A new report (PDF), whose release last month coincided with the 12th
anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, attempts to draw attention
to civilian and combatant casualties in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Yet the study, authored by the Nobel Peace Prize laureate International
Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War and other humanitarian
groups, barely elicited a whisper in the media. Washington’s
preoccupation with the rise of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant
(ISIL) and other regional conflicts has largely obscured the
humanitarian, economic and political toll of its 'war on terrorism.'
But ISIL’s resurgence is not unrelated to Washington’s military campaign. 'ISIL is a direct outgrowth of Al-Qaeda in Iraq that grew out of our invasion,' President Barack Obama told Vice News last month. Until the U.S. comes to grips with the aftereffects of its counterterrorism policies, it will continue to pursue counterproductive strategies that cause incalculable damage.
The report estimates that at least 1.3 million people have been killed in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan from direct and indirect consequences of the U.S. 'war on terrorism.' One million people perished in Iraq alone, a shocking 5 percent of the country’s population. The staggering civilian toll and the hostility it has engendered erodes the myth that the sprawling 'war on terrorism' made the U.S. safer and upheld human rights, all at an acceptable cost.
As the authors point out, the report offers a conservative estimate. The death toll could exceed 2 million. Those killed in Yemen, Somalia and elsewhere from U.S. drone strikes were not included in the tally. Besides, the body count does not account for the wounded, the grieving and the dispossessed. There are 3 million internally displaced Iraqi refugees and nearly 2.5 million Afghan refugees living in Pakistan.
But ISIL’s resurgence is not unrelated to Washington’s military campaign. 'ISIL is a direct outgrowth of Al-Qaeda in Iraq that grew out of our invasion,' President Barack Obama told Vice News last month. Until the U.S. comes to grips with the aftereffects of its counterterrorism policies, it will continue to pursue counterproductive strategies that cause incalculable damage.
The report estimates that at least 1.3 million people have been killed in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan from direct and indirect consequences of the U.S. 'war on terrorism.' One million people perished in Iraq alone, a shocking 5 percent of the country’s population. The staggering civilian toll and the hostility it has engendered erodes the myth that the sprawling 'war on terrorism' made the U.S. safer and upheld human rights, all at an acceptable cost.
As the authors point out, the report offers a conservative estimate. The death toll could exceed 2 million. Those killed in Yemen, Somalia and elsewhere from U.S. drone strikes were not included in the tally. Besides, the body count does not account for the wounded, the grieving and the dispossessed. There are 3 million internally displaced Iraqi refugees and nearly 2.5 million Afghan refugees living in Pakistan.
Geen woord daarover bij de zo bewonderde woordvoerder van de gevestigde wanorde, Henk Hofland. Integendeel zelfs. De burgerslachtoffers van de westerse terreur tellen in de propaganda van de Nederlandse mainstream-pers niet mee.
De redenen waarom H.J.A. Hofland in De Groene Amsterdammer van 1 april 2015 bij nader inzien ervan afziet om met 'een geweldige opluchting… geïnteresseerd' toe te kijken hoe Saoedi-Arabië en Iran 'in een uitputtend conflict' elkaar zouden verwoesten, is dat een
politiek van wederzijdse uitputting tussen de twee lokale grootmachten alleen nadelen [heeft]. Iran zou zich waarschijnlijk weer concentreren op de ontwikkeling van zijn bom. En Saoedi-Arabië zou militaire hulp eisen en als die niet werd gegeven was daar nog altijd het uiterste middel van de olieboycot. De tijd van de westerse militaire inmenging is voorbij. No boots on the ground. Na de mislukte militaire avonturen van deze eeuw hebben we geen keus meer. Afwachten en hopen dat de tegenstellingen zich niet tot een oorlog ontwikkelen. En mocht dat over zekere tijd wel zo zijn, dan moeten we ons voorbereiden op de volgende golf vluchtelingen. Toenemende immigratie is nu ons aandeel in de groeiende chaos.
Hier verraadt Hofland zich. Hoewel hij tot nu toe almaar heeft beweerd dat
Het bezit van de kernbom onderdeel [is] van de Iraanse buitenlandse politiek die al jaren wordt gekenmerkt door het streven naar expansie zo niet een overwicht in de regio,
blijkt nu uit zijn beschrijving dat die 'bom' ervoor dient om Iran tegen de agressie van zijn vijanden te beschermen. Dat is ook logisch, aangezien Iran door de strijdkrachten van Saddam, met steun van de VS, in 1980 werd aangevallen. Bovendien heeft het nucleaire Israel, en met miljardensteun van de VS, talloze malen Iran bedreigd met bombardementen. Daarnaast hebben in de jaren 80 de tot hun tanden toe door de VS bewapende Saoedi-Arabië en de Golfstaten de oorlog tegen Iran met miljarden aan leningen en giften gefinancierd. De voor de hand liggende vraag is derhalve: waarom verzwijgt Hofland de feiten? Even tekenend is dat Hofland niet duidelijk maakt over welke feitelijke informatie hij beschikt om zijn volgende bewering over Iran hard te maken:
Een kernmacht die Amerika en Israel haat een dodelijk gevaar [betekent] voor de wereldvrede.
De logica gebiedt om precies het tegenovergestelde te stellen: niet Iran, dat de afgelopen twee eeuwen geen enkel land heeft aangevallen, is 'een dodelijk gevaar voor de wereldvrede,' maar de hegemonistische politiek van de kernmachten 'Amerika en Israel.' Voor Hofland is Israel het bedreigde slachtoffer van het islamitisch 'gevaar.' In werkelijkheid vormt de zionistische staat een bedreiging voor de hele regio, zoals de Joods-Amerikaanse David Schulman, hoogleraar Humanistische Studies aan de Hewbrew University of Jerusalem, beschrijft in het nieuwe nummer van The New York Review of Books van 23 april 2015. Schulman wijst erop dat door de overwinning van Netanyahu
the notion that there will someday be two states in historical Palestine has been savagely undermined. We have Netanyahu's word for it, despite his characteristic waffling on Palestinian statehood in post-election interviews directed at a foreign, English-speaking audience and reflecting intense American pressure. If he has his way, Palestinians are destined for the foreseeable future to remain subject to a regimen of state terror, including the remorseless loss of their lands and homes and, in many cases, their very lives. They will continue to be, as they are now, disenfranchised, without even minimal legal recourse, hemmed into small discontinuous enclaves, and deprived of elementary human rights.
