent meeting in your camouflage gear! Once forces. For that reason, last year with the help of the Institute well as in the search and rescue service. She is the it so happened that I really had no option but to go, despite of Physical Fitness and Sports at the General M. R. Štefánik one who instructed the first groups of military the protestations of my daughter, to a teacher-parent Academy of the Armed Forces in Liptovský Mikuláš, I decided rescue teams. From them she learnt about the meeting in my camouflage gear,” recalls the native of to organise the first championship of the Armed Forces of opportunity to work in the search and rescue Banská Bystrica MUDr. Katarína Belicová. She coped with the Slovak Republic in ski alpinism. The response was very service at Sliač Air Force Base. Doctor Katarína the basic training without any problems. In fact, she was positive. I am pleased to say that this year’s second Belicová did end up in the armed forces, but not at better than many of her much younger counterparts, in part championship was under the patronage of Defence Minister the Air Force base. thanks to the fact that she had done various sports from her František Kašický. He personally started the race and early age, including downhill skiing. Four months of medical subsequently went through the whole course,” comments After she had successfully gone through the selection preparation followed. During this time she gained a first the director of the competition and at the same time the process, she underwent the basic military training in insight into the work of a military doctor under field President of the Slovak Ski Alpinist Association. She is happy Liptovský Mikuláš. She was then offered a job in conditions. Then she attended a course in military medicine that the second running of the race was also attended by the the department of anaesthesiology and intensive care in a in Ondrasová. participants from the Army of the Czech Republic. Her military field hospital. The mother of two children made a In February 2006 she returned to her home hospital in dream is that servicemembers of other armies will also take decision on behalf of the three of them, i.e. the whole family, Banská Bystrica, but this time as a Lieutenant in pursuit of an part in the future event, especially those from special and a move which surprised her children very much. attestation of medical competence. The preparation was to reconnaissance squads. Report Jozef ŽIAK last for five years. During this period Lt Belicová was to spend Photo Peter DOVINA

17 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES

NBC TRAINING in LEŠŤ A salamander from Rožňava For Lt Col Ivo Valosek, Commander of assignments within NATO or EU Battle Groups. That is technology has entered into the inventory of his unit. the Rožňava Chemical, Biological and Radiological the reason why at Lešť we have deployed a command Whether it be the Aligator light armoured vehicle in its CBR Protection Battalion (CBR Battalion) it is no support company, a reconnaissance company, two reconnaissance modification or the BYMOP workstation. coincidence that a tiny spotted salamander appears in decontamination companies, a mobile CBR laboratory, and The Aligator light armoured vehicle performs well under the emblem of the CBR battalion. The salamander we`ll have parts of the CBR Centre at our disposal too. field conditions. It enables the Rožňava CBR specialists to lives in a clean environment and has the ability to Altogether 260 military professionals and 180 pieces of fulfil their tasks more effectively while complying with rejuvenate itself. Hence, it has become a symbol of equipment will be involved in the exercise,” the commander higher standards. And the workstation was an award- CBR specialists who, among other things, provide gives a brief summary of the exercise. winning product at the 2006 IDEB defence equipment assistance, support, and decontamination. And that is exhibition in Bratislava. The unit also boasts of one modern exactly what they were going to demonstrate during CBR SPECIALISTS THIN ON THE GROUND set for decontamination of people and it should get another a three-week training exercise in the Military Training The said units are manned up to 80-90 per cent at one in the near future. In addition, the mobile CBR Facility Lešť. present. The filling of vacant positions is far from being laboratory has undergone changes. It has been upgraded in easy. Lt Col Valosek says that the primary reason for that is accordance with NATO standards. Instead of two eight- “The aim of our exercise is to ascertain to what extent a shortage of good chemical experts on the labour market. member teams, there are 33 members in a single team. our units are trained to perform specialized tasks under field So it is not simple at all, he adds, bearing in mind The overall result of the exercise depends largely on conditions. This tactical exercise will especially test the complexity of individual specialties, as some of them the performance of decontamination companies. 1st Lt the readiness of those parts of the battalion that have been require engineering or electro-technical skills. On the other Marcel Uharcek is the commander of the 2nd Company in earmarked for the purposes of Force Goals, whether it be hand, the battalion commander is pleased that advanced Lešť. Originally, he studied armour at the Military Academy,

20 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES water. One thousand litres are swallowed by each vehicle. Sweating, but satisfied was Cpl Peter Blaha as well. He The column then crossed the road into the Utlak zone. belongs to those members of the battalion who first began to As they were crossing a barren plain, clouds of dust were work with the CBR company of the Martin-based Rapid rising behind them. Soon all vehicles had been covered in Reaction Battalion, and was then assigned to Rimavská Sobota a film of dust. It was in that zone that the units set up their before he made it to the Rožňava battalion. “Of the old team individual working stations – two platoons established there are only a few of us left. If we train more often during a decontamination station. Similarly, under the command of our three weeks at Lešť a lot can be achieved. I am convinced SSgt Marian Varga, the squad tasked with setting up that we will build a good team here and create a similar a personnel decontamination station chose a suitable place, creative atmosphere. I think we are going in the right took up a circular defence and set to work. It was obvious direction,” said Cpl Blaha. that they weren`t doing this for the first time. “Most of us have worked together for two years now. The fact that we MÁRIA IS A BIG SURPRISE can work efficiently together has been demonstrated A few hundred meters down the road the LINKA squad during the execution of today’s tasks. I hope we will have set up their operational area to decontaminate wheeled finished with our job within an hour or so, which would be vehicles. The eyes of Cpl Peter Lojan were on everyone. a great result,” said the unit commander. He especially observed the new team members. He had It was not until recently that he familiarised himself with words of advice for them, and where needed, he led by the CBR procedures. After graduating from the Air Force an example. Pte 1st Class Mária Henriczyova, being the only Secondary School in Košice ten years ago, he worked as woman in the unit, had her premiere as well. a radio equipment technician at Kuchyňa Air Base. “I am pleasantly surprised how well she handled everything. To tell you the truth, I had not expected it at DIRTY AND CLEAN JOBS all,” comments on her work Cpl Lojan. However, with some During his work SSgt Varga could depend on his senior other members he is planning to have an informal debrief operator Cpl Peter Blaha, driver – senior electrical technician as soon as possible. He wants to discuss some deficiencies Pte 1st Class Jaroslav Prega and many others. The work of that turned up during the exercise, especially those the unit was closely watched with interest by the second-in- concerning teamwork and giving orders, so that the new command of the battalion Maj Stanislav Stecak. Three tents members of the unit can work as a team for a common with all the necessary equipment for personnel goal. decontamination had been gradually put up in the Commanding NCO WO Daniel Hetharsi says that today designated area in front of him. After the first stage had the company has the right people. Manning is up to 92 per been accomplished, which is referred to as the dirty job, cent. Compared to last year, there was 20 per cent less soldiers` exposure to radiological levels was measured by personnel. In his view, it is great that the vacant positions dosimetric equipment. Leaving their equipment and are being filled at such a fast rate. On the other hand, uniforms behind, soldiers passed through decontamination as he points out, some time must be allowed for the new showers set up between the second and third tent. Finally company members to become fully integrated in the team. a medic waited for them to check whether the cleansing Following the evening assignment led by 1st Lt Uharcek, was effective. Those with radiological particles on them the company, returned to the field park on the outskirts of must go through the showers again. In the third tent Lešť. During his evaluation of the tasks performed, soldiers got new uniforms and gear. When they left the tent the battalion commander Lt Col Ivo Valosek reminded they received clean weapons and equipment for individual everyone that the biggest test of all still lay ahead of them. protection. It was announced that in September the whole battalion “I am satisfied with what I`ve seen. The boys have would come to train in the training area again. By that time complied with the time standards. Had one of them not he wishes to have new equipment in place for the exercise. known what to do and begun to interfere with the work of Among the vehicles and equipment that call for immediate the others, they wouldn`t have been able to pull it off in attention are the ARZ vehicles, old transport trucks, cistern time. The commanders had correctly set up the operational trucks, multilifts. To address the needs of the battalion, area in the direction in which the contaminated unit was he gradually wants to move towards container systems. and until last year he had been stationed in the artillery going to arrive at the decontamination point and well brigade in Jelšava. He says he still does not see himself as organised the work of their subordinates,” commented in Report Jozef ŽIAK a full-blooded CBR specialist. Every time he hears a tank a satisfied voice Maj Stecak. Photos Peter DOVINA engine, or at least an infantry fighting vehicle, his heart yearns for a tank and a chance to sit in one and take it for a ride. A TANKMAN RETRAINED “I came to this unit to fill the position of a decon- tamination platoon leader. But first I needed to develop my chemical expertise, to learn individual procedures and to handle the equipment that we have in our unit. It was a question of honour. The other more experienced unit leaders helped me quite a lot, for example, Cpl Peter Lojan or SSgt Marian Varga. In return I gave them some hints and tips for combat techniques and tactics. At present we are nearing the end of our company training. What we have behind us is the harmonisation and coordination between squads and platoons,” remarks 1st Lt Uharcek about his unit. In the meantime his subordinates had left the field park and the soldiers at the water obstacle had taken up a circular defence, allowing their colleagues to fill their cisterns with

