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Cover 1

Training for Afghanistan

Photo: Dan Vereş

Cover 4

In the „Smârdan” Firing Range

Photo: archive of „Smârdan”

Firing Range

Contents

No.1 2011

INTERVIEW

the priorities of the romanian

land forces in 2011 2

Colonel Dragoş ANGHELACHE

FLASH-BACK IN THE LAND FORCES

the engineer battalion - 145

years of existence 4

Major Ion Adrian CURIMAN

romanian Mountain rangers,

pioneers in china 6

Captain Remus Adrian Bercea

traInIng for next MIssIon

In afghanIstan

the constructive simulation

training exercise

„argedava 25-10”12

Lieutenant Bogdan RĂDULESCU

focus on the basic task,

to accomplish the mission 15


the 2nd Infantry Battalion is

training in cincu range 16


training the trainers 19


osce – the envisaged step

forward 20

Mariana ANCUŢ, PhD

In the spotlIght: the 282nd

MechanIzed Infantry

BrIgade

We are adequately trained,

we are highly responsible 26


Back in time 30

Captain Marius DINIŢĂ

I am very trustful in the brigade

command team 32


„smârdan” firing range, a training

laboratory for the military 34


THEATRES OF OPERATIONSthe romanian army is

well-structured in accordance

with its missions 37


1-4 Infantry leaves behind a legacy

of team work 38

Sergent Jerry WILSON

one mission, one team,

one partnership 40

Major Oliver ANGHEL

frères d’armes 44


l

Printed by the Technical Editorial Center

of the Romanian Armed Forces

phone: +40021-224 26 34

fax: +40021-224 04 05

intend to continue the process oftraining standardization andmilitary assessment of the mainunits, the command and controlprocess, the working and opera-tions procedures within NATOmember states, which are milita-ry advanced, achieving the requi-red level of personnel accordingto the essential capabilities of theAlliance, to develop the processof reorganization in accordancewith the plan approved by theMinistry of the National Defense,without affecting the Land ForcesPersonnel, increasing the opera-tional capabilities for headquar-ters and forces specific to eachmission and structure. An impor-tant challenge for us is theimplementation of the logisticstrategy, approved by theMinistry of National Defense,meeting the personnel require-ments for the maintenance struc-tures already existing.

As we all know, we are in themiddle of a difficult financialand economic period. Are theremany changes during this year interms of equipping the units withproper combat techniques andweapons?

Yes, there are the importantprograms which we consider asbeing a priority and havingalready the financial needs allo-cated will be developed, butother programs which are not soimportant will be postponed forthe next year.

The economic crises affect ustoo, and it is normal to prioritizeour performance objectivesaccording to our availableresources.

How the military training isinfluenced by the difficult finan-cial period our society is expe-riencing at the moment?

First of all, I want to specifythat at the level of the importantunits within the Land Forces, themilitary training is quite well. Interms of the specific of each

structure, if the structure isgoing to participate in the thea-ters of operations, if the opera-tional process is ongoing for theAlliance’s needs or if it took parton operations in such theatres inthe previous years. We mainlyfocused on our financial andmaterial efforts so that our mili-tary training be the least affec-ted. I have to emphasize the factthat we had to adapt ourselves tothe current situations in order toconcentrate our efforts to accom-plish our training objectives andstandards, considered as priori-ties or to optimize the use ofmaterial, financial, fuel, lubri-cants and human resources.However, this year, more thanever, we train ourselves but wecan’t afford wasting resources.

What do you think about thecooperation between our soldiersand those of other states, alliedor not, both in the theaters ofoperations and on different mis-sions and exercises?

Both I and others in positionsof authority within the Ministryof National Defense, NATO andthe international environment ingeneral, consider it as being anexcellent one. We act in manyregions of external cooperation;in the theaters of operations inAfghanistan we have around1500 military; in Bosnia-Herzegovina we are also present;we participate with structuresand personnel in the combatteams of EU. We take part innumerous regional initiativeswith partner military structuresin Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine,and Serbia; we are involved injoint training exercises inRomania and abroad; we aremembers of FINABEL; we partici-pate in the annual Conference ofthe Land Forces commanders inEurope; we assign experts to theNATO workgroups; we are also incharge of some of them. At thesame time, last year we organi-zed the Joint Conference for

engineer commanders within theNATO member states, we have anexcellent cooperation with ourstrategic partner- USA- speciallyin the training field for militarywho are about to go on missionsin the theaters of operations.Besides this, we are supported byODC and CUBIC structures and Iwant to thank again for the out-standing cooperation and results,particularly for our military thatare going to be deployed in thetheaters of operations. It’s notsomething new that our structu-res in the theaters of operationswere endowed lately with high-armored vehicles, and I refer toHUMVEE and MRAP, whichwouldn’t have been possible wit-hout our USA partners’ support,and we, the Land Forces, aredeeply grateful to them.

Taking into account that thisinterview will be edited aroundLand Forces’ Anniversary, as aclosing, on this occasion, we askyou to express some of yourthoughts for the Land Forces per-sonnel.

I want to take advantage ofthis opportunity to tell all LandForces military, from general toprivates, that I respect andappreciate their daily work. Iwish them health and I ensure allwounded personnel in the TO,undergoing treatment inRomania or in Germany, of allour support. I also send our bestthoughts of trust and supportand hope to the families of thosewho have sacrificed their livesand obeyed their military oath.At the same time I transmit therespect of the Land Forces Staffto the families of our soldiersand I thank them for all theirunderstanding and support,taking into consideration thehardships and needs of militaryservice.

I also wish all the best to themilitary far away, for their effortin the TO in Afghanistan andBosnia- Herzegovina. n

INTE RV IEW

2011 • JULY • 3

Land Forces staFFINTE RV IEW

2 • JULY • 2011

Land Forces staFF

Dear Brigadier General, after a short period ofabsence, you returned to the Land Forces Staff asits commander. What are your objectives for thebeginning?

I came back to Land Forces after two years andfor the next period I intend to continue the on-going projects of the former commander,Lieutenant General Ghica Radu; at the same time Iwant to suggest a proper development regardingthe participation of Land Forces in the theaters ofoperations in Afghanistan, according to the pre-vious commitments of our country, a high level ofa better quality for the selected personnel assignedon key-positions in the theaters of operations, theimprovement of infrastructure within CombatTraining Center of theLand Forces as well asemphasizing the promo-tion in higher positionsof the best officers,NCOs and warrant offi-cers, taking intoaccount that humanresources represent themain richness of theRomanian Land Forces.The last but not theleast, considering theeffects of the economiccrises which affects usfinancially, for this yearwe plan an efficient useof material and finan-cial resources which areavailable, the main chal-lenge for us being notthat of preserving thepresent situation, butmoving forward in somebasic fields, for examplewe have to continue theoperational process ofthe units in the follo-wing years, to maintain

the operational structures that have already beenimplemented, to take part in activities and exerci-ses within the regional initiatives, to implement thenew feeding concept at the level of Land Forces, tokeep on developing the operational process of themaintenance structures already in place, and tomaintain a proper level of our capabilities to act incases of civilian emergencies and natural disasters.

We are already implementing the second phaseof the Romanian Army Transformation Strategy,part of NATO and EU operational integration -2008-2015.What does this mean for the LandForces?

For the present and the following years we

The priorities of the Romanian Land Forces in 2011

Interview with Brigadier General Ariton Ioniţă, the chief of Land Forces Staff

Colonel Dragoş ANGHELACHETranslated by: Cristina-Livia PÎRVA

FL ASH -BA CK IN LAN D F OR CE S

2011 • JULY • 5

the 72 engeneer BattaLionFL AS H-B AC K IN LA ND F OR CE S

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the 72 engeneer BattaLion

A preamble of the events organized on this occa-sion was the launch of the books “The evolutionof pontoon bridge troops in the Romanian

Army”, by Reserve Colonel Marian Gargaz and “A life foran idea – the liberation of the pontoon bridge compa-nies”, by Colonel Mircea Vladu, now commander of of the10th Engineer Brigade “Dunarea de Jos”, preamble held atthe Military Club in Braila in the afternoon of Februarythe 18th.

There were many important military figures invited atthis festivity: the Chief of Land Forces Staff, BrigadierGeneral Ariton Ioniţă, Brăila county’s prefect, Brăila’svice-mayor, engineer D. Popa, the commanders of structu-res in the National Defense system in Brăila, reserve mili-tary personnel who were part of the 10th EngineerBrigade’s headquarters.

The 145 years of unit existence “represent for us areason to be proud of and also feel responsible for,because we are among the few units in the Romanianarmy with such a history and the only engineer one”,emphasized Lieutenent-colonel Marian Beraruin his speech, as commander of the 72 Engineer Battalion.

The pontoon bridge companies havemanaged to identify themselves as a distinctbranch of the Engineers, through outstandingresults during their accomplished missions.

The first notable mission achieved by thepontoon bridge company took place duringthe Independence War and consists of buil-ding a bridge over the Danube, 1 100 m inlength. Then they took part in the BalkanWar in 1913, in the first and second WorldWars. The pontoon bridge companies havealways fulfilled their missions and for theirefforts they were praised by their military

leaders in those respective times. The revolution of thetechnique started in 1964 when officer Constantin Savu“managed to shape into metal the pontoon bridges withthe help of which he liberated the pontoon bridge compa-nies”, mentioned Colonel Vladu in his book.

The pontoon bridges companies have created a tightbond with the civilian population in the last few yearsdue to the accomplishment of missions like crossing theDanube and other rivers, reinforcing the dams, suppor-ting with personnel and specific means the populationaffected by floods.

Within the programme of the ceremonies on the follo-wing day, held at the 72 Engineer battalion headquarters,an opening festivity foloowed by guests’s speeches wereincluded. On this occasion, the Chief of Land Forces Staff,Brigadier General Ariton Ioniţă read out the message ofthe Minister of Defence, Gabriel Oprea, in which heemphasized the high degree of proficiency showed by themen in the Engineer Battalion, during their Engineeringmissions, thus contributing to promoting a positive imageof Romania around the world.