Maar de Palestijnen vormen de 'collateral damage' in Hoflands ideologische vertekening van de realiteit, niet meer dan een te verwaarlozen detail in het westerse streven de hegemonie in de wereld te behouden. Zijn visie is het resultaat van een ouderwetse combinatie van autisme, eurocentrisme, racisme en tot op zekere hoogte puur fascisme, waarin de noodzaak van onbelemmerde 'Lebensraum' een onuitgesproken maar onaanvechtbaar uitgangspunt vormt. Ik overdrijf niet als ik stel dat Iran geen gevaar is voor het Westen, maar dat het tegenovergestelde waar is, zoals mede uit president Obama's opmerking in april 2015 valt op te maken, toen hij verklaarde:
the notion that there will someday be two states in historical Palestine has been savagely undermined. We have Netanyahu's word for it, despite his characteristic waffling on Palestinian statehood in post-election interviews directed at a foreign, English-speaking audience and reflecting intense American pressure. If he has his way, Palestinians are destined for the foreseeable future to remain subject to a regimen of state terror, including the remorseless loss of their lands and homes and, in many cases, their very lives. They will continue to be, as they are now, disenfranchised, without even minimal legal recourse, hemmed into small discontinuous enclaves, and deprived of elementary human rights.
Maar de Palestijnen vormen de 'collateral damage' in Hoflands ideologische vertekening van de realiteit, niet meer dan een te verwaarlozen detail in het westerse streven de hegemonie in de wereld te behouden. Zijn visie is het resultaat van een ouderwetse combinatie van autisme, eurocentrisme, racisme en tot op zekere hoogte puur fascisme, waarin de noodzaak van onbelemmerde 'Lebensraum' een onuitgesproken maar onaanvechtbaar uitgangspunt vormt. Ik overdrijf niet als ik stel dat Iran geen gevaar is voor het Westen, maar dat het tegenovergestelde waar is, zoals mede uit president Obama's opmerking in april 2015 valt op te maken, toen hij verklaarde:
The truth of the matter is: Iran’s defense budget is $30 billion. Our defense budget is closer to $600 billion. Iran understands that they cannot fight us.
Aangezien logica onbruikbaar is in zijn propaganda verzwijgt Henk Hofland de voor iedereen zichtbare werkelijkheid. Voor hem geldt: Oorlog is Vrede. Vrijheid is Slavernij. Onwetendheid is Kracht. Dus verzwijgt de 'beste journalist van de twintigste eeuw' dat, zoals het Amerikaanse onafhankelijke Democracy Now! op dinsdag 7 april 2015 berichtte
As Saudi Arabia continues U.S.-backed strikes in Yemen and Washington lifts its freeze on military to aid to Egypt, new figures show President Obama has overseen a major increase in weapons sales since taking office. The majority of weapons exports under Obama have gone to the Middle East and Persian Gulf. Saudi Arabia tops the list at $46 billion in new agreements.
Algemeen bekend is tevens dat Saoedi-Arabië en Qatar achter de financiële steun zitten van de terreur-organisatie ISIS, en dat de wahabitische fundamentalistische leer van de soennitische Saoedi's door ISIS in de praktijk wordt gebracht. Ook deze werkelijkheid maakt de bewering van Hofland zo lachwekkend dat het
Westen in de regio aan gezag heeft ingeboet. Sinds 9/11 heeft het Westen bewezen dat het zijn politici en generaals ontbreekt aan het krijgskundig inzicht dat nodig is om in de regio een oorlog overtuigend te winnen. Na veertien jaar en een lange reeks militaire experimenten weten we nog niet hoe de oorlog in de regio moet worden gevoerd.
Het lachwekkende is de onvoorstelbare naïviteit van de pedante hoogbejaarde die geen dialoog met zijn lezers wil, omdat 'Ik weet hoe het zit.' Nog steeds gaan Hofland en zijn bewonderaars uit de petite bourgeoisie ervan uit dat het Amerikaanse militair-industrieel complex baat heeft bij vrede, terwijl toch de verloren oorlogen in Vietnam, Afghanistan, Irak, Libië, Syrië en het door het Westen op gang gebrachte geweld in Oekraïne hebben aangetoond dat George Orwell in zijn boek 1984 gelijk had, toen hij beschreef hoe de moderne oorlog
helpt om de speciale geestelijke atmosfeer in stand te houden, die een hiërarchische maatschappij nodig heeft. De oorlog, zo zal men zien, is nu een zuiver binnenlandse aangelegenheid. In het verleden bestreden de heersende groepen van alle landen elkaar ook echt, al mochten zij inzien, dat zij een gemeenschappelijk belang hadden en daarom de vernietigende werking van de oorlog zouden moeten beperken, en de overwinnaar altijd de overwonnene plunderde. In onze eigen tijd vechten zij helemaal niet tegen elkaar. De oorlog wordt door iedere heersende groep gevoerd tegen de eigen onderdanen en het doel van de oorlog is niet om gebiedsoverwinningen te maken of te voorkomen, maar om de structuur der samenleving is stand te houden.
De grote auteur stelde vast dat
op de lange duur een hiërarchische maatschappij alleen mogelijk op een basis van armoede en onwetendheid... De vraag was, hoe de wielen van de industrie draaiende te houden zonder de feitelijke rijkdom van de wereld te vermeerderen. Er moesten goederen geproduceerd worden, maar zij moesten niet worden gedistribueerd. En in de praktijk was de enige manier om dit te bereiken een voortdurende oorlog... Oorlog is een methode tot het verbrijzelen, of tot het in de lucht laten vliegen, of tot het laten zinken in de diepte der zee van materialen, die anders gebruikt zouden kunnen worden om de massa's te veel gemak te verschaffen en daardoor op de lange duur te intelligent te maken.
Hoewel Hofland het doet voorkomen alsof hij op zijn oude dag nog steeds niet weet welke taak hij als opiniemaker in dit geheel heeft, is juist hij het prototype in Nederland van de neoliberale propagandist. Teleurgesteld schrijft de opiniemaker van de gevestigde wanorde:
Na veertien jaar en een lange reeks militaire experimenten weten we nog niet hoe de oorlog in de regio moet worden gevoerd.