SLOVAK ARMED FORCES National Armaments Director S. Szabo and Czech Defence Minister Vlasta Parkanová during the demonstration of the Retriever EOD robotic device. An interview with National Armaments Director Stanislav Szabo: Mokys, Munvoz or Morak

• Mr. Szabo, you have been “at home” in the sphere missions will widen to cover not only the defence of modern communication and information systems, of military armaments for a long time, so our first Slovakia but also the performance of international transport aircraft, gradual modernisation of question is – how do you see today’s basic needs of obligations outside the territory of the Slovak weaponry, and improvements in the quality of the Slovak Armed Forces when it comes to Republic. Thus the military and strategic capabilities personal equipment in the case of troops participating modernisation and procurement of defence systems? will have to be reached through reforms and long- in combat operations beyond our territory. To ensure term armed forces development plans. Obviously, the deployability and mobility of our units, it will be Until recently, the mission of the Slovak Armed current requirements of the Armed Forces in respect necessary to re-equip selected mechanised units with Forces was to defend the territory of the Slovak of defence systems modernisation and procurement light wheeled armoured vehicles and to procure new Republic. In the future it is expected that their arise out of these missions. They specifically relate to transport aircraft with the required operational range.

22 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES • On which projects are the Slovak Armed Forces The Group operates within the Conference currently cooperating with the Slovak defence of National Armaments Directors (CNAD), which is industry? NATO`s principal body tasked to involve the defence Because of deficiencies that we`ve inherited from industries of NATO member states into the past, at the moment we`re drafting a new the armaments process in the Alliance. Equally armaments plan for the years 2008 -2013. Priorities important, we have been taking steps to involve are now being re-evaluated in all planning the SDIA in co-operation with the European disciplines, armaments included. The amount of Defence Agency (EDA), in information sharing in disposable resources and priorities of requirements the field of defence research and development will be the decisive factors for any modernisation of the European defence and technological and initiatives, and will therefore form the basis for industrial base (EDTIB) and, in the formation of future cooperation with the defence industry. a single European defence equipment market According to the preliminary working proposals (EDEM) – being one of the EDA`s areas of activity. relating to the armaments plan, in the near future With the Slovak Republic`s participation in cooperation with the defence industry will be the voluntary inter-governmental regime possible in such projects as ALIGATOR light armoured supporting competition within EDEM, i.e. Code of vehicle, TATRAPAN all-terrain armoured vehicle, all- Conduct on Defence Procurement – effective as of terrain and cistern vehicles, Zuzana self-propelled July 2007, within which tenders announced by gun howitzer, MUNVOZ munitions armoured vehicle, the EDA member countries are published on BVP-2 infantry fighting vehicle upgrades, as well as in an electronic notice board available on the EDA joint projects within NATO and EDA. web page, has the awareness of these issues improved. So have the opportunities for Slovak • Which modernisation projects are the most manufacturers to actively participate in inter- important for us from the point of view of national tenders. As a result, interests in defence cooperation with foreign suppliers? procurement on the part of small and medium-sized Currently, probably the biggest and at the same defence companies have increased. This was also time most famous modernization project is triggered by the EDA directorate`s adoption of the the mobile communications system – MOKYS. document No. 2006/04 entitled the Code of Best The aim of the project is to incorporate state-of-the-art Practices for Contractors in the Supply Chain. technology into the inventory of the Slovak Armed This document had been worked out to boost Forces which would, by way of its technical and competition and promote best practices, while operational parameters, meet the requirements for building on the existing Code of Conduct. speedy information transfers among all branches and By having a share in one of NATO`s biggest and services at both operational and tactical levels most significant undertakings, i.e. the Alliance of command. The terminal objective of the project is to Ground Surveillance (AGS) programme, Slovakia has build a communications environment, a so-called global laid favourable conditions for involving 14 research, information theatre network that will enable development and industrial entities in the said commanders, staffs, and combat and combat support programme on the basis of the principle "cost share elements to distribute information accurately and = work share" and the signing of the Memorandum reliably in real time. Among other activities on Understanding (MOU) with NATO`s Industrial • How do the systems that we`ve procured from is an armaments project entitled MORAK in which we Consortium that oversees the whole project. Slovak manufacturers over the past few years co-operate with German-based DIEHL BGT in upgrading In addition, based on the Slovak MOD`s acquit themselves in the armed forces? the 122mm rocket launchers introduced at the 2006 initiative, the representatives of our defence Slovakia`s probably best known product IDEB in Bratislava. In the future other significant industry may participated in all sessions of representing today`s armaments production, which undertakings will follow, including the purchase the Conference of National Armaments Directors is implemented within the armaments programme of transport aircraft and the equipping of some Land V4, which creates the necessary pre-requisites for of the Slovak Armed Forces, is the ALIGATOR 4x4 Forces components with light wheeled armoured stepping up the co-operation among defence armoured vehicle. Since 2004 until now we have vehicles. industries within the V4 countries. purchased 40 vehicles in various modifications that I am very pleased that Bratislava will hold have not only seen deployments on home soil but • What are the chances of Slovak manufacturers another international exhibition of defence also abroad under the banner of various peace interested in co-production armaments projects technology – IDEB 2008, an initiative that has support missions (PSOs). Other Slovak products that within NATO member countries? the ambition of being one of the platforms for have been in service with the Slovak Armed Forces The Slovak MoD has created conditions for development of cooperation in defence technology include products of engineering, textile, clothing permanent participation of the representative production and modernization. and shoe-making companies. They fulfil the most of the Slovak Defence Industry Association (SDIA) in Interview Pavol VITKO stringent requirements of our personnel. the NATO Industrial Advisory Group (NIAG). Photo Peter DOVINA

23 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES Aligator 4x4 and its modifications

During the 9th International Defence and Security Equipment Exhibition IDET 2007 Brno, visitors to the Slovak MOD`s exhibition pavilion could come across, among other things, the Aligator 4x4 light armoured vehicle. Admittedly, it was not a new contribution displayed at the fair. Belonging to their most advanced technology, the Aligator has been in service with the Slovak Armed Forces for some time. So far, the Services have incorporated forty of these vehicles into their inventory. In the near future the number of deliveries will reach 100, thus making the vehicle the most widely used equipment.

