2/2018

Czech pilots trained in the Pyrenees also at night

Mountain Flight 2018

DANA howitzers thundered throughout Doupov

"This exercise aimed to prepare our 131st Artillery Battalion to provide fire support to the 4th Brigade Task Force and to establish cooperation with the mechanised units which we provide with the support in the field," says Colonel Ivan Mráz, Commander of the 13th Artillery Regiment. "An important part for us was the establishment of cooperation with the mortar units of mechanised battalions and the Air Force, both in real environment and real time. Last but not least, the cooperation with both the forward air controllers and the forward observers was a very important part as well. "

Fire support rules at the battlefield"Current fire support requires, in particular,

dynamics, speed, accuracy and, most importantly, cooperation between all types of units capable of providing fire support to the mechanised forces," says Colonel Vlastimil Urban, Commander of the 131st Artillery Battalion and the Officer Conducting the Exercise.

All elements, such as artillery, mortars, and helicopters, must engage in the unified fire support coordination system and provide the mechanised forces with the maximum strength possible to fulfil the assigned task.

"The experience and skills that the artillery-men gained here today cannot be drilled without this support during the training. This is why this cooperation with other units is very important, valuable and beneficial to us," added Colonel Urban.

First experience for new recruitsAlso new recruits, joining the 13th Artillery

Regiment as their home unit, participated in the two-week exercise in the harsh terrain of Doupov.

"The new soldier have already gone through the theoretical training, they handle the drills,

In the Doupov Mountains in the Hradiště military region, members of the 131st Artillery Battalion and mortar batteries spent two weeks of hard training fulfilling the coordination and fire control exercise in support of the 4th Brigade Task Force earmarked to be deployed to operations abroad. In addition to the soldiers of the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade, the 22nd Helicopter Base from Náměšť nad Oslavou and the 14th Logistics Support Regiment, new recruits from Jince also participated in the exercise, acquiring valuable experience here.

A total of 450 soldiers with 140 pieces of equipment were involved in the Ground Fire 2018 exercise

contentsSoldiers should feel a growing budget 2

The environment of equally strong opponents 6

Close to historical changes 8

Mountain Flight 2018 12

Paras both on the ground and in the air 16

Tigers in Poznan 18

He compared his strength with American soldiers 20

Liberec chemists in Iraq 22

Best of the best fighters 24

The attack could not have been prevented 28

Artillery against terrorists 30

Trust and respect 32

Focused on targeting 34

Screener 2018 36

Military Profession 38

Under the UN flag 40

An orchestra under the baton of the Czech Armed Forces 42

Fatal error 44

Story of heroism (and possibly betrayal too) 46

Young, modern and progressive 48

Published by MoD Czech RepublicCommunication and Promotion DepartmentTychonova 1, 160 01 Praha 6, Czech Republicwww.army.cz

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Editor-in-chief: Vladimír MarekLayout: Milan Syrový

Translation: Jaroslav Furmánek, Marek FiebichCover photo: Jan Kouba

Distributed by MHI Prague, Production SectionRooseveltova 23, 161 05 Praha 6, Czech RepublicOl'ga Endlová, tel. +420 973 215 563

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ISSN 1804-9672Registration number: MK ČR E 18227

Published in December 2018

DANA howitzers thundered throughout Doupov

but to verify the theory directly in practice during the live-fire exercise, that gives the soldiers valuable points," said Colonel Ivan Mráz. "A very important part is to experience teamwork and to get familiarized with the whole unit. During a  two-week continual training where they have to last out in the field under any circumstances even for several days, they can also check their personal limits and their further training during next exercises will be built upon stronger foundations."

Cannon boomsWhen the artillery-men train with their

strongest weapon – the self-propelled howitzer DANA – you can really hear them. The inhabitants of Žatec, Kadaň and other areas within the southwest edge of the Ústí nad Labem region are already used to these booms which could be consider a very strong thunderstorm by those not familiar with this event. However, the flashes and cloudburst are nowhere to be seen.

The artillery-men fired from their biggest weapon, the 152mm Self-propelled Gun Howitzer DANA. After each shot, you could feel the ground shaking even in the safe distance away from this very powerful weapon and the cannons were veiled in blue smoke. The soldiers performed a  training in which they used live mines to fire on targets. The soldiers from the artillery reconnaissance teams helped them with artillery guidance.

The new recruits have proven competent

"I  give very positive marks to what I  saw here today during the exercise," said Colonel Petr Procházka, Deputy Commander of the

Land Forces. "I realize that a lot of effort and commitment of the soldiers is hidden behind these outcomes, even though they often train with forty years old equipment. It is also very important that the situation has greatly improved in this unit, which had until recently struggled with low replenishment. The results of recruitment are already visible here and the new soldiers are a solid part of the unit. This ever-improving situation is very important for the Land Force Command for ensuring our capabilities, not only within artillery but also within the entire army," concluded Colonel Procházka.

From the school desks to DoupovSeveral students of the Brno University of

Defence from the Department of Weapons and Ammunition were also part of this exercise.

"They are weapon officers so they have the opportunity to see how weapons and weapon systems work and behave in practice in the field," explains Commander of the 13th Artillery Regiment, Colonel Ivan Mráz. "I  very much appreciated their interest and agreed with the University to allow them to take part in our exercises because they will not only use the experience they receive here during the live-fire exercise during their studies, but they will also be able to apply this knowledge directly in practice after joining their units. Based on the very good experience with students, we certainly want to continue in this practice," added the artillery commander.

Text and photo by Jana Deckerová

At the beginning of May this year, General Aleš Opata took over the post of the Chief of the General Staff of the ACR. Even before the usual one hundred days of close season had passed, we asked him for an interview in which he would present us his intentions.

Soldiers should feel a growing budget

The Chief of the General Staff of the ACR General Aleš Opata presents his priorities

What priorities do you have in your office, what are you going to focus on in the future?

We have a  well-trained army, which of course must be constantly upgraded and modernized. Also the current increase in security threats requires an overall increase in capacities and numerical strength. So, my priorities can be divided into five areas. Priority one are immediate impact projects. The soldiers must personally feel the rising budget of the Czech Army and that the situation is starting to change for the better. I  personally allocate there the means of ballistic protection, tactical equipment

and night vision devices for soldiers. I  will do  everything to avoid the problem after 2020, and the soldiers get what they were supposed to get. We have made all the arrangements to meet these intentions. Measures include C4 ISTAR as part of a  modular combat system, small arms, and precision guided firearms. For these commodities I  want to have undetailed, long-term framework agreements, so that we could update the agreement continuously in the future. An in the year 2020 we will make a  calculation to find out, whether we will have completed the tasks to a hundred percent.

What are the other priorities?They are the building and modernization

of land forces. In this case, I  put first the rearmament of the 7th mechanized brigade to a new type of tracked armoured carrier. It is in fact my predecessor's priority. Currently, we are in the condition that the specifications are submitted and the project documentation for the purchase of the vehicle is being processed. This project is followed by other projects in the field of combat support, such as the cannon of NATO-standard 155mm calibre, Titus armoured vehicles, and the CBRN vehicles. It is also related to air force projects. In this case, I  consider as key purchases the

Soldiers should feel a growing budget

following items: MADR airport radars, short range missiles, or the purchase of CASA aircraft.

The third category is the build-up of new capabilities of the ACR. Without it, we will not move forward in response to a  new security environment. In this context, I  see the following as quite feasible: the construction of the Headquarters of Cyber and Information Operations, the formation of the HNS Battalion at Rakovník, and the construction of a  third manoeuvre element in the form of an airborne regiment. In the fourth category of my priorities, there is the modernization of the command and control system. It will be an adaptation to a complex operating environment. My fifth priority is to strengthen the recruitment and the increase in the numbers of ACR personnel.

Does it mean that you also expect a certain modification of the Concept of Development of the ACR?

Yes. This concept (KVAČR) was approved by the government in 2015. Since then, many things have changed. This is a case, for example, “Force Goals 2017”. We have to react to this in some way and therefore to revise the KVAČR concept. On the other hand, it has to be said that the established direction of the ACR development and strategic projects of rearmament, they will not be changed. In the second half of 2019, I plan to update and submit my concept to the government.

In the past, many officials tried to solve problems with equipment and ballistic protection, but it always ended in the acquisition process. Is there a possibility for the Chief of the General Staff to influence the acquisition so much that he can accomplish this assignment?

