DECEMBER 2007 The 12th international Kriváň hiking event was organized by the Association of In the late afternoon Defence Minister František Kašický addressed the hikers, Soldiers of the Slovak Republic in cooperation with Defence Minister František highlighting the cooperation with the Association. At the same time, he handed Kašický, August 25. The event drew not only the Association’s members, over commemorative certificates to the event organizers and participants. A day servicemembers, veterans and the general public but also delegations of EUROMIL before the hiking trip, several side events unfolded in the city of Poprad under the associations and military associations of the V4 countries. As many as 753 auspices of the recruitment centres from Prešov and Košice. participants reached the top of the hill this year. Although the weather was not ideal, it did not discourage the determined participants – not even the youngest one, a 5-year old boy. Much to everybody’s surprise, Lt Col Ladislav Kos (Rtd, AF) who will celebrate his 80th birthday on January 1, 2008 reached the summit without any help and a stick. The 13th international Kriváň hiking event will be organized as usual on the last Saturday in August next year. You are welcome! Contact: 00421 – 32 – 743 0041.

Report and photos Karol VIEŽBA

SoldiersSoldiers atopatop Mount Kriváň SLOVAK ARMED FORCES Contents: Editorial Magazine of the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic, 2000 Date of production start: This past half-year in the December 2007 Slovak Armed Forces can be summed up with a few words: an period of lively activities and great change. First of all, earmarked Logistic Support Army units were getting ready to join the NATO Response Force in Záhorie (NRF) and the EU Battle Groups (EU BGs). In June the Martin- based 11th Mechanized Battalion Capt Jan Francisci was certified for Publisher: Page 6 - 7 the participation within NRF-10 and is due to be on stand-by with the Media Communication Division, German Brigade as a component of the joint German-Dutch Corps (1 Ministry of Defence, GE/NL Corps) as of January 10, 2008. The Martiners and the Slovak Republic Hlohovec-based National Support Element (NSE) have already Editor-in-Chief: undergone required preparations. In case 11th Mechanized Battalion Mgr. Pavol VITKO is operationally committed to one of the world’s hotspots, it will be Tel.: +421 960 312 072, +421 903 820 847 logistically supported by units from the NSE over the entire period. [email protected] Slovaks in NRF–10 will number approx. 900 Slovak service personnel. In the coming period they will undergo an international exercise under the Chief of Edition: the Balkans command of the German Brigade. Their final preparation stage will be Mgr. Michaela FARKAŠOVÁ completed with a certification exercise of NRF-10’s entire land Tel.: +421 960 312 806, +421 903 820 847 component. These exercises as well as the NRF-10’s future [email protected] deployments will put the readiness, expertise, abilities and skills of Assistant Editors: Page 12 - 13 Slovak soldiers to the test. The skills that Slovak service members will Jozef ŽIAK, Colonel Rtd need in foreign operations were also tested in an exercise carried out Tel.: +421 960 332 755, +421 903 820 194 at the Military Training Area Záhorie. Details of this exercise are e-mail: [email protected] provided on pages 10–11. Another battalion to be certified for NRF- 13 is the Nitra-based 12th Mechanized Battalion. 1st Lt Vladislav VAVRINEC On September 20, the Slovak Government approved the MoD Tel.: +421 960 312 980, +421 903 820 854 Goals for 2008 - 2010. This plan incorporates the Government’s e-mail: [email protected] A portrait of statement on the proposed Slovak Force Goals and updated decisions Photo Editor: on ’s contributions to NATO and EU military capability Peter DOVINA, tel.: +421 960 312 945 a veteran building, which had been harmonized in terms of their content, funding and action timeline. As a result, defence planning is now Graphic Designers: based on realistic limits of the MoD’s budget and fully supports the Capt Otakar HRABÁK Slovak Armed Forces’ capabilities, out of the area operations, and Lýdia ŠEVČÍKOVÁ Page 20 - 21 gradual modernisation. Ivana MIŠKOLCIOVÁ Another significant change is the government-approved Editorial Office Secretary: reduction in the number of foreign operations. An interview with Milena SLEZÁKOVÁ Defence Minister František Kašický (pages 4-5) brings the latest news Tel.: +421 960 312 984, on Slovakia’s intensified efforts in three major missions. While NATO’s fax: +421 960 312 520 ISAF in Afghanistan, the EU’s ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and e-mail: [email protected] the UN’s UNFICYP in Cyprus remain the key priorities, Slovakia has New training pleged to continue participating in the Kosovo mission, which remains Editorial Office Address: one of Slovakia’s foreign policy goals. Equally important, Slovak SLOVAK ARMED FORCES officers are ready to assume command posts in these missions. Troop Media Communication Division, MoD polygons at Lešť Kutuzovova 8, 832 47 levels in these missions are to remain roughly unchanged, though the e-mail: [email protected] number of service personnel in Afghanistan will be increased to 111. www.mosr.sk/slovak-armed-forces Similarly, more troops will be heading for Kosovo, and two Mi-17 Page 24 - 25 helicopters will be deployed in the region. More information about Printed by: Slovakia’s involvement in foreign operations is available on pages 5th Carto-Reproduction Base Nemšová 12–13. The euro is scheduled to be introduced in Slovakia on January 1, Cover Picture: 2009. Slovakia firmly believes that it will meet the criteria qualifying it Mário PAŽICKÝ for the adoption of the common European currency. In this © Ministry of Defence, regard, an interview with the Deputy Defence Minister Slovak Republic Conquerors Jaroslav Baška provides an update on the euro Licence Number: 2351/2000 changeover within the MoD on page 19. In a nutshell, this has been an eventful of raging rapids year, and the one ahead of us promises to be equally dynamic. Page 34

3 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES Defence Minister František Kašický and Norwegian Defence Minister Anne-Grete Strom-Erichsen during official visit to Norway, October 9, 2007. An interview with Defence Minister František Kašický: Realism, credibility, cooperation

• Defence Minister, what were the most important MoD reasonable economic and defence budget forecasts. We made able to approve a guideline for the 2008 training year, whereby measures that you succeeded in implementing last year? up no fictitious plan, as was the case when the former MoD all MoD components were assigned budget limits, which First and foremost, we completely changed the management worked on a 2 percent GDP estimate only to find enables them to make plans for next year while taking account philosophy of the MoD’s planning, programming, and out that it was doomed to be an unfeasible and fictitious idea of the years 2009-10. The 2008 Central Procurement Plan with budgeting, rebuilding it on three basic principles – pragmatism, from the very onset. Following the Government Manifesto, Forecasts for 2009 and 2010 is to be approved in October feasibility and responsibility. This means that we established today we can determine exactly what the defence budget over 2007. Generally speaking, funds allocated to meet our new MoD goals for 2008, 2009 and 2010, and basing them on the next three years will be. In early September we were thus international commitments reflect our realistic plans. This is true

4 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES expenses and to a military training area deployment bonus. We exhibition is a good opportunity for their presentation. We wish know that the amendment has had a favourable impact on to show what accomplishments Slovak defence companies recruitment insofar as we have succeeded in stabilising some have achieved, though we recognise that the times of our edge groups of personnel. In addition, we have managed to improve in arms production have since long been over. Nevertheless, we the pension system for former soldiers. There are two other bills want to see our firms cooperate with other companies and we that have been tabled, namely the Conscription Act and the want to involve them in international tenders as much as Intelligence Services Act. Most importantly, the Parliament has possible. At the same time, we aim to promote our participation approved our engagement in international crisis management in the European Defence Agency, where we have our own operations. This means that in the future we will primarily representatives and where we make financial contributions. participate in Afghanistan under NATO command, in BaH under EU command, and in Cyprus under UN command. At the same • What areas of the Slovak Armed Forces will be influenced by time, we will be operationally committed in Kosovo, with modernisation schemes or re-equipment in the coming years? additional 39 troops and two Mi-17 helicopters. Last but not This is a very important issue to us, one that particularly least, the Slovak Government has decided to boost troop levels concerns the . We have launched a project to in Afghanistan from 57 to 111. These are the facts that have acquire new aircraft, to be more precise, tactical transport affected the MoD. aircraft. We are also exploring ways to modernise or acquire new helicopters, be it transport or combat ones. As a defence • What training do soldiers undergo prior to their tours of duty minister I consider these issues as having the greatest priority and postings at international staffs? and therefore I push them forward. Also important is the issue As regards lower ranks, this is related also to the recruitment of vehicles. We need to replace obsolete vehicles, such as old issue itself. We cannot focus only on quantity, since we aim to medium-sized trucks and off-road vehicles, with new ones in achieve quality. The issue of selecting officers for international Slovakia as much as those deployed abroad. components is handled by each and every commander. For international staffs, we need personnel with excellent foreign • The defence community has evinced an interest in the MoD’s language skills. This is the first requirement. At the same time, plans to develop modern training facilities in the Military this personnel must have specialised skills. The times when Training Area Lešť, as well as in the establishment of the Centre nominations were accepted without meeting the necessary of Excellence EOD in Nováky. Could you describe these requirements and when people were sent abroad “to be a mere projects? makeweight” are over once and for all. Towards the end of this year the final occupancy permit should be issued for the first stage of the Lesť training facility’s • Let’s have a look at problems you have faced this year. extension, which is aimed at constructing facilities for experts in Earlier this year we found out that public procurement the fight against terror. As such, the facility will not only provide was not what we wanted it to be, so we adopted specific training but also recreation and therapeutic care. We have measures and changed the procurement process. Obviously, we already informed a number of NATO members and non- could not do that without personnel changes. Also problematic members of this project. I believe that it will be a one-of-a-kind for our contributions to the EU Battlegroups and the NATO was the work of personnel officers. In reviewing the complaints training centre. So far as the Centre of Excellence EOD is Response Force. Our declared contributions will be duly lodged against the Personnel Office of the General Staff, the concerned, we are making good use of things that we have honoured. This is a matter of our credibility. Inspection of the Defence Minister has found out that they experience with and where we have outstanding experts. In were fully justified. As we wish to resolve issues duly and timely, this, we are supported by other NATO members and experts • The Slovak Armed Forces were keenly awaiting the even in this case we have proceeded resolutely. To put it simply, from abroad. As to our projects of international significance, I amendment of the Professional Soldiers Civil Service Act. One we are committed to doing justice case by case. would like to mention the ISOC course organised by the of the reasons for this was that recruitment into the Armed National Defence Academy in Liptovský Mikuláš. The course will Forces, especially when it came to enlisted personnel, had come • Why has the MoD become a co-organiser of the International build on the British-Dutch-Slovak JSOC project, within which to a standstill due to outdated rules. Defence Exhibition IDEB 2008 that will be held on April 28 – 30, 431 junior staff officers from 22 countries, especially from CEE, Supported by sociological research, the first results have 2008 in Bratislava? were trained in the Liptovský Mikuláš-based facility between revealed that it did make sense to put forward the amendment First of all, in the Government Manifesto we committed 2004 and 2007. The ISOC will be launched with international and see it through the Parliament earlier this year. The Act now ourselves to promoting Slovakia’s defence industry. Secondly, participation next year and will be Slovakia’s another gives lower-ranking service members the right to claim housing there are approx. 20 different state-owned joint stock contribution to NATO and EU defence capability building. allowance. Also, soldiers are now entitled to a refund of travel companies in the MoD’s portfolio alone. Obviously, the Interview and photo Pavol VITKO

5 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES Logistic support tested in Záhorie

With the beginning of 2008 military battalion in the Military Training Area Lesť, testing the laundry, the Water Collection, Treatment and professionals from the National Support Element the capabilities of the NSE’s individual components. Distribution Team collects, treats and distributes (NSE) must be ready to accomplish tasks they For example, 1st multinational company practiced drinking water. Last but not least, the Field Bakery have never encountered before. In case the transporting material while using pallets and Team is in charge of baking and distributing baker’s Martin-based Mechanized Battalion is deployed containers to a place distant about 160kms. It has products. on operations within the German Brigade turned out that they are well prepared for performing (German–Dutch Corps) as NRF-10 to one of the similar assignments. The company commander, Capt BACON AND GARLIC BREAD TASTED THE BEST world’s crisis areas, the NSE will support the Stanislav Planka, was able to motivate his Located behind a few pine trees and a small sand battalion for the entire period. The battalion’s subordinates,” observes Maj Pisár with satisfaction in dune on the outskirts of the field camp, it was October deployment to the Záhorie Military his voice. At the same time, he reminds that certain especially the latter team that was under scrutiny by all Training Area was another attempt to test the material needs to be supplied to the company until other units. When the wind started to blow in the right NSE professionals’ readiness. the end of the year. This particularly relates to the direction, irresistible smells drifted up from the field heavy cargo transport team that lacks some vehicles bakery and filled the entire camp while soldiers tried to And this is true especially for the NSE’s command and trailers to transport equipment up to 60 tons. guess what sort of bread was just being baked for element, 1st Multifunctional Company (Hlohovec- Soldiers in the field are particularly sensitive to them. The team leader, Sgt Milan Bris, and his based Multifunctional Battalion), and 1st Equipment their logistic support. And there is a well justified assistants have a number of breads in their portfolio. Repairs Company (Martin-based Equipment Repairs reason for that – they are tasked to perform their “During this deployment we are baking bacon and Battalion). The Multifunctional Battalion Second-in- missions day and night, often exposed to adverse garlic bread which is in great demand. We have also Command (2-in-C), Maj Boris Pisár, explains that the weather conditions. The end of October brought tried baking bread with smoked beef. Recently, our main goal of the exercise is to examine the units’ lower temperatures, windstorms, and rain even to field bakery was repaired by the Military Repair Facility readiness to support the multinational brigade. the training area. Despite this, the NSE had to provide in Moldava nad Bodvou. It was upgraded and adapted the exercising units with all necessary material, to our needs, using the latest bread baking technology. RE-DEPLOYED TO LEŠŤ including fuel, ammunition, spare parts, clean We have an easier job now,” observes the field bakery “We have taken this opportunity when the clothes, and water. The Field Services Platoon, led by team leader with satisfaction. Presumably, military service members of the Nitra-based Mechanized Lt Dušan Hrnčiar, is in the center of soldiers’ bakers should be provided with a brand new container Battalion are conducting a tactical exercise and at the attention, as his team provides sanitation for units. bakery by the end of 2007. same time the national certification of the said While the Light Outfit Team is responsible for doing