In general, development of new equipment and its the winding-up of the original licensed manufacturer, a new delivered 31 Aligators to the Slovak Armed Forces, thus incorporation into the inventory of the Services is not a simple state-owned company, Military Repair Company 027(today`s enabling the military professionals to exploit the vehicle`s wide process. It is obviously true in the case of the Aligator 4x4 Military Repair Company Trenčín, a.s.) was selected through range of capabilities. vehicle. The initial design work on this armoured amphibious an open tender. Thus the licensing contract was awarded to The agile Aligator 4x4 light wheeled armoured vehicle is wheeled vehicle in the mobile command post (MCP) version the company at the beginning of 2004. The Defence Ministry an amphibious vehicle with twin-axle drive and high began in 1993. Since then the project has gone through and the manufacturer signed a futures contract for the maneuverability. It can be adapted for driving on and off complex organizational changes, during which all delivery of 103 Aligators in various modifications. Another roads, as well as swimming. It features a tire pressure contracting parties and the product itself have been subject to contract for the delivery of 20 vehicles of the second test regulator that enables the vehicle`s to drive over soft terrain. diverse developments aimed at customer satisfaction and series was entered into at the end of the same The vehicle can be transported by rail, sea and air. Its all quality enhancements compliant with international standards. year – the vehicles were supplied in 2005. armoured chassis provides the crew with basic ballistic That has been successfully achieved in spite of several At the beginning of 2006 the manufacturer signed a contract protection against the effects of 7,62x51 AP (Armour takeovers that occurred mainly due to conversion and for the delivery of 11 vehicles, supplying them still in the same Piercing) bullets, shrapnel from hand grenades and anti- transformation processes. In 1998 the MCP prototype finally year. At the same time, the manufacturer set to redesign personnel mines. Besides the regular doors, the crew has at emerged, with a police prototype (POL) following a year later. 10 original units of the Aligator 4x4 MCP configuration, while their disposal two hatches in the ceiling above After the development of the Aligator 4x4 MCP had been the Slovak MOD requested new modifications. These the commander and the driver, and another larger one above completed, the vehicle was incorporated into the inventory of included: a chemical, biological and radiological vehicle the rear part of the vehicle. Pressurized filter-ventilation the Armed Forces. On the basis of a contract concluded reconnaissance – Aligator 4x4 CBR VR (5 pieces), an artillery system protects the crew against the effects of weapons between the Slovak Armed Forces and the key investor, .i.e. vehicle reconnaissance – Aligator 4x4 AVR (4 pieces) and of mass destruction. The vehicle can be equipped with smoke Kerametal, a new licensed manufacturer was to receive a forward air controller post – Aligator 4x4 FACP (1 piece). grenades. Depending on the version, the vehicle seats 3 up to a delivery order for 8 pieces of the test series. Following Between 2005 and 2006 the Trenčín-based manufacturer 6 people.

24 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES ALIGATOR 4x4 MCP The Aligator Mobile Command Post is intended for maintaining radio communications between a battalion and a brigade, and performs other tactical command tasks; for this purpose it is equipped with appropriate radio stations. The four-member crew consists of a commander, a driver, and two signalmen. The vehicle is 4420 mm long, 1950 mm high and 2730 mm wide, rearview mirrors included. Wheel track is 1920 mm and wheelbase is 2820 mm. Curb weight is at 6000 kg and gross vehicle weight at 6700 kg. The vehicle can reach a maximum speed of 120 km/h (on road), an average speed of 60 km/h (on road), an average speed of 40 km/h (off road), and a maximum swimming speed of 4.5 – 5.5 km/h. Steepest approach angle is 60°, steepest rear angle is 40°, maximum climbable angle is 60 % (on road) and maximum side slope is 35 %. The vehicle can cross a ditch 0.8 m in width and a vertical wall up to 0.4 m in height. The operating temperatures can range between -30 °C and +50 °C. ALIGATOR 4X4 CBR VR The Aligator Chemical, Biological and Radiological Vehicle Reconnaissance is designed to conduct chemical, biological and radiological reconnaissance in the estimated area of operations, along the marching axis of troops and in enemy engagement direction; to reconnoitre areas following the use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) the detection of which can be done from inside and/or outside the vehicle; to monitor areas contaminated by dangerous chemical and toxic chemical materials, biological materials and sources of ionising radiation following industrial accidents, or other events non-military in nature. It also performs tasks such as demarcation of contaminated areas, collection and transport of samples for laboratory testing, chemical, biological and radiological surveillance, measurement of nuclear explosion parameters, provision of chemical, biological and radiological updates and warning signals. The CBR VR vehicle allows automatic measurement, measurement of parameters from sources of firsthand information, measurement based on handheld measuring devices and equipment, data processing, preparation of reports and their dispatch. The vehicle`s design enables its decontamination; The crew is protected from the effects of fire from hand weapons and shrapnel of hand grenades. The vehicle also protects the crew from the effects of toxic and dangerous chemical materials, and biological and radioactive materials. The three-member crew consists of: a unit (platoon) commander, a reconnaissance specialist, a reconnaissance driver. The Aligator 4x4 CBR VR was awarded a prize at the International Defence Equipment Exhibition IDEB 2006 in Bratislava and that same year it successfully represented Slovakia at an expo held at the Conference of the National Armaments Directors (CNAD) at the NATO headquarters in Brussels. ALIGATOR 4X4 AVR The Aligator Artillery Vehicle Reconnaissance is designed to conduct target reconnaissance in daytime and under reduced visibility conditions, to determine the grid coordinates and other data regarding the target and to transfer it to the centre for evaluation of reconnaissance data directly subordinated to a higher command and control unit. It is also used for artillery reconnaissance conducted directly from or outside the vehicle (with the aid of a forward observation kit). In the role of a mobile command post it also serves for the purposes of observing explosions effected by friendly artillery fire and transferring the acquired information to the centre for evaluation of reconnaissance data directly subordinated to a higher command and control unit. The vehicle`s technical, software and instrumental configurations ensure automatic gathering, processing and transmission of acquired information and measured over the existing VHF radio communication link in both directions simultaneously. The crew has four members: a commander, a senior operator, an operator and a driver. ALIGATOR 4X4 FACP The Aligator Forward Air Controller Post represents a mobile system comprising the Aligator 4x4 vehicle and a special add-on aircraft guidance device. It is designed to conduct target reconnaissance via a forward air controller in daytime and nighttime and under reduced visibility conditions; to acquire target coordinates and other data on targets and to transfer it to the centre for evaluation of reconnaissance data directly subordinated to a higher command and control unit, as well as to aircraft. The ultimate goal of the reconnaissance unit is to direct the action of aircraft against selected targets, while providing air support to land forces. For the fulfillment of the specified tasks the vehicle is equipped, among other things, with a camouflage net, extra external paneling to boost the ballistic protection of the crew, night observation tools for the driver and the commander, a tow bar, an emergency rechargeable engine, a telescopic mast for installation of devices included in special accessories, observation tools and equipment belonging to special accessories. The four member crew consists of: a group commander, a deputy commander, an operator and a driver. Report Ján BEGALA, Miroslav GYŰRÖSI Photos Miroslav GYŰRÖSI

