“Jackal Stone 09” international military exercise DV Day

“Jackal Stone 09” international military exercise DV Day

The DV Day of the JACKAL STONE 09 international military exercise that took place in the “Josip Jovic” barracks in Udbina on Tuesday, September 15, was attended by Defence Minister Branko Vukelic, Chief of CAF General Staff General Josip Lucic, and other senior civilian and military officials from the MOD and CAF, Belgian Defence Minister Pieter de Crem, Commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) Major General Frank Kisner, representatives of participating countries, and representatives of local authorities.
As part of the DV Day, members of special units of the participating countries performed demonstration exercise in which participants demonstrated solving the hostage crisis. Through several working points, such as ensuring the area of operation, fast rope technique landing, drawing from the area of operation by helicopter, hostage situations on the bus and pulling out from the zone of action by C-130 plane, we could see just several possibilities  of use of special forces to liberate hostages and prevent the terrorists in their plans. Exercise has shown good cooperation and coordination of actions of special forces – both military and civilian, and also showed why special forces, although small, were important and crucial segment of the armed forces of any country.
Addressing the participants of the exercise, Armed Forces Deputy Chief of General Staff and Director of the JACKAL STONE 09 Exercise Rear Admiral (UH) Zdenko Simicic said that this was the first big exercise since Croatia joined NATO. The Admiral stressed that the exercise that just took place showed how much effort in the coordination of all relevant details within the multinational forces, which were the foundation of successful implementation of this demonstration, was taken. This methodical field demonstration was just a sort of introduction to all the activities that will be part of the JACKAL STONE 09 exercise carried out at sea, land and air.
General Lucic said that through the exercise we could see that the Croatian Armed Forces, and particularly special forces, implemented all the necessary reforms, and have proven the ability to work with our allies and partners.
Commander of the Exercise Major General Frank Kisner pointed out the importance of joint training of special operations forces. “The skills that you demonstrated to us today are those skills that will be used if necessary in the actual, real situations on the battlefield. Here we have gathered so that we can train together and all that to ensure a secure and stable future” General Kisner said.
On behalf of the Ministry of Defence all exercises participants were welcomed by the Minister of Defence Branko Vukelic who stressed that this impressive exercise showed why special forces of our countries were these special values that were carefully cherished. “JACKAL STONE 09 Exercise will contribute to harmonization of activities of special forces of allied and partner countries in execution of tasks, in communion and cooperation in countering terrorism. This exercise contributes to strengthening regional security and cooperation. Only the top professionals like you can execute probably the most demanding tasks once can ask from soldiers ” the Minister said, stressing that he believes that the continuation of this year’s the biggest special forces exercise in Europe would pass in developing of your abilities which make you more special than others. Expressing satisfaction with the demonstration, Minister Vukelic said that this exercise showed professionalism and qualifications of members of special forces and police in executing the most demanding tasks.

In the framework of “Jackal Stone 09” international military exercise, the U.S Special Operations Command Europe, with the support of the Croatian Government, Ministry of Regional Development, Forestry and Water Economy, Ministry of Defence, Croatian Armed Forces, Licko-Senjska County and the Office for Defense Cooperation of the Embassy of the United States to Croatia, donated funds for the reconstruction of the main water supply for residents of Udbina municipality. By realization of this project, the reconstruction of the main water supply in the length of 5800 meters, secured a stable water supply of this area. On this occasion, Croatian Minister of Defence Branko Vukelic unveiled a plaque as a symbol of successful cooperation and the implementation of this important project for the benefit of local community.

Nearly 1,500 participants from ten countries: Albania, Hungary, Lithuania, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Ukraine, U.S. and Croatia participate in the JACKAL STONE 09 exercise which will hold in Croatia till 26 September 2009. The organizers of the exercise were the Croatian Armed Forces, and technical coordinator was the Special Operations Battalion (BSD). Beside BSD, members of all three services of the Croatian Armed Forces and members of the Ministry of Interior participate in this biggest exercise in Croatia since the Republic of Croatia joined the NATO alliance.