'WE'? Wie is 'WE' die
nog niet weten hoe de oorlog in de regio moet worden gevoerd'?
U? Ik? Hofland, de 87-jarige pantoffelheld in zijn gerieflijke leunstoel? Lariekoek. U en ik, en ook Hofland wordt niets gevraagd, en als 'WE' iets ongevraagd zouden inbrengen dan nog luistert het corrupte militair-industrieel complex niet. Zou Hofland werkelijk denken dat de meeste mensen niet in staat zijn om door zijn schijnwereld heen te prikken? Een onafhankelijke buitenstaander krijgt het sterke vermoeden dat Hofland naast een onverschillige grijsaard ook nog een autist is. In De Groene Amsterdammer van 8 april 2015 beweert hij opnieuw in strijd met de werkelijkheid dat 'het werk aan de bom' tot nu toe gewoon 'door[ging]' ondanks de 'boycot die de Iraanse economie in de loop der jaren zware schade heeft toegebracht, waardoor de levensstandaard van de bevolking is gedaald,' en ondanks het feit dat 'de Amerikanen cyberaanvallen op de installaties uit[voerden].' Een dergelijke lang volgehouden voorstelling van zaken demonstreert het bewust in standhouden van een leugen die de redactie van De Groene kennelijk graag verspreid. Hofland gebruikt daarbij dezelfde techniek die ooit eens door Joseph Goebbels als volgt werd geformuleerd: 'Wij spreken niet om iets te zeggen, maar om een bepaald effect te bereiken.' Het herhalen van een leugen is niet bedoeld om de lezer te informeren, maar om hem en haar te indoctrineren en daarmee te mobiliseren tegen het Grote Kwaad in de wereld. Dat de 'politiek-literaire elite' in de polder dit onweersproken laat gebeuren, toont aan hoe gecorrumpeerd de zelfgenoegzame intelligentsia hier is.
Wat H.J.A. Hofland op zijn 87ste in feite telkenmale doet is kort samengevat: het ontkennen van zijn mede-verantwoordelijkheid voor het failliete nalatenschap van het neoliberale kapitalisme, een cultuur gebaseerd op de onverzadigbare en desastreuze begeerte van de massa. Hoewel hij tot een oudere generatie behoort, doet mijn gecorrumpeerde generatie, gevormd in de jaren zestig, precies hetzelfde. Bewust hebben ook de meeste westerse intellectuelen zich mee laten slepen in de alles verwoestende consumptie-ideologie. Pas nu hun eigen positie bedreigd wordt, of omdat ze inmiddels buiten spel zijn gezet, roepen ze in paniek dat de 'linkse partijen moeten gaan samenwerken,' zoals PvdA-voorzitter Hans Spekman van de neoliberale PVDA op 10 april 2015 deed Nu de PVDA na bewezen diensten aan het 'grootkapitaal' dreigt te worden weggevaagd als politiek fenomeen verklaart hij 'Laten we alle kinnesinne opzij zetten en de krachten bundelen tegen het grootkapitaal.' De even kleinburgerlijke
Oud-GroenLinks-leider Femke Halsema roept op tot het sluiten van een 'links stembusakkoord' bij de volgende verkiezingen,
kennelijk niet beseffend dat opportunisten als juist zij en haar claque de ondergang van 'links' hebben bespoedigd. De reactie van het vetgemeste en corrupte 'links' is vooral pathetisch en schaamteloos. Met hun slavenmentaliteit zullen de 'linksen' alles op alles zetten om in de aandacht te blijven staan. Ondertussen voelt het publiek op zijn klompen aan dat het hier slechts gefrustreerde geldingsdrang betreft, omdat de 'linksen' de wereld verder niets te bieden hebben. Nu ze een tijdlang hebben kunnen profiteren van de, volgens hun ideologische voorman Wim Kok, 'bevrijdende werking van het afschudden van de ideologische veren' staan ze met lege handen op straat. En daar is het allemaal een eeuw geleden begonnen. Ze kunnen vandaag de dag achteraan aansluiten, want 'alternatieven' hebben ze niet voor de -- mede door hen opgebouwde -- geglobaliseerde, neoliberale dictatuur.
Om hun positie te kunnen behouden proberen de Hoflanden zich te portretteren als geïnformeerde opiniemakers en trachten op hun beurt de PVDA-ers en GroenLinksers zich ineens wanhopig op te werpen als serieus alternatief voor mensen die wezenlijke hervormingen voorstaan. Al die tijd realiseerden ze zich kennelijk niet dat de macht er altijd op gericht is 'de menselijke kwaliteit de wereld te kunnen "be-denken," te vernietigen,' en dat om de 'verbeeldingskracht' van de mens te smoren de macht gebruik maakt van 'democratische' politici en de zogeheten 'vrije pers.' Met hun hulp is de economische macht erin geslaagd 'een schijnwereld te creëren' die 'tot doel heeft vervreemding en passiviteit te vergroten,' aldus de beroemde Braziliaanse geleerde Paolo Freire in een tijd toen mijn generatiegenoten nog niet gewillige meededen aan het verspreiden van 'methoden die iedere voorstelling van de wereld als probleem uitsluiten en haar in plaats daarvan als een verstard gegeven laten zien -- als iets waaraan mensen zich uitsluitend als toeschouwers moeten aanpassen.' Nooit hebben mijn generatiegenoten als bijvoorbeeld Geert Mak en Hubert Smeets, om slechts twee opiniemakers te noemen met wie ik ben opgegroeid, werkelijk beseft hoe smal 'de smalle marges van de democratie' waren, en hoe gevaarlijk het was dat de alom aanbeden Wim Kok in de jaren negentig met een air van een profeet verkondigde dat er
geen alternatief [is] voor de maatschappelijke constellatie die we nu hebben en dus heeft het geen enkele zin daar naar te streven.
Het feit dat Henk Hofland in De Groene Amsterdammer de ruimte krijgt om zijn failliete nalatenschap te verdedigen is een illustratie van hoe diep de intellectuele corruptie in Nederland is doorgedrongen. De consensus-dwang in de polder getuigt van de terreur om te conformeren. De progressieve Amerikaanse columnist Jim Hightower wees al jaren geleden erop dat
The opposite for courage is not cowardice, it is conformity. Even a dead fish can go with the flow.
