The MoD Chief of Defence Staff To Have A New Deputy

On February 1 a special staff meeting was held in the MoD in Balaton Street, in the presence of the senior staff of the Ministry of Defence, the heads of department, and the commanders of the corps of the Hungarian Defence Forces. The event began with reading out resolutions and orders, from which the attendees have learned that the defence minister has prolonged the period of service of Lieutenant General (eng.) János Mikita until January 25, 2015, and transferred him to the Hungarian Defence Forces as a non-active member,effective as of February 1, 2010. His tasks will be assigned by the MoD Chief of Defence Staff. Pursuant to the government decree on the selection, training and remuneration of individuals directly participating in the Hungarian EU presidency staff, the defence minister appointed General Mikita as member of the presidency staff directly participating in the upcoming Hungarian presidency of the EU, and senior official responsible for the central and ministry-level coordination tasks of EU presidency.

As of February 1, the defence minister appointed the former deputy commander of the HDF Joint Forces Command, Major General Károly Hazuga, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff of the MoD. Simultaneously with the appointment, President László Sólyom promoted the major general to the rank of lieutenant general.

After further personnel-related orders, Defence Minister Dr. Imre Szekeres greeted Lt.Gen. Mikita, who has been the deputy chief of defence staff for five years. The defence minister said: in the Hungarian Defence Forces it is clear to everyone that nothing in life is free, which is especially true in the case of a career in the military. The head of the portfolio added: the results of the last period could be achieved only with prepared and devoted professionals. Because during these years – putting an end to the process of organizational transformation – a new approach to service has evolved and established. This process entailed the modernization of the military: in addition to the introduction of Gripen fighters, the arrival of the Heavy Airlift Wing in Hungary, the establishment of the Military Health Care Center of Excellence, they have continued the combat vehicle modernization program, the upgrading of the vehicle fleet, and the modernization of the signal–IT system.

– In order to have similarly dynamic processes and tangible results in the future too, I have made some necessary personnel-related decisions – said the minister, adding: Lt.Gen. János Mikita has been appointed head of the permanent NATO representation of the Republic of Hungary in Brussels. In the opinion of Imre Szekees, Lt.Gen. Mikita is now transferring his position as deputy chief of defence staff after a period – five years – that was a great challenge not only for the MoD defence staff but for the entire Hungarian Defence Forces as well. The minister also thanked General Mikita for the personal help he as a minister has received from the first moment.

– When someone leaves for another position, then it is a regular thing to fill his position with a new person – said the minister, adding that on the recommendation of General Tömböl, he has appointed Lt.Gen. Károly Hazuga as Deputy Chief of Defence Staff of the MoD, and the HDF Joint Forces Command (JFC) Chief of Logistics is going to be Maj.Gen. (eng.) László Frigyer. For the sake of efficient control in the JFC, a new position titled deputy chief of staff has been created, the tasks of which will be carried out by Brig.Gen. László Domján as of February 1. Brig.Gen. Zoltán Mihócza has been appointed as Head of the Department for Force Planning, MoD.

Speaking about the newly appointed deputy chief of defence staff, Imre Szekeres emphasized: in the past years General Hazuga has greatly contributed to the development of integrated leadership at the HDF Joint Forces Command.

Following his speech, the defence minister presented Lt.Gen. János Mikita with the Service Sign for Merit with laurel wreath.

– I think it is a significant event in the life of every soldier when he finishes his job in a position. All of us feel the same, and at times like this all of us settle with ourselves: what have we done, what have we achieved, how satisfied can we be with ourselves? I believe Lt.Gen. János Mikita has nothing to be ashamed of as regards the work he has done in the last five years – said General Tömböl, the MoD Chief of Defence Staff, also noting that the general is a man who always does a good and thorough job, he is conscientious and has a good approach.

General Tömböl underlined that Gen. Mikita’s new position will not be easier than his previous job because the Brussels post is the top of Hungarian military diplomacy, for in the Belgian capital he will represent the Hungarian Defence Forces and the MoD Chief of Defence Staff. And this position requires an individual who is aware of his responsibilities, who is competent and knowledgeable, and capable and ready to do what he is supposed to do 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Speaking about Lt.Gen. Károly Hazuga, the chief of the defence staff stressed: from 2007 until 2009 they had worked in close cooperation at the HDF Joint Forces Command as commander and deputy commander. He could count on the help of lieutenant general in everything.

Finally Gen. Tömböl presented Lt.Gen. Mikita with a commemorative sword – the replica of the sword of General Bem, with Hungarian blade and French-style basket hilt – in recognition of his productive work.