It is not the task of the GS Chief to influence the acquisition process. Our task is to present the materiel requirements we need. There is nothing easier than to say that the acquisition is failing. It is important to note that in the past years, the MoD budget was around one percent of GDP. The gradual increase in the funds for the ACR occurred only in the years 2017-2018, and even only in tenths of a  percent. The materiel was not bought systemically, but the first things to buy were things that were missing. Now the situation is different, the budget is increasing. The Armaments and Acquisition Division deals with hundreds of purchases a  year. We try to communicate with it very rationally. I  am convinced that these issues are not just about this division, but that it is the teamwork of the whole department. It is also important to underline that the projects of strategic rearmament of the ACR have been approved by the government. I'm not naive, of course, and I do not think that everything will succeed to 100%. Nevertheless, we will do our best to implement these key projects.

You mentioned the government's goal to extend the army to five thousand novices. When do you think this goal should be fulfilled?

Backed by the analyses and the interest shown by the applicants for the service of a career soldier in the ACR, I am convinced that by the end of 2025 this number will be slightly exceeded. At present, we are doing well in this direction. The annual recruitment potential represents about two thousand new soldiers, while leaving the forces in the same period is about six hundred to eight hundred people. So we are able to meet requirements of units´ manning. Most of them, in terms of manning, exceeded over eighty percent. Of course, it is clear that demographic developments in the future are not favourable. The army has much to offer to the public. The statistical support of the army is relatively high; it is on the line of seventy percent of credibility. So I think we can compete in the labour market.

What specific changes should a new system of command and control in the military bring about?

The adaptation of the command and control system in the ACR must above all lead to a rapid and flexible response to future crisis situations. The whole command and control system must be both forceful and sufficiently flexible. The return to the three-stage command and control system is the move in the right direction.

Will there be therefore a renewal of the Joint Force Command?

No, the Joint Force will not be restored again. Recently, we´ve paid maximal attention to individual HQs of the land and the air

force; we will increase a  bit their numbers at staff level. We substantially increase also the capabilities of SOC MO (Joint Operation Centre, MoD), which will become a  full operational headquarters in the future.

You mentioned that establishing a battalion at Rakovník was one of your priorities. Will it be a regular battalion of the rapid deployment brigade?

No, it will be a  battalion, carrying out the tasks of Host Nation Support. One of the problems of the Czech Army is undersized logistical support. Basically, we have no fourth level logistics. So, on the basis of our analyses, we are going to build a  logistics support battalion at Rakovník, which will be primarily dedicated to this fourth level and will organize support, provided by the host country.

What will be the organizational structure of a Chrudim Airborne Regiment, how many battalions, and where they will be stationed?

This regiment will have no battalions. At present, we are currently in the state of preparation and analysis of this unit. So talking about a structure is rather premature. When approved, we'll let you know. This unit will serve to expand the portfolio of our forces. Today we have two brigade task forces, the four and the seven. The operational pace and the tasks assigned to these units are high. In addition, we´ve known for several years that we need a third manoeuvre element. The long-term outlook for defence anticipates that we should actually build it once. This will reduce the operational pace of the units and will create a portfolio of forces, in which

we will have our national force of immediate reaction, in the form of an airborne unit, able to respond immediately, in a very short time. Then we will have a  brigade of a  light type, that is the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade, and finally even a heavy mechanized brigade, called the 7th Mechanized. This will give us a  complete portfolio of forces. The enlargement of an airborne battalion to the regiment will generate from about eight hundred to a thousand of new quota posts.

Where will this unit be stationed? At the town of Chrudim. Just like my

predecessor, General Bečvář, I do not want to make any major changes in the positioning of troops. In this respect, I just want to make only some minor adjustments. For me it is important, so that the army might be stable and could stay in existing garrisons, in a way we can concentrate on the building and development of immovable infrastructure.

But are there sufficient capacities at Chrudim, for some thirteen fourteen hundred soldiers?

If there were not enough capacities there, we would not have done that.

Last year, you had a chance to get acquainted with new infantry combat vehicles, offered to our army. At first glance it looks as if a pause has taken place. How is this significant acquisition now?

First of all, I must say that this acquisition has not stopped. Testing of vehicles took place within a few weeks; a detailed analysis of the tests took some time. The analysis of results was carried out by the Military Technical Institute (VTÚ), in cooperation with the IPT Comp. The conclusions were then reflected in the supplements of the already elaborated specifications, where certain technical parameters were detailed. A certain delay was due to the resignation of the former leader of the main project team, by introducing a new chief, and complementing the project team with experts, primarily from the army. It is a  project which, in terms of complexity of execution and financial difficulty, has no similarity in the history of the ACR. We as an army cannot afford to underestimate the slightest detail that would complicate not only the acquisition process, but also the future use of these combat vehicles. They will be in use for 20 to 30 years. I am optimistic and I  believe that everything will go as planned and the land forces soldiers will get truly top equipment.

You mentioned that your intention is to extend the Chrudim airborne battalion to the regiment. Why do you prefer light infantry when other

armies have strengthened in recent years, mainly heavy types of units, with great firepower?

The army is a  complex system that needs to be balanced as a  whole. As I  have already mentioned, land forces currently have two large manoeuvre units. When we reach another milestone in 2025, our most important objective will be to complete the rearming of the 7th Mechanized Brigade with new infantry combat vehicles (BVP) to meet the standards of a  heavy brigade. The 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade will continue to be certified as a  light brigade. An finally we want to add to this portfolio the last missing type of units – the one that will be able to operate permanently in the national High Very Readiness Force category, the same type as more and more NATO member states have in use for several years. The 43rd Airborne Battalion, which will be transformed into a regiment, is the most suitable as the base of such formation.

Your predecessor paid a lot of attention to the Active Reserve; will it remain one of your priorities?

I appreciate everyone who wants to become a member of the Active Reserve and thus he will voluntarily take over responsibility for the defence of the Czech Republic. Developing the Active Reserve is definitely one of the important priorities for the Army of the Czech Republic. The enthusiasm of people who enter the Active Reserve is enormous. This, among other things, indicates that the majority population is interested in the defence of their homeland and is able to sacrifice many things for it. So, I also see it as one of my priorities.

Some people feel that the General Staff of the ACR is too overburdened by paper work, at the expense of solving conceptual issues. Is it possible to do something about this, or is it only a necessary evil?

The General Staff is full of administration, because it is a  strategic element. It is

a conceptual body of the Chief of the General Staff for running the ACR. I spent three years at a  NATO headquarters to find out that the amount of administrative work being done at the Alliance Strategic Command is similar, perhaps even greater than with us. The problem of the General Staff is not a  conceptual work, but rather a  micro-management and dealing with things that have absolutely nothing common with the General Staff. In this area, one of my priorities is to decentralize responsibility. This means to strengthen commanders’ responsibility at a tactical level. To strengthen the responsibility of Land and Air Force Commanders and transfer the whole range of these tasks, which are now processed by the General Staff, to succeeding levels.

On the other hand, it has to be said that the General Staff is currently perceived as a  component working on strategic projects. And that is true. We pay close attention to the development of strategic projects, such as the acquisition of new combat vehicles, multi-purpose helicopters, MADR radars, guns of NATO calibre, and further weapons systems. The General Staff personnel have been working there an unimaginable amount of time, regardless of their spare time on evenings, on Saturdays and Sundays. I  thank them for doing a great deal of work to meet the demands of ACR's modernization.

The General Staff also performs many other tasks that are not visible. These include, for example, operational planning, preparation of defence plans, preparation of missions and many other things. People who have never done something like that, they simply do not understand. When I  arrived in Prague in 2009, I also had a totally different idea of this component of the army. But during my work in the General Staff, I gradually came to realize that this is an important strategic element that deals with these issues very intensely. Not all work here at a hundred percent, we know it. That is why we also modify the structure of command and control. Decentralization of responsibilities and decentralization of responsibility at lower levels might help. In

factsheetGeneral Aleš Opata was born on September 9, 1964, at Hranice. After graduating from the Military

Secondary School Opava, he studied from 1983 to 1987 the Military University of the Land Forces (VVŠ PV) Vyškov, theory of control and use of combat forces. His military career began at various command positions with the 4th Armoured Division Jihlava.