The engineer battalion 145 years of existence

The 72 Engineer Battalion celebrated, on the 19th of February, 145 years since its foundation, and the festivities were held in Braila garrison. The unit carries on the battle traditions of the first pontoon bridge company, which was part of the first Engineer Battalion, founded on the 31st of May 1859, by the authorityof Alexandru Ioan Cuza.

Major Ion Adrian CURIMANTranslated by: Andreea TURCU

“This beautiful anniversary, besi-de the moments of joy, fulfillmentand satisfaction, must also be seen asa challenge left by the generations ofpontoon bridge companies who havewritten a history in this unit, toget-

her with its accomplishments and fai-lures, inherent with today’s andtomorrow’s younger generations.”Said in his speech general Ionita andas former commander of the 10th

Engineer Brigade he wanted to men-tion –“I spent some of the most beau-tiful years of my military career ascommander of this brigade, of whichyou are also part of, and I felt as partof a big family and I state again thefact that I was never let down by youand for that I thank you all.

An important moment of the acti-vity was the handing out of the BattleFlag of the 72 Engineer Battalion“Matei Basarab”. On the blue of theflag you can see the representativeelements of the Battalion: A sketchedbridge, a rescuer and 2 crossed har-poons. Under these graphic drawingsis written the name and honorificname of the Battalion.

During the 145 years of its exis-tence, the unit encountered variousforms of organizations, according tothe doctrines by which the Romanianarmy was led. The structural moder-nization was determined many times

by the moder-nization of thetechnique withwhich the pon-toon bridgetroops wereendowed. Thecurrent structu-re of the unit isbased on thestructure of the72 Battalion,

founded in 2002 by the merger ofthe 72 Pontoon Bridge Regiment“Matei Basarab” with the 550Engineer Battalion. The currenttechnique is the result of extraordi-nary work led by Brigadier GeneralConstantin Savu, who “revolutionizedthe engineer instruction on waterintroducing thepontoon bridgePR-71, as colo-nel Ioan Mocanpinpointed inthe foreword tothe book “A lifefor an idea- theliberation ofthe pontoonbridges”.

The militaryceremonywhich followed,consisting of

paying respect to the pontoon brid-ges’ heroes by placing wreaths at thetwo monuments in the unit cour-tyard. This was a new occasion tohonour the engineers that have sacri-ficed their lives in the wars in whichRomania was involved.

Nowadays, Braila pontoon bridgecompanies pride themselves with thefact that they have an operationalstructure at the service of NATO,capable of carrying out specific mis-sions and also helping local authori-ties if need be.

The future plans of the 72 Engineer Battalion personnel arerelated to the duties that derive fromthe operativity of the pontoon brid-ge company, but also to the hopethat in the near future they will havean opportunity to carry out a missionabroad. n

recovery. We would like to thank,on this occasion, to captain com-mander Viorel Pană and toLieutenant Commander AdrianTakacs, for the exemplary man-ner in which they ensured thetransport for the mountain ran-gers sub-unit.

The activity was extremelywell organized and had a greatimpact on the Armed Forces ofPeople’s Republic of China, aswell as on the local population.The Chinese officials underlinedthe importance of militarycooperation relations betweenthe two countries, as well as thetraditional friendship relationsbetween Romania and People’sRepublic of China. Also, theythanked the Romanian authori-ties for the manner in which theexercise from 2009 was organi-zed. For the Chinese Army, thisexercise was the first commontraining activity together with asub-unit from an European,NATO member country.

The common training exerciseschedule was based on tacticaltraining, mountain training, phy-sical training and firing training.During firing training, individualfiring practice, specific to the

mountain area, was performed,with all the Chinese infantry firearms. As a significant detail, allfirings were precision tasked, andthey were executed on smalldimension targets (15 squarecm), or balloons, for each objec-tive being assigned one round ofammunition. Although for all theRomanian military, the Chinesefire arms were new, theydemonstrated that the MountainRangers are part of the RomaniaArmy elite, and they achievedvery good firing practice results.For example, during the firstround of firings, all Romanianmilitary obtained a score of over40 points out of 50. Also, I would

like to mention that the bestshooter within the Romanianrepresentative group wasGeneral Mihai Ciungu, whooutdid us with his preci-sion.

Physical training consis-ted of running, hurdlerace, and close combat.During the first day, altitu-de was a perturbing factor,because the activities tookplace at over 2 000 meters,and the military had smallproblems adapting to theclimate. I would like tohighlight that, althoughthe mountain obstacletrack has no equivalent in

our army as difficulty and dan-ger, Romanian mountain rangerssurpassed easily all obstacles. Asan anecdote, the only obstaclethat was a problem for Romaniansoldiers was a tunnel, which wastoo narrow for their size.

During mountain training, allrope climbing procedures (usingdouble and simple string), clim-bing through the interior of rockchimneys, crossing by funicular(cable car) and rappel, wereused. Climbing buildings withimprovised means (cables,bricks), with no safety measures,was a new element.

During tactical training, thecourse of action in tactical field

was presented, for each specificunit, at section and platoon level,


2011 • JULY • 7

romanian mountain rangersFL AS H-B AC K IN LA ND F OR CE S

6 • JULY • 2011

romanian mountain rangers

T he activity continued with an experienceexchange carried out by different activities,performed by mountain rangers structures

during the previous years, with mountain structu-res from foreign armies, and it met the cooperationrequirement with the specialized structures withinother armies. The first stage of the exercise tookplace between 11-25 of September 2009 within the26th Mountain Rangers Battalion “Avram Iancu”around the Brad area, and Găina and Ştiurţ firingranges from Abrud. The purpose of this activitywas to perfect and develop the skills of the soldiersfrom mountain ranger sub-units to carry out mili-tary actions in mountain areas, along with theChinese soldiers. The mountain rangers sub-unitthat took part in the common instruction was thefirst structure within Romanian Army to attendsuch an exercise in China.

The journey to and back from China was execu-ted by a C-130 H aircraft belonging to the LandForces Staff, on the Otopeni-Beijing route and back,with stops at Baku and Alma Ata, with a total flight

time of over 20 hours (thus I’verealized that theflight toAfghanistan is areally short one).Also, transport ofSergeant DanielPorumb (r), injuredin Iraq, to a specia-lized clinic in Chinawas provided, tobenefit the necessa-ry treatment for his

Romanian MountainRangers, pioneers in China

Based on Land Forces Staff international activities plan for 2010, approved bythe Ministry of National Defense, between 31.10. – 15.11.2010, a commonRomanian – Chinese training exercise took place, at mountain rangers platoonlevel, in China, in which a sub-unit of the 26th Mountain Rangers Battalion “Avram Iancu” took part.

Captain Remus Adrian BerceaTranslated by: Andreea VARTOLOMEI

Gheorghe Savu, and the DeputyOperations Commander forGeneral Staff, Major GeneralValeriu Nicuţ.

At the end of the closing cere-mony, the minister of NationalDefense, Mr. Gabriel Oprea andGeneral Li Shiming, commanderof the Military Region of Cengdu,awarded medals and apprecia-tion certificates to the best 10 military from each deta-chment.

The activity had also a cultu-ral aspect that consisted of visi-ting traditional landmarks forthe geo cultural Chinese spacesuch as: the Great Wall, theForbidden City, the Stone Forestand the Ethnical MinoritiesVillage. The Romanian militaryappreciated the visits, becausethey could get in touch withChinese history and the coun-try’s natural beauty. Sport activi-

ties, like football and basketballmatches and games also tookplace.

From our point of view, theentire activity represented agood opportunity to emphasizethe professional qualities ofRomanian mountain rangers,who successfully represented theRomanian Land Forces, as well asthe Romanian Army in general,and opening new horizons formultinational instruction activi-ties. Even if small problemsoccurred due to flight hours fati-gue, altitude and Chinese cuisine,mountain rangers proved oncemore that they are part of theRomanian military elite. On thisoccasion, I would like to thank toeverybody involved in organizingand developing this exercise, notonly to those who participated inChina, but also to those whoremained in the country, for

their joint efforts to make thisexercise a success. Among these,I would like to mention CaptainDragoş Petrache, Sergeant 1st class Gheorghe Gică andCorporal Constantin Păsăreanu. n


2011 • JULY • 9


along with a final exercise pre-sented during the closing cere-mony. Two mixed platoons tookpart in the final exercise andacted out as one to fulfill themission. Each group performed aspecific activity during the finalexercise: hurdle race, buildingclimbing, mine field crossing,NBC techniques, area reconnais-sance, capturing an objective,trench cleaning, destroying a

bunker, etc. Avery importantdetail consistedin the fact thatvideo cameraswere in placeat all theimportantpoints, and theperformance ofthe soldierswas watchedlive.

The importance of the activityresided in the rank of the offi-cials attending the ceremoniesduring the exercise. Thus, to theopening festivity, on Romanianbehalf, attended the Ambassadorof Romania in People’s Republicof China, His Excellency, Mr. Viorel Isticioaia, as chief ofthe Romanian group, BrigadierGeneral Mihai Ciungu, theRomanian military representative

for the Ministry of Defense, andLieutenant Colonel CristianDobre, as representative of themountain rangers group. OnChinese behalf attended theDeputy Commander for the mili-tary region of Cengdu,Lieutenant General Li Zuocheng,the Commander of the 14th ArmyGroup from the military regionof Cengdu, Major General ZhouXiaozhou, deputy director for theInternational RelationsDepartment within the ChineseMinistry of Defense, and MajorGeneral Ci Guowei, as well asother Chinese generals and offi-cers.

To the closing ceremony, onRomanian behalf attended, besi-des those previously mentioned,the Minister of National Defense,Mr. Gabriel Oprea, the GeneralDirector for Army DefenseIntelligence, Major General

F LAS H-B AC K IN LA ND F OR C ES

8 • JULY • 2011


Training for next mi ssion in Afghanistan

FL AS H-B AC K IN LA ND F OR CE S

12 • JULY • 2011

the 1st mechanized Brigade „argedava”FL ASH -BA CK IN LAN D F OR CE S

2011 • JULY • 13

the 1st mechanized Brigade „argedava”

T he exercise was one of rehearsing the missionat tactical level, by Combined Team Zabul (1st

Mechanized Brigade Headquarters“Argedava”), 1st Maneuver Battalion composed of sol-diers from 495th Infantry Battalion “Captain StefanSoverth” for the theatre of operations in Afghanistan,through constructive simulation.