6 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES GETTING RID OF DUST AND MUD As troops grappled with their training tasks, the omnipresent dust and sand floated everywhere in the Záhorie region, and their uniforms were full of it. Therefore, the field laundry continued uninterruptedly to provide soldiers with clean uniforms. According to the 2inC, Sgt Drahomír Polc, up to 120kg of clothes can be put in the washing machine at a time. “In about 45 minutes we are able to wash 45 uniforms, including coats. Drying takes another 30 minutes. All soldiers can receive clean clothes in a day. This is a thourough test for the washing machine and the dryer. Except for some minor things, no serious malfunctions have been detected so far,” says Sgt Polc, while his colleagues bring another stack of dusty uniforms. The coy commander, Capt Stanislav Planka, observes that the backbone of the units consists mainly of experienced soldiers who joined the Multifunctional Battalion shortly after its reorganization and professionalization in late 2004. “They have undergone a number of exercises and deployments, and have successfully participated in the certification of the Mechanized Battalion. I can rely on them at all times. They are able to fight tooth and nail even in bad weather, though some of them may keep grumbling about their equipment failing to work properly. They go on even when they are sick of it all,” remarks the coy commander. GET THEM OUT OF THE VEHICLE! Maj Pisár emphasizes that until the end of this year the unit’s training will be focused mainly on improving the skills of each and every member of the NSE, be it shooting or tactical skills, protection against chemical, biological and radiological weapons, or medical preparation. Drivers should gain more experience in night redeployments and use of night vision devices that they were provided with some time ago. The foreign language preparation continues at an accelerated pace. During their deployment to the Záhorie region, soldiers could thoroughly test their knowledge and practical skills in rendering first aid and recovering “the injured” from vehicles. This was the metier of the Evacuation Platoon and especially of the Casualty Collection and Evacuation Team. Soldiers pulled their injured colleagues out of different types of military vehicles, giving them first aid and transporting them to a safe place as fast as possible. They found out that it was not as easy as it had seemed at first sight during their theoretical instruction. They realized this especially when they were repeatedly warned by medics that they could hurt rather than help their colleague when carrying and putting them onto stretchers. Maj Pisár kept an eye on his subordinates. “We cannot underestimate anything in this preparation. Of course, the simulated injuries that they come into contact with would look a bit different in a real situation where real blood streams everywhere and they must act under pressure and deal with open fractures,” reminds the 2inC of the Multifunctional Battalion Maj Boris Pisár. Report Jozef ZIAK Photo Peter DOVINA

7 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES Tiger Squadron on exercise in Poland

Two MiG-29 supersonic fighter jets were on aircraft carrying payload. The polygon rising on the coast, spare parts from older MIG aircrafts. At that time a broken standby when on the morning of Thursday, from where Slovak officers watched and visually checked searchlight was a good reason to render the entire aircraft August 9, 2007, they were ordered to take off and missile launches through binoculars, was officially closed unairworthy. We don’t have to worry about it anymore,” identify a group of airspace intruders detected at from 10.00am to 03.00pm. On the first day of the exercise explains thirty-nine year old Maj Šulek. the border with Poland. the Sliač staff dropped 5 bombs for five pairs of MIG aircraft, each equipped with ten missiles. On the second day, Fortunately, this was a group comprised of six MIG technicians prepared only one set of targets. “We use the PERFORMANCE EVALUATION aircraft, based at Major General Otto Smik Air Base Sliač, SAB-250 200, while the Polish colleagues use the CP-100. “When it comes to engineering and technical support, returning home from Poland where they had conducted live Unlike the SAB bombs that can release seven flares, the CP Exercise Fire I 2007 in the Baltic zone was prepared at a very combat firing. As the eight silver MIG aircraft flew in a bombs can drop only one flare, however, it can be radar- good level. Our jets were duly maintained by our technicians. formation over the towns of Banská Bystrica and at guided,” observes Lt Col Martin Hronec, the wing Also, we cooperated with Polish technicians, who were midday, they scotched the rumors of the Slovak Air Force commander. getting their Su-22 aircraft ready for live combat firing at having only two airworthy MIG fighter jests available in its ground targets in the same area and at the same time,” fleet. concluded Lt Col Matej Polak, the chief engineer of Sliač Air WORKING AT ADMIRABLE TEMPO Base. “As regards the success rate, it was 0.96, i.e. 27 out of GROUND ECHELON There were no delays in firing, largely through perfect 28 missiles hit the targets. I wish to extend my thanks to all Not only was the number of aircraft in this year’s exercise coordination and readiness. “The Polish airmen admired the exercise participants in Poland and in Slovakia. If all fourteen of 1st Tiger Squadron, Air and Technical Wing, Sliač Air Base, tempo at which our technicians were able to prepare the pilots had been present in Poland at one time, we would exceptional, but the place of venue, 21st Air Base Swidwin, aircraft for repeated take-offs,” observes the technical wing have carried out the exercise in one day,” says proudly Col was also different. Live combat firing exercises of foreign deputy commander Maj Šulek. “During the inter- Dobrotka, commander of Sliač Air Base. “Each firing exercise squadrons are usually hosted by 12th Air Base at maintenance period we removed a defect from MiG-29 AS. enriches our combat experience as well as our cooperation Miroslawiec, however, the base is currently undergoing Instead, we used a reserve MiG-29 UBS,” says Major Šulek. within the members of the North Atlantic Treaty reconstruction. Therefore Polish colleagues offered their If this had happened last year, it would have prolonged the Organization”, concluded Col Dobrotka. Slovak counterparts an alternative operating base. Taking exercise. “One of the advantages of a subscriber’s contract place between 6 - 9 August, 21st Air Base Swidwin, located with RSK MiG (Rossiskaya Samoletostroitelnaya sixty kilometers from Miroslawec, brought the exercise closer Korporatsiya) is that our aircraft are continuously supplied Report SSgt Zuzana MILDEOVA to the sea. and thus kept flightworthy. In the 1990s, we would use the Photo Lt Ľuboslav Bálint, archives Air Base Sliač BOMB DROPPING Poland’s flat country features plenty of large lakes in the north and is a perfect setting as though cut out for water bird nesting and fogs. With the last veil of morning mist disappearing, Col Jozef Dobrotka, the commander of Sliač Air Base, joined by Maj Peter Veľký, took to the skies aboard a MiG-29 two-seater. The firing exercise was to be carried out in the Ustka Military Training Area. The weather was favourable. Following their instructions, technicians started to mount SAB-250 200 flare bombs, which were to function as air targets, and R-60 MK guided missiles on the outboard pylons to the second MiG-29 UBS and the MiG-29 AS, respectively. After the pilot had reported the aircraft’s “ready to take off”, the MiG-29 UBS aircraft, being the target carrier, took to the skies only to be soon followed by the first pair of

8 A spiritual pilgrimage: service members visit Rome and Vatican City

The 2nd National Pilgrimage of the Ordinariate AUDIENCE WITH THE POPE Then they met with the representatives of the Knights of of the Slovak Armed Forces and Armed Corps to On Wednesday, 26 September, our pilgrims dressed in the Malta and their ambassador to Slovakia Prince Hugo von Rome and the Vatican City was held between 22 to uniforms of the Slovak Armed Forces, Police Corps, Prison Windischgrätz. We can say that 15 chaplains serve today in 27 September. Led by Chief Chaplain Mons and Court Guards, and Fire and Rescue Brigade took part in the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic. They represent František Rábek and armed forces and police the general audience given by Pope Benedict XVI in St. both catholic and protestant churches. chaplains, the 85 pilgrims were joined in Rome by Peter’s square. Accompanied by Mons František Rábek at the Defence Minister František Kašický, his wife Alena, end of the audience, the Holy Father Report and photos Jozef ŽIAK and his official escort, along with First Vice received Defence Minister František President of the Slovak Police Corps Lt Col Michal Kašický and his wife. The Defence Kopčík. Minister, the first member of the current government to be received by the Pope During his official programme in the Vatican, the Defence Benedict XVI, presented to the head of Minister met Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Vatican the Catholic Church a wood carving by Secretary for Relations with States, in other words, Foreign Robert Veselý, an Orava-region Minister of the Holy See, with whom he shared his views on woodcarver, featuring Slovakia’s a number of current issues. “I assured Archbishop Mamberti countryside. that spiritual and religious services formed an integral part of the MoD and that in the future we would keep developing HONOUR GUARDS IN FOCUS them. Besides discussing the activities of the Military The members of the Slovak Armed Ordinariate in more detail, we also spoke about the threat of Forces Guard of Honour were in the terrorism in the world. We share similar opinions on this. The centre of attention of tens of thousands views whereby terrorism is a phenomenon that cannot be of pilgrims who had gathered in St. excused and anti-terrorist measures and human rights Peter’s square from all nooks of the protection are not contradictory aims are very close to me. I world. Their blue-white full-dress informed Mons Mamberti that the MoD respected all uniforms became an attractive photo provisions arising out of the Treaty between the Slovak opportunity for hundreds of cameras Republic and the Holy See on Spiritual Service in the Slovak and camcorders. At the end of their stay Armed Forces and Armed Corps, as it was concluded five our pilgrims went to the Basilica of St. years ago,” said František Kašický. The Defence Minister then Clement to honour the memory of St. visited the Inspectorate General of the Vatican City State Cyril, visited the Papal College and the Police Force (the Corpo della Gendarmeria) and its HQ. Slovak Institute of St. Cyril and During the visit of the Swiss Guard barracks, Col Theodor Methodius. They were also shown Elmar Mäder, their chief, acquainted the visitors with the around the catacombs of St. Sebastian, history of this unique armed corps, which has, over its 500- the patron saint of the Military year old tradition, protected popes since 21 January 1506. Ordinariate, and prayed at his grave.

SLOVAK ARMED FORCES An interview with Chief of the General Staff of the Slovak Armed Forces Ľubomír Bulík: Bravery, friendliness, ethics • General Bulík, what are the key principles of the in ISAF in Afghanistan, in ALTHEA or KFOR in the Balkan end of October 2007. Even though the attractiveness of Professional Soldier’s Code of Conduct, that region, and in UNFICYP in Cyprus. At the same time, it is armed forces on the labour market is likely to increase, the Defence Minister František Kašický has approved, important to point out that the reduction in the number of number of suitable candidates for professional soldiers will based on? operations does not mean a decrease in the number of still continue to decline due to Slovakia’s demographic The Code of Conduct deals with moral requirements operationally deployed soldiers. Our priority is to meet the development and rising incomes in the civilian sector. As a and standards of conduct that service members must meet limits set by the NATO Summit that relate to result, we will have a difficult time recruiting the right and follow when performing their public duties and projection and sustainment of troops in distant theatres of people in the future. combat missions. In essence, the Code supplements the operations, whereby each NATO member state is expected applicable legislation that governs the activities of the to sustain 8 percent of its ground forces for this purpose. • As regards Force Goals, you seem to be putting a Slovak Armed Forces with moral and ethical elements. lot of stress on ensuring capabilities for units Therefore, it is an important part of the combat potential. • What about the manning figures in crisis deployable and sustainable under NATO standards, Every professional soldier knows what combat ethics, management operations? What is the soldiers’ especially when it comes to operations under NATO, commitment, bravery, integrity, friendship, self-esteem, interest in them in the light of their career progress EU and UN command. To what extent have you mutual respect and togetherness mean. At the same time, and financial motivation? been successful in meeting these goals? the Code of Conduct is a guideline on and an example of To a great extent, personnel replenishment falls under Being carried out for the benefit of reserve deployable how to fulfil one’s obligations with respect to the Slovak the responsibility of Slovak Land Forces Command that is NATO forces, preparation and provision of required Republic, to one’s squad, to one’s fellow servicemen and in charge of ensuring service personnel rotations through capabilities for declared units is one of the top priorities of women in an honest and responsible way even in the designated units. As a rule, we endeavour to dispatch the Defence Minister and myself. The Slovak Republic international environment. organic units. However, this is not always possible to committed itself to providing capabilities for and ensuring guarantee, especially when it comes to key personnel with the sustainability of the Mechanised Infantry Battalion • MoD officials have informed of a reduction in the required expertise and foreign language proficiency. To Nitra, CS, CSS battalion group, transfer control team number of foreign missions down to three. What illustrate this point, we continue to have shortages of embedded in the Chemical, Biological and Radiological are the Slovak Armed Forces doing to prepare officers speaking foreign languages, especially Captains, (CBR) Protection Battalion, and NSE by the end of 2007. themselves for this change? Which missions will be Majors and Lieutenant Colonels. This also concerns an Mi 17 flight and NSE, as well as an affected? As regards career development, we gradually find EOD team. The declared units mentioned above will be In 2006 the Slovak Armed Forces were operationally ourselves in a situation when foreign tours of duty are a ready for deployments under NATO, EU and UN command. committed in 10 international crisis management basic requirement for promotion. It is imperative that our Except for the CBR Protection Battalion, that will not operations. Three of them were under NATO command - officers work their way up from the lowest rungs of the achieve the required capabilities by the end of the year, we HQ Sarajevo in Bosnia, KFOR in Kosovo, and ISAF in Slovak Armed Forces’ command ladder through foreign anticipate that all other commitments will be duly met by Afghanistan. We also participated in three missions under operations, and assume staff appointments at operational the end of this year. UN command – UNDOF in Syria, UNTSO in the Middle HQs, the General Staff, and joint international staffs. Of East, and UNFICYP in Cyprus. Our contribution to EU-led course, money is an important motivation element, too. • In 2006 the Slovak Armed Forces contributed to missions included ALTHEA in Bosnia, the EUMM But I don’t wish to compare these two things here. Both the NATO Response Force (NRF-7) for the first time. monitoring mission in the Balkans, and AMIS in Sudan’s of them belong to fair rules that are meant to help armed Could you specify this contribution and describe the Darfur region. We were also involved in an ad hoc forces go fully professional. related goals to be met in the near future? coalition – Operation Iraqi Freedom. In accordance with Our contribution to the NATO Response Force in 2006 the Slovak Government Manifesto, this year the Armed • What are the first reactions following the consisted in assigning four officers to the staffs of Forces have reduced their troop levels in Iraq from 105 amendment of the Professional Soldiers Civil Service individual NRF-7 components as well as in providing NATO troops to 2 servicemen. However, six professional soldiers Act? allies with access to the Chemical, Biological and participated in the UN-led UNFIL mission in Lebanon from The recently amended Act No. 346/2005 Coll. has been Radiological Training and Testing Centre in Zemianske March to late July. Obviously, our engagement in such a in force since 1 July 2007 and it is still too early to evaluate Kostoľany. Thus, our armed forces gained, for the first broad range of operations entailed considerable expenses its benefits. Yet, it is beyond doubt that it creates the time ever, hands-on experience in the preparation and in sustaining our military units abroad. The Slovak Armed necessary conditions for personnel stabilisation and planning processes of the NFR, which is capable of being Forces, therefore, reviewed their involvement in retention, as well as improvements in its mobility. Through deployed within 30 days in the theatre of operations international crisis management operations, taking into largely housing allowances for all rank categories, travel anywhere in the world. This year’s NRF-8 standby duties account the conclusions of the 2006 Comprehensive expenses refunds for family visits, and bonuses for ended on June 30, and our armed forces were represented Defence Review – this is a political and military review with deployment to military training areas, people’s motivation in this rotation, too. Specifically, there was one staff measurable criteria applied within NATO and EU to join the Slovak Armed Forces is expected to rise. For , two air traffic controllers, and a guard squad made evaluation processes. Accordingly, we should deploy our example, at present 145 professional soldiers are up of two dozen soldiers from 5th Special Purpose troops mainly to three operations – one under NATO undergoing initial training under the preparatory service Regiment in Žilina. Also this was part of our gradual command, one under EU command, and one under UN scheme, while it is projected that approx. 300 people preparations for our first large contribution to the NRF-10 command. At present, our plan is to continue participating could join the Elementary Training School in Martin by the from January 10 to June 30, 2008.