SLOVAK ARMED FORCES V-4 in Bratislava The meeting of the Defence Ministers of the Visegrad Four countries, which was held in Bratislava on 12 April, saw the partners discussing the proposed cost sharing system in respect of NATO and EU strategic airlift. Defence Minister František Kašický (pictured in the centre of the photo) has regularly stated at various international forums that some parts of the transport costs should be funded by common NATO resources, especially in the case of unexpected deployments and deployment of the NRF rotations for which there are no financial resources planned out of national defence budgets. His position was supported by the Czech Defence Minister Vlasta Parkanové (pictured in the centre of the photo), Hungarian Minister Imre Szekeres (pictured right in the photo) and his Polish counterpart Aleksander Szczyglo (pictured left in the photo). Ministers also expressed their support for NATO transformation, the successful continuation of which will, in their opinion, lead to duly and timely response to emerging threats and challenges, which the Atlantic Alliance faces and will face in the future. They also appreciated the fact that the NATO Response Force (NRF) had reached its full operational capability, and emphasized that the common goal of NATO member countries was to maintain this capability since the NRF should play the key role in Alliance’s response to quickly emerging crises around the world. The meeting also pointed to the importance of good relationships with Russia and the Ukraine. It is a common aim to intensify political discussions concerning various spheres, such as the fight against terrorism, security threats and regional conflicts. With July 2007 the presidency of the V-4 will be taken over by the Czech Republic. -pv- Slovak-US partnership In February 2007, Jaroslav Baška, State Secretary of the Slovak MoD, met with Rear Admiral Michael J. Lyden, the Director of Logistics and Security Assistance, Head- quarters United States European Command (J4, HQ USEUCOM), Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany. Rear Admiral also met with Lt Gen Peter Gajdoš, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, and other officials of the MoD. The discussions focused on the defence assistance that the United States provides to the Slovak Armed Forces. These are secured through the Office of Defence Co-operation in Bratislava, which falls directly under the competence of Rear Admiral Lynden. Rear Admiral stated that he greatly values the co-operation with the Slovak partners. Since the mid-1990s, as he said, the United States has provided the Slovak military with aid totalling approx. US$ 74 million, with another US$ 8,2 million spent on education programmes. To illustrate his point, he highlighted the establishment of the National Command Centre. With regard to future co-operation possibilities, he suggested the co-operation could extend to the combat training centre at the Military Training Area Lesť, where the United States could give a helping hand with the completion of the Institute for Specialized Medicine and Training, which the government approved in early 2007. The multi-functional complex will serve as training grounds for special forces, police, British Admiral in Slovakia search and rescue teams and medics. The facility will be divided into six separate sectors On 15 May 2007, Defence Minister František Kašický met with Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, NATO and its completion is scheduled for December 2009. Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation. The aim of his three-day visit was to clarify and In the education sphere, this year Slovakia will receive aid estimated at US$ spread the ideas and challenges arising from NATO transformation not only within the MoD but also 0.9 million via the Office of Defence Cooperation, next year the sum should increase to US$ 1.1 million. -pv- among representatives of other ministries and NGOs. Defence Minister Kašický informed the Admiral about the current transformation stage of the Slovak Armed Forces and the main tasks they are fulfilling. He also briefed his visitor about the funding of the Slovak Armed Forces. During the meeting Defence Minister Kašický also provided an update on our participation in the NATO Response Force. In this respect, Slovakia has suggested that the NRF should be funded not only by individual member countries but also from NATO`s common resources. One of the topics on the agenda was Slovakia’s participation in international crises management operations. According to Defence Minister Kašický, Slovakia is planning to re-evaluate its involvement in operations with the aim of deploying larger organic units abroad in the future, with corresponding representation at the operational command level. Admiral Stanhope was interested in the process of professionalisation of the Slovak Armed Forces. At the end of the meeting František Kašický awarded Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope with a Commemorative Medal of Defence Minister First Class. Admiral Stanhope spoke at the Defence Ministry and delivered a lecture entitled “Strategic Direction of NATO Transformation” at the Marshall Andrej Hadik National Defence Academy in Liptovský Mikuláš. -gš-

26 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES IDASSA 2007 in Croatia A consequence management field exercise was organized by the Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) in cooperation with Croatia as one of Croatia`s pre-EU-entry activities. Since Slovakia had its own representatives attending the exercise, Defence Minister František Kašický paid a brief visit to the country. The main theme of the talks, held on 24 May 2007 in Zavar between the Slovak Minister and his Croatian counterpart Verislav Vroncevic, was the potential bilateral cooperation and Croatia’s efforts regarding its entry into NATO. To his Croatian partner F. Kašický offered Slovakia’s expertise from its own accession process to the North-Atlantic Alliance. IDASSA 2007, featuring an earthquake scenario with a large number of affected people and wide- ranging contamination, was attended by 24 countries and 32 other countries were involved indirectly. Altogether there were 400 participants and 34 national teams composed of military and civilian personnel. The Slovak Defence Ministry sent 13 CBR specialists and six pieces of equipment to the international exercise. In addition, seven other Slovaks and two pieces of equipment were sent by the Interior Ministry. Cooperation in similar exercises between the MoD and the Interior Ministry is embedded in the government manifesto, which gives clear support to such initiatives. -pv- CBR Protection The Chemical, Biological and Radiological Training and Testing Centre (CBR TTC) in Zemianske Kostoľany is the only Slovak Armed Forces` training facility of its type in the territory of the Slovak Republic and it is unique even in Central Europe in many aspects. It is designed for training of CBR specialists of the Slovak Armed Forces as well as for other personnel in need of such training. Members of the military diplomatic corps accredited to the Slovak Republic, led by their doyen Lt Col John R. Wallace, Defense and Army Attaché, visited the newly opened centre on 18 May 2007. The commander of the CBR Logistics Support Base, Lt Col Daniel Brezonák informed the visitors about the history, mission and range of capabilities that the base offers. In his briefing for the visitors, Lt Col Brezonák highlighted the missions of the Decontamination Group (DG) and the Analytical Security Group (SAZ). SAZ is on stand-by to intervene whenever called upon and perform analyses in the event that real toxic chemical materials are used within the territory of the Slovak Republic. Equally important, SAZ ensures the protection of citizens against chemical weapons. At the facility preparation and training are performed with real toxic chemical agents. In essence, this training is intended for members of the Slovak Armed Forces as well as members of specialist civil defence groups and police forces under the Ministries of the Interior and Economy. Training of CBR specialists from NATO and EU member countries is also conducted here, as is the preparation of inspectors belonging to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). -gš- Doyen ran a half-marathon Lt Col John R. Wallace, Defense and Army Attaché, is also the doyen of the military diplomatic corps accredited to Bratislava. Lt Col John R. Wallace has already taken part in three most popular running events in Bratislava – the New Year`s Eve Run Across Bratislava Bridges, National Run Devín – Bratislava, and Bratislava City Marathon – part of the latter he ran a half-marathon (his running number was 788, pictured left in the photo). Doyen Wallace was very satisfied with his result on the Sunday of 1 April when he took part in the Bratislava Half-Marathon for the second time. With 1:41:03 he was two minutes faster than last year. Interestingly, Chief Warrant Officer Glen Hazel, who works in his office, also ran the half-marathon (pictured in the photo after reaching the finish line). “I always took part in athletics and cross country events in high school and college. I also used to play football. The US Army has a very active and wide-ranging sports program, which suits me well,” says Lt Col Wallace, who still trains at least three times a week. In the past he has run a few marathon races, but his sporting career was jeopardized by an injury in 2004. “I seriously injured my knee and ankle. I underwent rehab treatment and got back into shape. I still have a piece of metal in my leg and six screws in my ankle,” explains the doyen, adding: “My whole family takes sports seriously.” He likes to ride his bicycle with his children, plays tennis with his wife (a figure skater – ed. note) and football with his friends. All this is part of his preparation for the October running event in Washington, D.C. The US Army is the key organizer of the annual 10-mile race there. -pv-