En zoals bekend beginnen dode vissen al snel te stinken. Jarenlang heeft 'links' in Nederland meegedaan aan een systeem dat in 'ons' voorland door Peter Ustinov als volgt werd getypeerd:
In America, through pressure of conformity, there is freedom of choice, but nothing to choose from.
En nu er niets meer te kiezen valt, moeten gewone stervelingen het wiel opnieuw uitvinden, terwijl de 'politiek-literaire elite' haar wonden likt, en 'onze' hoogbejaarde columnisten voor altijd hun hoofd te ruste leggen. Eindelijk.
Geert Mak, de zo bewonderde stem van 'links' in de polder.
US-NATO “Defensive” Military Initiatives and War Games Threaten Russia
By Rick Rozoff
Global Research, April 12, 2015
The following compilation of articles, reports and press releases from official sources was undertaken by Rick Rozoff, published on Stop NATO.
We have highlighted relevant sections. What this review confirms is that the US and its NATO allies are on an active war footing. US-NATO military exercises, training and planning are being regularly conducted on Russia’s doorstep in Eastern Europe, the Caspian Sea and Black Sea basins and the Baltic states.
Whereas Russia is not mentioned, these various military initiatives and “defensive” war games threaten the Russian Federation.
They involve the participation of troops from several NATO and NATO partner countries including the US, Germany, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Romania, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Spain, Portugal.
What these articles and reports suggest is that Washington is anxious to mobilize military forces within NATO and NATO partner countries without the need to deploy a large number of US troops.
(M. Ch. GR Editor)
Pentagon Enhances Military Cooperation With Azerbaijan
http://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/2381510.htmlTrend News Agency
April 8, 2015
Azerbaijan, US to agree on military co-op
By Ilkin Izzet
Azerbaijan and the United States will agree on the issues of bilateral cooperation in the defense sector, the message of the defense ministry of Azerbaijan said Apr.8.
The message said that the conference on coordination of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the United States in the defense sector took place in the Training and Education Center of Azerbaijani Armed Forces.
During the conference, the participants discussed the work carried out in the defense sector between the two countries, the prospects for bilateral cooperation, as well as the project of the “Work plan on military cooperation for 2016 between the armed forces of Azerbaijan and the US European Command.”
From the Azerbaijani side, the event was attended by representatives of the relevant departments and services of the ministry of defense, the three kinds of air forces army, from the US side – by the representatives of the European Command, the military attache and the Office of Military Cooperation of the Defense Department.
Copyright 2015, trend.az
Force Barbarossa: NATO Trains Spearhead Task Force Against Russia
http://www.aco.nato.int/eleven-allies-test-nato-spearhead-alert-procedures-on-ex-noble-jump.aspx
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
April 9, 2015
Eleven Allies Test NATO ‘Spearhead’ Alert Procedures on EX NOBLE JUMP
EINDHOVEN, The Netherlands: NATO assessed its alert procedures for the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) for the first time during Exercise NOBLE JUMP from 7-9 April 2015, involving over 1,500 personnel from 11 Allied nations. Germany, Poland, Norway, Denmark, Hungary, Lithuania, Croatia, Portugal, and Slovenia tested their Headquarters’ response to alert procedures and high-readiness units from The Netherlands and Czech Republic physically deployed equipment and troops to airports and railheads.This activity represents an important milestone as NATO continues to respond to emerging security challenges. The exercise has its origins in last year’s Wales Summit, where NATO leaders collectively agreed to establish the VJTF, or what some call the ‘NATO Spearhead’ force. These developments are part of wider enhancements to the NATO Response Force in order to address instability on NATO’s southern and eastern flanks.”NATO military planners have been working tirelessly to enhance NATO’s Response Force and implement the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, and today our progress is manifested in the rapid deployments we see happening in locations across the Alliance,” said General Philip Breedlove, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR).
“These measures are…a clear indication that our Alliance has the capability and will to respond to emerging security challenges on our southern and eastern flanks,” he said.For the last several months, NATO has been developing the concepts behind the VJTF and established an interim force early in 2015. Exercise NOBLE JUMP marks the first time that high-readiness units have physically tested their response to rapid ‘orders to move’ under the new VJTF framework. The training event marks a learning process that will allow NATO military staff to identify both successes and shortfalls as the Alliance continues to refine its high readiness capabilities.Czech and Dutch High-Readiness Troops Put to the Test In the afternoon of 7 April, the 11th Air Mobile Brigade in The Netherlands and the 4th Rapid Reaction Brigade in the Czech Republic were given orders to rapidly prepare to deploy their troops and equipment.“In the hours that ensued, Dutch and Czech formations recalled their military personnel to base, conducted hasty movement planning, briefed personnel, prepared and verified equipment, weapons, supplies, and vehicles,” said Colonel Mariusz Lewicki, the head military planner for the VJTF at SHAPE.
“The lead troops were able to move in under eight hours, with all elements moving in under 48 hours, so our initial impression is we are very pleased with the results,” he added.The Commander of the Dutch 11th Air Mobile Brigade, Brigadier-General Kees Matthijssen, also felt that Exercise NOBLE JUMP achieved its aims.”So far we are satisfied, our men and women responded well to the alerting and we managed to send off the first troops as scheduled. We are sure that we will be able to meet our goals, which were to move all troops and equipment within 48 hours,” said Brigadier-General Matthijssen.
“Of course, we have noted some things to improve during the exercise, but this will definitely lead to further refinement and improvements of our high readiness plans,” he said.A total of 900 German soldiers were also recalled to their units in Marienberg, Gotha, Idaroberstein and Bad Salzungen during Exercise NOBLE JUMP. These troops conducted similar planning and alert verifications in their respective garrisons.