10 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES Our contribution will consist of the Mechanized Battalion supported by troops from the National Support Element (NSE). This means approx. 900 service members. The Mechanized Battalion will be tied into the structure of the German Brigade in the joint German and Dutch Corps. For this purpose, the General Staff of the Slovak Armed Forces has already drafted respective planning documentation. Representing the final stage of their preparation at the national level, June 2007 saw a national certification exercise for the units assigned to the NRF-10. In the coming period the troops will undergo training at the international level, which falls under the responsibility of the German Brigade Commander. The preparation phase will culminate in a certification exercise of the NRF-10’s entire ground component. The units will thus be ready to deploy in accordance with the NRF concept.

• What other key tasks will the Armed Forces face in the coming period? First and foremost, it is the said personnel stabilization and support for our contingents serving in international crisis management operations. Within this task, emphasis is put on training, equipment modernisation as well as on improvements in communications systems. Equally important is to ensure the airworthiness and gradual replacement of aircraft and air support equipment. In the years to come, this will also be applicable to some parts of the ground equipment. Yet another important task is to provide the smooth functioning of the NATO Integrated Extended Air Defence System (NATINEADS) and the procurement of the MOKYS mobile communications system. As regards the other international commitments arising from Force Goals, we could perhaps mention unit training or the establishment of the EOD Centre of Excellence, with the initial operational capacity as of 1 December 2007.

• Upon taking up your post, you talked about your efforts to change the culture of relations in armed forces... In the new professional environment the culture of relations is starting to take on a meaningful character. This begins with respecting each other, appreciating our colleagues’ work, and having pride in ourselves. Our armed forces are being gradually shaped into a team that wears not only a military uniform but demonstrates a sense of fellowship, mutual help, solidarity, and awareness of collective goals. The task of our generation, that will gradually say goodbye to armed forces, is to raise our successors and make them ready for a continuous assumption of responsibility not only in the area of training but also when it comes to professional pride, fellowship, courage in pursuit of goals, and respect for tradition. The Professional Soldier’s Code of Conduct that we talked about earlier will certainly be of great help in this respect. Interview Pavol VITKO Photo Peter DOVINA

11 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES professionals,” says the energetic young officer. They are not only professional soldiers but also graceful ladies. But during his semi-annual tour of duty he speaks a lot about his girls. “I have Slovaks in the Balkans my wife Petra and our 5-year old daughter Terezka waiting for me in Snina, where I come from ...” “It is extremely positive that Slovak officers are a Slovak national holiday, J. Baška met with members of the 1st Lt Marcela Rujáková is the only Slovak soldier posted at posted at international HQs of individual missions in diplomatic corps and international organizations, local Albanian the local NATO HQ. The EUFOR mission has been under EU Bosnia and Herzegovina. This provides solid evidence that and Serbian representatives, and met also with Kosovo’s Prime command since 2004 but the North Atlantic Treaty Organization we have not only the potential to “fight in the field” but Minister Agim Ceku. Of course, he did not miss the chance to has maintained a small component there. 1st Lt Rujáková acts in also to participate in command and control within visit our soldiers deployed in the region. the capacity of a liaison officer liaising with NATO and EU forces multinational forces,” stated the Deputy Defence in the logistics area. “It is my first mission, and I am pleasantly Minister Jaroslav Baška during his visit to Sarajevo in early EUFOR AND A YOUNG COMMANDER surprised by the forthcoming approach of people working in the autumn. He was accompanied by the Deputy Finance The Slovak Republic is currently contributing to EUFOR forces international components. Soldiers are nice to each other and Minister František Palko. by a 35-member guard platoon. Based at Camp Butmir 2 near they literally love to help each other,” observes the officer who the city of Sarajevo, the platoon’s overwhelming majority come has been in the army for the past ten years, following her On the first day of his visit to the Balkan region, Jaroslav from the Michalovce garrison. This suggests that our ability to family’s tradition. Her father left he army in the rank of Colonel. Baška held talks with the High Representative of the deploy compact units has finally improved. Apart from the International Community for Bosnia and Herzegovina Miroslav guard platoon, five officers hold staff posts at EUFOR HQ in KFOR – LEVICE SOLDIERS SERVING TOGETHER Lajčák in Sarajevo. This successful and widely respected Slovak Sarajevo and at NATO HQ. “I believed that my return to Kosovo would help me come diplomat is playing a key role in building democracy in BaH. The main focus of the Slovak initiative in the mission is on to terms with the deaths of my friends. It is still very hard,” said Also, the Deputy Defence Minister held meetings with his the guard platoon under the command of 1st Lt Peter Jankaj. SSgt Zsolt Oroszlany to us in Kosovo. Of the 134 Slovak soldiers counterpart Igor Crnadak and EUFOR Commander Rear Admiral This ambitious officer will enter the annals of the Slovak Armed he is the only one to have served with the 42 women and men Hans-Jochen Witthauer. The following day, accompanied by Forces as one of our youngest commanders leading an who died tragically in a plane crash in December 2004 while Miloš Naď, the Chief of the Slovak Liaison Office in Pristina, independent unit. If we consider that he completed his returning home from KFOR. Kosovo, he saw the command changeover ceremony and university studies only two years ago, he has quickly won the “Shortly after my return from Kosovo my wife is going to awarded the Slovak Defence Minister’s Commemorative Medal trust of the military. “For the first time Slovakia has sent three have a baby. We are very happy but I’m sure that she wasn’t Class 1 to the outgoing German Commander Lt Gen Roland women to BaH. There used to be Bulgarian women soldiers in excited about my deployment to KFOR,” commented the Echo Kather. During the evening function, that was held to celebrate the same position. When our women are on guard, they are real Company commander Capt Ján Chorvát, adding that his wife

12 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES S LOVAK ARMED FORCES MEMBERS IN PEACE SUPPORT OPERATIONS A S OF DECEMBER 2007:

Operations Countries No.

Peace Support Operations under NATO Command KFOR Kosovo 170 ISAF Afghanistan 57 HQ Provincial Reconstruction Team 2

UN Peacekeeping Missions UNFICYP Cyprus 196 UNDOF Golan Heights 95

EU Peacekeeping Missions ALTHEA Bosnia and Herzegovina 35

HQ and Observers EUFOR ALTHEA Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina 4 NATO HQ Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina 1 UNTSO Observer Mission Syria 2 EUMM Monitoring Mission Former Yugoslavia 2

Total 564 More Slovak troops heading to Kosovo and Afghanistan On October 17, 2007 the Slovak Government approved a plan to boost Slovak troop levels within ISAF in Afghanistan and KFOR in Kosovo. Giving the green light to the plan, the Government consented to extend the operations of a 57-member Multifunctional Engineer Unit at Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan. Also, it said yes to the posting of five officers to ISAF HQs, whereas the Defence Minister agreed to the deployment of four officers. More Slovak soldiers will participate in Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) and Operational Mentoring Liaison Teams (OMLTs). Their number will be increased by a maximum of five people. Along 56 soldiers came off to ISAF in December 2007. In addition, in April and May 2008 an eight-member medical team is expected to be deployed to the field hospital at Kabul International Airport (KAIA), and in June and August 2008 a guard platoon, comprised of up to 35 was a soldier and therefore could understand his situation. members, will be sent to Tarin Kowt Base in Uruzgan province. “Up to 100 soldiers who are serving with me as part of the The Government also consented to deploy two Mi-17 helicopters and 35 soldiers to Kosovo. They came off in December 2007. 11th KFOR rotation come from the same home unit, i.e. 13th According to the plan, the Slovak contingent’s existing mandate in Kosovo is extended by the following missions: information Mechanized Battalion in Levice. This is one of the reasons for collection and situation monitoring, implementation of joint measures aimed at preventing crime and providing forces and assets to which we are well-coordinated and succeed in accomplishing suppress unrest in cooperation with the local police corps. In addition, five senior officers will be assigned to KFOR HQs in the second our tasks,” observed the Slovak contingent commander Lt Col half of 2008. Milan Slezák. The Slovak unit has been operating within the Report Michaela FARKAŠOVÁ Multinational Brigade Center under Ireland’s operational command. Its task remains the same – to monitor its area of responsibility, to protect minority national communities, and to restore peaceful life. “Besides holding talks in Sarajevo with my Bosnian counterpart about EU accession, it was important for me to see what is going on in missions. There is a big difference when decisions on defence budget or funding soldiers’ social welfare are made from behind a clean desk and when you become familiar with the field work carried out by soldiers directly in missions, said the Finance Deputy Minister František Palko before his return from the mission. “The Slovak soldiers under the EU flag in Bosnia and under NATO command in Kosovo help stabilise the situation, fight against organized crime, and build democratic institutions. We are pleased that you are here and we are proud of you,” said the Deputy Defence Minister Jaroslav Baska, thanking everyone for their excellent job on behalf of the Slovak Armed Forces and our country.

Report and photo Pavol VITKO

SLOVAK ARMED FORCES heavy rain and the stretchers tend to slip out of the hands,” explains the head of the workplace, 2nd Lt Rainy Antropoid František Duraj. HOW TO PUSH A VEHICLE UPHILL? Antropoid 2007 – the 12th international TREACHEROUS WATERFALLS Those who believed that the task causing the most paratrooper polyathlon organized by 5th Special Following their parachute jumps, the first serious troubles in this first stage was over were very wrong. They Purpose Regiment near Žilina, September 4 – 6, obstacle the competitors faced was the Hlbocké Waterfalls. realized it soon after they had reached the next check tested the physical and mental stamina of Using climbing techniques, the squad members worked point. Pushing a broken car, in this case an UAZ car with a paratrooper and reconnaissance units from five their way over the waterfalls. First, they climbed up a 25- driver, gives a hard time to all squads. An innocently different countries. meter long rope ladder and moved up by about 50 meters looking long hill continues with a curve. Moreover, there is of elevation using fixed ropes. Up there, they locked a ditch across the road. Over the international competition’s twelve-year history themselves onto a pulley and crossed a 70-meter deep “The car, including the driver, weighs about two and a not even the eldest fellows of the Žilina-based 5th Special gorge. Then, at the edge of the gorge, a fixed rope waited half tones. The car is put in neutral and the contestants Purpose Regiment can remember a single year when the for them again. Using the rope, the soldiers climbed down must give it a push and keep it in continuous motion. participants had to endure continuous rain throughout the by about twenty meters and reached a horizontal rope When the car stops –the ditch and the curve on the hillside entire event. This year the competition was held in early hanging above another gorge. Another fixed rope and an represent such dangerous spots where this could happen – September under the auspices of Defence Minister ascent to the peak of the gorge above the waterfalls it is impossible to set it in motion again. The teams must František Kašický. It took place in one of Slovakia’s most followed. From there, the guys had to rope down to the complete the task in ten minutes,” says the workplace beautiful spots: Súľovské skaly (the Sulov Rocky Mountains) bottom of the gorge fighting with the rain and wind. The manager, 2nd Lt Stanislav Tichý. and Strážovská hornatina (the Strazov Highlands) near the continuous rain, the omnipresent mud, and the slippery To complete the first stage, the soldiers must get across town of Žilina. rocks and grass made the rope obstacles more difficult to a minefield, make a successful grenade throw, and traverse Rain, wind and cold hampered the contestants’ efforts cross as compared with dry weather. a challenging mountain terrain of several kilometers. in each of 45 race kilometers (obviously, this was true only At the fifth check point the squad members had to put if the competition squad did not lose its way and thereby one of their colleagues on a stretcher and gallop a 400- NIGHT TIME TRIAL AND NAVIGATION extended its designated track). All teams had to jump out meter long track as fast as possible. “It is a narrow Having crossed the finishing line of the first stage, all of the Mi-17 helicopter and go through 15 check points. mountain path declining down the hillside. It is full of soldiers could enjoy warm food and tea and take a short At the end, they could enjoy the shooting track at rocks, water-filled potholes, and it is blocked by bushes and rest before the night stage of the race. However, not all Kamenná Poruba. branches of the surrounding trees. Moreover, there is competition squads were going to take part in it. The

14 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES Croatian squad had to withdraw owing to an injured team for the competition for about three weeks near the town affected by the extremely bad weather. Every year we try to mate. The participants of the mountain night time trial to of Prostějov. Yet, every competition of this type is mainly offer a “delicacy” to the contestants. This year it was the the Dubica trigonometer with more than 400 meter of about a dose of good luck because all teams are at even rope obstacles over the Hlbocké Waterfalls and the superelevation included all three home squads of the odds. You lose points with every mistake. Last year luck overcoming of a water obstacle at night, while using a Žilina-based Special Purpose Regiment, policemen from the was on our side. This year we were a shade unlucky,” rubber boat. The entire track was built to completely Trenčín Flying Squad, two squads of 3rd Parachute confessed Capt Čeklovský. examine the skills and physical and mental condition of Battalion, Belgian Royal Army, a Polish squad from the “We were well-prepared. Yet, one or two failures were special forces members,” says the chief referee. Krakow Brigade, a Czech squad from the Prostějov enough in this weather to lose the chance of achieving the The commander of 5th Special Purpose Regiment, Lt Reconnaissance Battalion, and Ukrainian paratroopers victory. The rope obstacles over the Hlbocké Waterfalls Col Ľubomír Šebo, GS, reminded that the competition was from the Kirovograd Paratrooper Reconnaissance Unit. turned bad for us. We earned 500 penalty points. We also also about establishing contacts and exchanging One home squad of Žilina had to withdraw from the failed to score enough points in grenade throwing,” experience among the members of Special Forces from second stage owing to an injury of one of its members. confesses Lt Martin Kutil, the leader of the Czech squad NATO member states and aspiring countries, e.g. Croatia Finally, the policemen from the Trenčín Flying Squad which came in sixth. and Ukraine. became the winners. Their leader, Capt Ivan Liptai, has The chief referee, Maj Miroslav Gardlo, believes that this participated in the Antropoid competition for six times year’s track was not more difficult than those in the Report Jozef ŽIAK now. previous years. “I think the competition was very much Photos Peter DOVINA

VICTORIOUS TRENČÍN POLICEMEN “I am very pleased that we are the winners. We were twice a hair’s breadth away from winning the challenge cup; we were runners-up. Due to the continuous rain and cold, this year’s competition was the worst one I can remember. The pushing of the UAZ car was the worst part for us this year. All of us literally reached the end of our tether. As usual, we are good at overcoming the climbing obstacles and at firing. The entire competition is mainly about your mental condition, about the driving force that makes you ready for action also in situations when you feel unable to deal with things anymore,” says the tired, though happy leader of the victorious Trenčín squad who took over the challenge cup from the Deputy Defence Minister Jaroslav Baška at the award ceremony. The mixed home squad and the best foreign contestants, i.e. the Ukrainian soldiers, took home second and third place, respectively. The leader of the Ukrainian squad, Capt Igor Mitrofanov, did not conceal his satisfaction. “We underwent exhaustive training in home conditions. The weather caused no troubles to us because reconnoiters must be able to perform their tasks at all times, whatever the weather. The most difficult task for us was to deal with the mountainous terrain, especially with the steep rises and falls. Ukraine consists almost entirely of level plains. There are not many mountains in our country and the possibilities of training in the mountains are, therefore, limited,” observed Capt Mitrofanov.