Between January-May 2011, the BrigadeHeadquarters, 2nd and 495th Infantry Battalions carryout the training necessary to the ISAF mission in thetheatre of operations in Afghanistan, which will beginin July this year.

Colonel Pompiliu Sora, from the SimulationTraining Center, speaking about the importance ofthis exercise, mentioned that the target is “the trai-ning of the Headquarters and Staffs commanders ofThe 1st Mechanized Brigade „Argedava” and of thebattalions to plan and lead the military actions, inorder to be deployed in the theatre of operations inAfghanistan, using the JCATS (Joint Conflict andTactical Simulation). The Simulation Training Centerprovides the technical and intelligence support inorder to accomplish the objectives of training thestructures participating in this type of exercise.”

The Simulation Training Center supports the trai-ning of the armed forces to plan and lead the combi-ned and joint military forces, increasing the interope-rability with the NATO and UN through simulationexercises (SIMEX). It acts as a sentry in Romania forNATO Education and Training Network and cooperateswith NATO, excellence and national centers for the

The Constructive SimulationTraining Exercise „Argedava 25-10”

1st Infantry Division “Dacica” led the constructive simulation training exercise“Argedava 25-10” at the Simulation Training Center to develop the skills ofaccomplishing the mission in the theatre of operations in Afghanistan. This exercise took place between 1-9 March 2011, being planned by the Land ForcesStaff and the geostrategical framework was on the Afghan territory.

Lieutenant Bogdan RĂDULESCUTranslated by: Daniela RISTEA

standardization of the proceduresregarding the organizing anddeployment of simulation training.

The scenario was oriented tothe detachment training in orderto participate in the theatre of ope-rations in Afghanistan, in a politi-co-geographical area as real as pos-sible.

Colonel Dumitru Laurentiu, thedeputy of CTZ, emphasizes that“the biggest influence and the posi-tive aspect was due to the partici-pation of the supervisors from 81st

Mechanized Brigade, which has just

come back from the theatre of ope-rations in Afghanistan, because thisway we had the opportunity toencounter the Afghan reality and,within the possibilities of the sys-tem which applies the exercise, wechanged everything we could sothat it might be appropriate to thepresent situation in Afghanistan.Taking into account the number ofstructures which are componentsof the CTZ, this is the first momentwhen we could realize what everyo-ne knows and is able to do, it is themoment when we can check everyt-

hing we have learntuntil now, during thetraining and, in thesame time, this is thefirst moment whenthe actions are live,when the astronomictime correspondswith the operativeone, all the briefingsbeing in English.”

1st MechanizedBrigade “Argedava”is the continuationof combat traditionsof 34th and 36thInfantry Regimentswhich participatedto military actionsboth within I and IIWorld War. The twoinfantry battalions ofThe 1st MechanizedBrigade „Argedava”“Argedava” partici-pated in missions inthe theatre of opera-

tions in Afghanistan, Angola,Balkans and Iraq.

During the exercise we focusedon the personnel training to carryout the standard procedures ofoperation during the planning andsimulation operations of stability,support, transition, reconstructionand counter insurgence combat.

Lieutenant-Colonel IulianBerdila, the commander of 2nd

Infantry Battalion “Calugareni”,mentioned that “this simulation

exercise, as usually-because it isnot the only one we participate in –represents a very importantmoment to make a structure meetoperational standards. Obviously,apart from the exercise, we all haveestablished standard operatingprocedures, techniques and tacticsat the subunits level but, now it isone of the moments when we suc-ceed, in a simulated environment,to check them, and to update someof them.”

The personnel from 2nd InfantryBattalion “Calugareni” participatedin September 1994 in the firstNATO-PfP exercise “CooperativeBridge” in Poland. The followingyears, this unit also participated inother seven NATO-PfP exerciseswithin our country or other coun-tries like: Czech Republic,Netherlands, Turkey and Germany.


14 • JULY • 2011


F LA SH- BAC K IN L AN D FO RC ES

2011 • JULY • 15


Colonel, what was unfolding the mounting likeuntil now?

We are in the last phase of the training in orderto carry out our mission in the Theatre ofOperations in Afghanistan. Up till now, the drillaccomplished its aims. This is one of the importantdays of the exercise because two of our companiesare involved in a joint coordinate and search actionwith the role players: National Afghan Army andNational Afghan Police.

What is the units’ training in Cincu made up of?During CIL-FT we try to simulate the real battle-

field. The exercise set up was elaborated on thegrounds of the Romanian Army forces’ experiencein the Theatre of Operations in Afghanistan. In myopinion it represents the most important and deci-sive stage of the 2nd Battalion training and also tothe future CTZ. The military acquired their lessons,the Headquarter staff operates together and activi-ties unfold according to the established set up.

What can you notify about the CTZ’s missions?CTZ is a multinational framework consisting of

American and Romanian military personnel underour American partners command. Under the CTZcommand there are the two infantry battalions thatwill be deployed in the Theatre of Operations, res-pectively “Călugăreni”2nd Infantry Battalion and“Captain Ştefan Şoverth” 495 Infantry Battalion.”.Their activity is generally similar to a Headquarterin a operations area and is grounded on the ISAFCommander’s orders and directories, with the viewto rules of engagement and international legislationregarding to the war rights /laws comply.

What do you think will be your collaborationwith the American partner like?

I consider that we’ll have a good co-operation aslong as we focus on the basic task, to accomplish

the ascertained mission.

I have noticed that everything that concernscommunication is carry out in English. This upgra-des the difficulty of the mission?

This is one of the issues that belong with intero-perability. Without English communication at leastin CTZ situation, functioning isn’t possible. It is thesame in the infantry battalions’ case that are underthe CTZ command. According to their participationto co – operation activities they have to speak inEnglish. It is for sure that communication in foreignlanguage will increase in a certain extent the diffi-culty of the mission. n

Focus on the basic task, to accomplish the mission

Interview with Colonel Harabagiu, 1st Mechanized Brigade Commander

Major Ion Adrian CURIMANTranslated by: Valentin PICIOREA

The mission of participating to thepeacekeeping operation UNAVEM IIin Angola was the first participa-tion of a Romanian combat unit ininternational operations. 2nd

Infantry Battalion “Calugareni”operated in Zabul with a maneuverbattalion, and in Kandahar with aninfantry detachment, being at thesame time the first Romanian unitwhich was responsible for Zabularea.

From the training objectives weremind the training improvementof the Combined Team ZabulHeadquarters in order to plan andlead the military actions of thesubordinated structures, the trai-ning of the battalion, company andplatoon commanders in the processof taking decisions, the intelligencepreparation of the battlefield andthe elaboration of the courses ofaction after a scenario, proper tothe missions which are going to becarried out in the theatre of opera-tion. It was taken into account theskill improvement of the use of thecommand-control system, the abili-ty development of applying thestandard operation procedures,and also the real training toaccomplish coalition assignmentsin the counterinsurgency opera-tions and those assignments speci-

fied in the list with the essentialrequests of the mission.

Lieutenant Colonel Dorin Toma,the commander of 495th InfantryBattalion “Captain Stefan Soverth”described the simulation trainingexercise as being very useful:”ourbattalion is at the beginning of thetraining for the mission and ithelps us a lot, , to realize the levelof the acquired training; at the endof this exercise we will identify thelacks and the ways in which weshould develop the training, sothat, when being assigned to thetheatre of operations, theHeadquarters, the platoon and

companies’ commanders reach ahigh level of training.”

The soldiers of 495th InfantryBattalion “Captain Stefan Soverth”,starting with 1996, took part invarious international exercises;there were also a lot of trainingactivities with the military offoreign armed forces. In order tobe capable of participating in theseactivities, the military of the batta-lion attended specific trainingcourses: military paratrooper licen-se, mountaineering instructors, ski,combat scuba divers, foreign lan-guages, engineer-demolitions andothers. n


16 • JULY • 2011


T his final stage of the exercise was the mostimportant in the 2nd Infantry Battalion trai-ning and its main purpose the battalion’s

staff, in order to accomplish the particular missionsin the Theatre of Operations in Afghanistan. Thetraining was carried out applying MILES and HITS(equipment of implement and combat engagementrelying on laser technology).

During the exercise proceeding period was poin-ted out the personnel training regarding standardoperating procedures according to every section.

In this manner the Battalion Headquarters per-formed particular activities in order to upgradeoperations planning, organising and conductingaccording to the Theatre of Operations inAfghanistan characteristics, training in live condi-tions alike in order to fulfil coalition’s tasks inCounterinsurgency Operations (COIN) and to LCEMset, English knowledge and particular theatre ofoperations terminology improving and last but notleast the framework’s cohesion.

The battalion personnel /staff training focussedon skills and abilities improving concerning themanoeuvre of forces’ assets and firing conductingand executing through patrol missions, observationposts set up and some other intricate tasks. It wasalso considered soldiers’ skills improving regardingtechnique, weapons and materials maintenance inthe TO particularities.

The exercise scenario was elaborated to realizethe tactical operational framework/draft with theview to the non –art.5 Operations of planning, con-ducting and executing in the TO Afghanistan. Theywere taken into account different threats and risksthat the Romanian soldiers can be subjects, risksthat are distinct depending on the take place Zoneof Operations and reasons of engendering. Fromthis point of view there were identified terroristrisks and threats, standard armed risks on behalf ofthe local armed group leaders, risks come outbecause of the combat against structured crimeactivities or intercede with them, risks work up bysome local workers’ combat in the coalition forces

The 2nd Infantry Battalion is training in Cincu Range

The 2nd Infantry Battalion „Călugăreni” participated in the real live training andfiring stage (SIMFTX-LFX) of „ARGEDAVA 25 – 10” Exercise in the Army CombatTraining Centre (CIL-FT Cincu) in the period 04.04. – 17.04. 2011.