The overall aim of Exercise NOBLE JUMP was to improve and refine alert and deployment procedures for the VJTF. In the coming weeks NATO military staff will conduct an analysis of the results from this exercise and Allied units will refine their tactical procedures. Lessons will be shared and NATO will continue to refine the overall alert and deployment process, and ensure it is integrated in overall plans for the NATO Response Force.”Moving military units at short notice is a highly complex process that requires careful planning and constant refinement and practice to maintain capability,” said Colonel Lewicki. “We’ve had a very good start this week, but much work remains and we will continue exercising these concepts throughout 2015 and 2016,” he said.Increasingly complex exercises, trials, and evaluations will be conducted in order to develop, refine and implement the VJTF concept into the framework of the Readiness Action Plan and the NATO Response Force. Examples of future training activity include part two of Exercise NOBLE JUMP, 9-20 June 2015, where units assigned to the VJTF will deploy to the Zagan Military Training Area in Western Poland, as well as Exercise TRIDENT JUNCTURE 2015 in Italy, Spain and Portugal from 21 Oct –
6 Nov 2015.Story by SHAPE Public Affairs Office
Copyright Shape 2015
Georgian Troops Trained For NATO Strike Force, War Games
http://www.mod.gov.ge/?newsid=3647
Ministry of Defence of Georgia
April 9, 2015
Light Infantry Brigade Training
“Alfa” Company of the 12th Battalion of I Light Infantry Brigade of the Georgian Armed Forces is going through a month-long field-based training. The North Atlantic Alliance representatives will evaluate the combat readiness of the military unit due to engage in the NATO Response Force.
During the field exercise, 116 servicemen of “Alfa” Company will be trained according to a combined arms tactic. The basic part of the preparation will be devoted to practical exercises. The soldiers will practice in search and cordon, patrolling, attack and defensive operations. They will undergo staff, engineer and medical preparations as well.The training course launched on 1 April and will last till the end of the month. After completing the field-based preparations, the military unit will take part in the Joint US-Georgian Exercise “Noble Partner 2015”. A month-long training ongoing in field conditions includes preparing the military for this upcoming combined exercise too.
From August 2013 up to date, “Alfa” Company underwent pre-deployment training both in Georgia and Germany. The preparation of the military unit in Hohenfels went on within the NATO Operative Capabilities Concept. The level of combat preparation of the Georgian contingent was evaluated in the US Joint Multinational Readiness Centre (JMRC).Copyright Georgia Min of Defense, 2015
NATO’s Spearhead Force Conducts First Exercise
http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_118667.htm
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
April 10, 2015
NATO’s new spearhead force conducts first exercise
NATO completed the first military drills for its new rapid reaction force, on Thursday (9 April 2015). From Tuesday (7 April 2015) through Thursday, more than 1,500 troops took part in exercise “Noble Jump,” designed to test whether troops assigned to NATO’s new Spearhead Force, or Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, could be ready to deploy 48 hours after receiving an order-to-move.Across Europe, headquarters personnel from Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, Norway, Slovenia, Poland and Portugal tested their responses to NATO alert orders. In the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, troops and equipment were assembled quickly at airfields and railway stations as if they were about to depart. The units involved in this week’s exercise will also be involved in further trials in Poland in June.“NATO military planners have been working tirelessly to enhance NATO’s Response Force and implement the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, and today our progress is manifested in the rapid deployments we see happening in locations across the Alliance,” said General Philip Breedlove, Supreme Allied Commander Europe. “These measures are defensive, but are a clear indication that our Alliance has the capability and will to respond to emerging security challenges on our southern and eastern flanks,” he said.
In response to the changed security environment in Europe, NATO leaders at the Wales Summit decided to create a new quick reaction military force designed to respond swiftly to new challenges on the Alliance’s southern and eastern borders. The high readiness force will include about 5,000 land troops, with supporting maritime, special operations and air units. Lead elements of the new force will be able to move in as little as 48 hours. The Spearhead Force is part of the Alliance’s larger NATO Response Force, which is being increased to a force level of around 30,000 troopsCopyright NATO 2015
Defense Chief: NATO Is Ukraine’s Priority
http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/turchynov_sees_nato_as_ukraines_main_priority_330525
Ukrinform
April 9, 2015
Turchynov sees NATO as Ukraine’s main priorityKYIV:The main priority for Ukraine is its membership in NATO, as it can provide real security.Secretary of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) Oleksandr Turchynov has stated this during the draft national security strategy presentation, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.”Having abandoned the policy of non-alignment, which did not provide the territorial integrity of our country in the medium term, relying primarily on own capabilities, Ukraine reserves the right to take part in collective security systems as a way to guarantee sovereignty and territorial integrity. Sharing common values with the European Union and NATO, Ukraine considers European and Euro-Atlantic integration as its priority in foreign and domestic policy. We see NATO membership as the only reliable external guarantee of state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” he said.
Copyright Ukraine Inform, 2015
Ukrainian Junta: U.S. “Guarantor Of International Security Within Europe
http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/turchynov_names_strategic_allies_of_ukraine_330530
Ukrinform
April 9, 2015
Turchynov names strategic allies of Ukraine
KYIV: The main foreign policy priority for Ukraine will be strengthening of the partnership with the United States as the sole guarantor of international security within the Euro-Atlantic area.This has been announced by secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov at the presentation of the draft national security strategy until 2020, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.”The strategy identifies that the main foreign policy priority is deepening the partnership with the United States as the guarantor of international security within the Euro-Atlantic area,” Turchynov said.
In addition, Ukraine is committed to the development of a “privileged partnership” with the United Kingdom, Poland, as well as Canada, Australia, Japan, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Sweden, Romania, Moldova and Georgia – the countries, which Ukraine considers to be its “reliable allies.”"The partnership with Germany and France, the member states of the EU and NATO, is also a priority of our foreign policy,” Turchynov noted.
Copyright Ukraine Inform, 2015
Strike Force: NATO Holds War Games In Czech Republic
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-04/10/c_134138228.htm
Xinhua News Agency
April 10, 2015
NATO conducts exercises in Czech Republic
PRAGUE: A NATO exercise called Nobel Jump was held in the town of Chrudim in the Czech Republic, it was reported Thursday.”The exercise is designed to examine the activation, planning to deploy some functionality and command, control and support that are needed to drive to go out and perform tasks as ordered,” Czech Deputy Chief of Staff Jiri Baloun was quoted as saying.Miroslav Hlavac, commander of the Rapid Deployment Brigade, said that the exercise involves more than 200 soldiers and 80 pieces of military equipment.
Some 150 Czech soldiers from the 43rd Parachute Battalion joined the NATO exercise. A similar exercise was held in the Netherlands at an air base in Eindhoven at the same time.The training is the first part of Exercise Noble Jump, the second part will continue in June in Zagan in western Poland. There will be a simulated crisis to test the capacity of the deployment of allied troops from Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and the Czech Republic.