Between 1994 and 1997 he held several posts with the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade Havlíčkův Brod, where he successively served as commander of reserve training battalion group; training officer of mechanised troops group; airborne training officer. In 1998 he became Deputy Commander, 43rd Airborne Battalion Chrudim. From 1999 to 2003, commander, 43rd Airborne Mechanised Battalion Chrudim. Between 2004 and 2008, commander of the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade Žatec.

In 2008 he assumed the position of Deputy Director and consequently also Director of MoD Force Development Division, Director of Operations Department. In the years 2010 to 2014, he was Deputy Chief of the General Staff – Director of the MoD Joint Operation Centre. Then he spent three years in Belgium as National Military Representative of the Czech Republic to the strategic NATO SHAPE Headquarters, Mons. After returning to his homeland, he was appointed Deputy Chief of the General Staff – Chief of the Staff, promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General. In May of this year, he became Chief of the General Staff of the ACR. On October 28, he was promoted to the rank of Army General.

Aleš Opata also studied the Command and Staff College of Marine Corps University, Virginia, USA; the Royal College of Defence Studies, London, UK; and the NATO Defence College in Rome, Italy.

the future, things should be better. Today, the General Staff is made up of sixty percent of people, who have a combat or operational experience; they gradually come from combat units and bring with them the much needed know-how.

And what about a large number of social events that you are required to take part in; does it prevent you from doing more important tasks?

That's a problem. The Chief of the General Staff is not primarily intended to attend all social events. There are simply events where I have to be, and then there are actions that could be taken by someone else.

If I have to systematically devote myself to the development of the Army of the Czech Republic, I cannot and will not spend most of my time at social events.

In the past, you played a major role in developing military training. How successful are we in this respect at present, is the preparation of soldiers adequate, or will it be also modified?

I  am sure that our tactical units are among the very good ones. Their problems do  not depend on the way they train, but on their materiel support. For decades, our soldiers have been deployed in a number of international operations, they know very well what to do. From the Balkans to Afghanistan

they have gained tremendous experience. I'm proud of them, proud of what not only they can do, but also commanders at the lowest command levels. I  am proud of their patriotism and the relationship they have with the army. I´ve mentioned the problems that are troubling them – tactical gear, ballistic protection, materiel support for training. As far as the concept of training is concerned, I'm not saying that everything works perfectly. Many things are improving.

The army will have another training centre at Doupov. How long will it take to build it and what else shall we have to do?

The army does not live day to day, but according to a  mid-term plan. Now we are talking about strategic outlooks. As far as the Doupov training centre is concerned, it is one of the activities that my predecessor started. And that's why we need to strengthen the training capabilities of the Training Command-Military Academy, in the North and Northwest regions, where key military units are stationed. Their travelling across the country would be abandoned. So far, it is in the preparation and analysis phase, both from the point of view of staff and the necessary infrastructure. But these are far-reaching priorities, beyond the 2025 horizon. But before that, we have a fundamental task, namely the rearmament of land and air forces. Once this will be done, we can plan further development of training capacities.

In the past you relied heavily on co-workers, do you still have the right team around you, to meet these challenging tasks?

I  have always been a  team-mate and nothing has changed. If we do  not work as a team, if we do not act as one team, we will not achieve anything.

By Vladimír Marek,

photo: author, Radek Janata and archives.

The environment of equally strong opponents

Operators of the 601st Special Forces Group (601 SFG), complemented by persons from the Special Forces Directorate and the Special Operations Air Detachment, participated in the foreign exercise Emerald Warrior 2018. This training is organized by US SOCOM (Special Operations Command), and to be invited as a  partner unit of Special Forces (SF) is not certainly obvious. It is the largest joint Special Force exercises in the US that takes place within several states in south of the American Federation. It focuses on various threats across the spectrum of conflict. This year's emphasis was put on carrying out military activity in an environment of similarly strong opponents, called peer-peer. The Czechs participated in number of two companies, reinforced by specialists.

The first part of the exercise was mainly focused on FIBUA (Fighting in Built-Up Areas) and CQB (Close Quarters Battle), in other words, in the combat in areas with a  lot of buildings and close fighting (in buildings). Furthermore, they trained Fast Rope technique (on a fast rope without safeguard) and helicopter pickup. The partner unit of our SOTU (Special Operations Task Unit) was the US SF ODA (United States Special Forces Operational Detachment

Czech Specials (Special Forces members) participated in the largest joint/combined exercise of the American Special Forces, Emerald Warrior 2018

Alpha), with which the training activities were simultaneously used as a teambuilding.

Specialists JTAC (Joint Tactical Air Controller) – air controllers, directed various types of aircraft that are otherwise available only for operational deployment. The range of aircraft ranged from helicopters UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper, through the AC-130W gunship, to stealth fighters of the fifth-generation F-22 Raptor. The navigation was carried out including the throwing down live ammunition, by which the training was close to a real action of an air controller in combat deployment.

Our other specialists, snipers, had the opportunity to improve shooting skills for very long distances in desert areas. The distances ranged over one kilometre and were limited only by the characteristic effect caused by hot air in a desert, called the mirage. Another unique skill they could practice was shooting in built-up areas, the so-call urban sniping. This ability gains importance as the conflicts move more and more into urban and suburban areas.

In the second part, complete operations were carried out, according to the tasks assigned by the superior SOTG (Special Operations Task Group). They always began with planning, preparing and approving an operational

order – CONOP (Concept of Operation). There were several operations, all of which fell into one of three main tasks of the Special Forces – DA (Direct Action), in Czech strike action or offensive activity.

In one of our missions, our operators were ordered to capture HVI (High Value Individual). After the necessary drills, they were employed to a target, with the use of V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, by the method "Fast Rope on the X", a  technique of fast-roping insertion, i.e. deploying troops from a  helicopter in places where the helicopter itself cannot touch down. After cleaning the building and performing SSE (Sensitive Site Exploitation), the team returned back to the base.

Different but no less demanding task was the rescue of hostages, in English the Hostage Rescue Operation (HRO), at a  distance of hundreds of kilometres. First, they deployed a  support team, consisting of snipers and machine gun shooters, which arrived to the target under the cover, in four-wheelers ATV and Razor. After the team reported that they had a  visual contact and a  good position for support, a  strike team was employed. And again, on aircraft very rare for Czech soldiers – Osprey with tiltrotors. At the time of the

deployment, the American and the Czech team of Specials got into a close contact, which was managed also thanks to a support team that was deployed in advance, and the designated group could finish the elimination of the rest of enemy personnel and complete the successful rescue of hostages.

All this exercise was in the spirit of incredible realism. Starting with the above described training of air controllers, through the use of ISR (Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance) platform U-28, with top electro-optical observation sensors and communication equipment, capable of providing video of surveyed areas to both ground operators and the Operations Centre, in real time. The quality of OPFOR (Opposition Forces), the enemy simulation performed by a private contractor, was unprecedented. Capable of perfectly simulating the enemy, from the Mujahedines to the advanced world's potential adversaries, and all in the range of people-weapons-fighting vehicles.

Participation in foreign exercises and training is for 601 SFG members a  regular part of their preparation. We are constantly looking for motivated and dedicated prospective operators (PVT–SSG, 2LT–1LT) for the SF, who desire to develop and work on themselves. We put emphasis on potential and capabilities, the training will be provided by ourselves. We offer a unique service posts that will allow you to develop yourselves constantly, participating in the highest quality training and courses and above-standard pay. The pay includes a stabilization allowance and allowances for activities in special forces, credit at a level of 1.5 times the length of time in service, maximum amount of retirement requirements (60%), and service in ranks of Warrant Officer 3rd Class– Warrant Officer 1st Class, or in the Corps of Officers. Special Forces are, of course, also regularly involved in the ACR armed operations under the auspices of NATO, the United Nations, or the international coalition.

By WO M.P., photos: 601 SFG archive

The three-year mission of Army General Petr Pavel as Chairman of the NATO Military Committee has ended. That is why we have decided to ask him for the following interview.

With Army General Petr Pavel we talked about his three years spent in Brussels and about our army.

Close to historical changes

You are returning after three years spent in Brussels at the highest military position. What has this stage of your life given you?

