The Eighth Troop Rotation To Depart

After the reception of the unit colours and the chief of defence staff, the ceremony continued with the national anthem. 152 troops are from the HDF 25th ’György Klapka’ Infantry Brigade, 61 are from other corps of the JFC, and 17 of them have come from other military organizations. The preparation of the contingent began on September 7, 2009, and following the successful examinations, the troops have been selected for foreign service.

General László Tömböl delivered the official speech to the personnel. In his introduction the general emphasized: the stabilization of the security situation in the West Balkans is of primary importance in terms of Hungary’s commitment. In addition to that, we have to pay special attention to Afghanistan as well, where we would like to contribute to the maintenance of security in the region and the creation of the requirements of reconstruction work. The aim of the Hungarian commitment remains the same: to provide clean drinking water and medical care for the population of Baghan province with the help of our contingent in Afghanistan. Our soldiers also assist in the development of the administrative, educational, and infrastructural systems that will administer daily life.

“It is important that state-building processes start and a stable internal security develop," Gen. Tömböl underlined. “Helping with this is one of our commitments to the NATO and the European Union. In the year 2010, we have to be in a situation that allows the transfer of the maintenance of public order to Afghan internal forces to start in 2011. In 2010, 28 Montenegrin troops will join the contingent, who will mainly perform military police, logistics, and security duties. The Afghanistan mission is special because our soldiers have to work in an area where there are military operations in progress," said the general.

“This is already the eighth troop rotation and we must pay attention not to carry out these tasks routinely," General Tömböl warned the soldiers. “For we have heard the news that the security situation has worsened in this province as well, therefore we have to prepare for the new circumstances because this is the only way problems can be prevented. This mission is dangerous because in many places soldiers have to work in a hostile environment. The only way to compensate for this is to pay special attention to each other and the soldiers you are serving with."

"I expect all of you to be here and meet me again in six months, at the welcome back ceremony! Luck is not enough to this. This requires the cooperation of those who serve abroad, and it is essential that they fully and professionally use the knowledge they have gained from their trainers in the course of their preparation!" – said Gen. László Tömböl, who asked the soldiers’ families to help their work by creating a firm family background during this period as well, because if they do so, the problems at home will not distract the attention of the servicemen from the performance of their duties, "Do not forget! At the welcome back ceremony I want to see all of you safe and sound!"

After the speech of the chief of the defence staff, the representatives of the historic churches delivered their farewell speeches, emphasizing that only a good community can give the strength and firm basis that can help the soldiers overcome the difficulties of serving abroad. “You must never forget, under any circumstances, that you are Hungarian and you are soldiers. God bless you, and you protect each other" – they finished their address.

The event ended with the Szózat (’second national anthem’) and the parade of the contingent.