Copyright Xinhua 2015
NATO To Station Communications Battalion In Bulgaria
http://www.novinite.com/articles/167828/Bulgarian+Parliament+Passes+Bill+on+NATO+Communications+Unit
Sofia News Agency
April 9, 2015
Bulgarian Parliament Passes Bill on NATO Communications Unit
Bulgarian National Assembly ratified the agreement for the deployment of a NATO switchboard battalion in Bulgaria.The communication-information system or the so-called NATO module will be constructed near Bulgaria’s Gorna Malina.The deployment of a communication battalion of NATO in Bulgaria has been supported by 120 MPs in Parliament Thursday, with 21 voting in favor, and 5 of them abstained.
Heated debates on the topic started Wednesday with a scandal between representtaives of the nationalist parties ATAKA and Patriotic Front. Leader of ATAKA Volen Siderov catеgorically opposed the bill, stating that the center will be used in the future for coordination of military action on the territory of Ukraine. The party urged for Bulgarian authorities to announce neutrality in order to avoid possible military threats….In 2009 NATO’s Military Committee and the North-Atlantic Council took the decision for Bulgaria to host a national mobile communications module as a part of the Second Communication Battalion to NATO. Additionally, two higher officers and 55 sergeants that will be provided by Bulgaria.
Copyright Sofia News Agency 2015
Czech Republic: U.S. Warplanes Drill For Conflict To The East
http://www.ceskenoviny.cz/news/zpravy/forward-air-control-exercise-starts-at-czech-army-base/1202246
Czech News Agency
April 8, 2015
Forward air control exercise starts at Czech army base
Namest nad Oslavou: An exercise of Czech forward air controllers started at the helicopter base in Namest today by the arrival of four A-10 Thunderbolt planes from the U.S. air forces´ 354th fighter squadron seated in Germany, base spokeswoman Jana Skrivankova has told CTK.The POP UP A-10 CAS military exercise, which runs through April 17, will take place without live ammunition in the area normally used for the training of air support in the vicinity of Trebic.The U.S. planes landed in Namest at round 14:00.Training flights should start as of Thursday.”They will be on workdays from 09:00 until 23:00. Night flights will be limited to the necessary minimum,” said Skrivankova.
The Czech air force have long been developing cooperation with the United States in this field, she added.The participation of the A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft during the training should extend the Czech forward air controllers´ (FAC) skills in the operation of state-of-the-art equipment for the identification and surveillance of targets.Soldiers will also train in the night using night-vision devices and develop communication skills in English, Skrivankova said.In addition, the exercise should focus on the development of skills of the 22nd helicopter base in the provision of logistic support for the 65-member U.S. unit, including catering, accommodation, fuel and communication and information connection.
The Ample Strike 2015 national exercise will also train the harmonisation of forward air controllers with the crews of tactic planes and helicopters during operations. It will be held in cooperation with NATO member states on August 31-September 22. Sixteen NATO members confirmed their participation at the beginning of the year.
Last year, the Ample Strike exercise took place at the Namest base and at the 21st tactic air force base in Caslav, central Bohemia, as well as in the Boletice and Libava grounds, south Bohemia. Almost 1300 soldiers from 12 NATO member states, including the Czech Republic, participated in it.It followed up the previous Flying Rhino and Ramstein Rover exercises in the Czech Republic in the past years.Copyright Czech Republic, 2015
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http://www.globalresearch.ca/us-nato-defensive-military-initiatives-and-war-games-threaten-russia/5442297
US-NATO “Defensive” Military Initiatives and War Games Threaten Russia
By Rick Rozoff
Global Research, April 12, 2015
The following compilation of articles, reports and press releases from official sources was undertaken by Rick Rozoff, published on Stop NATO.
We have highlighted relevant sections. What this review confirms is that the US and its NATO allies are on an active war footing. US-NATO military exercises, training and planning are being regularly conducted on Russia’s doorstep in Eastern Europe, the Caspian Sea and Black Sea basins and the Baltic states.
Whereas Russia is not mentioned, these various military initiatives and “defensive” war games threaten the Russian Federation.
They involve the participation of troops from several NATO and NATO partner countries including the US, Germany, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Romania, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Spain, Portugal.
What these articles and reports suggest is that Washington is anxious to mobilize military forces within NATO and NATO partner countries without the need to deploy a large number of US troops.
(M. Ch. GR Editor)
Pentagon Enhances Military Cooperation With Azerbaijan
http://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/2381510.htmlTrend News Agency
April 8, 2015
Azerbaijan, US to agree on military co-op
By Ilkin Izzet
Azerbaijan and the United States will agree on the issues of bilateral cooperation in the defense sector, the message of the defense ministry of Azerbaijan said Apr.8.
The message said that the conference on coordination of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the United States in the defense sector took place in the Training and Education Center of Azerbaijani Armed Forces.
During the conference, the participants discussed the work carried out in the defense sector between the two countries, the prospects for bilateral cooperation, as well as the project of the “Work plan on military cooperation for 2016 between the armed forces of Azerbaijan and the US European Command.”
From the Azerbaijani side, the event was attended by representatives of the relevant departments and services of the ministry of defense, the three kinds of air forces army, from the US side – by the representatives of the European Command, the military attache and the Office of Military Cooperation of the Defense Department.
Copyright 2015, trend.az
Force Barbarossa: NATO Trains Spearhead Task Force Against Russia
http://www.aco.nato.int/eleven-allies-test-nato-spearhead-alert-procedures-on-ex-noble-jump.aspx
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
April 9, 2015
Eleven Allies Test NATO ‘Spearhead’ Alert Procedures on EX NOBLE JUMP
EINDHOVEN, The Netherlands: NATO assessed its alert procedures for the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) for the first time during Exercise NOBLE JUMP from 7-9 April 2015, involving over 1,500 personnel from 11 Allied nations. Germany, Poland, Norway, Denmark, Hungary, Lithuania, Croatia, Portugal, and Slovenia tested their Headquarters’ response to alert procedures and high-readiness units from The Netherlands and Czech Republic physically deployed equipment and troops to airports and railheads.This activity represents an important milestone as NATO continues to respond to emerging security challenges. The exercise has its origins in last year’s Wales Summit, where NATO leaders collectively agreed to establish the VJTF, or what some call the ‘NATO Spearhead’ force. These developments are part of wider enhancements to the NATO Response Force in order to address instability on NATO’s southern and eastern flanks.”NATO military planners have been working tirelessly to enhance NATO’s Response Force and implement the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, and today our progress is manifested in the rapid deployments we see happening in locations across the Alliance,” said General Philip Breedlove, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR).