COMPETITION AND GOOD LUCK Performance of both Belgian squads was a nice surprise to many people. Capt Ervin Suy from 3rd Parachute Battalion, the Belgian Royal Army, Tielen, says that they tried to select teams that would be able to succeed in dealing with technical and endurance obstacles along the track. A lot was expected of last year’s winner, the Prostejov Reconnaissance Battalion. The head of the Czech delegation, 2nd Lt Petr Čekovský, did not conceal the highest aspirations before the start of the competition. “The body of the squad consists of last year’s winners. We came here to defend the victory. The entire team trained

SLOVAK ARMED FORCES Target in the sector, target locked!

Exercise Safe Sky 2007 focused on destruction of shooting range called Brezina, which is the only place where land forces. The primary goal is to prevent destruction of air targets by portable and self-propelled S-2M, 9K38 live anti-aircraft fire can be practiced within a range of 5.5 the target defended by you, while the secondary task is to IGLA and S-10M anti-aircraft rocket systems of close km (Short Range Air Defence (SHORAD) weapons). Slovak destroy the aggressor.” range. The members of the Slovak Air and Land Forces soldiers practiced live firing at Brezina between 14-21 attended the exercise in the Czech Republic for the September. Preceded by drills in their garrisons and in the GOOD RESULTS first time. 239 Slovak soldiers spent seven days in the Military Training Area Lešť, the exercise was aimed to From its command post the control and evaluation team Military Training Area Hradište at Karlovy Vary. accomplish five tasks: 1. to fire from the spot at a fast-flying assessed if tasks had been accomplished within the set time target, 2. to fire at an air target during a short halt, 3. to fire limit and if all security measures had been followed. Using “Assume the firing positions!”, "Prepare for firing!" and at a steeply diving target during a short halt, and 4. to fire a computer-aided recording and evaluation system, which “Fire!” – similar commands are passed on to gunners. They at a combat helicopter during a short halt, 5. to fire at prevents distortion of results, the team reviewed the lock on to targets that turn up suddenly and fire at them. A incoming (and outgoing) air targets and at a combat performance of individual gunners. At the end of the flying rocket shoots up, leaving behind a fiery tail with a veil helicopter appearing all of a sudden.” exercise Capt Fajčík evaluated the overall training process: of smoke - a target takes a direct hit far on the horizon. As instructed, units assumed firing positions. A flare with “During the exercise we launched 130 S-2s, 30 9K38 IGLAs Slovak and Czech generals give a round of applause. The a little parachute imitating a target was covered by low- and 10 S-10M rockets. There were five units from the exercise is supervised by an evaluation team, the Deputy hanging clouds, therefore, the gunner was assigned an Slovak Air Force. Three of them were evaluated as good, Chief of the General Staff Lt Gen Peter Gajdoš, Land Forces alternative target. “When the gunner cannot see the target, while two of them were evaluated as excellent. All firing Commander Maj Gen Milan Maxim, Air Force Commander he cannot lock on to it and launch a rocket. Bad weather units of the Land Forces were evaluated as excellent. So, we Maj Gen Juraj Baránek, and Chief of Operations Control makes his task more difficult. If necessary, we assign an are very satisfied,” says Capt Fajčík smiling and he adds: Staff Maj Gen Jaroslav Vývlek. At the Brezina facility they are alternative target to him.” says Capt Peter Fajčík, Slovak “No serious problems were experienced during the exercise accompanied by Lt Gen Jaroslav Kolkus, 1st Deputy Chief of Land Forces HQ and the chief of the evaluation team. A red and, overall, I evaluate the results as very good.” the General Staff of the Czech Army. light suddenly appeared over the mountains. “You can see The working relationship between Slovakia and the a simulation of an air attack with approaching enemy Czech Republic can be considered as over and above A LIVE FIRE EXERCISE aircraft attacking our targets. Now an alternative target is standard levels. 2007 saw bilateral negotiations to ensure The Military Training Area Hradište is the largest military assigned – imitated by a flare, a helicopter appears above preparation, training, assignment of declared forces and training area in the Czech Republic, measuring some the hill. The target remains in the area for 40 seconds, while assets for EU BGs that are scheduled to be on stand-by in 33,161 hectares. It is used by Czech and foreign armed the gunner must launch the rocket within 15 seconds and the second half of 2009. Therefore, cooperation of both forces for field, tactical and joint exercises, and all types of hit the target to get a high score,” explains Capt Fajčík. countries promises to continue also in the following years. branches and services can be involved. The area has a “The SHORAD air defense systems are deployed to protect Report and photo Michaela FARKAŠOVÁ

16 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES She - Colonel

A lady who loves flowers and ruby-red colour that reflect her dynamic and lively personality. The only woman in the Slovak Armed Forces to wear Colonel’s insignia on her uniform. Soňa Matunáková, Air Force Colonel.

She was promoted Colonel in April 2007. She was awarded a commemorative medal for accomplishing excellent results in her studies at the Higher Commander and Staff Course held by the Marshal Andrej Hadik National Defence Academy. “I was first inspired to join the army by a woman soldier, a Chief Warrant Officer who would take the same bus as I did when I went to school in Zvolen. She was always well dressed, smiling and proud of being in the army. I wished to be like her. At that time I started to think of my military future. In my forth year of high school I finally decided to join the army,” Soňa Matunákova describes her first encounter with the uniform. I WON’T BE A RECORDS CLERK After graduating from the secondary school of mechanical engineering in Zvolen in 1981, at first it looked like I was supposed to do the same job as the majority of army women in those days – chief of the records office. However, Soňa attended interviews in Nové Mesto nad Váhom, wanting to qualify for a one- year Air Force Ground Specialist course. “The interviews were conducted by Lt Col Věra Perlingerová. She had the gift of the gap and talked in a very interesting way about the Air Force, and it was at that time that I decided not to be the records clerk but to attend the course and be A NEW SLOVAK REPUBLIC, NEW ARMED Management Committee. “I want to advance at all trained as a permanent air traffic control assistant. This FORCES times. I always endeavour to progress. Last year I started decision has influenced my life ever since and I can now After the Czechoslovak Federation split up, I my postgraduate studies at the University of Žilina where say that I have never regretted it. During the course, Lt returned to Slovakia, and was assigned to Headquarters I chose the branch I had majored in. It is my personal goal Col Perlingerová encouraged us to pursue university Air Force and Air Defence Trenčín where I worked as a to finish my studies successfully. I believe that also this studies. She was doing her best to make it possible for Chief of the Air Traffic Control Service. She still has vivid education will play a crucial role in my future career,” girls to study at the then Military University in Košice. memories of the disturbing times following the Velvet explains the charismatic woman. Unfortunately, it took three years for her plans to Revolution and of the establishment of an independent Col Soňa Matunáková married two years ago. Her materialise. We were not allowed to study at the state: “It was the most difficult and at the same time husband, an MoD employee, fully supports his wife in university.” After completing the course in 1982, Soňa most beautiful period. We were all new at Headquarters and creates conditions for her career growth. “Private could choose between Žatec and Prague. She decided to Slovak Air Force and Air Defence Trenčín, and we were life helps you forget your work when you are home and go to the city of 100 spires. WO Soňa worked hard as an completely dependent on each other. We had to help never complain. You must remove “it can’t be done” or assistant in the air traffic control unit at the Prague-based each other and we were a great team. The birth of “it’s impossible” from your vocabulary – there is always State Air Defence HQ. Her aspirations slowly started to armed forces can be compared to a green field that a a solution. I learned this from Col Perlingerová. Her come true. In 1987 she passed officer examinations and developer has available – it is only up to him what he is ability to close the front door to work-related problems became 2nd Lieutenant. She moved up the career ladder going to develop on it. And we tried to do our best. Time when at home and the office door to the family-related and was soon promoted senior air control officer. She showed that not all chances were capitalized on problems when at work has set an example to me. was re-approached by Perlingerová, who was holding correctly. Yet, each of us was full of enthusiasm and Similarly, you can’t thrive without a helping hand from the rank of Colonel at that time. Soňa accepted her offer, optimism and wished to do something for the new others. If there is no one by your side to support you, to and between 1990 and 1992 she acted in the capacity of country. I have never encountered such enthusiasm encourage you when you need it, it is very difficult to the senior officer in the Interministerial Committee for anymore in my career.” Following the reorganisation of break through. Of course, it requires a lot of travail and Military and Civil Air Traffic Control, Ministry of Defence the Services, Soňa worked again with the Interministerial self-denial. Sometimes it is just necessary to be at the of the then Czechoslovak Federative Republic. As a Committee for Military and Civil Air Traffic Control as the right time in the right place and have courage to express distance-learning student from the Žilina University of chief. In 2000 when the General Staff redeployed to your opinion, even if it is not shared by others, and stick Transport and Communications, she majored in air Bratislava, she left Trenčín and moved to the capital city to your opinion if you believe it is correct. At the same operations and air transport economy. She knew exactly to continue her work. After many years marked by time, you must respect other people’s opinions and listen was she was doing: “I pursued professional numerous changes in professional and public life, today carefully. There is always room for learning something advancement, while my private life became less she is the Deputy Director of the Military Aviation Office. new,” says the only She-Colonel of the Slovak Armed important to me. Since I was single, I was able to As the Office has had no director since March, she is Forces. respond flexibly to changes. It was no problem for me to responsible for it. At the same time, she is a Report Michaela FARKAŠOVÁ change my place of residence or work.” representative of the Slovak MoD to the NATO Air Traffic Photo Peter DOVINA

17 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES EU BGs discussed in Bratislava

On Thursday, October 18, representatives of Force. We believe that the provision of decision-making tional BG under Polish command, with Germany, Slo- the Czech, Polish, Hungarian, German, Austrian, processes that guarantee our contributions to the EU vakia, Lithuania and Latvia as participating countries. It is Ukrainian, and Slovak Armed Forces held talks in BGs and NRF operations on required dates is of extreme due to go on standby from the first half of 2010, while the Slovak MoD to discuss the building and deploy- importance. In this regard, through our security and Slovakia has declared a contribution of up to 250 sol- ment of the EU Battle Groups (EU BGs). defence policy we are pursuing joint funding for the diers. The Operational HQ of the said BGs will be in Ger- strategic airlift, especially when it comes to deployments many. “The idea of organising this conference came up at of the EU BGs and the NRF. In this context, we would “Ongoing considerations on the mission and usabil- the meeting of the V4 defence ministers in Bratislava, highly appreciate if the EU Council’s deadline for strate- ity of the EU BGs help define the EU’s political and strate- April 12, 2007. Today, it is a great honour for me to wel- gic airlift funding for the EU BGs, that was agreed until gic ambitions and enable the EU Member States to come not only the representatives of the V4 countries 2008, was extended.” define their common interests. Thus, the EU BGs repre- but also our close friends and partners from Germany, The first of the V4 countries to have gained first- sent an instrument for consolidating EU integration. At Austria, and Ukraine,” said Defence Minister František hand experience with placing its troops on standby is the same time, they provide room for strengthening and Kašický. He went on to say that “a more elaborate train- Hungary. Its units are due to remain on standby under developing partnerships with NATO, the United Nations ing scheme for units assigned to EU missions is a catalyst Italian command until the end of 2007. The next ones to and third countries,” said Defence Minister František for modernisation and reforms in armed forces at the follow are the Czech Republic and Slovakia, whose Cze- Kašický. national level. Towards this end, the MoD has created cho-Slovak BG will be on standby in the second half of mechanisms and adopted measures harmonising contri- 2009. For this purpose, Slovakia is planning to con- Report Pavol VITKO butions to the EU Battle Groups and the NATO Response tribute 300 troops. In addition, there will be a multina- Photo Vladislav VAVRINEC

18 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES • The second topic of our interview concerns offset programs. What are the latest developments in this field? The situation is far more transparent today since an Inter-Ministerial Offset Committee was set up for this purpose some time ago. Its members include representatives from the Defence, Economy, Interior, and Finance Ministries, and the Defence Industry Association. Being the committee’s chairman, I represent the MoD together with my other colleagues. Our aim is to formulate new principles for offset transactions in Slovakia because the old ones dating back to December 2003 were neither specific nor binding for respective ministers. Therefore, based on our expertise, and bearing in mind the Government Manifesto, we have initiated a redefinition and a legislative amendment of offset rules in awarding significant contracts in the Slovak Republic’s defence and security sector. The Government plans to officially adopt these principles.