27 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES British-Dutch-Slovak partnership contribute to the course`s successful existence, and it was a great benefit for us that 63 Slovak soldiers could also participate in it,” said the Director General of The tenth and at the same time last British- the command and staff training of junior army officers, the Defence Policy, International Relations and Dutch-Slovak course for junior staff officers (Junior i.e. lieutenants, captains and majors, so that they could Legislation Department of the Slovak MoD, Jozef Staff Officers` Course – JSOC) from Central and more effectively participate in exercises, peacekeeping, Viktorin, who thanked his British and Dutch partners in Eastern Europe and Central Asia was humanitarian and military operations in a multi- the name of Defence Minister František Kašický. He also ceremoniously concluded on 9 March 2007 national environment, thus enhancing interoperability wished the National Defence Academy a lot of energy at the Marshall Andrej Hadik National Defence between the allied and partner countries under in its efforts to launch a new international course. Academy (NAO) in Liptovský Mikuláš. Until now the umbrella of NATO and the Partnership for Peace. The Academy`s commandant, Brig Gen Mikuláš this course has been the biggest international 431 junior staff officers from 22 countries of Central Regula added: “The course was a source of great educational project in the defence sphere that has and Eastern Europe and Central Asia were trained expertise for us. We were inspired by the creation taken place in Slovakia. during the total number of ten courses. Having of new study programmes and the dynamics of their the status of a PfP Training Centre, the JSOC centre implementation, as well as by the whole evaluation A memorandum of understanding between in Liptovský Mikuláš was also attended by one soldier system. We were also inspired by the fact that the JSOC the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern from South Africa and one from Iraq. was assessed in the NATO annual report every year Ireland, the Kingdom of Belgium and Slovakia on the “I am very happy with what we have achieved as one of the best courses available.” establishment of a regional PfP training centre with here in Slovakia and I am convinced that the coopera- For that reason Brig Gen Regula said that NAO the aim of providing a course for junior staff officers tion between our three countries will continue. didn`t want to lose its position in this respect and from Central and Eastern Europe was signed in 2002. I would like to thank our hosts – you were very therefore decided to prepare a similar course under hospitable and generous,” commented in front of national guidance. His colleague, Col Jan Psida, added FOUR HUNDRED STUDENTS the official guests, gathered in the assembly hall of that the Academy plans to open the new course The first course was launched in January 2004. the Academy, British Brig Gen John Deverell who in 2008. The biggest credit for the course initiation and represented the British MoD. Brig Gen Rob Veltman The newly created international course curriculum implementation must go to the military from the Dutch MoD expressed his great satisfaction (International Staff Officers` Course – ISOC) will last for professionals and lecturers from the UK and Dutch with the fact that Slovakia intends to continue with 11 weeks and be taught in English only. It will be Armed Forces that financed the whole initiative, while the legacy of the JSOC and pursue a national version of designed for junior officers from 1st Lieutenant drawing on their national army budgets. An undeniable the course from next year on. The Dutch are ready to Major. The NAO Academy expects that officers from contribution to the JSOC was the material support to be of some help in this regard, too. NATO, PfP and Mediterranean Dialogue member provided by Slovakia, including the modernised countries will attend the course. Its trial run will be accommodation and study facilities. designed for Slovak officers and will have its premiere The aim of the three-month course was TAKING ADVANTAGE OF EXPERIENCE next spring. The first run with international to respond to the changing tasks and size of the armed “We considered the JSOC course as a great base participation will take place from the autumn of 2008. forces in Central and Eastern Europe. One of for promoting co-operation and military education in the specific goals of the JSOC was to ensure our trans-Atlantic region. We are pleased that we could Report and photo Pavol VITKO

28 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES A new inter-ministerial training facility On the basis of the National Action Plan for would like to have an airplane to train an airborne raid groups of up to 30 people. In connection with the use the Fight against Terrorism and Organized Crime, against terrorists. At the end of the day, these specific of polygons for small-size training, we envisage units the Slovak Armed Forces have been tasked requirements put forward by individual ministries will of up to 120 – 130 soldiers, depending on the sector. to complete the construction of the Special enrich the training capabilities of the whole facility. With larger exercises encompassing the whole training Healthcare and Training Institute in the Military The aim of the project is to ensure that the training complex, we can train units of up to 800 personnel. Training Area Lešť. We talked to Brig Gen MUDr of military, police, medical, search and rescue units is As a result, we want to increase the lodging capacities, Pavol Maslik PhD, the Institute’s director, about appropriately intense and efficient, while exploiting gradually bringing them up to this volume. the intended plans to redesign the Institute as different training methods and techniques. The planned an inter-ministerial multi-functional facility for facility will also enable the training of all components • What is the time frame for the completion of the the training of Special Forces in the fight against involved in the integrated rescue system. Equally training facility? terrorism and organized crime. important, the centre could even be made available for This year we would like to launch the construction our foreign partners. of a training settlement called Jacob`s Village and • Brig Gen Maslík, this facility is envisioned to become to construct Sector Bralce (Cliffs) with training rocks. an inter-ministerial training centre, what are • What equipment should the training facility be not The said settlement should, among other things, contain the advantages that this initiative will bring? lacking in? tactical polygons of military, police and firefighting The integration of forces and experiences that Basically, it should be a purpose-built system character, two firing range halls: infantry and motorized a number of ministries and agencies support, besides the of simulators, training equipment and polygons to ones. In the long run, we also plan to construct a railway Defence and Interior Ministries, it is namely the Justice support the realistic scenarios characteristic of military, station, a tunnel, a level-crossing, ruins and some other Ministry, Transport, Post and Telecommunications police, rescue and medical operations. Our aim is to training facilities. If everything goes well and Ministry, Healthcare Ministry, as well as the SIS (Slovak create optimal conditions for an intensive, efficient, safe the necessary resources are to be made available, next Information Service) and the NBU (National Security and attractive training environment for reasonable year we expect to finish the first construction stage Agency) will bring a lot of advantages, especially big financial costs. The centre will also feature training of Jacob`s Village, to reconstruct the Slavia Lodging financial savings. We could hardly afford to build five facilities for central command and control, a mobile crisis Quarters and go ahead with the construction of centers of the kind in our country. Moreover, no ministry management centre, medical check-up facilities, and an indoor swimming pool and polygons in the Družba or agency would be capable of making the best use facilities for free-time activities, sports and hobbies, housing estate. In 2009 we will finish the construction of such capacities throughout the year by itself. That`s lodging quarters, as well as storerooms and logistic of the indoor swimming pool, the reconstruction the reason why the inter-ministerial working group, facilities. It is of paramount importance that the facility of the Slavia Lodging Quarters and of the training established by the Defence Minister in September 2006, provides a variety of training environments, ranging from polygons in the Družba housing estate. is now looking for solutions which will satisfy all an urban city to a rural village, from plain to covered We consider the whole training complex to be the parties involved to the maximum extent. terrain. Individual training grounds are to enable the use an open system. We would like to improve it of light and heavy vehicles, combat and rescue in the future on the basis of proposals and incentives, • Can you be more specific? equipment included. Access to the training grounds realistic needs that will arise out of situational To illustrate my point, the police forces need special must be insured from all directions as well as by air. developments at home and abroad, not only when training circuits to practice driving while being under fire; We must facilitate the training of units and teams that it comes to the fight against terrorism and organized on the other hand, the firemen would like to make use work in different regimes of protection; furthermore, crime but also in the military sphere. of open fire, smoke and high temperatures during their we must ensure high security levels of training sectors training, in other words, they want a burning tunnel, and flexibility of planned training. As a whole, the facility Report Jozef ŽIAK a building which can go up in flames, and a building is made up of seven sectors. All the training grounds are Photo Peter DOVINA with some of its parts collapsed. Yet another ministry independent and will enable the training of independent

29 Good people in focus

On 22 March 2007 Slovak Radio`s concert hall hosted the tenth anniversary of the annual “Military Deed of the Year Awards Ceremony”. Servicemembers and other employees within the MOD-managed sector who last year distinguished themselves by rare deeds, acts of humanity, and dedicated service while being on or off duty.