“These measures are…a clear indication that our Alliance has the capability and will to respond to emerging security challenges on our southern and eastern flanks,” he said.For the last several months, NATO has been developing the concepts behind the VJTF and established an interim force early in 2015. Exercise NOBLE JUMP marks the first time that high-readiness units have physically tested their response to rapid ‘orders to move’ under the new VJTF framework. The training event marks a learning process that will allow NATO military staff to identify both successes and shortfalls as the Alliance continues to refine its high readiness capabilities.Czech and Dutch High-Readiness Troops Put to the Test In the afternoon of 7 April, the 11th Air Mobile Brigade in The Netherlands and the 4th Rapid Reaction Brigade in the Czech Republic were given orders to rapidly prepare to deploy their troops and equipment.“In the hours that ensued, Dutch and Czech formations recalled their military personnel to base, conducted hasty movement planning, briefed personnel, prepared and verified equipment, weapons, supplies, and vehicles,” said Colonel Mariusz Lewicki, the head military planner for the VJTF at SHAPE.
“The lead troops were able to move in under eight hours, with all elements moving in under 48 hours, so our initial impression is we are very pleased with the results,” he added.The Commander of the Dutch 11th Air Mobile Brigade, Brigadier-General Kees Matthijssen, also felt that Exercise NOBLE JUMP achieved its aims.”So far we are satisfied, our men and women responded well to the alerting and we managed to send off the first troops as scheduled. We are sure that we will be able to meet our goals, which were to move all troops and equipment within 48 hours,” said Brigadier-General Matthijssen.
“Of course, we have noted some things to improve during the exercise, but this will definitely lead to further refinement and improvements of our high readiness plans,” he said.A total of 900 German soldiers were also recalled to their units in Marienberg, Gotha, Idaroberstein and Bad Salzungen during Exercise NOBLE JUMP. These troops conducted similar planning and alert verifications in their respective garrisons.
The overall aim of Exercise NOBLE JUMP was to improve and refine alert and deployment procedures for the VJTF. In the coming weeks NATO military staff will conduct an analysis of the results from this exercise and Allied units will refine their tactical procedures. Lessons will be shared and NATO will continue to refine the overall alert and deployment process, and ensure it is integrated in overall plans for the NATO Response Force.”Moving military units at short notice is a highly complex process that requires careful planning and constant refinement and practice to maintain capability,” said Colonel Lewicki. “We’ve had a very good start this week, but much work remains and we will continue exercising these concepts throughout 2015 and 2016,” he said.Increasingly complex exercises, trials, and evaluations will be conducted in order to develop, refine and implement the VJTF concept into the framework of the Readiness Action Plan and the NATO Response Force. Examples of future training activity include part two of Exercise NOBLE JUMP, 9-20 June 2015, where units assigned to the VJTF will deploy to the Zagan Military Training Area in Western Poland, as well as Exercise TRIDENT JUNCTURE 2015 in Italy, Spain and Portugal from 21 Oct –
6 Nov 2015.Story by SHAPE Public Affairs Office
Copyright Shape 2015
Georgian Troops Trained For NATO Strike Force, War Games
http://www.mod.gov.ge/?newsid=3647
Ministry of Defence of Georgia
April 9, 2015
Light Infantry Brigade Training
“Alfa” Company of the 12th Battalion of I Light Infantry Brigade of the Georgian Armed Forces is going through a month-long field-based training. The North Atlantic Alliance representatives will evaluate the combat readiness of the military unit due to engage in the NATO Response Force.
During the field exercise, 116 servicemen of “Alfa” Company will be trained according to a combined arms tactic. The basic part of the preparation will be devoted to practical exercises. The soldiers will practice in search and cordon, patrolling, attack and defensive operations. They will undergo staff, engineer and medical preparations as well.The training course launched on 1 April and will last till the end of the month. After completing the field-based preparations, the military unit will take part in the Joint US-Georgian Exercise “Noble Partner 2015”. A month-long training ongoing in field conditions includes preparing the military for this upcoming combined exercise too.
From August 2013 up to date, “Alfa” Company underwent pre-deployment training both in Georgia and Germany. The preparation of the military unit in Hohenfels went on within the NATO Operative Capabilities Concept. The level of combat preparation of the Georgian contingent was evaluated in the US Joint Multinational Readiness Centre (JMRC).Copyright Georgia Min of Defense, 2015
NATO’s Spearhead Force Conducts First Exercise
http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_118667.htm
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
April 10, 2015
NATO’s new spearhead force conducts first exercise
NATO completed the first military drills for its new rapid reaction force, on Thursday (9 April 2015). From Tuesday (7 April 2015) through Thursday, more than 1,500 troops took part in exercise “Noble Jump,” designed to test whether troops assigned to NATO’s new Spearhead Force, or Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, could be ready to deploy 48 hours after receiving an order-to-move.Across Europe, headquarters personnel from Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, Norway, Slovenia, Poland and Portugal tested their responses to NATO alert orders. In the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, troops and equipment were assembled quickly at airfields and railway stations as if they were about to depart. The units involved in this week’s exercise will also be involved in further trials in Poland in June.“NATO military planners have been working tirelessly to enhance NATO’s Response Force and implement the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, and today our progress is manifested in the rapid deployments we see happening in locations across the Alliance,” said General Philip Breedlove, Supreme Allied Commander Europe. “These measures are defensive, but are a clear indication that our Alliance has the capability and will to respond to emerging security challenges on our southern and eastern flanks,” he said.