• What offset rules will you put forward? First of all, it should be pointed out that nearly all EU members use offsets. Slovakia was one of the few countries where no offsets were required for the country’s security and defence contractors. If offsets are to be referred to as “compensatory measures”, and if we make payments to a foreign entity for defence supplies, naturally, we want to get economically compensated. Thus, the contractor can be expected to mediate investments for Slovakia’s defence sector or any other industry up to the value of Slovak Deputy Defence Minister Jaroslav Baška: the awarded contract, promote exports of Slovak companies, transfer know-how, or make investments into building a knowledge-based economy, etc. Our plan will lay down new offset principles and will be approved by the Slovak Government. Accordingly, if national contracting authorities award defence and security contracts under certain terms Euro and offsets and conditions, it will be binding for them to require offset programs. These procedures will be applicable • Mr Baška, you were recently appointed to lead the as well as of other essentials required by law. As the to contracts with the value exceeding EUR 6 million MoD Working Group for Euro Adoption. Could you MoD has awarded thousands of contracts, there are a excl. VAT. With their benefits for Slovakia’s economy, briefly describe what the group has been tasked with? large number of invoices, purchase orders, financial we will be pleased to see offsets driving our R&D, In principle, we need to get ready for euro statements – they all need to be prepared for the euro know-how transfers, and knowledge-based economy. adoption across the entire MoD, while special changeover. In this process, we should not forget At the same time, we will use the motivation emphasis must be placed on budgetary and state- about the financial relations between the MoD and its coefficient, the so-called total benefit multiplier, which funded organisations, state-owned enterprises, and subordinated components on the one hand, and the will increase the value of offset offers. joint stock companies incorporated with the MoD as State Treasury, other ministries, banks, insurance their sole founder. Towards this end, a working group companies or tax authorities on the other. Our • In which areas will offset programs be used? was set up in August to help introduce the euro information systems and offices need to be As I said earlier, offsets will be compulsory for every within the MoD. No sooner had Defence Minister reconfigured so as to support euro transactions. Of contract awarded to a foreign entity exceeding EUR 6 František Kašický signed its statute, the group set to course, accounting and financial reports will have to million excl. VAT. In the near future we need to work. In essence, we are responsible for a trouble-free be customised accordingly. For a certain period of procure, for example, transport capabilities, small off- changeover from the Slovak koruna to the euro, time they will have to be kept in both currencies – the road vehicles, medium-sized trucks, wheeled which is due to take place January 1, 2009. Slovak koruna and the euro, respectively. armoured carriers, and other equipment. The use of This change particularly relates to information Our aim is to test the given systems in the first half offset programs goes hand in hand with the systems. One of the core tasks will therefore be of the next year, so that they can be fine-tuned in the Government Manifesto, where the government performed by units overseeing communications and second half of the year. In this regard, coordination committed itself to supporting our defence industry as information systems, Signals Command and its will be of special importance because, as I said earlier, well as the entire economy of the Slovak Republic. subordinated components. Step by step we are there are a large number of different state-funded and beginning to communicate with our employees, budgetary organizations, state-owned companies, or Interview Pavol VITKO informing them of the coming changes in transactions joint stock companies. Photo Peter DOVINA

19 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES A portrait of a veteran

position whereby the intervention was viewed as international assistance, he did not hesitate to tell the truth in public – that this was a flagrant occupation.

Mr Makovník is a spirited retiree. His clipped, albeit thinner moustache allows suspecting what is clear from older photos. He was a dandy; an elegant, proud man with sharp features in his face. He recalls: “During the war I had to join the Army of the Slovak State. We got up to Crimea. We were put up in houses that had been abandoned by evacuated or killed Russians. Mostly limp friends and I decided to join the Red Army. It was a big old men would live in them. My friend and I stayed at risk that we had to take. We could not act otherwise.” an old man’s house. He was more than 80. We became The “Mensch” Makovník starts his description of a close friends with the old man. And after we had long, hungry and tiring march after deserting his unit. cleaned his well, it was as if we had always been his He goes on to say that his fellows and he were guarded Albín Makovník always knew exactly where own sons. He liked Slovaks. He knew that Nazis had and escorted by a young Red Army soldier on his place in the world was. During the Second driven us out there. No way could we be the enemies horseback. Contrary to expectations, they were not World War, on the Eastern Front he left the army of the Russian people...” received with open arms. What followed were stern of the wartime Slovak State fighting side by side interrogations. “When we got to Jefremov where the with , only to join the newly forming FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM Czechoslovak troops were based, after various and to fight alongside Soviet Being a proud, freedom-loving mountain man, Mr peripeteia things finally took a turn for the better. I was troops. And when the Warsaw Pact armies came to Makovník hated Nazis. He knew that he had to change pleased that they had selected me to join the 2nd occupy in 1968, despite the official the side of the front. “About five weeks later my Airborne Brigade – off to the paratroopers I went.”

20 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES Of course, his parents did not know that he had that the Slovak equivalent of “a poppy seed cake” is defected to the Russian side. He could wait no longer. makovník – the surname of Mr Makovník. In 1968 He sent them his best regards through the when Russian and other Warsaw Pact armies invaded Czechoslovak Broadcasting Service of Radio London. Czechoslovakia, I told everyone: “They should not have There was no direct reference as to who had sent the done this to us! They completely botched it. This is an message, but the leading hints were put across clearly. occupation! I did not fight alongside my Russian friends “Even though my family decoded the message, I put against the German occupation only to see Russians their lives in a harm’s way... I would not do it again.” occupy our country!” Of course, the consequences When at the beginning of the autumn of 1944, were to be felt soon. The so-called “Security Clearance Operation Carpathian-Dukla was launched, Albín Committee” invited him to deny everything he had said Makovník served as the commander of a machine- – and to sign the letter of consent with the entry of the gunner platoon at the border between Slovakia and Warsaw Pact forces into Czechoslovakia. Otherwise he Poland. His memories are dominated by hundreds of was asking for trouble. dead friends and thousands of injured soldiers. “At “I told them if I signed it I would be a traitor just last! We were flying to Slovakia to support the Slovak as they were. I told them that I was not going to take National Uprising,” Albín Makovník recalls this amazing back what I had said because occupants would always feeling before the flight to his native Central Slovakia remain occupants for me, regardless where they came where, on 29 August, the from.” against the Nazis broke out. Albín fought with 2nd Albín Makovník was not allowed to enter the Paratrooper Brigade in several places. Once the uprising prominent grandstands where only war heroes could American war correspondent had been pushed deep into the mountains, he fought stand. It came naturally to him to give up the idea of alongside partisans. In November 1944 he linked up enjoying the advantages reserved for those hanging on in the Slovak National Uprising with Russian intelligence troops. “I tried to collect to the Communist Party. And thanks largely to his information about the strength of German soldiers, profession he did not receive a more sever punishment Joe Morton, a WWII correspondent of the supplies and German trains.” It was not an easy winter. as many others did. This was because he worked alone American news agency Associated Press, decided to Nazi commandos would comb the forests, and people deep and high in the mountains as a maintenance man, write his life story in Slovakia. On October 7, 1944, he and soldiers had to hide in inaccessible mountains. taking care of a television transmitter. Being in such a landed at Tri duby (Three Oaks) Airport with a group Many of us were injured. Russian soldiers left the area remote place, the then rulers did not consider him to be of soldiers from the US Office of Strategic Services around his native village of Turecká just right on Josef’s a threat to the regime. (OSS) called DAWES. Day – 19 March 1945. They passed through Prašivá and Today already 85, the elderly man says he is happy advanced beyond Brezno, where they crossed the front with the way he has lived his life. Had he succumbed to Joe Morton, a friendly fellow with noble manners line. Of course, Albín Makovník was their guide. “I pressures and chosen the easy way in the critical and a large dose of courage earned trust and respect of agreed to take them across the mountains. Finally, we moments, he admits, his children could have had easier the American military. As a journalist he took notes of the ended up in . Although we could hear shots life. But today they fully understand him, and they developements in North Africa. During the Allied invasion fired in some streets, we joined a great feast. It was a respect and love him even more. Proud Albín went on of Sicily, he appeared in the most dangerous places, while sort of “thank you” for me – there was “vodka” as well to emphasise one more thing: “Do you know what I his wife Letty was pregnant. He flew to former Yugoslavia as joy. Other units were arriving soon after us. I stayed regret the most? How come that some young people three times. During the first air raid on Rome he was on in Budapest for a week until I saw Marshal Malinovski have taken to fascism again? To the black uniforms! board a bomber and arrived in Bucharest at the time when with my own eyes. Then I set out for home. I was not And in so many European countries! And this is the Red Army was liberating it. The war correspondent going to see my Russian friends anymore...” happening under the illusion of being some Morton simply had a good reputation and his news was champions! As if they were some dandies! Well, in fact, sought after. Yet, there was still one more thing to write AGAINST ANOTHER LOOMING OCCUPATION they are sissies, fools and rogues,” Mr Makovník feels a down – his “life story” as it is called by journalists. In a cosy little house in Turecká Mrs Makovníková bit relieved. He himself was a real dandy with a capital Therefore, on October 7 before sunrise he arrived at the is brewing coffee and offering poppy seed cakes. Well D. And he still is. military airport at Bari only to fly to Slovakia together with – the cakes are even more pleasing when you realise Report and photos Pavol VITKO weapons supplies and American soldiers. Although everybody believed that it was his round trip, he did not board any of the B-17 planes which were returning directly to Bari, carrying wounded and injured American airmen. He had different plans. He put his portable typewriter on a box at the edge of the airport and began to type the first sentences. He stayed with the DAWES mission that was supposed to obtain information about how the West could assist insurrectionists and coordinate the rescue of American airmen. Besides other things, in his book entitled World War II: OSS Tragedy in Slovakia (published in 2004 by Magnet Press Slovakia in cooperation with the US Embassy in Slovakia, and translated into Slovak in cooperation with the Military History Institute), Jim Downs recounts the story of a war correspondent Morton who interviewed insurgent Generals Viest and Golian and fired at Nazis with his comically small pistol. When German divisions had suppressed the national uprising, the DAWES members had to escape into the woods. They suffered from hunger, frostbites, and a majority of them were taken captive. Initially, 60 000 soldiers of the regular army and 18 000 partisans fought in the Slovak Following cruel torture in the concentration camp at National Uprising. Of them about 1720 were reported killed, 3 600 wounded and about Mauthausen, twelve American soldiers were executed. Joe 10 000 captured. Total butcher bill was up to 12 000 killed and murdered domestic Morton, the war correspondent, was the thirteenth solder. inhabitants. Representatives of 30 nations and nationalities fought on the side of risers. Report Pavol VITKO

21 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES Austrian medal for Bulík Dress parade of Austrian and Slovak soldiers before their departure for the UNDOF Golan Heights mission took place on 23 November 2007 in Centre for Operations Preparation in Gotzendorf village, Austria. In this occasion the Chief of the General Staff of the Slovak Armed Forces Gen Ľubomir Bulík was decorated by the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Austria with high Austrian decoration: A Great Gold Honour Medal for merits for the Republic of Austria. The president of the Republic of Austria Heinz Fisher bestowed this award on him for merits in the field of military politics and especially for bilateral cooperation.

As Gen Bulík acted as the Chief of the General Staff, the mutual cooperation had intensified, said both Norbert Darabos and Chief of the General Staff of the Austrian Armed Forces Gen Roland Ertl in their speaches. The cooperation was particularly in the field of the prevention of disasters and chemical, biological and riadiological (CBR) protection. Specialists of Austrian Bundeswehr ABC units several times underwent the practical training in the Training and Testing Centre at Zemianske Kostoľany. Cooperation between the Air Forces of both counties is of the Kašický on a visit to USA upgrade. The students of Austrian military academy accomplished their special tour in Slovakia. „I’m glad, that cooperation between our countries and between our armed The aim of the four-day business trip of Defence Minister František Kašický to the United forces is very good. It is testified by joint participation of Austrian and Slovak States was to visit NATO’s ALLIED COMMAND TRANSFORMATION (ACT) and to meet with the soldiers in the foreign missions. They cooperated in KFOR, Kosovo, and in joint Deputy Secretary of Defence Gordon England. Slovakia’s integration into NATO and EU Austria – Swiss – Slovak battalion. Just now already the 20th Slovak contingent is international crisis management, questions such as NATO, the Slovak Armed Forces’ leaving for the peacekeeping mission UNDOF on Golan Heights within the Austrian transformation, and the fight against terrorism topped the agenda. The anti-missile defence battalion. It’s pleasure for me to know, that the Slovak soldiers are going to replace shield issue was discussed at ACT. Bilateral cooperation was then addressed at the Pentagon, us in the mission UNFICYP at Cyprus,“ said Gen R. Ertl. where Defence Minister Kašický reiterated his invitation for the U.S. Defence Secretary to visit Report and photo Jozef Žiak the Slovak Republic. The Minister informed that Slovakia would participate in selected international crisis management operations, whereas Afghanistan, Cyprus and the Balkans would be the priority. “As regards Afghanistan, we had our unit in Kandahar and presently we are involved in the activities of Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs)”, said Kašický, adding that “we are considering deploying mentoring and training teams and a surgical team to the military hospital in Kabul. On the other hand, he said that Slovakia “will not provide combat but rather support troops” Also, the issue of NATO’s financing of unplanned operations was opened. In the light of NATO’s transformation, changes in the Slovak MoD’s planning and budgeting system were highlighted. The Slovak MoD had already approved its financial plan and directive with the main tasks and priorities for 2008. That is why Force Goals 2009-2010, which are proposed by Slovakia, are realistic and feasible. This change was perceived positively by U.S. counterparts as the MoD’s step forward. Another topic of discussion was the fight against terrorism. In this regard, our Defence Minister informed the U.S. officials about the Intelligence Services Bill and the redesign project of the Military Training Area Lešť as an interministerial facility. The latter is a unique project that connects training and recreational facilities. (to) MoD Goals for 2008 – 2010 given the go-ahead by Slovak Government

Meeting at its 60th session, the Slovak well as modernising their fleet of vehicles, weaponry and mechanism for NATO and EU operations will also be counted Government approved the Defence Ministry Goals equipment, including the fielding of new communications on. In this respect, the current MoD officials promote this for 2008 - 2010, including the statement on the and information systems. funding method at the meetings of the North Atlantic Treaty Armed Forces Goals draft and the Government’s The MoD Goals have set the conditions for harmonising Organization and the European Union. decision updates bringing Slovakia’s contributions national contributions with NATO and EU capabilities As of January 1, 2008 the Slovak Armed Forces will have into alignment with NATO and EU capability building with the sole aim of backing our commitments with available a mechanized battalion group, a chemical, building in terms of their feasibility, content, a reasonable economic base. Unlike the previous period, biological and radiological protection battalion, a transfer funding and timeline. The documents were contributions declared by the Government are now feasible, control team, an Mi 17 helicopter flight, a military police submitted for discussion by Defence Minister providing required troop readiness levels, prescribed platoon, and an EOD team. In 2009 they will add a transport František Kašický. timelines, and available funds. company and, after 2010, a rapidly deployable preventive Thanks largely to its feasible defence budget, the MoD medicine team. These units will be deployed within NATO’s The MoD Goals for 2008 – 2010 are based on a realistic has extended its offer of units to be earmarked for NATO and NRF and EU battle groups in compliance with the defence budget aimed at sustaining the achieved capability EU crisis management operations from three to eight, while requirements, and their deployment will be subject to a prior levels of the Armed Foces, while ensuring the continuation of reassuring that its previously declared commitments will be national decision. their engagement in operations beyond Slovakia’s borders, as honoured. In deploying units, the collective funding (tasr)

