TOPIC: Correct and timely SALUTE reporting is crucial.
DISCUSSION: The mission of any U.S. peacekeeping soldier is to observe and report. This requirement creates the demand for all soldiers regardless of rank to observe and report activities considered hostile or unusual to the sovereignty of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). Commanders and leaders continually remind soldiers of the importance of timely information reporting. Several examples exist where SALUTE reporting and timely information flow continues to be a challenge.
- 24 March 1994: Scout patrol made contact with a Serbian patrol. Incident was not reported back to Operation ABLE SENTRY until debrief occurred 24 hours later.
- 28 March 1994: Two UN Civilian Police were detained by a Serbian border patrol. Location of the detention was inside the country of Serbia across from the Swedish sector. A U.S. patrol witnessed the deployment of the Swedish reserve platoon and a Serbian Response force. A standoff occurred between the two forces with both sides pointing weapons at each other. While the situation was resolved peacefully, the U.S. patrol failed to immediately report the incident through U.S. channels. A 24-hour delay occurred before the TF commander received an accurate SALUTE report.
- 16 April 1994: Two U.S. vehicles were traveling in the wrong direction and nearly crossed the border into Serbia. The incident was reported immediately back to the company HQ; however, a 24-hour delay occurred from company to TF TOC.
The TF conducted reinforcement training within Operation ABLE SENTRY to increase reporting accuracy. Officer Professional Development (OPD) classes were also conducted at both the company and battalion levels relating to both reporting procedures and the use of the SALUTE report.
LESSON(S): The timely transmittal of information must be stressed.
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Civil
Affairs Plays an Integral Part in any U.S. Peacekeeping Operation
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