The title “Laureate” in the “Friend of the Armed Forces” category was awarded to Col (Rtd) Nikolaj Tegza by Lt Gen Peter Gajdoš, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic. This WWII veteran, who suffered several wounds while in combat, has been collecting military memorabilia since the Second World War. It was his idea to document the hardship, pain and suffering of soldiers during the war for the generations to come. Nowadays he spends all his spare time of his well- deserved retirement at the Military Museum that he himself established at the Marshall Andrej Hadik National Defence Academy in Liptovský Mikuláš. Most he died on 11 November 2006. Despite the huge pain only one nominee - the people of the village of Hejce. importantly, he wants to dedicate the museum that he must have felt, his father Jaroslav announced On 19 January 2006 an AN-24 aircraft crashed on Borso to the Slovak Armed Forces. that the loss of his son was not in vain since his son Hill in the north-east of Hungary, killing 42 service- The “Distinguished Public Service Award”, one died while providing aid to those who needed it most. members on board. The tragic event touched the lives of the top awards, went to the members “I consider this prize as an award for my son. It is his of the local residents who organized themselves under of the Rožnava-based rocket launcher company for prize. It shows that he did not die in vain,” said his the leadership of Mayor Gejza Rohaly and their selfless service in executing tasks during father Jaroslav. unhesitatingly helped the rescue teams and the floods of April 2006. They accepted the prize from the independent inquiry committee. In the local the hands of Gen Ľubomír Bulík, Chief of the General “GRAND AWARD” cultural house they provided rooms where soldiers, Staff. The detachment`s servicemen and women The above deeds are truly exceptional, however, rescuers and journalists could freshen up and relax. helped the people of the worst affected areas by the most precious ones are those which save the most They carried hot drinks for the rescuers in the forest building protective barriers, thus mitigating the valuable of all things, i.e. human life. The title under bitter cold conditions. The refreshments were effects of the floods. “Laureate” in the “Life-Saving Rescue” category was provided non-stop by 30 local volunteers. “It is a great awarded to WO Peter Palak from the Military Police opportunity to reward and hail those whom we do not “SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD” Unit in Topolčany by Defence Minister František see in the media, but who have done that something The top prize in this category was awarded to Kašický. While he was returning from his duty extra, which they were not required to do, which WO Rastislav Neplech in memoriam and his father he noticed a car collision at an intersection. many of us might not have done at that moment,“ Lt Col (Rtd) Jaroslav Neplech. It was presented by He immediately gave first aid to both drivers and commented during this year`s Military Deed of Jaroslav Baška, State Secretary of the Slovak Defence monitored their condition until the ambulance the Year Awards Ceremony Defence Minister František Ministry. Rastislav’s dedicated work for the sick and arrived. Compared to past years of the military deed Kašický. wounded citizens of Iraq and soldiers was of the year awards ceremony, this year’s had an extra Report Vladislav VAVRINEC unexpectedly cut short by a terrorist attack in which category - Grand Award. For this category there was Photos Peter DOVINA and Mário PAŽICKÝ

30 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES On the other hand, I have a good feeling, because we have been able to build a very dignified place of reverence. A cathedral for angels of peace I greatly appreciate this effort and would like to thank everyone who helped organize today’s remembrance event A memorial dedicated to the memory AN ANGELIC CATHEDRAL as well as those who keep a green memory of what of the victims who died in a plane crash near happened and what should never be repeated.” The statue installed in the village of Hejce at the foot In the centre of attention among the media and the Hungarian village of Hejce was unveiled by of Borso Hill is an artwork by Academic Sculptor Ladislav the families of the victims was, of course, the only surviving Slovak and Hungarian politicians, military and Sabo. The memorial is made of bronze and granite extracted soldier – 1st Lt Martin Farkaš, who attended the event with religious representatives and more than from the Tatra Mountains directly from the Poprad region. his wife. His answer to the question what the families were 600 surviving relatives and friends. The copies of the trees from the crash site are made interested to know was “Most often I answered questions of bronze so as to last long. “Our soldiers lost their lives in about where they were sitting on board the plane and about On 19 January 2006, during its return from the KFOR the territory of Hungary, for that reason we brought them the circumstances surrounding the crash, as well as what mission in Kosovo, a Slovak An-24 aircraft hit the trees on granite from the Tatra Mountains directly from the Poprad relationship I had with them. Many times they just came up Borso Hill with 43 troops on board. The trees brought the region as a symbol of our homeland,” describes the idea to me and squeezed my hand and wished me good luck for plane down, tearing it to pieces. There was only one crash behind the stones L. Sabo. In its outlines, the memorial the future. It was all very emotional. I felt totally helpless, survivor – 1st Lt Martin Farkaš. Several days following resembles a church tower. L. Sabo goes on to point out that powerless to help them and sorry that I could not have the accident a stone monument was erected directly it was his wish to build a symbolic cathedral for the soldiers. changed the circumstances in some way.” at the site of the accident on Borso Hill. 16 months had That is why the names are engraved in the stone pavement, passed after the tragedy, when a memorial was finally there is even a sarcophagus. The trees make up a kind Report Michaela FARKAŠOVÁ unveiled at the village of Hejce. of heavenly baldachin above “the royal tomb”. The figure Photos Peter DOVINA of the angel is only one fragment of the whole artwork. A PLACE OF REVERENCE FOR EVERY FAMILY The angel was covered in a white robe. Early morning families and friends of the victims began In his remembrance speech at the memorial service, arriving in Hejce. They were then transported up Borso Hill Defence Minister František Kašický thanked everyone who by the Tatra military trucks. Slovak soldiers were given had helped with the construction of the memorial. a helping hand by their counterparts from the Hungarian Hungarian Defence Minister Imre Szekeres expressed his Armed Forces. The families first gathered at the newly sorrow and deep pain, adding that “soldiers live the same erected wooden columns with the victims` names and kind of life in every country.” With the reverberating tones birthdates. The columns are situated directly at the location of the Slovak national anthem, tears watered the eyes of the accident and serve as individual places of reverence of those attending the ceremony, and especially women and remembrance, so that each and every family could have shed tears of pain and sorrow. Following the consecration the opportunity to take care of its own dignified memorial. of the monument by Slovak and Hungarian religious leaders, After that wreaths were placed at the central memorial by family members of the victims placed wreaths and candles various official dignitaries. Among those attending on the cold stones with due reverence and respect. the memorial ceremony were: the President of the Slovak National Council Pavol Paška, Slovak Defence Minister PAINFUL MEMORIES COME FLOODING BACK František Kašický, Chief of the General Staff Gen Ľubomír Chief of the General Staff Gen Bulík shared his feelings Bulík, Hungarian Defence Minister Imre Szekeres, Chief with us: “16 months have passed since the tragedy, and of the General Staff of the Hungarian Republic Col Gen there is a totally different atmosphere here, but the same Andras Havril and the Mayor of Hejce Gejza Rohaly. painful memories come flooding back. This is partly expressed by the symbols visible on the memorial.

SLOVAK ARMED FORCES FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM The main theme of IDET 2007 was defence against international terrorism. This is closely connected with cooperation between armed forces and security agencies. That is the reason why František Kašický showed a lot of interest in the monitoring and surveillance systems, security tools, as well as in training and simulation systems in the stall of the EVPU (Electrotechnical Research and Project Institute), Nová Dubnica. International specialist seminars were also part of IDET 2007. One of them was organised by the Slovak Defence Ministry on the theme: Slovakia as the Lead Nation EOD. Another seminar, entitled Military Technology 2007, was organised by the Faculty of Military Technology of the Defence University of Brno in cooperation with the Faculty of Special Technologies of the University of Trenčín. They built on the tradition begun at last year’s IDEB 2006 in Bratislava where under the auspices of the University of Trenčín a conference entitled Special Technology 2006 took place. When it comes to this year’s exhibition many themes were discussed, for example, special equipment, military technologies and recent scientific developments, as well as crisis management technology. Slovakia presented the pedagogical and scientific work of the Faculty of Special Technologies of the University of Trenčín and the Armed Forces Academy in Liptovský Mikuláš. The next international scientific conference at IDEB 2008, which will take place in Bratislava between 28 and 30 April, will be organised by the representatives of the Trenčín University.