F LA SH- BAC K IN L AN D FO RC ES

2011 • JULY • 19


As an additional guarantee for the suc-cess of the mission, the team consis-ting of two British teachers and a

Czech instructor continued the preparation of ourinstructors and conducted the training monitoring.A further element of the mission training effort intheatre of operations, the UK partners support was„very consistent and the activity beneficial in allaspects,” said the commander of the 495th InfantryBattalion „Ştefan Şoverth”, Lieutenant-ColonelDorin Toma.

The activity enabled 495th Infantry Battalion„Ştefan Şoverth” military to improve the knowledgeplanning, organizing, directing and execution oftraining activities and specific actions ofAfghanistan theatre of operations. Were also impro-ved leadership and execution skills regarding theresponse to incidents, thecourse of action in case thatimprovised explosive devicesor unexploded munitionsitems are initiated, how torequest close air support andmedical evacuation, first aidprocedures for gunshotwound and accidentally tri-ggered landmines or impro-vised explosive devices.

During this activity, theBritish team leader and trai-ning advisor, Major ColinMcInroy, thanked theRomanian party for the pro-fessional manner they orga-nized and conducted theirtraining. At the same time,cultural activities like

sightseeing in the Olt Valley and Sibiu were greatlyappreciated by the BMATT instructors. The activityended with a ceremony, in which were changeddiplomas and platelets between members of theBritish team and the 495th Infantry Battalion „Şte-fan Şoverth”.

The BMATT is located at Vyškov, within theMilitary Academy of the Czech Armed Forces, andhas been in existence since 2000 and it's MissionStatement is: „to provide military training courses,training assistance and advice to Partner Countries,in order to further develop their professionalarmed forces and their capabilities to participate inmultinational Peace Support Operations.” The com-bined impact of this training is to help partnercountries to improve their training capabilities,especially in respect of Peace Support Operationstraining. n

Training the trainers

495th Infantry Battalion „Ştefan Şoverth” during the preparation for the ISAF mission in Afghanistan received, in March 2011, advising from a team of instructors of BMATT (British Military Training Team) from Czech Republic.


and some other non armed risks. I am pleased of the military

activity I have under command –asserted the battalionCommander Lieutenant ColonelBERDILĂ Iulian – and I think thatthe exercise accomplished theobjectives taking into accountthat during CIL-FT have the pos-sibility to simulate in a largemeasure the real conditions fromTO in Afghanistan.

During 15 years history,Călugăreni 2nd InfantryBattalion honorable stands forthe Romanian Army and the bat-talion soldiers professionalismand experience in the peacekee-pingopera-tions,NATOPfp exer-cises andtacticalapplicati-ve exerci-ses in thecountry,theupgradeof intero-perabili-ty with

NATO countries represent thecertificate that in the future timeour unit will be able to accom-plish successfully in high stan-dards terms any kind of missonin the country or abroad. n


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20 • JULY • 2011

organization For security and cooperation in europeFL ASH -BA CK IN LAN D F OR CE S

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organization For security and cooperation in europe

relations between participating coun-tries and the governmental approachtowards their citizens, as well ascooperation premises in variousfields, the Final Act laid the founda-tion of the future evolution of CSCEprocess. The essence of the documentresided in the fact that there were nostrict juridical obligations but politi-cal ones, distributed in three majordomains: political and military secu-rity in Europe, economic, technical,scientific and environmental coopera-tion, cooperation in the field ofhumanitarian aid and other relatedareas.

The transformations which follo-wed 1990 had a major impact on theorganization also, due to the obliga-tions foreseen by its statute.Moreover, its member states wereeastern and western, smaller or big-ger states. Therefore, the Paris Chartsigned in November 1990 has deter-mined the transformation of theorganization into an institutionali-zed forum for dialogue and negotia-tions, with its own operational struc-ture. As the first high level confe-rence after the adoption of Final Actof Helsinki, the CSCE Summit inParis has officially ended the ColdWar and adopted a set of highlyimportant documents in the field ofdisarmament. And we may hereby

mention: the ConventionalArms Reduction Treaty inEurope, the Statement ofNATO member states andWarsaw Treaty memberstates on refraining fromthreat of force and use offorce, the agreement of aset of measures which toenhance confidence andsecurity (also known asthe Vienna Document,1990).Also, inthis periodof time,there havetaken placehigh levelregulatedmeetings,

foreign affairs minis-ters’ reunions andCommittee of SeniorOfficials meetingswhich lay the basis ofCSCE process institu-tionalization. Also, theCentre of ConflictPrevention (Vienna)and the Office forFree Elections(Warsaw) have beencreated.

In 1994, the HighLevel Conference in Budapest hasdecided the adoption of the name ofOrganization for Security andCooperation in Europe (OSCE) and

thus it became the first tool in con-flict prevention and crisis manage-ment. Consequently, its first decisionwas to deploy an OSCE peace main-taining mission in Nagorno-Karabaharea.

Also in Budapest, The code ofconduct on military aspects of securi-ty was adopted, containing the gover-ning principles on the role and use ofarmed forces in democratic societies.It has also envisaged the beginning of

discussions within OSCE regardingthe common pattern of Europeansecurity in the XXI century, based onthe OSCE principles and commit-

A lthough it is ascertained that this internationalorganization had been developed following arelief between western and eastern relations,

when the politics of national interests indicated the imageof a friendly and relaxed prime minister more favorablethan the ‘iron’ premier, whereas the wish to prove open-ness and sincerity was beyond former prudence andintransigency, still the organization has been generatedby a thorough complex process of negotiation betweensmall and medium states, which had to bear the Malta

agreement when the continent was separated betweenWest and East.

The Conference for Security and Cooperation inEurope was initially conceived to cover three stages:

a) at foreign affairs ministry level; b) at experts’ level; c) at higher level. The negotiations were concluded on 1 august 1975 at

Helsinki, when The Final Act of Conference for Securityand Cooperation in Europe was signed, at high level; itwas also known as the Final Act of Helsinki.

Embracing all the basic principles which govern the

OSCE – the envisaged step forward

Established in a period of time marked by significant transformations, with yearsof conflicts, industrial, military and cultural revolutions, the Conference forSecurity and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), which later on became theOrganization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) may be regarded asone of the few international forum which have maintained its original directiondue to the promotion of innovating ideas regarding dialogue and multilateralnegotiations.

Mariana ANCUŢ, PhDTranslated by: Elena CIŞMAŞU

• It was the first organizationwhich has promoted defense diplo-macy and preventive diplomacy, con-cepts which have been later on deve-loped;

• It was the largest regional secu-rity institution (as it includes allEuropean states, Canada and UnitedStates of America) which had a signi-ficant role in promoting peace andstability, in strengthening securitythrough cooperation, in supportingdemocracy and human rights throu-ghout Europe;

• OSCE has taken actions in thefield of diplomacy, conflict preven-tion, crisis management, post-conflictrehabilitation and development,through action parameters whichfocus on cooperation, openness, flexi-bility, adaptability to the new securi-ty environment;

• OSCE has been an efficientinstrument of the security throughcooperation by effectively copingwith the challenges imposed by thelack of consensus on the manner ofapproaching the international securi-ty that lead to the creation of diversegroups of interests at all levels whichprevent the elaboration of consistentpolicies. Also, the multiple nationaland international institutions which

approach security issues fromvarious points of view and generatefragmentary decisions add to thedynamics and complexity of interna-tional environment.

The Statement of Astana, on 2 December 2010 stipulates that “thesecurity of each participating state isinherently related to that of theothers. Each participating state hasequal rights to security. We reaffirmthe inherent right of each participa-ting state to be free to choose orreplace security arrangements, toinclude treaties or alliances, accor-ding to their own assessment. Eachparticipating state shall respect therights of the others. They will notenhance their own security at theexpense of the other participatingstates”.

Nowadays, one of its areas of res-ponsibilities, the armament control,represents one of the most importantEuropean instruments for securitywithin the international environment.

Whether there are debates inwhat regards the politics and reformswhich should be achieved by NATOor European Union, if we questionthe efficient manner for conflict

annihilation, especially of low ormedium intensity, then the politicspromoted by OSCE indicate that thesteps made in promoting its objecti-ves are certain, efficient and noticea-ble to the international actors.

This may be one of the reasonswhy the number of the organizationsinterrelating with OSCE is increasing.

And still, there are voices, whoascertain that, in spite of the difficul-ties generated by the ‘absence of aclear and consistent vision over thedefinition and physiognomy of thearmed conflict and post-conflictrelief, in terms related to time,approach and actions of the conflic-ting parts ’ OSCE has become a brandin the field of international security,either we refer to armament control,conflict prevention, free elections,environmental protection, or wespeak of political and juridicalactions.

OSCE has thus become, throu-ghout its long process of develop-ment, the step forward which all thedecision makers should undertake, ina world extremely unstable, volatile,blasting and under permanent trans-formation. n


2011 • JULY • 23

organization For security and cooperation in europeF LAS H-B AC K IN LA ND F OR C ES

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mments. This led to the adoption ofthe European Security Chart at theIstanbul Summit.

The importance and strength ofOSCE is materialized through theimplementation of main agreements(CFE Treaty, Open Skies Treaty,Vienna Documents, Documents onsmall arms and light weapons) whichits committees have adopted in thefield of armament control, in orderto enhance measures for confidenceand security (CSBMs) as well as in thepolitical and economic field.

We may also mention that OSCEholds a unique place within the sys-tem of international organizations. Itsmain characteristics refer to thenumber of members, holisticapproach of security, specific instru-ments and mechanisms for conflictprevention, decision-making processbased on consensus following tho-rough consultations, regular openpolitical dialogue, common normsand values, acknowledged by statesthrough adopted documents, as wellas a solid cooperation system with

other organiza-tions and inter-national institu-tions.

The missionsdeveloped inconflict areas arethe main toolthrough whichOSCE accomplis-hes long-termconflict preven-tion, crisis mana-gement, post-conflict relief. Itscommitment andits large range ofactivities carriedout within con-flict areas under-line the flexibili-ty of this mecha-nism.Henceforth,southeasternEurope is wherethe first OSCEoperation was

deployed (Kosovo, Sandjak,Voivodina, in September 1992) andalso the area of OSCE amplest mis-sions (Kosovo, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania). Other OSCE

missions have taken place or are stillunder development in Caucasus,Eastern Europe, Baltic countries,Central Asia. OSCE has also perfor-med operations in Albania, Armenia,Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia,Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan,Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Lithuania,Former Yugoslavian Republic ofMacedonia, Moldova, RussianFederation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistanand Uzbekistan.