It was very intense three years. And even in terms of changes in the Alliance itself. For me it was a  huge privilege to hold this position and to be so close to the historical changes that affected not only NATO but also all member countries. It has enabled me countless contacts with the member states, with all the partners and with a  number of other countries and institutions that we have dealt with over that period of time. On the one hand a huge school of life, on the other hand a very intense work.

How much has the Alliance changed over the three years?

If we look back to the 2014 Summit in Wales where it was decided to reinforce on the eastern and later also on the southern flank, it is absolutely obvious that there have been significant changes. Both in the deployment of forces and in their equipment, training, in the number and extent of exercises. This includes also a number of new concepts that have been elaborated, adopted and approved during that time and that are now being put into effect. One such most visible novelty is moving the NATO Headquarters from the old building to the new, very modern one. This is an expression of the fact that the Alliance not only remains relevant, but that it is also significantly modernizing. There really is a  whole range of changes. They touched upon all NATO activities.

How long does it take for a person to grow into a position like this and to be able to carry it out fully; is not three years too short a time?

Those three years really seem to be relatively short. But taking into account the intensity of work in this position, it is probably an appropriate period. How long does it take to fully grow into this position is something explicitly individual. Every adept for this post comes from the position of the Chief of the General Staff. Thus all of them are to a  large extent acquainted with NATO's agenda. It is essential for an informed exercise of this position to go through all of the Alliance's major milestones in person. This includes, for example, own participation, with all the responsibility, in leading the meeting of the Chiefs of Defence, the meeting of Ministers of Defence and the meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, the preparation of the Summit, at the meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly, visits by member countries, etc. One needs about half a year for these matters. Then this sequence repeats. The meetings then go in a more restful and informed way. You no longer feel stressed so much. The first half is really very intense. It is necessary to constantly learn something new. And there is a big difference between being a participant

of such a  meeting or leading it. That means being the one responsible for reaching a consensus and an outcome.

What was your reception in Brussels like? Have you experienced someone looking down on you as a general from a small country, all the more from the former Eastern Bloc?

I have never had such a feeling during that time. On the contrary, I have to say that most of the coalition partners have approached this very constructively, openly and offering assistance. Perhaps there was an unspoken concern about how a "relatively new Alliance member" will handle such a role. I do not want to anticipate any result, nor do I want to speak for the states that should do some evaluation. But I  think we definitely did not embarrass ourselves. Our term will certainly not be rated as weak.

What have you achieved over the three years and what, on the other hand, will you hand over to your successor to finish?

There have been a lot of changes, as I have already mentioned. In most cases a collective decision has been taken. It is difficult to attribute something to one particular person. It is always a collective work. I was very glad that we have managed to accelerate many of these matters compared to the past. But even in terms of the speed of decision-making we are not where we should be. What I  also consider a success is that at the military and increasingly at the political level we begin to discuss issues much more closely and to the point. What was called political correctness in the negative sense, that is not to address the issues that could cause a disharmony, is already over. Now, on the contrary, we open up these

topics, we discuss them and talk about them openly. What I also consider a partial success is that attention is paid to military solutions and military recommendations. These should be the basis of every responsible political decision.

One of NATO's greatest topics during your term was the relationship with Russia. Was it an advantage for you to have certain experience with this country and perhaps that we better understand the mentality of Russians?

In this respect I  would rather be more cautious. Our personal experience with Russia dates back to thirty years ago. My personal experience ended at a company commander's level when I  had the opportunity to work during the exchange training with both the soldiers from the Soviet Union and the soldiers from other Warsaw Pact countries. Russia has indeed made a big step forward in a number of things since, including the way it sees the world. So it probably cannot be applied. On the other hand, the fact that I am still able to understand and partly even communicate in Russian makes it a little easier to perceive how Russian leadership sees the West and how it sees the measures the Alliance takes. And what measures do  they take, what are the moods within society, etc. That was a certain advantage.

How do you see the future possibilities of NATO cooperation with the EU Pesco defence project?

The Pesco was initially received by the Alliance with some mistrust. It was perceived as a  possible rivalry or doubling of our collective efforts. Gradually, it was cleared up what the intention of the project was. After several negotiations, the NATO Secretary

General emphasized three parameters that could make Pesco significantly enrich the Alliance as well. One of these arguments is that all the capabilities that will come from this program will be available to both the Alliance and the EU. Next, no competitive initiatives should be created. Third, the principle that these activities will be open also to non-EU members must be in place. So not only for Canada and the USA, but also for Turkey, Norway and other allies which are not in the European Union. If these principles can be complied with, it can be assumed that Pesco, which is supposed to bring together the elements of defence building, can lead to a  more efficient spending of defence resources and to an increase in the defence capabilities of European states, which will in the end contribute to strengthening NATO.

Some time ago you said that our army was going in the right direction, but too slow. General Bečvář responded by saying that we can go only as fast as the external environment allows. Is there really no possibility to speed this process up?

I  maintain that if we were to accept that everything is determined by the outside environment and we have no influence on it, then there is no point in doing the work. I  am convinced there is always space for improvement. I  am very well aware of how limited the tools of the Chief of Staff are to influence the acquisition process. On the other hand, what is not limited are his possibilities to express opinions and recommendations on how to improve and fix this process in order to better meet the conditions. The consciousness of the need to spend more money on defence, to pay more attention to it, is more widespread than it was some five years ago. In this regard I see the conditions as more favourable nowadays. Even for this reason, I think that changes should be quicker.

Our political representation committed a couple of years ago to reach a 2 percent share of the military budget in the GDP by 2024. So we have only six years left to practically double the military budget in real terms. Do you consider something like this real at the moment?

I  do  not want to anticipate but I  think it will be very difficult. Considering the short horizon and the starting line level today, it would mean a  huge increase that could be technically managed by writing the right figures to the budget. The question is whether such an increase could be executed in practice. And with regard to the acquisition and legislative process, the complexity of acquisitions and other changes in our country, I am very sceptical that this can be achieved.

You have recently received one of the America's highest decorations, the Legion of Merit. What did it mean to you to be given such an award?

First of all, it was a  surprise for me. I  was not informed in detail about what was going to happen. But it was a  tremendous honour. I perceived it in the context of being in the same place, above the Arlington National Cemetery, some twenty-six years ago as a young major, when I  was as one of the first from our country assigned to the Military Cooperation Program in Washington. If anyone had told me then that twenty-six years later I  would stand there as the Chairman of the Alliance's Military Committee, I would have thought he went crazy. So it had such a peculiar personal taste. I  appreciate this mainly because the Americans are not a  nation that would give out such high awards only on the basis of some political will or diplomatic courtesy. I perceive this as an appreciation of my work for the Alliance.

When journalists speculated about you as of a potential candidate for president, you said that politics is not for you. Is that still true?

It still is true. I  am consistent in seeing a  big difference in engaging in politics and in engaging as a  citizen. I  certainly will not oppose being an engaged citizen, I  am actually planning it. But I do not intend to get involved in the current political system.

However, the position of the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee is a lot about politics and diplomacy. Have you made significant progress in these areas over that time?

I  have to say that I  have been doing this continuously. During my service in Military Intelligence I was part of military diplomacy. I  had to deal with these issues in other command positions as well. As the Chief of the General Staff, I also interacted at the interface between the military and politics. Whether it was dealing with the Minister of Defence, the Government, the National Security Council or the Parliamentary Committee on Defence.

So my last post was then just a sequel. In any case, it has opened up my horizons to be able to understand matters in a  broader context. To see them not only from a  purely military point of view but also from the point of view of politicians and diplomats. But that does not change the fact that I remain a soldier at heart and do not intend to transform into the role of a politician.

After returning to Prague, you should be advising the Minister of Defence until November of this year. Will that be more like a farewell to the military or do you have topics you want to focus on?

I do  not know if it can be said that I  will be an advisor to the Minister of Defence. In one conversation with Karla Šlechtová, I  admitted that if there is an interest I  am ready to contribute with my advice. There is

factsheetGeneral Pavel began his military career at the Military Secondary School in Opava. After the graduation

he went to study Reconnaissance at the Military University of Ground Forces in Vyškov. In 1983 he joined the special regiment in Prostějov where he worked all the way up to the Commander of the 6th Special Brigade. In the early 1990s he participated in the UNPROFOR mission in the territory of the former Yugoslavia. In July 2002 he became the Deputy Commander of the 1st Mechanized Division in Brno, and in December he became the Commander of the Specialized Forces Command. Between 2003 and 2005 he served as the Deputy Commander of the Joint Forces and then Deputy Director of the Ministry of Defence Division – Operations Department Director.

