Romanian soldiers honored at Camp Phoenix

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

03.29.2014

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Frankie Colbry 

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan - Twenty-two soldiers of the Romanian Army were honored at Camp Phoenix March 29, 2014, as the wrapped up their mission of help train members of the Afghan National Army at the camp. It also marked the 10-year anniversary of Romania becoming a member of NATO. Romania continues to play a vital role for NTM-A and in Operation Enduring Freedom.

March 29 marked two significant achievements for the Romanian Armed Forces in Afghanistan. The most recent accomplishment celebrated was the end of the Romanian training mission for NATO Training Mission- Afghanistan on Camp Phoenix in Kabul, Afghanistan. It also marked the 10-year anniversary of Romania becoming a member of NATO.

Since 2003, when NATO took command of International Security Resistance Force operations to assist in enhancing security and Afghan governing authority throughout the country, the Romanian efforts have made great strides to enrich and enhance the program
using hands-on-training. The Romanian training program on Camp Phoenix consisted of several different training elements. The main objective was to train the Afghan National Army on how
to function as a basic military unit.

“When the Romanian army first started the training mission, we were focused on training groups of soldiers in the methods of working together as a unit. We taught the ANA members on several different levels, all playing a vital role in the success of a military unit,” said Lt. Col. Mihai Baltatescu, NTM-A, personnel chief.

Baltatescu added that, the things the ANA learned will give them a better understanding on how to deal with future situations.

“We taught them about operational procedures, how to conduct proper cordon and seizure operations, first aid and medical evacuation, also other things like weapon handling and
marksmanship, conducting ambushes and reaching to the circumstances, like IED attacks” said Lt. Col. Marius Serban, commander of the Romanian training detachment.

The mission shifted in November 2013, from training the ANA soldiers to train the trainers or T-3 mission.

“If we can train people who will be able to continue the training, and pass it along, then we have done much more good than just training a few troops. We have essentially given the ANA the capability of sustaining the training, ensuring that in time all the troops in the ANA will have received the same formal training,” said Serban.

On Jan. 28, 2002, the Romanian force deployed into theater on their own accord, utilizing their own transport capabilities for the first time. After fighting in theater with NATO forces Romania officially joined the treaty.

The mission for the Romanian Armed Forces on camp Phoenix may be at an end, but throughout Afghanistan the Romanian forces are still continuing to assist the Afghan national security forces to ensure a more stable Afghanistan.

• Date Taken: 03.29.2014
• Date Posted: 04.10.2014 11:20
• Story ID: 125302
• Location: KABUL, AF