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE MORAVA RIVER Slovakia at IDET 2007 The exhibition`s largest exposition belonged to the Army The ninth international exhibition of defence and security equipment IDET 2007 took place between of the Czech Republic. Its director, Lt Gen Jiří Martinek, said that the main aim was to show the Army of the Czech May 2 – 4, 2007 at the Brno exhibition centre. At the official opening ceremony the Czech Defence Minister Republic as a professional, modern and well-trained force. Vlasta Parkanová stressed that this year`s exhibition is the largest in Europe. Our western neighbours were thus able to boast of not only the said PANDUR II 8x8 wheeled armoured vehicle, but also 311 companies from 24 countries solidly presented On the other hand, Defence Minister František Kašický of a mobile field chemical laboratory, the ARTHUR artillery themselves on more than 43 thousand square metres became acquainted with the PANDUR wheeled armoured radar, the RBS-70 mobile anti-aircraft set, the M3 Carl Gustav of exhibition area. Slovakia was among them. The exposition vehicle on the exposition premises of the Czech Defence 84-mm recoilless rifle usable against armoured targets, plus of the Defence Ministry of the Slovak Republic was situated Ministry. In pavilion Z he then visited the national exposition engineering, chemical, geographical and meteorological in pavilion F. During her visit, the Czech Defence Minister of Slovak manufacturers. In the exhibition stall of the Military equipment. They also presented a special mobile workstation Vlasta Parkanová was most impressed by the remote Technical Institute from Liptovský Mikuláš he was particularly for military bomb disposal experts (EDD/EOD), controlled robotic machines created by the Development interested in remote detectors of toxic chemical materials, communication and information technology equipment, Research Institute ZTS Košice. One of them even handed her which were successfully used in Kuwait during Operation as well as items of individual personal protection. a pen so she could sign the official visitor’s book at the Slovak Enduring Freedom. At the stall of WAY Industry he was MOD stall. pleased to hear that the BOŽENA remote controlled mine ORIGINALLY A POLYGON clearing flail system had found its customers on four Part of this year’s exhibition in Brno was also COMING OF THE ROBOTS continents already. The demining system`s history began a presentation of the Army`s crisis management operations The first three units of Retriever, developed to meet to be recorded 12 years ago when in the territory in the event of natural and industrial disasters, especially the requirements of military EOD-teams, are already of the former Yugoslavia Slovak engineers began to use when it comes to containment of floods. We could see a new successfully used by the Slovak Armed Forces and are the first BOZENA 1 machines. The latest models 4 and 5 are bridge construction and a swimming pool (24x63 metres) undergoing military testing in the Czech Republic. Chief successfully being used in territories which are or have been demonstrating all the different types of anti-flood measures. of General Staff of the Army of the Czech Republic torn apart by war conflicts and where a lot of unexploded Part of the activities was also a lecture by Brig Gen Robert Lt Gen Vlastimil Picek, who visited the Slovak MoD exposition ammunition, mines and explosive devices have been left Crear, Army Corps of Engineers, who commanded the large in the company of his Slovak counterpart Gen Ľubomír Bulík behind. For example, in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Eritrea, scale search and rescue operations in the US city of New was, among other things, very interested in the new Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Defence Minister met with Orleans. modifications of the ALIGATOR wheeled armoured vehicle representatives of Trenčín’s Konštrukta-Industry and other Report Jozef ŽIAK and its use within the Slovak Armed Forces. Slovak exhibitors. Photo Peter DOVINA

32 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES P r o f e s s i o n a l i s m , youth and dynamism are the basic characteristics of the Military Folklore Ensemble Jánošík. The ensemble currently numbers 39 artists and is supported by a seven- member team. Since its establishment in September 1993, the ensemble has put on 1697 performances in total. Military Folklore Ensemble Jánošík Since it was established in Zvolen in January 2003, international relationships,” says VFS Director Imrich activities and performances does not allow us to create the Military Folklore Ensemble Jánošík (“VFS”) has Ľalík. It is a big plus for the management more of such grand projects as the Hussars are. been performing under the auspices of the Slovak of the ensemble to have thorough knowledge Currently, we are in the process of preparing a new, MoD on home as well as on foreign soil. During of the “military” environment in which they perform ninety-minute programme entitled Pltníci (Raftsmen), its visits to international contingents serving overseas, and of the audience as well. They try to incorporate which will be an absorbing and educational insight it has also met with a lot of acclaim from our soldiers military themes in our program. They were able to do into history. At the same time, we are preparing a new as well as foreign troops. that with our latest major project entitled “Hussars”. representational programme,” revealed VFS Director However, our repertoire is much larger. It contains Imrich Ľalík. The Zvolen-based Jánošík ensemble was founded a variety of music styles and dances, ranging from Next year the ensemble will celebrate the 15th following the emergence of an independent Slovak American country music to Jewish music, anniversary of its establishment. It is not slowing down Republic in 1993 and the division of the Military temperamental gypsy dances being no exception. in its efforts. On the contrary, it is drawing more and Folklore Ensemble in Brno. During the first few years more audiences. And what is behind its success? Maybe the ensemble was more like a club and its members A NEW DIRECTION their philosophy – during their performances they are could train and perform only in their free time, more or Performing in the same environment all the time trying to live up to the motto: “If you want to ignite less, after they finished their work. However, July 1998 may have its drawbacks. “If we had the same a fire, you must be on fire!” marked a breakthrough inasmuch as the ensemble repertoire all the time, it would quickly become began to perform under the auspices of the Slovak boring. Even though we have a number MoD. It recruited new members and increased of performances, it is important to change the Report Vladislav VAVRINEC the range of its performances. After a while repertoire every five or six months. The number of our Photos Mário PAŽICKÝ the number of performances began to require greater professionalism. For that reason Jánošík became a professional representative body of the Defence Ministry.

A WIDER RANGE OF ACTIVITIES The VFS Jánošík ensemble represents the MoD by staging performances for the MoD, General Staff of the Slovak Armed Forces and any military establishment or unit that requests it. “We travel to foreign countries as well. We regularly visit Brussels, neighbouring countries and our soldiers serving in foreign operations. We get very positive response from soldiers of other foreign armies. For example, they appreciate the folk costumes of the Detva region and, of course, our beautiful female dancers combined with the dynamic and temperamental dance, which makes them forget for a second about their hard times. This is also an excellent way how to build positive

33 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES SPORTING MILESTONES OF MARTIN TESOVIC

Slovak records - total: 412 kg (187+225, 16 Nov. 2005, Doha, WC), snatch: 190 kg (25 Apr. 2004, Kyjev, EC), clean and jerk: 227 kg (14 Nov. 1998, Lahti, WC) EC medals: 3 - 2 - 3 (1997 Rijeka – 3rd in total weight and 2nd in clean and jerk, 1999 La CoruĖa – 3rd in total weight and 3rd in clean and jerk, 2004 Kiev – 2nd in snatch, 2007 Strasbourg 1st in total weight, 1st in snatch, 1st in clean and jerk) WC medals: 3 - 1 - 3 (1997 Chiang Mai – 1st in total weight, snatch and clean and jerk, 1998 Lahti – 2nd in clean and jerk, 2005 Doha – 3rd in total weight, snatch and clean and jerk)