The establishment of prioritieshas determined the extension of arelation network with other interna-tional organizations, ranging fromUnited Nations, European Union toNATO. The reason for its develop-ment is that through its activities,OSCE has succeeded to strengthencertain mechanisms and procedureswhich to enable efficient dialoguebetween belligerent sides or rapidresponse in case of emergency. Someof these decisions may not need con-sensus as in UN or NATO case. Also,OSCE has enhanced partnership withregional organizations and economi-cal entities.

Although some may claim thatOSCE has not succeeded to cope withthe challenges of the new century,recent events prove the other way:

In the spotlight:The 282nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade

and values, the symbol and embodiment of milita-ry fighter and expert, able to command, to trainand to motivate his subordinated personnel inorder to achieve the established tasks.

You are one of the militaries with a rich expe-rience of international missions, as you have parti-cipated in operations in Africa, Balkans andMiddle East. Also, at command level, you havebeen through all military hierarchy phases. Whatis the impact of the accumulated experience onthe act of command?

The act of command, as well as the manner ofcommand is achieved based on personal skills,through training, education and experience. Anycommander, depending on his psychological andsocial maturity, may have an efficiently structuredand transparent command manner. In other cases,this manner may still be under development. Andthis is shown not only in commander-subordinatedpersonnel relations.

The accumulated experience is highly impor-tant in the act of command, as it helps the com-mander cope with different situations, withvarious degrees of complexity. Still, experience isnot sufficient, and personally I am a supporter ofjoining experience with personal training, team-work, general and specific education, permanentlyupdated with the newest studies in the field ofcommand.

What are your requirements and expectationsfrom subordinated personnel?

PROFESSIONALISM, HONESTY, INTEGRITY,LOYALTY, EQUILIBRIUM, DEDICATION AND RES-PECT, in other words, to comply with the 2nd

Infantry Division” motto: „SEMPER DIGNITATE

FIDELIS PATRIE”

What are the main goals of the division for thesecond half of 2011?

As we develop the division building process, byfocusing on combat support and combat servicesupport units which are planned to reach operatio-


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26 • JULY • 2011

in the spotLight

Dear General, the 2nd Infantry Division, althoughit has been recently established, comprises unitswhich had a significant presence in the theatres ofoperations and have a major combat background.How do you appreciate, by this date, the 2nd

Infantry Division „Getica”?

The division I command today holds a beautifuland important place in the golden book of theRomanian Armed Forces history. The 2nd InfantryDivision „GETICA” continues the traditions of the2nd Army, which came into being 95 years ago, on18 august 1916, in accordance with the „Plan formobilization for 1916 – 1917 timeframe” and thestipulations of „Z Hypothesis” of the RomanianSupreme Headquarter. The 2nd Infantry Division„Getica” was established in 2010, as a major unitsituated on the eastern flank of NATO, having asubstantial strategic significance.

The transformation process generated by thesubordinated tactical structures and foreseen bythe Master Plan has been achieved based on majorefforts and with the acknowledgement of the newmissions by the entire division personnel. Withinthese circumstances, the transformation and inte-gration process will require professional skills,capability to understand and comply with the trai-ning requirements, having also a holistic approachof the 2nd Infantry Division „GETICA”. Currently,one of our main missions is to reach the establis-hed standards of training and development, to pre-serve Romanian armed forces set of values.

The 2011 Training Plan of the 2nd InfantryDivision aims at achieving the operationalizationlevel which enables us to accomplish Afghanistantheatre of operation specific missions, to participatewith forces at NRF-18, to maintain operationalcapability and inherently, to become a rapid reac-tion force on national territory, able to cope withany challenges, irrespective of their nature.

The entire division personnel remain a distinctprofessional category, bearer of military traditions

We are adequately trained,we are highly responsible

Interview with Commander of 2nd Infantry Division „Getica”, brigadier general Nicolae Ciucă, PhD

Colonel Dragoş ANGHELACHETranslated by: Elena CIŞMAŞU

in the spotLight

sions under UN aegis, we have enhanced trainingwithin the partnership and we prepared the firstteams of officers, warrant officers and NCOs whohave worked within multinational headquartersand the first structures who have taken part to mis-sions within SFOR/ Bosnia Herzegovina and KFOR/Kosovo. Afterwards, when Romania committed toanti-terrorism combat we have deployed battalionlevel units in Afghanistan and Iraq. Currently, weincrease the instruction programs to comply withour engagement in Afghanistan.

As you have noticed, I did not mention any unitso that this should not be taken as a hierarchy, themilitaries know themselves, and they respect eachother in the spirit of soldier camaraderie. I appre-ciate that all units have successfully accomplishedtheir tasks, at highest standards. Our country is themain beneficiary of these military performancesand I am extremely honored to have taken part tosuch missions.

Would you like to make any other comments, inaddition to our questions?

I would have liked to answer with SaintAugustine”s quotation: “Love God and do what youwant” but I am afraid I haven”t reached such a selfascension, nor do I believe we are capable of suchexpectation. What we can do is follow his advice,adjust it to our dimension, integrate it and say:“Respect your comrade and do what you want!”The problems of the militaries are also our pro-blems, and our duty during peacetime it to showthem that we care. Besides, this was also the messa-ge of the chief of General Staff during the last mee-tings in Focşani, Bârlad, Brăila and Galaţi garrisons.

To conclude, I may say that we have importantresponsibilities to cope with; we have assumedmajor objectives which we can only achievethrough joint efforts of all command teams, basedon the competence and dedication of subordinatedpersonnel. It is the only way in which we can suc-cessfully accomplish our established mission. n


2011 • JULY • 29

nal capability by mid 2011, we will conduct thetraining program for Afghanistan mission of thestructures within 282nd Infantry MechanizedBrigade „Unirea Principatelor” and we will continuethe training process of the OMLT-type structureswithin 15th Mechanized Brigade „Podul Înalt”.

As a novelty, the 9th Mechanized Brigade„Mărăşeşti” has started the selectionfor Afghanistan and will train theANATRAINING detachment for thefirst time.

Also, in the context of new pro-jected missions, I should also men-tion the maintaining of the operatio-nalization level of the NATO decla-red forces as well as the integrationof new structures, both as forcesdedicated to NATO as well as toNATO pool of rapid reaction forcesfor NRF-18 rotation.

As regards the international rela-tions, the “Visit of the representati-ves of OSCE member states and par-tners at a land forces facility” isplanned at the beginning of Julythis year, at the level of our divi-sion. With this occasion, we will pre-sent the new armament systems(TR-85 M1”Bizonul” armored sys-tem, Infantry Combat Vehicle -84„Jderul”).

We havebeen mainlyfocused on themilitaries intheatres of ope-rations and thisis probablynormal, but theactivities deve-loped in coun-try are of thesame importan-ce. What canyou tell usabout the mili-taries withinyour division?

I would liketo highlight thefact that themilitaries under

my command followed the same training programas the other Armed forces units nominated to trainand carry out such missions.

We started with bilateral exercises in 1990, weengaged in multinational exercises which becamemore ample after 1994 when we joined thePartnership for Peace. We took part to Angola mis-


28 • JULY • 2011

in the spotLight

the regiments’ first detachmentof conscripts sworn allegiance totheir country.

The regiment became opera-tional in a very short time, beingcapable to accomplish any kindof missions on national territory.

According to the order of theMinistry of National Defense, on24th of January 1994 the 282nd Mechanized regiment beca-me the 282nd Mechanized Brigade“Unirea Principatelor”, and on 1st of March 2005 it became the282nd Mechanized InfantryBrigade “Unirea Principatelor”.

As of 21st of January 2011,Colonel Adrian TONEA, Phd wasnamed commander of the

282nd Mechanized InfantryBrigade.

Starting with 15th of July2001, the 282nd MechanizedInfantry Brigade was nominatedas tactical unit within the ActiveForces and started the structuraland actionable operational pro-gram, and in 2007 the brigadewas certified as NATO structure.

The subordinated battalionsare dislocated on four counties -Vrancea, Galaţi, Brăila and Cluj.

The brigade personnel tookpart on various multinationalexercises abroad:

• PROMETHEUS 1999 (GREECE)– FTX - 1 IN PLT

• PEACE SHIELD 1999 (UKRAINE) – CPX – Bn HQ

• AMBER HOPE 1999 (LITHUANIA)– FTX - 1 IN PLT, Bde HQ Cell

• PEACEFUL STAR 2000 (TURKEY)

– CPX - Bn HQ• COOPERATIVE DETERMINA-

TION 2001 (ADZERBAIDJAN) –CPX - Bde HQ Cell

• COOPERATIVE NUGGET 2002(USA) – FTX + CPX - Bde HQ Cell

• PEACE SHIELD 2003 (UKRAINE)– CPX – HQ Cell

• EURASIAN STAR 2004 (TURKEY)– Bde HQ Cell

• RAPID TRIDENT 2007(UKRAINE) – Bde HQ Cell

• EURASIAN STAR 2010 (TUR-KEY) – Bde HQ Cell

• STEADFAST JOIST 2011(NORWAY) – Bde HQ Cell

and on national territory, asfollows:

• COOPERATIVE DETERMINA-

TION 1999 (MN)– Bn HQ• CARPATHIAN EXPRESS 2000-

2001 (RO-UK) – 3 modules - PLT/CO level

• SMARDAN 2002, 2004 (RO-IT) – 1 Armored PLT

• CENCOOP 2007 (RO-AUS-HR)– Bn HQ

• CINCU 2009 (RO-US) – Bn HQ Brigade units and subunits

participated on numerous mis-sions abroad in theaters of ope-rations from the Balcans, Iraqand Afghanistan, as follows:

• Bosnia – MP platoon – 1999• ROFND III, IV, V - Kosovo,

2002 - 2003, 3 IN CO rotations• ENDURING FREEDOM

Afghanistan: 2004 - 2005, 3 MnvBn rotations

• ANTICA BABILONIA Irak:2006, 1 Mnv Bn

• ISAF Afganistan: 2009 -

2010, 1 Mnv Bn.From 2007 to 2009, diffe-

rent units and subunits subordi-nated to the brigade constitutedNATO Response Force (NRF 8,11, 12, 13), being able to deployforces all over the globe within30 days.

