Hungarian Soldiers Have High Training Standards

At the meeting, Admiral Stavridis praised the operational role of the Hungarian Defence Forces, pointing out the significance of their engagement in Afghanistan and that of the efforts being made in the operation of the Kabul International Airport (KAIA Force Protection (FP)), by which the Hungarian side removes a great weight off the shoulders of our NATO allies. He also spoke highly of the ongoing cooperation with the Ohio National Guard (ONG) within the State Partnership Program, expressing his hope of a further successful joint task execution.

Concurring with his US partner’s opinion, Gen. Tibor Benkő said thanks for the assistance provided for the generation of the Special Forces capability, which has contributed a lot to the expansion of the quality role of the Hungarian Defence Forces in Afghanistan and their successful task execution. He made special mention of the fact that the partnership with the Ohio National Guard is nearing its 20th anniversary, so a Hungarian-led joint exercise will be conducted in 2013.

Turning to the takeover of KAIA, the Hungarian Chief of Defence said thanks for the US assistance given in the handover-takeover of the tasks, and added that in spite of the difficult financial situation, the Hungarian soldier have high training standards, the Hungarian side has sent a well-trained contingent to assume duties at KAIA.

At the discussion, while making mention of the NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR)’s visit to Hungary last month, Gen. Benkő said that like other allied countries, Hungary would stay committed to the tasks in Afghanistan after 2014 too, which it would execute in the spirit of mentoring the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and raising their standards of training. Furthermore, the presence in Kosovo continues to be a priority in the life of the Hungarian Defence Forces in the future as well.

At the end of the meeting, Admiral Stavridis, while agreeing with what had been said, expressed thanks on behalf of Lt.-Gen. Hertling, the Commanding General of US Army Europe in connection with the Hungarian partnership, pointing out that in spite of the economic challenges, the Hungarian Defence Forces have kept the level of ambition with regard to the forces deployed abroad.

The topics for the second day of the conference on the Chiefs of Defence level included the comparison of the “Post-ISAF" forces with the NATO capability goals, the survey of regional and multinational exercises in the field of training, and the strategic reconfiguration of the United States and its effects on regional security in Central Europe.