Returning from Missions – Going on Missions

Szöveg: Gábor Kálmánfi | 2012. január 8. 6:00

On January 4 a ‘Welcome Home’ ceremony was held at the HDF Joint Force Command (HDF JFC) for the third troop rotation of the HDF National Support Element–Afghanistan (NSE-A) and the first one of the Hungarian logistic mentor team of the HDF ISAF CSS School. The soldiers to deploy in Lebanon (with UNIFIL) and in the Western Sahara (with MINURSO) – where they are to fill individual positions in the missions – were bidden farewell on the same occasion.

In his speech, Brig.-Gen. István Baráth, the Logistics Chief of the HDF Joint Force Command
stressed that the (in)stability of other regions of the world exerts increasing influence on our own security, while the use of military force is less and less hindered by geographical barriers. He added that the troops serving abroad can contribute to the defence of Hungary on a higher level. In welcoming the personnel that have returned from the missions in Afghanistan, the brigadier-general stated that these soldiers had served for six months in a country which is still “a sore spot of global politics".

The general said that currently NATO’s greatest challenge consists in the successful completion of the operations in Afghanistan, adding that the creation of a functioning state is the wish not only of NATO but also of whole world. The Hungarian Defence Forces have been actively participating in this process, whose previous task scheme has been complemented with training and development activities.

“The personnel of the just returned contingents have significant achievements, because they have executed their tasks excellently to everyone’s satisfaction. They have proven themselves to be able to do professional work of high standards despite difficult circumstances, while fully cooperating with troops of other nations", the general pointed out. At the end of the ceremony the just returned soldiers received tokens of appreciation and presents.