Next couple of years he spent abroad. First as the Deputy Military Representative of the Czech Republic to EU in Brussels and then as the National Military Representative of the Czech Republic at SHAPE in Mons. In 2012 he became the Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces. He was elected Chairman of the NATO Military Committee at a meeting of this committee in Vilnius, Lithuania, in September 2014. He joined Brussels in June 2015. His three-year mission is nearing its end in these days.

no agreement on whether this will happen and in what position yet. We have not even determined whether this will happen. I  see this four-month period after my return as a chance to contribute to something if there is an interest in it. At the same time, however, I  would also like to prepare myself for the transformation from a  lifetime work in the military to a civilian environment.

Do you already have an idea of what you would like to do after the definitive departure from the military?

Not yet. I  said several times that I  would not want to go into politics, that I would not want to be a part of the defence industry, I am rather tempted after the years spent in the organized structure to be my own master and to do things my way.

Will you stay in the Czech Republic or will you look around somewhere abroad?

As I say, I do not have any concrete idea yet about what I would like to do, let alone where. If there was an interesting alternative abroad, I would probably think about it. But given the fact that I spent last few years abroad, I would appreciate to stay in peace in the Czech Republic.

You spent forty-two years in the military, will you not suddenly miss it in November this year?

It would probably sound very unreliable if I  said I would not miss it. It is basically my entire life. I  put the uniform on when I  was fourteen, and since then it has been part of me. But I am not sentimental not to be able to get away from it. I have always been a fan of looking at the opportunities that are ahead of us. I  am therefore looking forward to the positives that this change may bring me. I am looking forward to being able to deal with something else that will motivate me. Maybe I  will have the opportunity to learn a  lot of new things. It is an opportunity to start a new chapter of life. I  am probably going to miss the intensity of the work, the pressure of the environment, my friends, of course, but I believe I can deal with it.

Have you not considered further cooperation with the army, perhaps on the basis of the Active Reserve? A four-star general as part of the Active Reserve that is something we have not seen here yet…

I did not think about the Active Reserve. But I think there are a lot of ways to stay in touch with the army, to keep helping it. And perhaps even with greater effect than if you are part of it. To be in the military means to be a part of a strictly structured unit, where all rules are supposed to be respected, including loyalty. As a  former soldier and citizen of this state, I  have the right to express my views freely. And if this is the way I can contribute to some changes in the army for the better then I will, of course, be glad to do it.

A number of high-quality generals have retired and many of them might be interested in some form of cooperation. Is it not a mistake that we perceive the Active Reserve as the end units and we do not have the top command management covered?

I do not think it is a mistake not to involve these people in the Active Reserve. Some of these generals have left the army under not quite positive circumstances. It can therefore be assumed that they will not try hard to keep cooperating with the army. But if they left the standard way and do  not suffer bitterness, then there is some potential that should

be used. I  took inspiration from a  number of foreign countries that use former high-ranking officers in so-called Red Teams. They challenge, for example, some important decisions, large exercises, or concepts drawn up by the General Staffs. Generals who are already civilians have somewhat different perspectives, so they can offer a  different view of the military, which is something very useful. Some countries even have an informal advisory board of former Chiefs of Staff. The board helps the current Chief. This is the design we could think of. As far as I know, the former Chiefs of Staff meet once a  year at a  social gathering. This is, of course, praiseworthy. On the other hand, why not use this potential, for example, to let them give their opinion on a  number of important things that one may not realize with all the amount of daily tasks, or is not able to look at them from their point of view. There is more to these possibilities; it is just a matter of goodwill.

Written by Vladimír Marek,

photo by author, Jan Kouba and archive

A fourteen-day training of helicopter crews in flying in mountainous terrain was held at the end of June in France. Several dozens of members of the 22nd Helicopter Base Sedlec from Vícenice u Náměště nad Oslavou with 3 Mi-171Š helicopters took part in the Czech Armed Forces Air Force exercise called Mountain Flight 2018 which was conducted in the French Saint Leocadie mountain training centre. The rugged surroundings of the resort with massifs and deep valleys enabled the pilots to conduct a challenging and important flying training in mountain areas which is an essential part of the preparation for the deployment to foreign operations.

Mountain Flight 2018Czech pilots trained in the Pyrenees also at night

A roughly fifty-member team led by Major Ladislav Zajíc had the opportunity to gain in the Pyrenees the necessary habits for flying in a  difficult environment that they do  not have at home. The Czech mountains do not reach the necessary altitudes and the mountain peaks are part of the protected landscape areas. However, helicopter guys need to acquire and maintain these habits, particularly because of their deployment to foreign missions – for example in Afghanistan which is also mountainous with similar peak altitudes.

"The pilots can learn not only to fly in limiting situations when the engines reach their maximum in significantly thinner air of the high-altitude mountains and the crew needs to deal with greater demands. For me

as the commander, it is also an advantage to see how the whole team works, pulls on the same rope and how its members supplement each other. The real environment is always beneficial. There is no way to exercise the conditions we have here. In the Czech Republic, we fly in flight levels of around 200 to 500 metres of altitude, but the mountains here provide up to 3,000 metres. Such conditions can only be practiced in our simulators," said Major Ladislav Zajíc.

Flying even at nightFlying at high altitudes is characterized by

thin air, mountain air currents, temperature fluctuations, lack of suitable landing zones and also dangerous weather conditions after landing that affect the pilot's decisions in landing manoeuvres, the entire flight and

flight safety. All of this, of course, brings risks, but the military pilots are nevertheless trained to handle such extremes. Despite the considerable noise restrictions in the area, they managed to conduct the night flights this year. The French side granted the permission to exercise also the take-offs and landings, including landing in mountain terrain using the night vision goggles.

A  night flight in local conditions and in accordance with safety requirements means that the flight crews have to work around this type of task without using any of the visible sources of light available to the helicopters. They can "see" only through the Night Vision Goggles, a special equipment also called the NVG. The goggles function on the principle of amplifying the "residual light" gained from

the moonlight, stars and ground sources. Compared with similar flying in the Czech Republic, for example, here the crews are able to use only the moon and the stars because other sources such as the lighting from towns and villages remains outside the flight sectors so the pilots do not note these sources of light until they return to the base.

Initially, the "NVG flight" and the regular daily flight are not much different. Pilots in cooperation with the mobile operations centre of the helicopter unit will go through the whole process of flight planning and preparation. Special meteorological information provided by a  French officer every morning plays an important role in this process, as well as the technical preparation. The technician of the objective inspection and special equipment maintenance group who prepares and checks the helmets, aerial life vests and survival communication systems for each flight must also pay attention to the night vision equipment where he checks the batteries, cables and the overall adjustment.

The first new entry is the important

information about lighting conditions. The synoptist at the GO-NO GO briefing provides information on the amount of night light expressed in millilux and the position of the Moon above the horizon. Based on this, it is possible to get an idea of how much the details of the terrain over which they fly will be recognizable. Before the actual flight, it is important to set the NVG correctly. This is done by each member of the crew individually. Subsequently, the on-board helicopter technician checks the fitting of the headlamp filters and all other necessary adjustments for this type of flight.

Flying with NVG is also specific in that the pilot, when observing the surrounding terrain, loses the ability of depth perception because NVG distorts distances while narrowing the observation angle to a  maximum of 30 degrees. The pilot has to compensate this handicap by permanently scanning the surrounding area. At the same time, the NVG makes it impossible to read the instrument data correctly so pilots and flight technicians have to learn how to check these flight data "under the goggles".

Other differences can be found when landing. One of the helicopter pilots described them as follows: "The captain has to select an orientation point within the landing area which he uses to direct himself during landing so as to eliminate the longitudinal and lateral movement of the helicopter in the hover phase. At the same time, the pilot-navigator (sitting on the right) mainly observes the surrounding area and obstacles near the landing site and the on-board technician gives the pilot information on the altitude and speed. All this is related to the loss of

peripheral vision and spatial orientation when using the NVG. It is up to the pilot-captain to combine what he sees himself and what he perceives from the information from the crew members and at the same time to manage the piloting itself."