22 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES Slovenian CBR specialists The training of chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) specialists from the Slovenian Armed Forces in Slovakia aimed, first and foremost, at practising detection of unspecified chemical agents and decontaminating people. Organised in cooperation with CBR specialists from the Slovak Armed Forces, the exercise took place between 1 and 5 October in the Training and Testing Centre at Zemianske Kostoľany. Led by Slovak instructors and CBR specialists, the training was aimed at improving basic and advanced skills through performing chemical detection and identification, decontamination of people, equipment and weaponry. Real toxic chemical substances were used during the exercise. The first joint exercise of Slovenian and Slovak specialists was held in 2006. Following Slovenia’s positive response, the exercise will also be held in 2008. The Training and Testing Centre at Zemianske Kostoľany is designed as a training facility where real toxic chemical substances are used during training. It is one of the ten facilities of its kind in the whole world. (tasr) Photo Karol LIZOŇ Gold for Maxim A Polish Armed Forces gold medal was awarded to Slovak Ground Forces Commander Maj Gen Milan Maxim in recognition and appreciation of his extraordinary merits in advancing military cooperation between both countries. The medal was awarded by Polish National Defence Minister Aleksander Szczycło, upon proposal of Polish Ground Forces Commander Lt Gen Waldemar Skrzypczak, and handed over to Maj Gen Maxim by Polish Charge d' Affaires Bogdan Wrzochalski, in presence of the Chief of the General Staff of the Slovak Armed Forces Gen Ľubomir Bulík and Polish Defence Attaché Col Stanislaw Wojcik, July 20, Bratislava. As stated by Col Wojcik, Slovak-Polish military cooperation is excellent. “Every year we hold approximately 60 joint activities and the Slovak Ground Forces participate in most them,” added Wojcik. Maj Gen Maxim was awarded the gold medal promoting cooperation between multinational military units operating in international crisis management operations, particularly in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, and in other places, where Polish troops are deployed. He received the Polish medal partly in recognition of his last year’s participation in the pilgrimage to Čenstochova. At the medal award ceremony Maj Gen Maxim said: “The medal is an unexpected and nice surprise and appreciation of long-time efforts of the Slovak Armed Forces in the international field. At the same time, it is a recognition token for the team that has supported me in my military career since 1990.” Report and photo Michaela Farkašová

The aim of the meeting was to compare and go through training procedures, exchange information on canine legislation, and form common methods and learn the best in army dog training from both sides. The training was designed to shed more light on modern training procedures. “The cooperation helped both sides detect certain imperfections that hampered our training progress, and that we failed to recognise earlier. For example, your dog patrol training procedures are excellent. We will use some elements of your training and remove certain imperfections from ours,” said TSgt Sharlene Daniels, the chief of the American team and the chief of the Dog Training Section, 39th Guard Squadron, U.S. Air Force, Incirlik Air Base, . “We did not notice any significant or noticeable differences in dog handling and applied training methods between our training system and the American one, but there is still something that can be learned. Dog training is very specific because each dog has its own individuality and, therefore, demands an individual approach. There are many training procedures and methods from which we have to choose the most suitable and effective ones,” explained Chief WO Ondrej Bihari, the chief of Dog Handler Training Group, Training Centre, Hronsek. “This training marks the American dogs in Hronsek beginning of international cooperation under the International Military Education and Training (IMET) programme. We will translate the results of this training into During the last week of September commands in English could be heard in the future joint U.S.-Slovak training sessions,” said Maj Dwight Mood, Office of cynology centre, Hronsek near Zvolen. Within the bilateral cooperation and the Military- Defence Cooperation, U.S. Embassy. to-Military Contact Program managed by the American Embassy in Bratislava, Slovak Report Vladislav VAVRINEC and American dog handlers met for the first time with their four-footed friends. Photo 1st Lt Martin FARKAŠ

23 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES LešťLešť –– aa uniqueunique trainingtraining polygonpolygon

A multifunctional base with training polygons is infantry combat firing practice, while the other one is A railway element will be constructed near the tunnel. currently under construction in the Specialized intended for live combat firing from still or moving Besides a ballistically protected railway station building, Health Care and Training Institute within the Military motorbikes and vehicles, and allows tactical movements of there will be a platform and a 300-meter long rail track Training Area Lesť. The base will be used for training wheeled armoured personnel carriers. with switches and a level crossing. Of course, a passenger army, police, counterterror, search and rescue, and The internal arrangements of the village are directly train, a railway goods wagon, a tank wagon, and a small other units. linked to its external area with two special-purpose tactical locomotive will be there, too. As regards other projected polygons. Among them, the police polygon is a training grounds to be constructed under stage 2, we can New specialized training centres are also emerging in overwhelmingly dominant feature – a real big airliner with mention a detention camp with buildings, fences and other countries throughout the region. Being heavily two aisles inside the passenger cabin will be located on watchtowers. It will be used for handling large crowds and involved in building extensive specialized facilities, Slovakia the polygon’s open and illuminated area. The polygon can conducting medical check-ups, disinfection, vaccination, has the solid chance to become a regional leader in at least be used not only by police and flying squads (hostages humanitarian aid distribution, etc. Located 8 meters above Central and Eastern Europe. Considering its size, freeing on board an airliner that has been hijacked by the ground, a static module will provide opportunities for possibilities, quality of training facilities, perfect simulation terrorists) but also for training of soldiers, firemen, helicopter rappelling practice. An evacuation simulator will technologies, and links to other facilities, Lešť is rescuers, and medical staff. On the other hand, the second give trainees an extremely realistic setting to practise predestined to extend its significance beyond Slovakia’s polygon enables firemen to practice various fire-related rescuing people from an aerial cableway system or high borders. activities. voltage wires located 10 meters above the ground. A relatively large area should be covered by the tactical RAILWAYS, TUNNELS, TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT… AN EXCEPTIONAL FACILITY ON THE HORIZON military polygon with foxholes, trenches, barricades, a In 2006 the Slovak Government approved the The construction of Jakub Village consists of two mock minefield, and other obstacles. updated National Action Plan to Combat Terrorism (NAP). stages. The other extension to the facility will be added Known as Jakub Village, the new training facility next year, thus bringing the village project, i.e. the built-up A BROAD RANGE OF TRAINING OPTIONS construction got under way in mid-2007. The village is to area of a rural type to a successful completion. One of the After its completion in 2009, Jakub Village will be be built in two construction stages. Once completed in new elements can be designated as a rarity insofar as it is approximately 2 kmā in size, ensuring a broad range of 2009, it will be comprised of tactical buildings inside the an 80-meter long tunnel with two separate passageways, training possibilities. This multifunctional facility will cater village settlement and external specialized polygons. one designed for railway and the other for road for the needs of the Defence, Interior, Justice, Finance, Modelled on a classic village with standard buildings, transportation. They are constructed so as to enable Transport, Health, and Education Ministries and will offer Jakub Village will feature a stylized village belfry with a breakthroughs. A retention concrete tank, a sewage water diverse and stereotype-free training for service members, little tower, so-called shooting and tactical houses, two fire treatment plant, and a fire-, smoke- and landslide- policemen, firemen, prison guards, customs officers, and stations, a warehouse, and buildings lying in ruins. The producing system will be part of the tunnel. In addition, it medical and rescue staff. latter is a faithful copy of buildings destroyed in a natural will feature a surveillance system, a filtering system, and So far as army units are concerned, besides shooting disaster or a terrorist attack. Two shooting range halls emergency exits. Undoubtedly, this polygon will become a practice, trainees will come to grips with tactical thinking form a part of the facility. One of them is designed for live very useful component in tunnel intervention training. assignments, mutual interface among individuals or

24 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES smaller units in resolving different tasks, e.g. combat, engineer or chemical reconnaissance, mine-clearing in the village, occupation or defence of the village, hostage- freeing, etc. Antiterrorist activities will focus on tactics and patrols, arrests of suspects and searches for weapons, explosives, as well as on the fight against terror. Instructions for personnel in captivity will be acted out, too. As regards medical and rescue activities, these will focus on situational reconnaissance and assessment inside the village upon occurrence of a natural or ecological disaster, as well as procedures to be followed in the case of fire, road, railway or air accident. It will be possible to conduct searches for people and hostage-freeing, first aid, transport of the injured, contingency healthcare, etc. Dog training and construction of field and temporary posts for people and material are also worth mentioning, too.

FUTURE OUTLOOK FOR LEŠŤ Jakub Village occupies only a small part of the Military Training Area Lešť (total covered area is 20 x 30 km). Challenging construction plans exist also for other parts of the facility. They include a joint combat training centre for combat simulation, using the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES). In one valley there will be a 20-km long area with a big shooting gallery for convoys, allowing fire from both directions. The former Soviet housing estate with high-rise residential buildings of up to 7 stories high will be redesigned to reflect an entire urban conurbation of a Central European type where combat skills can be practiced in a city environment. There is still one more significant advantage of this complex. It will benefit from the capacities of the Specialized Health Care Institute that has been in operation for several years now. An individual’s health condition can thus be completely diagnosed before, during, and after training. In addition, the centre will offer regeneration and recreation programmes.

ALL IN ONE The development of the Lešť facility has already required and will still require more funding. If Slovakia is to develop everything as planned, investments will pay dividends in the future – not only in terms of top-quality specialists but also in terms of the facility’s international importance. The establishment of these specialized training grounds, which have no parallel in Central and Eastern Europe, can be considered an illustrative example of a small NATO member state’s contribution to the joint efforts at managing crisis situations in the world and leading the fight against terrorism. Once completed, up to 800 personnel can train at a time in one day. Slovakia will be able to offer its capacities to NATO member countries and other interested parties that lack such facilities and welcome such services.

Report Michal ZDOBINSKÝ (editor of the Czech A-Report magazine)

SLOVAK ARMED FORCES The noticeable efforts of the Slovak Republic at applying this approach are reinforced by Slovakia’s determination to On certain aspects transform the Slovak Armed Forces by harmonising their defence planning system with the NATO one, which is also anchored in the strategic documents of the Slovak Republic. In applying this comprehensive approach to the national of the Slovak Armed Forces’ level, one of the options promising the greatest benefit is the alignment of defence planning implementation results (transformed and trained units and capabilities) with the use of the Slovak Armed Forces (to deploy trained units, to use transformation achieved capabilities). In this regard, lessons learned should be incorporated in the comprehensive defence review so as to provide a feedback mechanism for defence and Requirements on modern armed forces are operational planning procedures in the NATO Defence operational planning. changing very quickly in today’s global environment. Requirements Review (DRR), through which minimal military As this approach is based on linking the outputs of To respond to these challenges, NATO is undergoing requirements for NATO defence planning are generated. three independent systems (defence planning, operational transformation. In this process NATO is applying a The Slovak Republic, too, is participating in all these planning, and comprehensive defence review), it is comprehensive approach, one whose benefits consist processes. This is evidenced by its strategic documents. They imperative that the systems respect and accept their in interconnecting different systems and producing declare that “the long-term strategic goal of the Slovak requirements and outputs. To enable the Slovak Armed synergic effects, thus taking the transformation results Republic is to build relatively small, adequately armed and Forces to undergo ceaseless transformation, when drafting to a higher level. very well trained armed forces capable of contributing to documents (plans) the Slovak Republic’s defence planning the full spectrum of NATO and EU missions and needs to cater for essential force and capability Similar results are expected to be yielded, for example, operations”. To achieve this target through the requirements of the Slovak Armed Forces, so that the goals by the common compatible planning database that has transformation of the Slovak Armed Forces, sooner or later, of Slovakia’s defence policy can be met. In determining been designed to support NATO’s operational and defence it will be necessary to apply the comprehensive approach on these priorities, the issue of ensuring and retaining high planning. Another example of this approach is the use of the international level also to the national environment. quality personnel is of paramount importance. Service members training with equipment (hardware) can be trained only within the limits of such equipment. In view of this fact, requirements placed on advanced technological specifications for hardware, that must be compatible with those of other NATO Member States and that is to be upgraded or procured, will be number two priority. It should be clear that without access to high quality and comparable hardware, the service personnel of the Slovak Armed Forces will not be on an equal footing with the service members of other NATO Member States. And if so, our service personnel will only be able to conduct second-rate and third-rate missions. As a result, the entire Slovak Armed Forces and the Slovak Republic might be viewed accordingly. The third priority will focus on the procurement of other equipment for the MoD, though this will not have a direct impact on the readiness and usability of the Slovak Armed Forces. If defence plans are to be implemented according to the priorities in the said sequence, this will satisfy the basic preconditions for a more valuable contribution of the Slovak Armed Forces and enhance their entire transformation process. Operational planning plays an irreplaceable role in drawing up plans for engagements of armed forces in pursuance of Slovakia’s ambitions. The implementation of process of the Slovak Armed Forces. With regard to the operational planning of the Slovak Republic. Its results will these plans (to the extent that the government’s political will character of operations and missions, it will not be possible be determining in adopting decisions related to the allows it) is a driving force for the entire transformation to test the units’ combat readiness in the full spectrum of direction of the Slovak Armed Forces’ transformation. operations, for which they have been trained, if they are to When it comes to out-of-area operations, setting be engaged only in one operation or mission. That is why it Slovakia’s clearly definable and measurable ambitions of is reasonable to believe that units will have to undertake sustaining manning figures is an inevitable prerequisite for more operations and missions on their way to achieving the exploiting the comprehensive approach. Feasible through required level of combat readiness. In planning such these ambitions, Slovakia will determine the extent of its operations, it will be necessary to take into account the contributions in support of NATO’s collective defence. It is degree of difficulty and variety of operations and missions. important to realise that NATO allies will perceive Slovakia If the availability of armed forces allows it, it is through its political will to fulfil these ambitions. From recommended that units be deployed step by step from the among NATO Member States, the Slovak Republic is so-called soft missions to the so-called hard operations. currently at the bottom end of an imaginary rating scale in Placing lower demands on military assignments, soft terms of its contributions to NATO operations. From a long- missions are described as being less demanding and term perspective, however, this trend does not reflect the dangerous. UN missions are a case in point. On the other real ambitions of the Slovak Republic, especially when we hand, high intensity operations place higher demands on look at the contributions of other NATO Member States. military assignments and, therefore, are less safe. They For the Slovak Republic’s ambitions to be fulfilled, belong to the group of hard operations. Operations under Slovakia needs forces that are on an equal footing with NATO and EU command, as well as the Operational Reserve those of other NATO Member States. Therefore, the Slovak Forces (ORF), the Strategic Reserve Forces (SRF), the NATO Armed Forces’ transformation should be aimed at achieving Response Force (NRF), and the European Union Battle Group readiness levels not only with the units assigned to (EU BG) fall into this category. implement Force Goals but also with all armed forces. In It will be possible to increase the combat capabilities of fulfilling these expectations, we need to accept the fact that the Slovak Armed Forces by giving due consideration to the just as it is impossible to deploy untrained units to the degree of difficulty and variability of operations or missions, theatre of operations, so it is impossible to sustain trained as the Services work towards the standards and levels units on the achieved level without engaging them. In other comparable to other NATO Member States. This is how words, if deployable units are not to be deployed regularly, high-quality transformation parameters for the Slovak there will be no feedback for the defence planning of the Armed Forces can be set. Slovak Republic and operational planning. Consequently, For reflecting the quality of the Slovak Republic’s the transformation of the Slovak Armed Forces will slow defence and operational planning and thereby that of the down, and the units will not be prepared in accordance with Slovak Armed Forces’ entire transformation, a regular the requirements of the current and future operations. comprehensive defence review represents the last step in Requirements placed on modern armed forces are applying the proposed comprehensive approach. Thus, a changing very quickly. Those unable to transform their detailed, critical, and, above all, objective review of the armed forces and capabilities permanently in accordance Slovak Armed Forces’ performance beyond Slovakia’s with the requirements of the current and future operations borders will provide a realistic picture about the readiness will not be able to contribute actively to NATO’s collective levels of our forces. Such a review must contain, among defence, and thus risk being turned into pure security other things, factors determining the actual needs of the consumer. Slovak Armed Forces, while taking into account the targets laid down in the strategic documents of the Slovak Armed Report Lt Col Vladimír Šimko (GS) Forces. Building on such assessments, recommendations to Advisor to the Military Representative to NATO for remove identified deficiencies can thus be drawn. Operational Planning Subsequently, they will be implemented via the defence and Photo Peter DOVINA