In present time, according tothe principle “Train as youfight”, the brigade HQ and subor-dinated units perform an opera-tional intensive training programin training facilities, also calledFOBs, which replicates the opera-tional environment from thetheater of operations ofAfghanistan, in order to preparefor a new deployment in thiscountry. n


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30 • JULY • 2011

in the spotLight

T he 282nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade isinherited with the military traditions of thelegendary 10th Regiment Dorobanţi

“Putna”.As of 1872, in order to improve the training

capabilities of the Romanian Army, the Ministry ofWar - general Alexandru Cernat - ordered thecreation of new 10 regiments. One of these regi-ments was the 10th Regiment Dorobanţi “Putna”.

As of 15th of August 1877, during theIndependence War, the regiment led by majorGeorge Măldărescu, and three battalions led bymajor Gheorghe Şonţu, captain WalterMărăcineanu and lieutenant Chivu Stănescu with1162 soldiers and 36 trumpeters performed a for-

ced march upto TurnuMăgurele, andon 30th ofAugust 1877they engagedthe redoubt“Griviţa 2”.

The victoryupon theredoubt“Griviţa 2”, alsocalled “TheValley ofSorrow”, has itsprice. Only 682“putneni”returned toFocşani.

DuringWW1, the 10th

RegimentDorobanţi “Putna” reinforced and well trained, pro-mised a “No Trespassing” area along the alignmentMărăşti, Mărăşeşti and Oituz. They fought withgreat honor and courage and they kept their pro-mise. No enemy forces passed over that alignment.

Furthermore, the 10th Regiment fought in WW2,trying to reintegrate within the national bordersthe Romanian province Basarabia, overtaken by theformer USSR in 1940. Almost all soldiers of the 10th

Regiment died in the battles along the Don River.The survivors had been taken prisoners by theRussian forces and moved to Celeabinsk concentra-tion camp.

Due to the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakiain August 1968, the Ministry of Armed Forces orde-red on 24 September 1968 the creation of the 282nd

Mechanized Regiment in the barracks of the former10th Regiment Dorobanţi “Putna”. The new regimentwas subordinated to the 67th Mechanized Division.

As of 21st of November 1968, LTC Ilie VULCANwas named the first commander of the 282nd

Mechanized Regiment. On 15th of December 1968,

Back in time

authorities, and also governmen-tal and non governmental orga-nizations active in the brigadearea of responsibility. We initiateand participate actively in thesocio-cultural activities withinlocal community. We have alsotaken part in numerous humani-tarian actions with the Red Crossto help the elderly in asylum andinstitutionalized children withdifferent disabilities.Furthermore, we are able to helpthe local population in case ofemergency. We did it before withsuccess and we will do it againwhenever is needed!

A new mission is arising inAfghanistan this time with amuch larger personnel.Considering the economical crisisfaced by the Romanian societyand hence, the national defensesystem, how do you think will beaffected the military training andpreparation of your subordinatesfor this new mission?

The effects of internationalfinancial and economic crisis arefelt in the Romanian Army’sbudget, and also in the brigadeallocated budget. But I am con-vinced that, through effectivemanagement of available resour-ces, we will, as before, succes-sfully carry out our assignedmissions. In these circumstan-ces, we try to implement themotto that has three compo-nents: ability, adaptability, flexi-bility.

I am confident that we willidentify with the upper eche-lons, the most realistic and con-sistent solutions to ensure thenecessary support in the prepa-ration at the level of performan-ce previously established.

Moreover, the preparation forthis mission represent a conti-nuation of the activities plannedin the brigade commanderannual training order who wasintensified by an about twomonths additional training and

will complete the activities plan-ned for the operational phase ofthe three structures nominatedfor this mission.

The brigade multinationalmilitary experience is reflectedby numerous multinational exer-cises conducted on three conti-nents and international missionsin theaters of operations in theBalkans, Iraq and Afghanistan.The basics were formed longtime ago; I can even say that wecan learn one from each other.

Starting from the principle”Train as you fight “, the 282nd

Mechanized Infantry Brigade hasdeveloped, even in these crisisconditions, training facilitiescollectively known as FOBswhich are faithfully reproducingthe conditions of fighting fromAfghanistan. In these facilities,soldiers perform missions simi-lar to ones conducted in thetheater of operations. Is a firstin the Romanian Army and weare very proud of it. n


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32 • JULY • 2011

in the spotLight

Colonel Sir, starting with January this year,you’ve been invested as commander of the 282ndMechanized Infantry Brigade „UnireaPrincipatelor”. Which are your objectives now atthe beginning of the road?

Half of year has elapsed since I’ve been investedin this honorable position with a great responsibili-ty, but I can say that time have passed very quic-kly. Running on the treadmill of all activities, thesynergy of the human resource, the way this briga-de “is moving”, literally, empowers me to stronglyuphold the appellative assigned on this brigade as“The Spear Head” of the Romanian Land Forces.

I am very trustful in the brigade command teamand subordinated personnel. I will apply a proacti-ve management based on resources available, espe-cially on very valuable human resource, resourcethat has been trained on NATO standards. Theimperative is to highlight the value, with anemphasis on professionalism, initiative, deontologi-cal ethics and morality. We ought to work in anintegrated way, to have the ability to adapt to anysituation, to properly manage the present and tobuild a coherent vision for the future.

I am aware of the great tests that brigade hassustained and will sustain in the next period, and Ipersonally took part in some projects as I’ve wor-ked in the Land Operational Component andRomanian Land Forces staff.

Returning to your question, the main objectivesthat I follow very carefully in the next period willfocus in particular: continue to prepare the staffand personnel to achieve the fundamental objecti-ves laid down by the upper echelons orders or deli-berated, preparing for the upcoming mission inAfghanistan, preparation for membership ofNRDC–T (NRF), preparing the visit of the OSCEdelegation, under the Vienna Document - 1999,and on these coordinates I will give priority to

priorities, along with consistent and realistic plan-ning objectives in the short, medium and longterm.

Sir, you previously mentioned about the visit ofthe OSCE delegation under the Vienna Document1999. How important is this event for the 282nd

Mechanized Infantry Brigade “UnireaPrincipatelor”?

In accordance with the Vienna Document 1999foresights on confidence-building measures andsecurity of the obligations undertaken by Romaniaas a State Party under the auspices of theOrganization for Security and Cooperation inEurope (OSCE) in July this year, the 282nd

Mechanized Infantry Brigade will host a visitingdelegation of the OSCE members from partner sta-tes, representatives of the two bodies responsiblefor arms control and coordination of the NATO andOSCE, as well as national structures.

Annual exchange of information with membercountries of OSCE aims to present how were fulfil-led the obligations of our country from the con-tents of those documents, as a signatory party, toimplement the foresights and their transpose themin the real life of their spirit.

In this context, the OSCE delegation’s visit is amajor opportunity not only to promote the imageof the Romanian Army, but also the brigade, and tohighlight the professionalism of the command andsubordinated units, to demonstrate high standardsachieved by the brigade in the framework of theinternational commitments assumed by Romania.

Sir, what can you tell us about the relationshipsbetween your institution and the local community?

Civil-military cooperation is an important com-ponent of the brigade activity. We keep close con-tact from the professional perspective with local

I am very trustful in the brigade command team

Interview with commander of the 282nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade Colonel Adrian TONEA, PhD

Major Ion Adrian CURIMANTranslated by: Captain Marius DINIŢĂ

foreign military appreciated therange logistics and training con-ditions, recognising the militaryprofessional well trained forerun-ner and current personnel.

What are the logistic facilitiesprovided by this firing range?

We are pleased that SmârdanFiring Range engaging the atten-tion because of its large area, dif-ferent kind of terrain and endow-ments and also for the diversecommunication routes- by road,by rail way, by air and by water.We have 600 places for housingfor the military that come herefor firing activities, a not quitemodern kitchen that assures yetour current demands and a 600seats mess hall. The only facilitywe are connected to is electricity,the rest are secured by ourselves:water from our dwell, and heatenergy from our central heating.

What are the difficulties youare facing to during activitiesprogress?

The range staff list standard istotally unsatisfactory in order to

carry out range operations ingood conditions, mainly becausethe organizational chart was ela-borated on the idea of outsideservices - guard and board – butin the moment we gave up tothese utilities we had to manageourselves. Under these circum-stances a great deal of the staffaccomplishes some other postsand the activities amount is simi-lar to the ones in any militaryunit. A great deal of the first

time firing range incomers aresurprised by the fact that actual-ly this is a military unit andbeyond joking I tell them thatwith the 94 posts we have in theorganizational chart we adminis-trate the 86 record buildings. Weface difficulties because of thedistance from the city and trave-ling to work and back are moredifficult in wintertime, when thewind covers with snow the routesand movement is quite an adven-ture.

Starting March 1, 2009,”Smârdan” Firing Range subordi-nates to Land Forces GeneralHeadquarters. In what mannerinfluenced this change underyour command unit’s activity?

Following this subordinationwe gain a permanent assistanceand constant support, even inthis more difficult period.Thanks to the removing of somearticulations from the chain ofcommand we can deal quickly agreat deal of the problems weconfronted with. Every time weask for logistical, financial andeven personnel support we getagreement and come up bestsolutions in order to be on thefiring dispositions in due time.

What are the main objectivesyou act on in the followingperiod?


2011 • JULY • 35


34 • JULY • 2011

in the spotLight

Commander, what sorts of activities are carryingout in this firing range?

