News
Slovenian troops in Afghanistan receive many commendations
The second day of the official visit of Ministry of Defence and the Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF) delegation to Afghanistan was marked by the visit of the Slovenian Contingent’s main body stationed in Bala Baluk. During the talks with colleagues from partner states engaged in ISAF, commanders at all levels commended the professionalism of the Slovenian Contingent stressing the high level of readiness of SAF members for the mentorship of the Afghan National Security Forces and the high level of trust, which is essential for a successful transfer of knowledge. Thereby, Slovenian troops contribute to a slow, but successful security stabilisation in Afghanistan. The transition of responsibility for security in the country to Afghan National Security Forces continues, while education and training of Afghan forces remain crucial prerequisites for a successful transition. In transition, an important role is played by Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs), where the increasing role of civilian development is coming to forefront.
The Slovenian Armed Forces are currently contributing the second rotation of OMLTs. An evaluation of the results achieved during the Slovenian presence is underway. It will constitute the basis for the planning of tasks for the next Slovenian Contingent (to be deployed in October 2011). SAF members currently deployed to Afghanistan compose the 15th Slovenian ISAF Contingent, whose main task is to provide training and mentorship of an Afghan National Army (ANA) battalion (kandak). The ANA Infantry Battalion mentored by the Slovenian Armed Forces controls the road connection alongside the communication road between Shindad and Bala Boluk in order to provide secure movement. According to the estimations of ISAF commanders, kandak progressed a great deal under the mentorship of Slovenian officers and NCOs. However, according to ISAF standards, it is still not completely ready to assume independent leadership. In Slovenia, preparations are underway for the deployment of the 16th Contingent, which is to assume duty in October 2011. The envisaged composition of the contingent also includes 12 members of the Colorado National Guard. So far, the number of contingent members is to remain unchanged.
During their visit, State Secretary and Chief of the General Staff also talked to Melita Šinkovec who was injured in a suicide attack against the military base last month. She said that she performed her tasks according to the programme and had more or less put the incident behind her. Towards the end of their trip, the delegation visited Joint Command ISAF, where State Secretary and Chief of the General Staff met with Commander, ISAF Joint Command, Lieutenant General Rodriguez.