High quality technical preparationEqually important part of each exercise is

the ground personnel, the technicians who keep the aircraft ready-to-operate and take care of all the necessary inspections. All the more in the mountains. "Every morning, all technicians conduct the preparations for the upcoming flights, which means to inspect everything and this procedures are repeated several times throughout the whole day. After each flight, another inspection is carried out as well as refuelling and preparation for the next tasks of the next crew performing their tasks in the afternoon or during night flights. This environment requires increased inspection of the rotor blade cleanness, engine air access including filters and the inspection of tyres. Coincidentally, we had to replace the left tyre of one helicopter which was punctured during the landing on the unpaved terrain," said Major Marian Mráz, aircraft preparation and maintenance coordinator.

And how exactly does such pre-flight preparation in each phase look like in detail? The inspection of the electrical systems in the cockpit begins simultaneously with the connection to the special universal power source. Electrical equipment, navigation systems or engines are inspected by the "airframe-engine" (helicopter frame including the engine), electrical and radio equipment specialists. Equally important is the inspection of the passive protection systems by the air armament specialist. In the cockpit, all devices, panels and their functioning must be tested and checked. The inspection includes but is not limited to the automatic control system (autopilot), the shut-off valves and fuel pump of the fuel system. The air conditioning system which is of equal importance for the pilots in the cockpit as well as for the crew in the helicopter cargo space in cold weather and local altitude above 2,300 m must also be checked.

Before the flight, the radio operator checks the serviceability of the radio stations which are used for communicating between the crew members as well as between the helicopter and ground stations (tower, operating centre, etc.). The GPS system for the flight control and optimization and the digital map system are then also checked. For immediate determination of the height above ground, it is important to check the radio altimeter that signals the dangerous altitude. A  thorough inspection must be carried out also after each

flight. Possible damage to the wheels, rotor blades and tail blades by eventual shooting or collision with birds can be detected by external inspection of the helicopter. Then the refuelling, blades anchoring and packing follow. Every inspection activity is recorded in the helicopter preparation log.

Rescue activities and fast ropeThe terrain has also been beneficial for the

helicopter rescue operations training. Captain Zbyněk Partsch exercised the helicopter rappel, personnel rescue, personnel extraction using cranes but also the so-called fast rope, that means a fast rappel using a special rope (typically of 32 or 40 mm in diameter). This activity has been practiced in some units of the Czech Armed Forces for quite some time and now it is also practiced at the 22nd Helicopter Base. "We conduct training for the flying personnel in a  specific, mountainous environment. For these purposes, we use the LPG 150 crane from the left side of the helicopter and the SLG 300 crane from

the right side, the side hook rope and, last but not least, the fast rope training. The numerical figure in the crane type indicates the maximum load which means that the LPG 150 can carry only one person and is thus used usually for the evacuation of the flying personnel, i.e. of experienced persons who can go on a  crane without the assistance of the rescuer. The console of the side hook rope can carry up to 200 kilograms and the SLG crane up to 300 kilograms which means we use them to transport the wounded which also includes transportation in the stretcher or in the evacuation triangle with the assistance of the rescuer," said Captain Zbyněk Partsch.

Both the rappel and the rescue have their given rules. The conditions that Pyrenees provide basically differ in the altitude, not in the procedures to be taken in case of rescue or evacuation. And how does it look like and what needs to be done? Rescue with a  helicopter is advisable to be carried out in a  pathless terrain where the standard ways of rescue are disadvantageous due to time

and comfort. The natural limits of helicopter utilization are the meteorological and climatic conditions. The principle always applies that the pilot has the ultimate and decisive authority over the possibility or manner of performing the rescue. In this type of rescue, it is necessary to emphasize that a  periodic training of all possible ways of rescue be done.

Evacuation of healthy or only slightly injured persons from the ground is only possible if a rescue harness is used and the crane hook is attached to the harness by a trained rescuer. The wounded can be lifted by a crane using a rescue harness, a rescue net or emergency basket stretcher. The choice of the type of rescue depends on the conditions at the place of action, the condition of the affected persons and other circumstances. The rescued person must always be accompanied by the rescuer. The rescue helicopter must maintain an altitude that allows for emergency landing in case of engine failure.

The helicopter rappel can be used even for a distances of about eighty metres but it must be done by a  trained air rescuer which was, during the Mountain Flight exercise, adhered to thanks to the experience of Captain Partsch. Helicopter rappel is thus another way of getting to the rescue area in case the helicopter is not equipped with a crane or in case the crane is not functioning. Although the helicopter was equipped with the crane, rappel was practiced as well. Everything was, of course, carried out under the scrupulous supervision of the on-board technician who could, in case of an emergency, disconnect the rope or the crane cable and who, at the same time, must ensure an unintentional disconnection will not happen. The emergency disconnection is only possible if the helicopter is at direct risk. In case of emergency landing, the on-board technician shall perform an emergency disconnection as near as possible to the ground. Fortunately, none of the last mentioned procedures needed to be done and the rappel and evacuation exercise went without any complications.

The world's topIt can be said that for most of the time of the

Mountain Flight 2018 exercise, the weather was good so the flight effort was immense and we utilized the time spent at this unique base to the maximum. The cooperation with this base in France has been lasting for many years and thanks to the environment and the willingness of our allies, we are able to prepare ourselves at the highest level and with that to be ranked among the world's best countries in terms of the knowledge and abilities of the pilots. And we prove that regularly during the Alliance exercises as well as during operations or mentoring in Afghanistan.

Text and photo by Michal Voska

Paras both on the ground and in the airMulti-kilometre movements, attack, defence or parachute airdrops. These are just some of the tactical activities the members of the 43rd Airborne Battalion from Chrudim fulfilled during the certification within the Strong Eagle 2018 exercise. In the Doupov Mountains they operated for 5 days in a row, day and night, fully equipped and fully armed.

"Nearly a  year preparation of one thousand five hundred soldiers of the 4th Brigade Task Force has just culminated within the Strong Eagle 2018 exercise in Hradiště military region," says Colonel Roman Náhončík, Commander of the 4th BTF and Commander of the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade. "The main objective within the certification is to verify and improve the 43rd Airborne Battalion from Chrudim in particular tactical activities."

The certification exercise is characterized by the fact that from its beginning to its end the soldiers are deployed co nt i n u o u s l y, day and night, with minimal possibility to rest. "Not only physical but also mental load is part of every exercise. During the certification exercise, however, it is important to verify the limits of mental and physical resistance of soldiers," emphasises Commander of the 4th Brigade Task Force. "However, the paras are drilled for situations like this throughout the whole year, so it will not surprise them."

Convoy under attack of attack helicopters

A  convoy of vehicles with paratroopers drives along the road and two enemy

Mi-24 attack helicopters appear on the horizon when the last vehicle is passing by. The last vehicle reports contact. At the same moment, an ear-splitting bang of two shots hitting the edge of the road sounds. The vehicle was not hit but the danger for the passing convoy lasts. The paratroopers immediately return fire at the low-flying helicopters from their 12.7 millimetre machine guns mounted on Cayman vehicles. In a  short time, two more Mi-24 air raids are conducted. The paratroopers, thanks to their high level of training and precise hits, discourage the helicopters from further attacks on the passing convoy.

"This was one of the many incidents the paratroopers had to solve within the five days," explains Colonel Náhončík. "All scenarios are run in accordance with a  covert scenario and the units have to deal with incidents during unexpected situations. The Brigade Task Force staff issues orders to conduct enemy incidents on our units. It also plans, controls and evaluates the response of the 43rd Airborne Battalion. The incidents are taking place throughout the whole Hradiště military region, some seamlessly follow the previous ones, others run simultaneously."

The paratroopers have already gone through a  parachute airdrop, artillery assault and attack on a  logistics convoy, vehicle defect or resupply of the unit from the air.

Airdrop is the first phase of an operation

"Stand up! Hook up!" – These are the commands heard by the paratroopers just before their jump from the airplane. The first five troopers stand up, hook up to the helicopter static line and jump. Then the important check of the canopy, check of the locking nuts, horizontal and vertical orientation and control of the parachute itself follow.

"In the first stage, the paratroopers must not only handle the jump itself, but they also have to jump correctly with the deployment bag," emphasises Colonel Náhončík.

Around thirty paratroopers are deployed in the area during several fly-bys. After the jump, they have to move together with the material to a  designated location as quickly as possible. It is only now when the paratroopers begin to operate and fulfil the assigned tasks for which they were deployed in the area.