„Smârdan” Firing Range is one the main Armytraining bases that ensure live firing reviews usingArmy’s full range of weapons – infantry, artilleryand tanks, except anti aircraft artillery firings thatare carrying out in “Capul Midia” Firing Range. In

here there can be performed air force trainingexercises both bombardment and fighting. Over theyears took place joint activities with some othercountries’ army and air forces. There is a very goodrelationship with the units who come for firingsbecause we have the same objectives that meanassuring safety and an actual review of the trainingactivities performed in the barracks/bases/campsand can be noticed the results of the performancein the there. In the range situation everybody wishto perform better, to force the engines to the limit,to aim, to observe the result at the target and con-firm the good results get in simulators and shortranges.

What can you tell us about the activities execu-ted with the foreign partners?

From the manifold activities that we performedwith foreign partners I should mention : „CARPAT-HIAN EXPRESS 2000” with British Forces, „Smârdan2000”, „Smârdan 2002” and „Smârdan 2004” exer-cises with 132 Bde Ariete(Italy) in co- operationwith Romanian units, „CHASSEUR ACCOMPLI”Romanian - French bilateral exercise, „ROMEX”,Romanian – American bilateral exercise, „LONEFOIL” Romanian – British bilateral exercise. As itcan be noticed most of the carry out exercises werecalled Smârdan and in this manner it is remindedhistorical tradition regarding our ancestors’ battlesin the Independence War, 1877 - 1878.

Following these activities, both Romanian and

„Smârdan” Firing Range, a training laboratory for the military

Interview with Colonel Viorel STUHULEŢ, the Commander of „Smârdan” Firing Range


„Smârdan” Firing Range is situated in the southern region of Galaţi County, 15 km far from Galaţi city, on the Smârdan village grounds. It covers about8 500 ha with 5-6 km spread, approx. 16 km length and a regular shape.

The primary objectives follo-wed by “Smârdan” Firing Rangeconsists of ensuring the reques-ted circumstances in order tocarry out field training exercises,weapons training exercises, livefiring exercises following theArmy units joint training withNATO countries’ formations, wea-pons, ammunition and militarytechnique testing that can beconfirmed by the range, relatedto the awarded money.

2011 is an anniversary yearfor the unit you command. Whatare your feelings on the brinkthis anniversary moment?

On June 15 we celebrate 55 years since setting up. The

moment when Colonel BerdanAlecu Gheorghe first officercommander and an ambitiousstaff had a real heroically mis-sion, to build up a military unitand in the same time to coordi-nate and ensure catering forincome units or firings startingJuly 1956. Subsequently somerange equipment building it waspossible to widen the capacity ofrange activities, accomplishingthe optimal conditions to execu-te firings using all types of wea-pons, ammunition, explosivesubstances, including differentweapons, technique and ammu-nition testing and confirmation.Our gratification comes from thefact during this period we did

not have any accidents and acti-vities carried out safely and ourassistance beneficiaries werepleased both for the range facili-ties and the collaboration withour staff.

In this manner “Smârdan”Firing Range and also theRomanian Army image improvedupon Romania and worldwide. n


36 • JULY • 2011

in the spotLightTH EA TRES OF O PER ATION S

2011 • JULY • 37

isaF

M ajor General Nick Carter, ex-Commanderof ISAF regional Command South, visitedthe National Defense Ministry head quar-

ters on the 4th of February 2011, taking port in apress conference.

The General thanked our country for its contribu-tion to Afghanistan, relieving Romanian military pro-fessionalism: ”It has been a great opportunity for mehaving Romanian military forces under my commandwhile being in charge of ISAF. I could say that duringthat year, a substantial progress was made and theeffects of Romanian Contribution were significant inZabul. What I’ve noticed is that the evolution of theRomanian forces in 2011 gave us the possibility ofimproving the free traffic on the highway, this issuebeing essential for an efficient economy and gover-nment. This assignment was achieved in a professio-nal way. Being a NATO Commander, it was a privilegeto work with Romanian military. They did a greatjob.“ Major general Nick Carter has mentioned thefact that “the Romanian Army is well-structured forthe missions that it has been invited to take port inthe Romanian Armed Forces cooperate very well withthe partners within the Alliance and understand thepolitical context”, because in General’s opinion,“counter insurgency is a political matter – a conflictbetween the government forces and the insurgents forwinning the population’s support. At the same time,the Romanian forces are aware of the Afghan popula-tion, being able to identify common elements likeagrarian economy or the capacity and weed of coope-ration and thus attaining a higher standard.”

Mentioningthe new NATOStrategicConcept, theGeneral saidthat “the key-element on thelevel of ISAFRegionalCommand isthe transitionof ensuringthe securityfrom NATOforces toAfghan forceswithin three orfour years.After all,Afghans understand the essence of the difficult situa-tion they are in, and the solution to their problemscan only be permanent, solutions that we implementfrom outside.

But it must be very clear that the institutions thatwe are trying to build require a great effort, a perma-nent improvement of the Afghan Army, improvementthat we have been working on even since 2002. Samelevel of attention and implication should be mentai-ned regarding the Afghan Police, social services,because in Zabul for example, the illiteracy rate thehighest in Afghanistan – the social services must sus-tain the governor in achieving his objectives withinthe region. n

The Romanian Army is well-structured in accordance with its missions

The objectives of the missions carried out by ISAF (International SecurityAssistance Force) consist in supporting the Afghan government in developing andmaintaining the level of security in order to extend the Afghan influence, contributing to stability, security and development in Afghanistan.

Lieutenant Bogdan RĂDULESCUTranslated by: Corina STRAT

THE ATR ES OF OPE RA TION S

2011 • JULY • 39

the 2nd inFantry Brigade in aFghanistan


38 • JULY • 2011


Romanian Forces have developed four OperationalMentor and Liaison Teams that are currently wor-king alongside the Afghan National Army forces toensure security for the Afghan people. TheseOMLTs teach, coach, mentor and provide supportto develop a self sufficient and professional ANAforce. Much of this increased independence canbe attributed to the partnership with the Soldiersof 1-4.

Diaz said that when it comes to his troops andthe Romanian forces there really is no delineation.From the beginning, 1-4 platoons have operatedalongside Romanian forces sharing command andcontrol over each mission. Diaz also said one of thegreatest accomplishments 1-4 has achieved is therelationship that has been forged between U.S. andRomanian Forces.

"I want them (1-4 Soldiers) to leave here kno-wing they were part of something special," Diazsaid. "That their contribution has greatly enabledtheir partners; not only the Romanians but also theAfghans." It’s this legacy of cooperation and team-work left behind by the Soldiers of 1-4 that Diazhopes is remembered. It is this concept of partner-ship Diaz knows his Soldiers will embrace andencourage in others as they grow to become lea-ders and throughout their military careers. n

According to Lt. Col. Eliud Diaz, Task ForceHawk Deputy Commander, the partnership star-ted in 2006 as a battalion-size Romanian taskforce with a company-size US contingent. Overtime, the 1-4 INF increased its role and addedmore staff personnel and enablers.

"This mission over the span of the last fouryears has greatly increased the capabilities ofour Romanian counterparts," Diaz said. "It hasencouraged them on a larger strategic level tothe point where they were willing to commitmore forces to the mission."

"It has been a pleasure for us to share in thisexperience with the Romanians," Diaz said."They have come a long way in their ability tooperate independently."

The Romanian Forces have taken on a largerleadership role within the ISAF mission, withone Romanian battalion serving as the maineffort for ISAF forces in Zabul Province. In fact,Romanian forces are the only NATO to force todouble their contribution to the war inAfghanistan by adding another Infantry batta-lion to their rotations over the past few years.

1-4 Infantry leaves behind a legacy of team work

After four years of continuous 6-month deployments, the Soldiers of 1st Battalion,4th Infantry Regiment concluded their mission in Afghanistan. As 1-4 refocusesits effort on its main role as opposing forces for units preparing to deploy at the

Joint Multinational Readiness Centerin Hohenfels, Germany, theirRomanian brothers from Zabul havetaken a stronger, more active lead inthe overall mission in Afghanistan.

Sergent Jerry WILSON

Photo: Specialist Grenier

Photo: Specialist Grenier

Photo: Cpt. Timothy A. Dudley


40 • JULY • 2011


How was itworking withyourRomanian andAfghan par-tners in Zabul?

Our par-tnership withthe RomanianstranscendsAfghanistanand exists onboth a profes-sional andpersonal level.In our trainup for thisdeployment,we trained in

Romania with some of the great personalities andprofessionals we would come to know on the battle-fields of Zabul. The relationship we developed withRomanian Soldiers at every level has built lifelongfriendships, and international partnerships, thatwill stand the test of time.

The Romanian contribution to the ISAF efforthas been nothing short of phenomenal. In fact, in2010, Romania was the only country in NATO toincrease its troop presence in Afghanistan. Whileother countries were minimizing their numbers, theRomanian government nearly doubled its contribu-tion to NATO.

What positive changes have been made duringyour mission inAfghanistan?

Combined TeamZabul has madesome great progressin Zabul province byworking closely withAfghan SecurityForces and theAfghan government.During our time

here, we saw district governance capacity increasesignificantly from almost no representation to a fulltime government representative in 8 districts inZabul province. The ANA has made some greatstrides as well as the 2/205’s 2nd Kandak achieved arating if “Independent”, the first battalion sizeArmy organization in Afghanistan to achieve suchan honor. The province has also established a fullyfunctional operations center that allows governanceand all security forces to coordinate operations andconduct joint investigations at both the provincialand district levels. We have seen over $20 millioninvested in development projects for the gover-nment in Zabul over the past year and we havecaptured or killed 75 top tier level insurgent lea-ders driving others toward reconciliation programs.

What message would you like to give the nextunit?

The Afghans have made great progress over thecourse of the pastyear. We have seengovernance and deve-lopment keep pacewith the wonderfulsecurity gains thatAfghan security for-ces have made. TheAfghans will continueto take the lead ingovernance, security,and development aspo pu lar support forGIRoA continues toflourish. Your effortsare essential to ena-ble Afghans. Nothinghere is like math withstandard answers;you must take the ini-tiative from your veryfirst hour on theground to keep themany successes ofyour Romanian brot-

One miss ion, one team, one par tnersh ip

Major Oliver ANGHEL

How was it working with your American and Afghanpartners in Zabul?