In response to the changed security environment in Europe, NATO leaders at the Wales Summit decided to create a new quick reaction military force designed to respond swiftly to new challenges on the Alliance’s southern and eastern borders. The high readiness force will include about 5,000 land troops, with supporting maritime, special operations and air units. Lead elements of the new force will be able to move in as little as 48 hours. The Spearhead Force is part of the Alliance’s larger NATO Response Force, which is being increased to a force level of around 30,000 troopsCopyright NATO 2015
Defense Chief: NATO Is Ukraine’s Priority
http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/turchynov_sees_nato_as_ukraines_main_priority_330525
Ukrinform
April 9, 2015
Turchynov sees NATO as Ukraine’s main priorityKYIV:The main priority for Ukraine is its membership in NATO, as it can provide real security.Secretary of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) Oleksandr Turchynov has stated this during the draft national security strategy presentation, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.”Having abandoned the policy of non-alignment, which did not provide the territorial integrity of our country in the medium term, relying primarily on own capabilities, Ukraine reserves the right to take part in collective security systems as a way to guarantee sovereignty and territorial integrity. Sharing common values with the European Union and NATO, Ukraine considers European and Euro-Atlantic integration as its priority in foreign and domestic policy. We see NATO membership as the only reliable external guarantee of state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” he said.
Copyright Ukraine Inform, 2015
Ukrainian Junta: U.S. “Guarantor Of International Security Within Europe
http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/turchynov_names_strategic_allies_of_ukraine_330530
Ukrinform
April 9, 2015
Turchynov names strategic allies of Ukraine
KYIV: The main foreign policy priority for Ukraine will be strengthening of the partnership with the United States as the sole guarantor of international security within the Euro-Atlantic area.This has been announced by secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov at the presentation of the draft national security strategy until 2020, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.”The strategy identifies that the main foreign policy priority is deepening the partnership with the United States as the guarantor of international security within the Euro-Atlantic area,” Turchynov said.
In addition, Ukraine is committed to the development of a “privileged partnership” with the United Kingdom, Poland, as well as Canada, Australia, Japan, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Sweden, Romania, Moldova and Georgia – the countries, which Ukraine considers to be its “reliable allies.”"The partnership with Germany and France, the member states of the EU and NATO, is also a priority of our foreign policy,” Turchynov noted.
Copyright Ukraine Inform, 2015
Strike Force: NATO Holds War Games In Czech Republic
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-04/10/c_134138228.htm
Xinhua News Agency
April 10, 2015
NATO conducts exercises in Czech Republic
PRAGUE: A NATO exercise called Nobel Jump was held in the town of Chrudim in the Czech Republic, it was reported Thursday.”The exercise is designed to examine the activation, planning to deploy some functionality and command, control and support that are needed to drive to go out and perform tasks as ordered,” Czech Deputy Chief of Staff Jiri Baloun was quoted as saying.Miroslav Hlavac, commander of the Rapid Deployment Brigade, said that the exercise involves more than 200 soldiers and 80 pieces of military equipment.
Some 150 Czech soldiers from the 43rd Parachute Battalion joined the NATO exercise. A similar exercise was held in the Netherlands at an air base in Eindhoven at the same time.The training is the first part of Exercise Noble Jump, the second part will continue in June in Zagan in western Poland. There will be a simulated crisis to test the capacity of the deployment of allied troops from Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and the Czech Republic.
Copyright Xinhua 2015
NATO To Station Communications Battalion In Bulgaria
http://www.novinite.com/articles/167828/Bulgarian+Parliament+Passes+Bill+on+NATO+Communications+Unit
Sofia News Agency
April 9, 2015
Bulgarian Parliament Passes Bill on NATO Communications Unit
Bulgarian National Assembly ratified the agreement for the deployment of a NATO switchboard battalion in Bulgaria.The communication-information system or the so-called NATO module will be constructed near Bulgaria’s Gorna Malina.The deployment of a communication battalion of NATO in Bulgaria has been supported by 120 MPs in Parliament Thursday, with 21 voting in favor, and 5 of them abstained.
Heated debates on the topic started Wednesday with a scandal between representtaives of the nationalist parties ATAKA and Patriotic Front. Leader of ATAKA Volen Siderov catеgorically opposed the bill, stating that the center will be used in the future for coordination of military action on the territory of Ukraine. The party urged for Bulgarian authorities to announce neutrality in order to avoid possible military threats….In 2009 NATO’s Military Committee and the North-Atlantic Council took the decision for Bulgaria to host a national mobile communications module as a part of the Second Communication Battalion to NATO. Additionally, two higher officers and 55 sergeants that will be provided by Bulgaria.
Copyright Sofia News Agency 2015
Czech Republic: U.S. Warplanes Drill For Conflict To The East
http://www.ceskenoviny.cz/news/zpravy/forward-air-control-exercise-starts-at-czech-army-base/1202246
Czech News Agency
April 8, 2015
Forward air control exercise starts at Czech army base
Namest nad Oslavou: An exercise of Czech forward air controllers started at the helicopter base in Namest today by the arrival of four A-10 Thunderbolt planes from the U.S. air forces´ 354th fighter squadron seated in Germany, base spokeswoman Jana Skrivankova has told CTK.The POP UP A-10 CAS military exercise, which runs through April 17, will take place without live ammunition in the area normally used for the training of air support in the vicinity of Trebic.The U.S. planes landed in Namest at round 14:00.Training flights should start as of Thursday.”They will be on workdays from 09:00 until 23:00. Night flights will be limited to the necessary minimum,” said Skrivankova.
The Czech air force have long been developing cooperation with the United States in this field, she added.The participation of the A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft during the training should extend the Czech forward air controllers´ (FAC) skills in the operation of state-of-the-art equipment for the identification and surveillance of targets.Soldiers will also train in the night using night-vision devices and develop communication skills in English, Skrivankova said.In addition, the exercise should focus on the development of skills of the 22nd helicopter base in the provision of logistic support for the 65-member U.S. unit, including catering, accommodation, fuel and communication and information connection.
The Ample Strike 2015 national exercise will also train the harmonisation of forward air controllers with the crews of tactic planes and helicopters during operations. It will be held in cooperation with NATO member states on August 31-September 22. Sixteen NATO members confirmed their participation at the beginning of the year.
Last year, the Ample Strike exercise took place at the Namest base and at the 21st tactic air force base in Caslav, central Bohemia, as well as in the Boletice and Libava grounds, south Bohemia. Almost 1300 soldiers from 12 NATO member states, including the Czech Republic, participated in it.It followed up the previous Flying Rhino and Ramstein Rover exercises in the Czech Republic in the past years.Copyright Czech Republic, 2015
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http://www.globalresearch.ca/us-nato-defensive-military-initiatives-and-war-games-threaten-russia/5442297
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