1,500 soldiers of the 4th Brigade Task Force participated in the Strong Eagle 2018 exercise

Three-kilometre march and enemy elimination

One of the tactical tasks the deployed paratroopers had to fulfil was a  three-kilometre tactical march through the demanding terrain of the Doupov Mountains. The other was to eliminate the enemy's command post.

"After the jump, the soldiers moved into the respective area and quickly eliminated the enemy's command post," describes one of the incidents Commander of the 4th RDB and Officer Conducting the Exercise, Colonel Náhončík. "Their task is to search the conquered territory, eliminate the enemy, secure important documents and maps, and secure potential captives."

The unit captured the designated site in couple of minutes. They secured the documents and maps found, searched the eliminated enemy and took pictures of the enemy's identification characteristics for further identification. They secured one captive whom they hand over to the Military Police members. The last task of the unit was to destroy the conquered site.

Once the charge is set off, the unit immediately pulls back into the assigned area and waits for further orders from its Main Command Post.

Military Police secures the captivesBefore the interrogation itself, all the

essentials and formalities must be observed. A  physician examines the captive who is under constant control of armed military policemen and records all the information acquired in the respective documents.

Within a war conflict, captives are valuable to the police and intelligence forces of the armed forces.

The Military Police operated throughout the whole military area of Hradiště within the Strong Eagle 2018 exercise. Not only do their members ensure safe transit along

the roads, but during the incidents they also close the roads and some of their components are directly involved in the exercise scenarios.

The observation of the NATO standards was supervised by the Land Forces Command

During the certification, the activities of the 43rd Airborne Battalion during each incident were supervised by evaluators from the Czech Land Forces Command. Their task was to check the procedures and responses of the unit being certified to ensure that everything is done in line with the NATO standards.

The units have been tested in their capabilities of deploying command posts, planning and conducting the movement, defence planning and execution, attack, target localisation and elimination. Aero-mobile operations, which are the privilege of the 43rd Airborne Battalion, were a very important part of the exercise. "In addition to jumping into the area of interest, they encountered sniper training, deployment into the area of responsibility, rappel, raids, ambushes and unexpected incidents," describes other parts of the training of the certified unit Colonel Náhončík.

The role of the hostile adversary was portrayed by the 44th Light Motorised

Battalion from Jindřichův Hradec. But the scenario of each incident was covert even for them. They had to respond immediately to the orders they received from the Main Command Post which controlled the entire operation at Doupov and directed the enemy to specific sites of each incident.

"The brigade units have gone through this exercise professionally," concludes Colonel Roman Náhončík. "The exercise was focused on the full-scale preparation of units where each soldier went through a survival exercise under difficult conditions in an unfamiliar environment, long distance loaded marches, all kinds of fire exercises both day and night, went through a tactical training, field orientation and improved in other activities during the demanding training."

Technical security is fundamentalOne thousands five hundred soldiers and

a  hundred vehicles. Securing everything from a  technical point of view so that all goes 100 percent well is not a simple matter, and almost a year of preparations is hidden behind all of that.

This is primarily about ensuring communications. That is why the signal guys arrive into the area among the first. But other subordinate units of the brigade that are supposed to repair damaged vehicles, transport personnel, vehicles and material to designated places, deliver the meals, guard the command posts with the help of dog handlers and their dogs, they all play an important role here. This is only a small list of all the difficult tasks that the subordinate units of the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade, namely the service platoon under the command of Lieutenant Jiří Soulovský and the signal company commanded by Captain Daniel Kubovič, had to fulfil.

Text and photo by Jana Deckerová

NATO Tiger Meet, the traditional exercise of the elite "tiger" squadrons have taken place in Poland. Several dozens of soldiers from the 22nd Helicopter Base from Náměšť nad Oslavou, mainly pilots and technicians of the 221st Helicopter Squadron, and from the 21st Tactical Air Force Base from Čáslav, primarily from the 211th Tactical Squadron, represented the Czech Armed Forces. At this already traditional tilt, pilots demonstrate their knowledge during the joint air operations planning within tactical scenario, but also when conducting notional fights during the afternoon flights.

Tigers in Poznan

The Czech pilots from the 211th Squadron from Čáslav succeeded in the best camouflage competition

A  total of 22 elite "tiger" squadrons of NATO member and partner states joined the prestigious exercise in Poznan in Poland this year with all in all 70 airplanes and 10 helicopters. This makes it one of the largest Alliance air exercises ever. The Alliance Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) also operated within the complex missions. The Czech Air Force sent four Gripens of the 211th Tactical Squadron from Čáslav and two Mi-24/35 attack helicopters from the 221st Tactical Squadron from Náměšť nad Oslavou. Within two weeks, the Czech fighters have completed a  total of 47 flights, spending over 54 hours in the air. They flew daily in two blocks. In the morning, it was usually team combat flights aimed at using all means against the opponent. These combined missions, so-called COMAOs, are characterized by large formations of both airplanes and helicopters, in which each group has its specific role.

Two teamsTiger squadrons are usually divided into

two teams and each team has to handle its predefined scenario of combat operations as best as possible. From mission planning to the flight itself to the final evaluation. In the afternoon, the pilots usually fought air battles against each other. One on one, two on two. "Pilots have the opportunity to verify and expand their experience in planning and executing tactical operations, when fulfilling tasks within complex tactical and helicopter air missions of up to sixty aircraft and involving the air defence ground environment," said Radoslav Matula, 211th Tiger Squadron commander. His words were supplemented by Major Jan Vanický, 211th Tiger Squadron deputy commander. "We could test the effectiveness of our own air combat tactics or exercise the planning of complex missions. The harmonization of operational procedures and the joint training

with other foreign troops is of a great benefit for us. During the exercise we also supported two air shows in Poznan and Wrocław. We did not have a single technical defect during the whole time and we completed every flight we were supposed to complete, for which we are particularly thankful to the technical staff," said Major Vanický.

Silver Tiger TrophyFor fulfilling each of the missions and also

other supplementary disciplines, such as sports games or social manners, the pilots earn points. They usually compete in five different disciplines. The most important and most highly rated category is the "best flying squadron". The tiger appearance is compared in the competition for the best garb and original rendering of the tiger symbols. The squadrons then have to prove their wit and sense of humour during the skills competition and their physical fitness then during the tiger

sports games. The squadron which collects the highest number of points wins a  unique silver tiger statuette, so called "Silver Tiger Trophy". This year the trophy went to the 313th Squadron from Volkel in Netherlands flying on F-16s, which was also rated as the best flying unit. One of the important supplementary competitions, the best camouflage award, went to one of the Eurofighter Typhoons from the 74th Tactical Squadrons from Bavarian Neuburg this year. The third place belongs to the Czech flagship fighter JAS-39 Gripen with a motif dedicated to the 100-year history of the Czechoslovakian aviation. The motif has been designed by one of the 211th Squadron pilots and the realization costs have been covered by Saab, the manufacturer of the fighters.

Text and photo by Michal Voska

factsheetTiger squadron traditionThe tiger squadron tradition emerged during the World War II among American pilots. In the

1960s, tiger squadron pilots of NATO countries began to meet at exercises to jointly train new ways of fighting, to exchange experience or to test fighters of their colleagues. Currently, the Tiger Association has 24 full members from 13 NATO countries and neutral states of Switzerland and Austria. In this elite club the Czech Republic is represented by the former 231st Squadron from Přerov, renamed to the 221st Attack Helicopter Squadron with Mi-24/35 helicopters after its relocation to Náměšť nad Oslavou. It has been a full member since 2001 and was the very first squadron of the former Eastern Bloc that gained the full membership. A year later in Portugal the Czech pilots won the competition. In 2010, the 211th Tactical Squadron from Čáslav with Gripens also became a full member and immediately celebrated a victory.

He compared his strength with American soldiersCorporal Lukáš Mrocek, a member of the 25th anti-aircraft missile regiment from Strakonice, participated in the Best Warrior Competition 2018 in Nebraska, USA, in mid-April. In the competition of fifteen members of the local National Guard, he won a great second place.