The mission began on the 27th of November 2010when I together with a small group arrived at FOBLangman. The structure that we replaced was the first onethat had worked with the American partners for a periodof 6 months. We were struck by the very many coinciden-ces: we were to join the 2nd cavalry regiment Stryker ofthe American Army, and we were the 2nd Infantry Brigade“Rovine”; their motto is Toujors Pret in French, and oursis Semper Prompti in Latin, which has actually the samemeaning: Always ready. Since the very beginning we havebelieved and we have even been convinced that we shallsucceed in forming a solid team able to achieve togetherthe common objective we had to carry out. It was necessa-ry to have a long period to get accustomed to one anotheralso due to human seriousness and quality, due to theprevious training in the country and abroad (Germany,the previous international missions). With this mission Ipersonally have been working in the international envi-ronment for three years. My military training and evenmy civil academic education helped me solve the challen-

ges I have faced (political-ly, economically, law andnot least the specializationin cadaster).

Together with ColonelJames R. Blackburn Irepresented ISAF duringthe security meetings atthe level of Zabul provincein excellent conditionsthat were very muchappreciated by the repre-sentatives of the Afghangovernment. In the par-tnership I consider weproved mutual respect,correctness and loyaltytowards our Americancomrades, and the resultsare obvious in the mis-sions we have carried outtogether.

Combined Team Zabul(CTZ) is a multinationalcommandment structureresponsible with the inte-gration and synchroniza-tion of the resources toconcentrate the effects to

obtain the des-ired results inaccordance withthe orders andinstructions ofRC-South and IJCcommander.

CombinedTeam Zabul(CTZ) consists ofthe following ele-ments:Romanian-American combi-ned headquar-ters, governorMohammadAshraf NaseriStaff, ProvincialDevelopment,Council andDistrict Governors, 2nd Brigade from ANA (Afghan NationalArmy), Zabul Police, National Directorate Security,Provincial Reconstruction Team, Agriculture DevelopmentTeam, Romanian OMLTs and other enabling or strike for-ces. This combined team is a collective of stakeholders inZabul province, who have the common god, of bringingsecurity and stability to the people, through embeddedpartnering, combined and unified action.

I consider that all these structures that act in the areaof responsibility in this side of Afghanistan have succes-sfully carried out their missions due to this extraordinarycooperation. The representatives of the government struc-tures of the province of Islamic Republic of Afghanistanhave understood the determination and the support offe-red by the international forces that act here, forces thatwant to ensure a stable security climate and also supportthe effort for the reconstruction of the whole province. Ofcourse this thing can berealized only when theteam spirit functionsvery well and when allthe soldiers, bothRomanian andAmerican, act as awhole. I can stronglystate that this has alwayshappened since we havebeen together and itcontinues to be a perma-nent aspect of our


2011 • JULY • 41


Interview with Colonel James Blackburn, commander of Combined Team Zabul Interview with Colonel Viorel Albăstroiu, dpt. commander of Combined Team Zabul

cooperation. Our common motto haspermanently impelled our soldiersand we can say that as a result solidthings remain behind us to supportthis difficult and tried nation: theAfghan people. On the other handthe appreciations of the leaders ofthe coalition structures are eloquent,and especially those appreciated bythe ISAF commander, General DavidH.Petraeus who expressed his gratitu-de towards most of the Romanian sol-diers dislodged in Zabul in a letteraddressed commander of theRomanian General Headquarters,Major General Stefan Danila, for themissions they carried out with thecoalition forces for the reconstruc-tion and the development of amodern Afghan society.

What positive changes have beenmade during your mission inAfghanistan?

The tactic infrastructure hasdeveloped along the A1 highway bystrengthening and reopening somelocations realized with specialefforts, an infrastructure that wasdestined to increase the possibilitiesof control during the day and duringthe night. We have also put into ope-ration the Operational Centers ofDistrict Command, these establishingthe relation with the OperationalCenter of Provincial Command inQalat. Our presence in the responsi-bility area increased, while the mis-sions organized and unrolled by the

Romanian forces in the provincehave diversified. The Romanian teamhas integrated very well into the fra-mework of Combined Team Zabuland I consider that it had worked onequal positions according to people’sresponsibility. Another positivechange the Romanian soldiers fullybenefit from is the support offeredby our American partners, the alliedthat offered The Romanian Army 60armored vehicles of MRAP type,vehicles that ensure higher protec-tion during the missions performedin the area of responsibility from thewhole province. An eloquent exam-ple is the incident that occurred onthe 1st of May when four Romaniansoldiers of the 26th Infantry Battalion“The Red Scorpions”, during a mis-sion of patrol along the A1 highway,were hit by an improvised explosivedevice. The high protection of theMRAP vehicle saved our soldiers’lives. We thank again our partnersfor this help and assure them of ourgratitude.

What message would you like togive the next unit?

Our colleagues of the first mecha-nized Brigade who will begin theirmission in June must know that wit-hin the Combined Team Zabul team,a team they will belong to for aperiod of six months, they will findthe achievements of a team that hasfunctioned like an entity and I wishthem to carry out their missions at

the same standards. I am convincedthat the future component ofCombined Team Zabul will continueto support the Afghan populationfrom Zabul to develop a secure andlasting society. I wish my colleaguesof both the Romanian Army and theAmerican Army, in a word to the newCombined Team Zabul, had and easyand eventless mission, and not leastto return home to their families andfriends in good health.

What would you like to say to theAmerican partners at the end of themission?

The managers’ raw material isrepresented by their subordinates’potential and by the managerialtalent” – H.Botlinger.

During the relation with our par-tners and especially with the CTZleaders I have got to the conclusionthat a manager should have somespecial qualities among which: mana-gerial capacity, cooperation, con-scientiousness, curiosity and creativi-ty. For all his partners CTZ comman-der has built a real professionalmodel, both behavioral and of attitu-de. The position and the authoritythat he has render him the imagewhich in his collaborators can bemisled for the very organizationalstructure that he leads, being consi-dered responsible for both successesand failures.

In his relations with the wholeteam in CTZ, the commander of thestructure has acted as a member ofthe team and as the leader of theteam. Colonel James R. Blackburn wassimultaneously the command and theengine of the team, initiating anddirecting actions and training peopleto achieve them. We have togetherled to the accomplishment of themissions that we assumed and we canexpress our content with the fact thatwe have achieved remarkable thingsfor the Afghan people and society. Inthe end we send them our best wis-hes and we are proud that have beenpart of the remarkable team in sucha demanding, but honorable mission.

Anytime, anywhere and irrespecti-ve of the conditions we can say:Semper Prompti or Toujours Pret.Our deeds of arms fully strengthenthese mottos. n


2011 • JULY • 43


hers alive and moving forward.

What would you like to say tothe Romanian partners at theend of the mission?

I am extremely proud of youas you should be of yourselves. Ithas been a pleasure working withtrue professionals here in Zabul.Our partnership doesn’t endhere, but will continue back inEurope. God bless Romania, andmay god bless the soldiers andfamilies that have sacrificed eve-rything for our success. n


42 • JULY • 2011



44 • JULY • 2011

medaLs

T he military ceremony took place on the24th of February, at the Land ForcesHeadquarters, in the presence of the depu-

ty chief of the General Headquarters, general-lieute-nant Dan Ghica-Radu, brigadier general, AritonIonita – the chief of The Land Forces, major general,Gabriel Gabor- the head of the Personnel andMobilization Department within the RomanianMinistry of National Defense and the other heads ofthe major state structures of the Land Forces.

The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary ambassa-dor of the French Republic in Bucharest, HisExcellency Henry Paul, awarded a gold medal, two silvermedals and four bronze medals to the military personneland the privates within the Romanian Land Forces. It wasalso awarded the commemorative medal “Afghanistan” tofour other military personnel.

In the opening of the medal ceremony, the chief of theLand Forces Staff, Ariton Ionita, addressed to the presentaudience to specify that the moment is both honorableand important because it offers us besides the joy ofrecognizing the value, the honor, the professionalism andfriendship of the Romanian soldiers, as well as the oppor-tunity to reconfirm the French-Romanian military par-tnership relations, privileged relations that have startedsince October 1916, when general Henry MathiasBerthelot arrived in Romanian as a chief of the Frenchmilitary mission. General Ariton Ionita also expressed hiscertainty that the Romanian military conferred withmedals are honorable representatives of the RoamanianArmy as well as of the Romanian people, and thankedthem once again for the way they represented their coun-try and the military who are still acting in the theatreoperations.

In his turn, the French Republic ambassador, HisExcellency Henry Paul talked about General Bethelot andconfirmed that this one is the historical testimony of therelationships between France and Romania. He also recal-led that last year he moved the ceremony, he used to

organize in Bucharest on the 11th of November, to Iasi,and he was honored to lay a wreath in memoriam of theFrench general, in the presence of the Land Forces staffand the military who served their country in Afghanistan.His Excellency reminded that France is involved inAfghanistan under UN mandate together with other 45 states – 24 members of the UN, especially withRomania, focusing on the idea that the French militarypresence is needed along the Romanians because Francewants to obey the international commitments, to assumeits responsibilities and to lobby for its values.

France fights against the terrorist threats the same asRomania, supporting common security.

At the end of the ceremony, His Excellency, ambassa-dor Henry Paul, specified for the military press present atthe event, that the awarded medals within the ceremony“prove that our relationships are based on the same con-cepts and values and share the same ideals: peace, stabili-ty and democracy in Afghanistan. The French Ministry ofDefense suggested giving medals to the Romanian militarywho fought besides the French military within mutualmilitary formations. “The awarded medals have differentvalues - explained the ambassador Henry Paul. TheNational Defense medals are such as “War Cross”, whichare given prior and are different: the Gold Cross, theSilver Cross and the Bronze Cross but the CommemorativeMedal is a medal that reminds of the French support inAfghanistan. n

Freres d’armes

The French Republic ambassador, with credentials within Romania, conferredhonorary medals, given by the French Ministry of Defense to those soldiers whocarried out successfully Romanian-French operations in Afghanistan in the theatre of operations, in 2010.

Colonel Dragoş ANGHELACHETranslated by: Mădălina MORTU

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