27 Standardization Management Workshop on Slovak soil

The National Armaments Director nominated the Office for Defence Standardisation, Codification and State Quality Product Verification to represent the Slovak Republic in the Material Standardization Harmonization Team under the auspices of the European Defence Agency (EDA). After a year’s participation in the meetings of this body, working in compliance with the meeting conclusions, the Office hosted a Standardization Management Workshop under the auspices of the EDA at the Slovak MoD’s club, September 25 – 26, 2007. The aim of the workshop was to facilitate information exchange and to provide a Defence and Interior Ministries: clearer picture of European direction in the field of defence standardization. Also, it attempted to identify problematic issues and designate areas suitable for cooperation among NATO and partner countries. concerted action where feasible According to the workshop chairman, Mr David Wilkinson, Head of International Standardization (UK), the workshop was successful and provoked a great response on the , Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Robert Kaliňák and Defence part of delegates from 15 NATO and partner countries. Minister František Kašický singed an Agreement on Cooperation between the Delegates from the Office of Standardization, Metrology and Testing of the Slovak Interior and Defence Ministries in summer 2006. The Agreement stipulates the Republic, Slovak Institute of Technical Standardization, Slovak Defence Industry Association, basic terms and conditions for the contracting parties’ cooperation on the basis of Slovak MoD’s Defence Planning and Resources Management Department, General Staff of mutual and equal benefits. the Slovak Armed Forces, Slovak Armed Forces, Slovak Air Force Institute Košice and Military The areas of cooperation are as follows: crisis management and disaster control, Technical Testing Institute Liptovský Mikuláš participated in the workshop as observers. defence preparations, civil defence, fire protection, integrated rescue system, war on Building on the workshop’s conclusions, in the first quarter of 2008 the Office for terror, training and education, intelligence services, safeguarding of premises, and public procurement. As stated by Mr Robert Kaliňák with regard to the signing of the Agreement, Defence Standardization, Codification and State Quality Product Verification will initiate a this important and necessary document supersedes a similar agreement that was signed common meeting with the Slovak Institute for Standardization, Slovak Institute of Technical in 1994. Yet, the previous agreement reflected neither the current national and Standardization, Slovak Defence Industry Association and Slovak MoD with the aim of international security and political situation nor Slovakia’s membership in international harmonising the efforts in the field of defence standardization and aligning them at the organizations. Moreover, it did not cover many contractual areas. As observed by Mr global level with an international all-European direction. Kaliňák, in spite of the above-mentioned fact, cooperation of both ministries in this office Ing. Ľuboš SOCHA, PhD., Ing. Miroslav MARUŠIAK term was helpful and proper in all areas, where feasible and necessary. The new agreement provides a legislative framework for cooperation also in times when mutual relations of the concerned ministries might not be as friendly and generous as they are now. As regards the specific benefits, he mentioned the saving of financial resources. For example, certain technical and laboratory equipment will be provided by one ministry rather than by the Defence and the Interior Ministries individually. As added by Mr František Kašický, the ministries will join their forces also in fighting forest fires, fighting terrorism, exchanging information related to criminal activities, and the like. He stressed that the Agreement was based on the Government Manifesto and provided space, in legislative terms, for drafting related interministerial execution agreements of lower levels. These will apply to armed forces and police, for example. Mr Kaliňák and Mr Kašický concurred in saying that the signing of the Agreement was the result of a very good cooperation between both power-wielding ministries and that it created professional conditions for their further development. It can be added that the contractual arrangements have been put into effect many times since the signing of the Agreement – e.g. in fighting forest fires. Report and photo Pavol VITKO Mission accomplished for U.S. Air Force F-16s at Kuchyňa The U.S. Air Force’s 31st Fighter Wing completed its second part of training at Air Transport Wing was fully responsible for the exercise, its performance evaluation, the Kuchyna Bombing Range on 13 September. This information was and air traffic control within the range. Special landing equipment enabling US F-16 communicated today to the TASR news agency by Miroslava Vendžúrova from fighters to land in critical situations was ready for use throughout the exercise. the Diplomatic Protocol and Media Support Section, General Staff of the Slovak The U.S. Air Force training sessions at the Kuchyňa boming range have been held Armed Forces. During the 10-day exercise, U.S. pilots practiced firing the F-16’s annually since 1997. Live firing exercises take place under a Memorandum of cannon with live ammunition and carried out bombing exercises with dummy Understanding on the U.S. Armed Forces’ Access to Bombing Ranges and Military ammunition. Training Areas in Slovakia signed between the Slovak Government, represented by the In total, they flew 64 missions out of Aviano Air Base (Italy), dropped 263 BDU-33 Slovak Defence Ministry, and the US Government, represented by the United States Air dumb bombs using various dive angles, and fired the Vulcan air cannon. The Kuchyňa Forces in Europe (USAFE). Source: www.atlas.sk

28 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES Sahara 2007 A historic military vehicle show is one of many events where the Defence Minister responds positively to Slovak citizens’ initiatives, offering both cooperation and grounds to organizers. Held for the fourth time, “Sahara” took place at the firing range of the Military Technical and Testing Institute Záhorie near Senica, August 25, 2007. The historic vehicle show was also attended by the President of the Slovak Republic Ivan Gašparovič. Organized by the Slovak Historic Military Vehicles Club Bratislava in cooperation with the Slovak MoD, this year’s show drew hundreds of motorbikes, trucks, armored personnel carriers and tanks. More than five hundred military enthusiasts partook in the event, wearing mainly American, Russian and German uniforms. They came not just from Slovakia but also from the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Poland. After viewing the historic vehicles on display, a crowd of several thousand viewers could witness a re-enactment of a violent confrontation unfolding between Soviet and German infantrymen supported by armoured vehicles. On a vast expanse of sandy terrain (therefrom the name Sahara), mortar grenades exploded, tank fire roared menacingly, machine guns barked angrily, and the air was constantly thick with smoke rising from vehicles hit by incoming fire. Yet there was more to come. As historic vehicles raced along a designated course, the crowd gave them rounds of spontaneous and long-lasting applause. one of the reasons why the paratroopers from the Žilina-based 5th Special Purpose In his speech, Defence Minister František Kašický highly appreciated the interest Regiment participated in Sahara 2007, demonstrating their parachute and self- of the Slovak President Ivan Gašparovič, the Supreme Commander of the Slovak defence skills. Visitors were also attracted by the vehicles from the Military Museum Armed Forces, in military events and history. As stated by the Minister, it is worthwhile Piešťany, which comes under the MoD. Dozens of them also dropped by the Trnava linking military history milestones to demonstrations of today’s armed forces. This was Recruitment Center stand. Report and photo Pavol VITKO Brigadier General Macko in Afghanistan The number of Slovak soldiers employed in the peace operation ISAF in Afghanistan was increased in August. On August 4, 2007 Brigadier General Pavol Macko was appointed the CJOC Director (Combined Joint Operation Centre). Until recently, he held the office of Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) within NATO command structures in the Ground Forces Headquarters in the German city of Heidelberg and was in charge of the operation support activity. His responsibilities included the provision for military trainings within the organization as well as with countries involved in the Partnership for Peace and Mediterranean Dialogue initiatives. One of the requirements was the possibility of employment in operations outside the peace dislocation, including non-members of NATO. Within his business trip, Brig Gen Macko made a short stop at the KAF base in Kandahar. On that occasion, he awarded ISAF medals to members of the multifunctional engineer unit which carries out mine clearance as well as construction and reconstruction works in Afghanistan. Report Michaela FARKASOVA Photo Tomáš JAVORSKÝ Summer school opening in the presence of Deputy Defence Minister

The opening ceremony of the international education event “Summer School for Young Professionals 2007” – Introduction to Security Policy was held in the presence of the Slovak State Secretary for Defence Jaroslav Baška at the National Defence Academy of Marshal Andrej Hadík (NDA) in Liptovský Mikuláš on 2 July 2007. The course was attended by 36 university students in the political sciences and international relations. The students came from Kosovo, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Albania, Croatia, Slovenia, Romania, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, Poland, Finland, Italy, Spain, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia as well as from Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish parts of Iraq. The Summer School was also attended by two Slovak military students for the first time.The topic of the Summer School was the “Global Security Challenges of Today”. Slovak State Secretary for Defence Jaroslav Baška welcomed the 2007 Summer School participants and gave a presentation of Slovakia’s security policy on NATO and the EU. The 2007 Summer School opening ceremony was attended by Lawrence R. Silwerman from the US Embassy and Carolyn Davidson from the Embassy of the and Northern Ireland. They both lectured in the project. Presentations were given by a number of prominent experts from the political, national and international community. - hg-

29 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES NEIGHBOURLY COOPERATION “We are interested in Slovakia’s first-hand experience of its accession process and in the first years of its NATO and EU membership. I am very pleased that our Slovak colleagues are willing to share that experience with us. They draw our attention to certain mistakes that we can avoid. For us, it is an expression of great trust. Internships of our experts in the Slovak MoD and General Staff, along with military and political consultations at all levels, are of great value to us. Slovakia has helped us improve our cooperation within the V4 countries. In this regard, we would like to participate in the joint military police battalion under Polish command. I positively assess the cooperation of the countries within the TISA project. The fact that Bratislava was the first place our Defence Minister Anatolij Hrycenko visited after last year’s NATO – Ukraine meeting in Portugal provides strong evidence that Slovakia- Ukraine relations are very good. Last but not least, the Slovak Embassy in Kiev became NATO’s contact point for Ukraine,” emphasises General Radkovec.

SLAVS FOR PEACE The first joint Ukrainian and Slovak exercise Slavs for Peace 2006 was held in the Javoriv Military Facility near the town of Lvov last year. Earlier this year soldiers of both armies met for another exercise. Held Ukraine – our Eastern neighbour at the Military Training Area Biela hora, near the town The 10th anniversary of the signing of the foreign operations and in nine European, Asian and of Michalovce, Slovakia, the exercise was focused on Charter on a Distinctive Partnership between African countries. international peace support operations. In the most NATO and Ukraine was celebrated on July 9, recent years Ukrainian recce troops have repeatedly 2007. NATO-Ukraine dialogue started as early as UKRAINIAN SOLDIERS AROUND THE WORLD participated in the international competition 1991 when Ukraine gained independence. Ever Since 1999 200 Ukrainian troops have operated as Antropoid (the Ukrainian team was the best of all since that time mutual relations have intensified, part of KFOR in Kosovo within the joint Ukrainian–Polish foreign participants in this year’s challenge). Also, reaching a new high after the NATO - Ukraine Battalion. Prior to this date nearly 3,000 soldiers students of Ukrainian military colleges have attended Summit in 2005 when the Ukrainian President participated in IFOR and SFOR in Bosnia and the General M. R. Štefánik Armed Forces Academy in Victor Yushchenko declared Ukraine’s full- Herzegovina. One Ukrainian military contingent has Liptovský Mikuláš. General Radkovec believes that fledged NATO membership as the final goal of been deployed to Iraq. At present, a Ukrainian team has there is still more room for cooperation. “We would the mutual cooperation. been training the members of the Iraqi Security Forces be pleased if our mutual military cooperation throughout Iraqi training centres. Ukraine is the only intensified and if it involved not only repairs but also The Ukrainian President confirmed Ukraine’s partner country taking part in this activity. Until last year, R&D and possibly even armaments industry pro-Western direction during his October visit to Ukrainian engineers assisted in clearing mines in cooperation. Potential for such cooperation is Slovakia. Following the visit of the Slovak Defence southern Lebanon. Ukraine should also be credited for significant on both sides. For example, Ukraine has Minister František Kašický to Ukraine in mid-October aiding NATO by its strategic airlift capabilities that were sufficient air transport capabilities. Until Slovakia has 2007, cooperation between both MoDs has taken deployed at NATO’s request to transport African Union resolved its problem with shortages of transport on new dynamics. As stated by the Ukrainian contingents to the Sudanese province of Darfur. In aircraft by purchasing new ones, we could be of help Defence Attaché to Slovakia, Maj Gen Jurij addition, Ukrainian helicopters supported the UN in transporting its service members and material to Radkovec, today Ukraine ranks among the most mission in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Focused on foreign missions. We have extensive experience in involved NATO partners. Ukrainian troops have been detecting and preventing terrorism since May 2007, the this area, as we have worked alongside NATO in participating in international peace-keeping frigate URS Ternopil has supported Operation Active providing transport to Afghanistan and Darfur. Also, operations under NATO and UN command. Last year Endeavour in the Mediterranean Sea. Ukrainian military we would like to participate in an aircraft tender to more than 600 Ukrainian soldiers served in 11 medics are members of a PRT team in Afghanistan. be announced by the Slovak Armed Forces for new

30 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES transport aircraft,” points out the Ukrainian Defence Training Area at Lvov. The centre is attended by trains. As stated by the centre commander, Lt Col Attaché J. Radkovec. thousands of soldiers as part of their pre-deployment Alexander Skrutinskij, the idea is to incorporate the training. The training facility features watchtowers, latest knowledge of foreign operations in soldiers’ PEACE SUPPORT OPERATIONS TRAINING convoy escorting routes, vehicle and personal training. Upon their return from operations, CENTER checkpoints, buildings to conduct searches, built-up commanders share their lessons learned with Assisted by NATO, Ukraine has built a Peace areas for patrolling and urban warfare, and even a members of the analytical team. Support Operations Training Centre in the Javoriv loading point for loading military equipment onto “As Ukrainian soldiers work abroad mainly alongside soldiers from NATO armed forces, they must have detailed knowledge of certain procedures applied by NATO, since ours are different. For example, procedures for helicopter landing,” says Lt Col Skrutinskij. The Javorivsky Training Area was the venue of our first joint exercises with NATO armed forces (e.g. Peace Shield, Cossack Express, etc.). Also, most joint exercises of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the armed forces of NATO member states have taken place in this facility.