Corporal Lukáš Mrocek has been a  professional soldier since 2012. The army has attracted him since his childhood. "It started with interest in military technology, and later history was added. For a while I was also a member of one military history club," recounted a native of Bohumín town.After graduating from the Technical College, he worked for two years as a  logistics specialist in a  company producing boilers. "I  realized I  wanted to do  something else in my life. That's why I  joined the army. The staff of the recruitment centre offered me a choice – Lipník, Jince or Strakonice. I chose Strakonice and I  never regret it," said the 28-year-old soldier.

He enjoys army lifeCorporal Mrocek serves with the 252nd

anti-aircraft missile battalion at Strakonice as an operator of the anti-aircraft missile system RBS-70. "I  like the military life and I'm happy in the army," he said on his work. So far he has one unfulfilled wish – participating in a foreign mission.He spends his spare time with sports and trips in Šumava. At least five times a  week

he goes for jog, and also attends English language courses, twice a  week. "I  started to learn English at elementary school in my third grade, and then I  continued at a grammar school. And after joining the army, I  met soldiers from abroad, in multinational exercises. So I  realized that there is a  need to constantly improve knowledge of the language. Moreover, I found out that I enjoyed learning English," said Corporal Mrocek, who has reached the STANAG 2 level and is also thinking of a higher level, STANAG 3.

He did not expect the second placeThey were just his language abilities and

physical skills for which Corporal Mrocek was chosen for the Nebraska competition. "I  entered the competition and thought it would be a good experience to find out how strong I  am when compared to American soldiers. I  certainly did not expect such a good placing. It is a great honour for me to represent our country abroad," said Mrocek.The competition lasted for three days and the participants' capabilities were tested in seventeen disciplines. The Strakonice soldier was the best in the run for three miles. Good

results were in day and night field orientation. The full amount of points was also achieved when firing from the M320 grenade launcher, from which he fired for the first time in his life. "At the beginning we got three grenades for zero shot. I  was surprised by the fact that it was enough for me to get in," said Corporal Mrocek. An interesting experience for him was also to issue orders in English according to the command style of the US Army.

The competition was complicated by a strong wind

Physically most demanding for Corporal Mrocek was a  march with a  load. The soldiers were carrying equipment and armament weighing nearly thirty kilograms, and moreover their race against time was hampered by a strong headwind. "During the march, I  thought it would be better to end," the soldier admitted a  crisis moment in the competition.The fact that it might be even worse was evident the following day, when Nebraska was hit by the blizzard (a  strong, very cold wind, often accompanied by snowfall – author's note). "From day to day, the temperature

dropped from fifteen degrees to zero, the perceived temperature was minus 10 degrees. It was enough to stop for a while and the wind took us immediately away," Mrocek described this unfavourable weather, for which one of the typical disciplines of the competition – an obstacle course – was cancelled.

Preparing for a competitionLukáš Mrocek did not underestimate the

preparation for the competition. However, he had much less time for it than the Americans. He increased physical fitness, refreshed the facts of topography, basic regulations, and other knowledge the soldiers should know. Like his American counterparts, he wrote an essay in English on the subject of what the right commander should be, and had an interview with a  panel of senior non-commissioned officers (the so-called board). During the interview, military performance and verbal expression of the contestants were evaluated; the soldiers were tested in history, military regulations, weapons facts, personnel matters, and so on. During the preparation for the competition, Mrocek also used the experience of Lieutenant Václav Bergman from the Strakonice regiment, who participated in the same competition last year.Combat skills were tested in Nebraska by a  total of fifteen members of the National Guard. Corporal Mrocek was the only foreign participant. Although the National Guard is typically made up of non-military personnel, most of the contestants were professional soldiers with experience in foreign operations. "Half a year before the competition, the best ones are selected, who meet the physical requirements and do  well in further testing. These soldiers have six months to prepare

themselves for the competition, as best they can," explained Corporal Mrocek.

They encouraged each otherThe demanding competition was held in

a  friendly atmosphere. A  number of soldiers knew each other, because they were together in in foreign missions. Of course, there were favourites, but I  did not feel any rivalry. On the contrary, everyone was encouraged and cheered," Lukáš Mrocek revealed what happened in the backstage.

The Strakonice soldier brought another great knowledge from Nebraska. Soldiers in the U.S. have great respect. And not only American soldiers, but all soldiers. "Wherever we came, they greet us everywhere and smile at us. It was not assumed. Americans are patriots and know that not only their soldiers risk their lives in the world. I've never seen this before, and I'll remember it for a  long time," concluded Corporal Lukáš Mrocek.

By Captain Jana Samcová,

photos: National Guard of the State of Nebraska

Liberec chemists in IraqThere is a Czech education and training mission operation on the territory of the Republic of Iraq. Specifically, it is the 1st CBRN Military Training team Iraq, which is made up of twelve members of the 31st Regiment of Radiological, Chemical and Biological Protection from Liberec. Until August of this year, it will provide advisory and mentoring activities within the Inherent Resolve operation during the training of Iraqi Armed Forces' chemical specialists in the area of protection against weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

Czech soldiers operate at the Al-Taji base, located about 30 kilometres north of Baghdad and belonging to the Iraqi Army. The smaller part, including the airport, is at the disposal of the coalition forces. Liberec chemists are assigned to the Australian-New Zealand Task Force ANZAC whose task is to teach the members of the Iraqi Army and to protect against weapons of mass destruction. The US Army then provides the necessary fittings from catering to accommodation to essential workspace. "In the first run which began in March, 75 Iraqi instructors will be trained in decontamination, chemical and radiological survey, sampling and alert and warning system. Iraqi colleagues appreciate our presence and our willingness to help in their fight against Daesh," said Major Petr Breda, Contingent Commander.

Respect from the AntipodesThe chemists have a  tricky task of paving the cooperation paths with the members of the Armed Forces of Australia, New Zealand, USA, Slovakia, Poland and Singapore, and establishing the entire workspace for themselves and above all their successors in following rotations. With Iraqi colleagues, they have also discussed the course and content of the lessons which are constantly being modified to correspond to the current security situation. Brigadier General Khaddim, Commander of the Taji installation, Brigadier General Al-Satar, Commander of the Chemical Regiment, and Brigadier General Rafa, Commander of the Chemical school, regularly participate in these meetings. The members of the Czech Army also got a unique opportunity to cooperate with the Australian and New Zealand Armed Forces that have historically co-operated with each other since the beginning of the World War I  in a  task force called ANZAC. Since there is a  need for permanent consolidation, Colonel Calhoun, Commander of the Task Force, organizes

various team-building competitions, in which even the Czech chemists perform very well. Both the weather and the environment provides textbook military conditions, but even in the intense rain which sometimes dominates there the chemists ankle-deep in the mud have successfully fulfilled the task of searching for improvised explosive devices, providing combat first aid or teamwork in heavy terrain movement with the wounded. The Czech chemists have thus earned the respect of their colleagues from the Antipodes right from the beginning.

Protection of the lecturersAn integral part of each mission and training unit are those responsible for its protection and defence. During teaching, they act primarily as lecturers' protection and are responsible for monitoring the surroundings of learning premises. Their job is definitely not a  simple one. Protection requires continuous monitoring of the surroundings of the buildings and premises where the teaching takes place. There are temperatures above 35 °C in Iraq, but the security guards cannot get distracted even for a  while. They take their task very responsibly. MSG F. M. explains the process of the physical protection of the lecturers: "We conduct the protection with a heavy ballistic protection on and fully armed. The weight of our equipment reaches almost 30 kilograms and the high temperatures do not make our work easier either. However, we do not allow anyone who is also armed to come any near to the classroom. We are well aware that the guys place their own security and life into our hands."As a  courtesy, the Iraqi side agreed that the course attendants will attend the course unarmed. However, Taji is a  military base. Close to the area where the learning premises are located, tactical drills of other units of the Iraqi Army led by the ANZAC are often carried out. These trainings are often accompanied

by shooting using both training and live ammunition. The communication with Iraqi counterparts, strong nerves, and never abating vigilance of the security guards is thus important.

Inspection of the processesThe activities of the Czech chemists are subject to regular inspection by the Vulnerability Assessment Team (VAT). The task of the commission led by Brigadier General Štefan Muránský was to identify the unit's weaknesses including the blind spots and to offer assistance in their elimination. The Chairman of the Commission had the opportunity to personally speak to General Rafa, to the Commander of the ANZAC task force, Colonel Calhoun, and the Commander of the American support element B