Warrant Officer Martin Tešovič is a military sportsman at the Dukla Banská Bystrica Military Sports Centre, being one of 92 active sportspeople. Thirty-one Warrant Officer Strongman coaches are entrusted with their training and care. Sport categories trained at the Dukla Banská Bystrica facility are: athletics, biathlon, road cycling, track cycling, judo, modern pentathlon, parachute jumping, canoeing, On 25 April 2007 Slovak Defence Minister František HE SHOULD HAVE FORGOTTEN ABOUT SPORT sport shooting, weightlifting, wrestling and others Kašický awarded WO Martin Tešovič, a member He should have waved good-bye to his sporting (swimming, karate, alpine skiing, body-building, water of the Dukla Banská Bystrica Military Sports Centre, career for good eight years ago. At that time, already motor sports, white water canoeing). In 2006 army for his excellent results. a three time world champion, during one of his last sportspeople won 33 medals in total at top level From the category of pupils he quickly moved training hours prior to the departure for the World sporting events. to the junior category. As a conscript of the basic Championships in Athens in 1999 he suffered a serious The most successful were: military training he was recognized as a weightlifter injury – he ruptured the patellar tendon in his right Michal Martikán with high potential by the Army Dukla Trenčín Centre knee. He lost the chance to take part in the Sydney / Canoe slalom / 2nd place WC, 2nd place EC for top level sportsmen. Olympics as well. But he was lucky. Following two Elena Kaliská Martin Tešovič has already gained 15 medals at top demanding operations he returned to be among / Canoe slalom / 1st place EC, 4th place WC level sport events. He is humble, he does not have the world’s best in his category again. “Performance Štefan Havlík a ranking order of his achievements, and he does not is greatly influenced by a person`s physical condition,” / Body-building / 2nd place WC, 1st place EC boast of his successes. His most significant victories stressed Warrant Officer Tešovič. And how can an injury Miroslav Matiaško / Biathlon / 5th place Winter Olympics include a gold medal at the World Championships be avoided? “Don`t overdo it and don`t take on too in 1997 in the Thai city of Chiang Mai, three gold much while you`re training. Neither overestimate your So far in 2007: medals from the European weightlifting championships strength nor speculate about maximum weights. Mikuláš Konopka from April this year, when in the French city In short, do not take unnecessary risks. It is important to / Athletics / 1st place Indoor EC of Strasbourg he won the 105 kg class in snatch, clean use your head while you`re training and to be Klaudio Farmadín and jerk and total. circumspect. Do not try any kamikaze attempts! /Karate / 2nd place EC He usually undergoes a two-phase training “Although he`s only just come from the April European Martin Tešovič schedule depending on the timing of events and their Championships, he will not have a lot of rest since / Weightlifting / 3x 1st place EC Jozef Gönci, Michal Homola specific requirements. He likes to have weekends free, league competitions await him as well as preparation / Sport shooting/ 2nd place ME but that is not always possible with various for the autumn World Championships, the latter being competitions taking place. A four-phase training the qualification for next year’s Olympic Games Text Vladislav VAVRINEC schedule is nothing out of the ordinary for him. in Beijing. Undoubtedly, he now deserves a medal from Report VPhotoladislaavr cVhAivVeR MIN.E TC. However, it can be psychologically demanding. the biggest competition. Photo archives M. T.

34 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES Albatrosses at Flying Rhino 2007

Fifth annual Flying Rhino Exercise, which aims technicians. During the exercise Slovak controllers The aircraft have been fitted with new radar to improve the communication between forward directed the action of aircraft in approximately 35 navigation and radio communications systems. air controllers and flight crews, took place attacks on ground targets and facilitated 44 hits All on-board systems are now fully compatible in the Czech Republic between April and May. against ground targets in support of the land with NATO standards. The workstations have also Officers from the Czech Republic, Denmark, forces; in addition, four of our pilots performed been modernized, featuring the most advanced Slovakia and Great Britain took part in the 20 flights, totalling 20 flight hours and man-to-machine communication interfaces. exercise. The aircraft operated from Air Force 40 minutes. The L-39ZA two-seat training aircraft is 12.13 m Base Namest nad Oslavou. The L-39ZA training jet aircraft from in length, has a wingspan of 9.44 m, and a height The members of the Slovak Air Force, who the inventory of the Slovak Air Force have of 4.7 m, and can reach a maximum flight speed had participated only as observers in previous undergone a significant renovation and techno- of 750 km/h. The aircraft is driven by the AI-25TL exercises, this time trained alongside the others. logical modernization under the MODER twin-jet engine. Slovak participants included forward air con- programme over the last few years. The life cycle trollers and two L-39ZA aircraft with crews and of the aircraft has thus been prolonged. Report and photos Miroslav GYŰRÖSI

35 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES The Slovak MoD – not only action but also communication The Communication Division of the Office of the Slovak Defence Minister undertakes to provide is authorised to coordinate the distribution of grants for projects put forward by organisations with which journalists with the latest information and to organise presentation events for the general public. the Defence Ministry cooperates. The communication division also publishes periodical and non-periodical In addition, it is responsible for updating the MoD’s web site accessible at www.mosr.sk. It facilitates access publications and has its own assigned slot time and public radio and TV spots: to information from the Defence Ministry in accordance with the Public Information Act. The division

DEFENCE SLOVAK ARMED FORCES (SLOVAKIA IN NATO)

Slovakia in NATO magazine is a semi-annual summary of the main events occurring in the Slovak Armed Forces in English. Focus is on international co-operation of the MoD agencies and on the involvement of the Slovak Armed Forces in the crises management operations under NATO, EU or UN command. Editors of Obrana and Slovakia in NATO also present the military life in the civilian media. In addition, they participate in the production of military calendars, almanacs and other non-periodical materials. Reflecting the Slovak Republic’s involvement in international co-operation within NATO, EU, UN operations, magazine Slovakia in NATO has changed its name to SLOVAK ARMED FORCES in June 2007. You can read it in the PDF format at www.mosr.sk/saf. MILITARY HORIZONS

Obrana is a monthly magazine that contains interviews with the MoD`s major representatives and publishes reports on military exercises and crises management operations in foreign countries. It also focuses on articles about defence technology, co-operation with foreign partners, analyses, military history, sport and culture. Reports from various garrisons, photo reports and stories depicting military life fall within the scope of the magazine. Its primary readers are members of the defence community and parties interested in the life of the armed forces. Readers can read Obrana, the origins of which go back as early as 1914 in the American city of Cleveland, on the MoD web site or it is downloadable in the PDF format from www.mosr.sk/obrana. PLNÁ POĽNÁ (COMPLETE FIELD KIT)

Vojenské obzory is the Slovak MoD`s military-theoretical magazine published twice a year. Its content, reflected in the names of its columns and sections, covers such areas as Security and Defence Policy, Armed Forces and Society, Military Education, Training, Science and Development, MoD`s International Activities, Legislation, New Trends in the Military and others. Contributors are renowned experts from the Slovak Defence Ministry as well as domestic and foreign experts from outside the MoD. You can find Vojenské obzory on the web page of the Slovak MoD at www.mosr.sk/media. PROFESSIONAL

The long time favourite radio talk show Plná poľná is broadcast by the public broadcaster, i.e. Slovak Radio and its Radio Regina every Saturday from18:20 to 18:30. Although the length of the show has been shortened, compared to previous years, the show`s three members’ contributions on military themes are often included in other shows as well as in the news and affairs bulletins. The MoD has PROFESSIONAL is an Army TV show that can be viewed on the second channel of Slovak Television every maintained long-term co-operation with Slovak Radio in numerous nation-wide activities, such as the Thursday at 19:55. A ten-minute summary of defence events can be viewed again the following day. Military Deed of the Year Awards Ceremony or Children’s Day with the Slovak Armed Forces and Slovak The show`s two-member team also participates in the creation of short documents. The MoD Communication Radio. Division co-operates with civil production companies in the creation of more analytical documentaries Summary Pavol VITKO on defence-related themes.