BEYOND THE SHORTEST STRETCH OF OUR BORDER Beyond Slovakia’s shortest 98km-long stretch of border lies one of the largest European countries, which is, with its 603 thousand square kilometres, larger than France or Spain. It has a population of 40 million inhabitants and ranks among significant European states. It is a very positive development that this country has decided to cooperate with and to gradually become integrated into NATO. Also Slovakia (as much as its potential allows it) works towards the gradual approximation of Ukraine to the European and transatlantic security, economic and political communities. Report Jozef ŽIAK Photo Peter DOVINA

31 Public survey: Slovakia and its Armed Forces in NATO

Over the duration of three years that had Slovakia‘s NATO membership three years after accession elapsed since Slovakia’s entry into NATO in March 2004, the Slovak Armed Forces had gone through a number of significant changes, most notably, rising in professional status. For sociologists with

the Media Communication Division, Office of the very positive Defence Minister, MoD, who regularly conduct unable to say opinion surveys on the MoD/Slovak Armed Forces, the third anniversary of Slovakia’s accession to the definitely negative Treaty was an excellent opportunity to find out what people think about our NATO membership and Slovak Armed Forces, respectively.

rather negative Bearing this in mind, we set out to conduct a survey in rather positive May 2007. According to the research results, 59% of respondents view Slovakia’s NATO membership positively, while 22% share the opposite opinion. Compared with the data gathered three years before, the latest results suggest majority of respondents believe that the Armed Forces are well In conclusion, we would like to underline one more that the proportion of those in favour of NATO membership trained, guarantee the state’s territorial integrity, are comparable with important fact – the Armed Forces’ focus on assistance is about the same as the number of respondents who armed forces of other neighbour states – all NATO members, and last services for Slovakia’s citizens. Forming one of the pillars of its supported Slovakia’s accession to the Alliance in 2004. but not least, receive public backing. That said, these are the armed high credibility, this mission is viewed positively by the public. Conducted by AKO Agency, s.r.o., on behalf of the Slovak MoD, forces where real professionals perform their service duties. As follows from the May opinion poll, the overwhelming the survey showed, among other things, what the public thinks However, consideration must be given to the high percentage of majority of the public (more than 90%) agrees with the about the Armed Forces’ quality and ability to fulfil their tasks. respondents arguing that the Services are unable to face terrorist opinion whereby people can rely on the Armed Forces in It follows from the results that positive assessment of the Slovak attacks. Equally troubling, many believe that they are a great burden natural disasters and catastrophes. Armed Forces’ performance prevails in almost all indicators. The for the state budget. Report Karol ČUKAN

security and territorial integrity

32 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES Towards gender equality in V4 armed forces

On September 26-28, Bratislava hosted the 3rd of women in the U.S. Armed Forces. “In the USA, women Forces. The Czech Republic is implementing a policy entitled Professional Soldiers’ Conference from the V4 represent 14% of armed forces. They were deployed to “The Government’s Priorities and Procedures in Promoting countries. The event was organized by the Association Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and they are also in Afghanistan Equality between Men and Women”. Adopted in 1998, The of Women in the Slovak Armed Forces and was and Iraq. They hold high offices,” said Rear Admiral document has been updated annually. The Czech MoD attended not only by representatives of V4 service Flanders. She also presented an extensive social program for approved its own version of the document, adapting it to its women but also by US and Canadian observers. The military families. Col Shelley Carey briefed the audience on conditions and supplementing it with the Defence Minister’s conference dealt with topics such as the role of the history, purpose and structure of the CWINF, which directive “Promotion of Equality Between Women and Men women in armed forces and gender differences. addresses gender issues, integration, gender equality in all within the MoD”. Working instructions, “Equal Treatment areas of NATO activity. of Men and Women”, were then published and distributed. Among those attending the conference were its Additionally, the gender issue is also dealt with in chaiAmong those attending the conference were its COUNTRIES CONTRASTED sociological surveys. chairwoman, Lt Col Ingrid Tomeková, Col Soňa “In our army, we do not distinguish between a man The representative of Hungary, Capt Renáta Szerencse, Matunáková, and other members of the Association of and a woman and there is only one gender – the soldier,” J-3 Staff Officer, Joint Force Command at Szekesfehervar, Women in the Slovak Armed Forces. The opening ceremony opened their speech Capt Aleksandra Michalik, the gave a presentation of the Council of Women in Uniforms, was attended by Defence Minister František Kašický, Deputy Secretary of the Women’s Council in the Polish MoD, and Lt which is an advisory body of the Hungarian Chief of the Chief of the General Staff Lt Gen Peter Gajdoš, and other Iwona Zuczek, the chief of nurses of the 10th Military General Staff. There are 17.3% of women in the Hungarian distinguished guests. Transatlantic participants included Faculty Hospital in Warsaw. There is 1% of women in the Armed Forces, which is the highest number of all NATO Rear Admiral Moira N. Flanders Commander, Naval Polish Armed Forces (about 1,200, including university members. As stated by Capt Szerenczse, there are no limits Personnel Development Command, and Col Shelley Carey, cadets) and 38 of them are currently deployed on foreign for women and they can hold any positions. a representative of the Committee on Women in the NATO operations. The Women’s Council aims to monitor gender The interests of women in the Slovak military are Forces (CWINF) and an expert in human rights in the equality in the armed forces. Service women participate in advocated by the Association of Women in the Slovak Canadian Armed Forces. The conference was also attended the Council, and apart from that, they perform their own Armed Forces. The Association cooperates with non- by Mrs Nadežda Bulíková, the wife of the Chief of the military duties. Since 2006 the Defence Minister’s governmental organizations as well as with the Committee General Staff of the Slovak Armed Forces. Commissioner for Women’s Service in the Armed Forces has of Women in the NATO Forces. It monitors gender equality, communicated the opinions of the Council to the Defence organises conferences and sport events open to both NEWS FROM BEHIND THE ATLANTIC Minister, informing him of the latest developments and women and men. Today 1,053 women (9.3%) serve in the The meeting of women in uniforms started with a visit problems that women encounter in the military service. The Slovak Armed Forces. In addition, there are service women to Air Base Sliač. Held in the premises of the Defence Commissioner monitors all forms of discrimination against involved in special units. The majority of them (390) work Ministry, the conference was officially opened by the Slovak women. with the Slovak Air Force. At present, we have 20 service Defence Minister who welcomed servicewomen and The Czech delegation members included Lt Col Mária women deployed abroad. Slovak documents, such as the highlighted the cooperation with the Association of Gedayová, the permanent delegate in the Committee of Long-Term Development Plan of the Slovak Armed Forces, Women in the Slovak Armed Forces. The transatlantic Women in the NATO Forces, and Bronislava Jonitová, who and Model 2010 and 2015, specify only average manning observes contributed to the conference by their is responsible for non-discrimination of women in the Czech targets for service women - 10 percent. presentations. Admiral M. Flanders described the position MoD. There are 12.39% of women in the Czech Armed Report and photo Michaela FARKAŠOVÁ

33 SLOVAK ARMED FORCES Conquerors of raging rapids

The Slovak water slalom faces a great Olympic Martikan and Elena Kaliská, other water slalom racers and challenge. Kayak paddlers did not disappoint their instructors from the Military Sports Centre Dukla Banská MICHAL MARTIKÁN’S fans at the World Championship held in Bystrica. At the same time, Minister Kašický handed over September in the Brazilian city of Foz do Iguassu. commemorative certificates to the sportsmen for their SUCCESSES IN CANOE Four of them qualified for the next year’s XXIX achievements as representatives of the Slovak Republic and SLALOM IN 2002 - 2006 Olympic Games to be held in the Chinese city of the Slovak Armed Forces at the Water Slalom World Beijing. It is the maximum number of paddlers Championship in Brazil 2007. that can represent each country in Beijing. Three EC 2002: 1st place DUKLA KEEPS AN EYE ON SPORTSMEN qualification tickets were obtained by military WC 2003: 1st place sportsmen, members of the Military Sports Center Except for the Hochschorner brothers, all other winners Dukla Banská Bystrica. of this year’s World Championship are the members of the OG 2004 – Athens: 2nd place Military Sports Club Dukla Banská Bystrica. The club was WC 2005: 3rd place Slovakia has thus become the third most successful established by merging two existing professional army sports country of the championship in terms of medals earned. The clubs, namely the Army Sports Club Dukla Banská Bystrica EC 2005: 1st place Slovak water slalom racers won two gold and one silver and the Army Sports Club Dukla Trenčín. Their origins date WC 2006: 2nd place medals in four categories. Michal Martikan was the gold back to 1967 when three sport teams came together to medal winner in C1 and brothers Pavol and Peter establish a so-called “sports company” within the Banská EC 2006: 1st place Hochschorner earned the most precious metal in C2. Elena Bystrica military unit. The Military Sports Centre (MSC) Dukla Kaliská was awarded the silver medal in K1 women. The Banská Bystrica was founded on January 1, 2006. The the sportsmen and women of the Military Sports Club Dukla Slovaks qualified for Beijing, even if without a medal, also Army Sports Club Dukla Banská Bystrica earned both at European and World Championships. thanks to SSgt Ján Šajbidor from Liptovský Mikuláš. more than 300 medals at professional sports championships and raised five Olympic SUCCESSES IN INDIA MEDAL COLLECTORS winners, 15 world champions, and The club’s sportsmen claimed medals at the 4th World Michal Martikan’s performance demonstrates that he 36 European champions. At present Military Games in India’s Haiderabade. Sgt Matej Tóth won does rank among the best water slalom racers in the 55 soldiers and 33 civilians train and bronze in a 20-km walk with a time of 1:25:43. Ľuboš Križko world. Recently, he earned gold at the European work under Dukla. In 2007 more became the world‘s two-time champion when he won the Championship in June 2007. He has been awarded than 20 medals were awarded to 50m backstroke in a time of 26,08 seconds and the 100m the precious metal at all World Championships backstroke in a time of 56:08 seconds. SSgt Zoltán since 1995, including six gold, one silver and four PÁLKOVÁCS joined the Slovak medalists, collecting a silver bronze medals in total. The performance of medal in judo in the category up to 100-kg. Slovak sportsmen was also appreciated by the Slovak Defence Minister František Kašický, Report Michaela FARKASOVA when in Liptovský Mikuláš on October 4, Photo Jozef MICHNICA 2007 he awarded commemorative medals of Class 3 to, among others, Michal erary competition for amateur authors has had a long tradition. Lovers of film art could show their works in the festival of amateur films Unica. Held in September 2007, the festival attracted 270 par- ticipants from 29 countries. There are some extraordinary groups perform their activities under the auspices of the Slovak Armed Forces. One of them is the male band Suche karki from PK Prešov. The band is exclusively made up of professional soldiers and civilian employees from the MoD-run units and agencies. The band peforms recruitment and military songs and has been on the military art scene for 12 years now. It is well-known not only in Slovakia but also abroad. The Slovak Armed Forces are building up their rep- utation also thanks to the dancers of the ARS Dynasty dance club from the Martin garrison – they have won Slovak and World Dance Champi- onships several times. The activities and events organized by the CMCT and other subordinated garrison clubs draw a positive response from audiences, indicating that cultural activities have their justified place, fans, and significant potential for promoting the Slovak Armed Forces at home and abroad. Culture in armed forces Report and photo Vladislav VAVRINEC Practice has shown that cultural life is an inte- of MoD, nationwide and international events. gral part of fully professional armed forces. Mili- Among the most important and largest ones is the tary cultural institutions are tasked with strength- Folk Rock Tatry Festival, which presests the best of ening and developing military traditions, promot- amateur military bands based at garrison clubs, ing education and the role of meaningful leisure units and facilities of the Slovak Armed Forces. activities. Under their auspices folklore lovers work to pre- serve and develop Slovak folk traditions. Their The supreme institution tasked with the said activities culminate every year in a military folk- missions within the Slovak Armed Forces is the Cul- lore festival. It has been held since 1993. This year’s tural and Methodological Center Trenčín (CMCT). event was extraordinary insofar as it took place in It is the core implementation element and Prešov – Slovakia’s eastern town where a lot of methodological guarantor organising cultural civilian folk groups have prospered for a long events within the MoD. It performs education time, and where folklore has a strong background. activities across all units and facilities of the Slovak Despite this, not a single folklore festival of this Armed Forces. Subordinated units of the CMCT magnitude has been held in the region since the include military garrison clubs in the cities of establishment of an independent Slovak Republic. Bratislava, Trenčín, Martin, Liptovský Mikuláš and This year also participants from the Czech Repub- Prešov. Although their activities vary in their lic and Poland came to show their best of folk art. scope, they all are focused on professional soldiers Groups from Hungary and France had also been and civilian employees, their relatives, and military invited but could not come due to technical com- veterans. Attention is also paid to the general plications. public, with special emphasis on young people as a potential recruitment source. AT HOME AND ABROAD To encourage creative initiatives of amateur AN IMPRESSIVE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES photographers from among military and civilian The CMCT and its subordinated clubs cooper- professionals and to present contemporary mili- ate closely with the units and facilities under the tary photography, the first photographic competi- MoD. They offer professional and methodological tion FotoAtak 2007 was held earlier this year. Pic- guidance for special interest groups and clubs, tures taken through camera lenses from all around libraries, military movie theaters, military heraldry the world entered this competition. fans, military art exhibition organisors, etc. The Members of armed forces are also involved in core activities include, for example, organisation literary works and films. Litera – an MoD-wide lit-

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