CONCLUSION OF NATO RESERVE FORCES OPERATIONAL REHEARSAL DYNAMIC RESPONSE 2003 IN BOSNIA, KOSOVO
NATO AFSOUTH Press Release {21}
26 09 03
The very successful operational rehearsal Dynamic Response 2003 (DR03) was completed today with the redeployment of the last contingent of the forces that have operated for the past month in Bosnia-Herzegovina and in Kosovo as an integral part of SFOR and KFOR respectively. Initial assessments clearly indicate that DR03, having built on previous experiences, constituted the most effective of all the similar NATO operational rehearsals conducted so far.
From 24 August to 26 September, Reserve Forces from NATO and Partner Nations had the chance to practise operational concepts as well as becoming familiar with the terrain and environment but above all, have demonstrated NATO's strong willingness and unrelenting commitment to peace and stability in the Balkan Region.
In addition, once more, the operational rehearsal has validated the Over-The-Horizon-Forces (OTHF) concept that enables the reinforcement of present NATO-led forces if the situation so demands. Therefore, DR03 demonstrated that NATO and the International Community can count on highly mobile and quickly available reserve forces. In particular, the Operational Reserve Forces and Strategic Reserves Forces have proved to be robust enough and ready at short notice in order to contribute to the maintenance of a safe and secure environment in both SFOR and KFOR areas of operation if needed.
Among other remarkable achievements, this year, DR 03 encompassed the first ever activation and deployment of reserve units from the SFOR area of operations into KFOR's as well as the operational use of the air corridor through the Union of Serbia and Montenegro in support of KFOR operations. This readily available, intra-theatre reinforcement capability constitutes another important tool available to local commanders if the situation requires. In addition, all units conducted intelligence-led operations in support of the respective area of operations. Over 140 sorties were flown in the Balkans JOA in support of DR03 including a combined live fire exercise at Glamoc Range, SFOR, to support the United States/Polish/Italian Task Force operating in MNB NW.
Operational rehearsals, like DR03, provide an effective tool for practising reserve units and testing the OTHF concept and, therefore, it is intended to conduct similar rehearsals in the future as part of NATO Southern Region operational activities.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
