No.9 Price: 50 den.

May, 2010
ISSN: 1857-6710

M aaga
g a z iine
n e ooff tthe
h e M iinistry
n i s t r y ooff D eefense
f e n s e ooff tthe
h e R eepu
p u b llic
i c ooff M aacedonia
cedonia

A review of the last visit to Afganistan

THE MISSION CONTINUES

A DEMONSTRATED HIGH DEGREE OF READINESS AND TRAINING

EXERCISE „MACEDONIAN FLASH 06“

DESERVED GROUNDING OF ONE
OF THE MOST EXPLOITED ARMY AIRCRAFTS

THE HELICOPTER VAM 303

ARM-NATO REPORTING WEAPONS MILITARY HISTORY GAMES AND SIMULATIONS
LOGISTIC SUPPORT
COMMAND MEMBERS
Content:
CROWN OF THE LONGTERM
PARTNERSHIP

The Republic of Macedonia and the United

States of America have a high level of co­
operation. One of the numerous examples
of this cooperation is the joint participation
of the ARM and the US Vermont National
Guard members in the joint contingent
“Phoenix” in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan.
The joint contingent “Phoenix” consisted of
79 representatives of the Regiment for spe­
cial operations and the Military Police Battal­
ion of the RM, together with representatives
from the American Army and the Vermont
National Guard has begun its mission for
Page INTERVIEW training and mentoring of the Afghan Na­
WITH THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE
8 OF THE REPUBLIC OF MONTENEGRO,
MR. BORO VuCHINIC
tional Army and Police thus contributing to
the coalition forces of NATO and the US in
building a democratic society in Afghanistan.
This event has an exceptional importance
for both Macedonian and American sol­diers
Page
LOGISTICS SUPPORT standing “shoulder to shoulder” in accom­
CONCEPT OF ARM IN MISSIONS plishing their complex activities in the service

4 OBSERVATIONS AND NEW CHALLENGES

of peace and therefore it was marked by the
Macedonian Embassy in Washington with
an official ceremony. The Macedonian Am­
bassador to Washington, Mr. Zoran Jolevski,
TREND OR LONG-TERM VISION FOR THE handed over the three flags of the ARM
Page FUTURE? units:” the Rangers”, the Military Police and
the “Wolves” to Major General Michael Dubie,
15 MODERNIZATION OF Mi-24 HELICOPTERS
“Aleksandar” – part two
the Commander of the Vermont National
Guard in front of a large number of guests
and representatives from governmental and
nongovernmental organizations, legislative,
administrative and defensive structures of
Page SPACE DEBRIS the United States, ambassadors and atta­
Page chés.
20 THE BIGGEST THREAT
FOR SPACE EXPLORATION 23
“The cooperation between Macedonia and
the United States is at very high level. This
is evidence and an indication of the partner
relations between the two countries. The
mission of our army as part of the troops of
Page STATIONARY CAMPING the Special Vermont Guard in Afghanistan

30
is another indicator of the great coopera­
WITH THE ARM ARTILLERISTS tion between the two armies. Practically, a
complete interoperability of the two armies”,
stated Ambassador Jolevski at the reception.
Major General Dubie expressed his great sat­
isfaction with the readiness of the Macedo­
Page IN SERVICE OF THE ARMY JUSTICE nian soldiers in Afghanistan. “In Afghanistan,

33 Page according to the latest news, everything is

going well. The Macedonian soldiers arrived
26
FROM THE PEACEKEEPER’S JOURNAL
well prepared and we are impressed by their
professionalism and ability to cope with all
the challenges”, emphasized Dubie.
The Minister of Defence Mr. Zoran Konja­nov­
Page
BOMB DEACTIVATION ski joined in the symbolical marking of the

36 ANTI-DIVERSIONARY PROTECTION
deployment of the Macedonian Army Units
as part of the Vermont National Guard by
sending a letter. “We have joined at this occa­
sion with a sense of honor and pride. Today,
in the best possible way, we are celebrat­
Page LESS NUCLEAR WEAPONS ing the contribution of the RM to the global
Page peace and security as well as the firm, stra­
42 FOR A SAFER WORLD

REVIEW OF THE NEW NUCLEAR STRATEGY

46 tegic partnership between Ma­ce­donia and
the USA. Not more than twenty days ago,
the Macedonian and the American soldiers
marked he beginning of the joint contribu­
SHIELD - Year II, issue 9, May 2010, published monthly tion towards the training and the mentoring
PUBLISHER - MINISTRY OF DEFENSE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA of the Afghan National Security Forces. We
are proud to have our joint mission aimed
PUBLISHING BOARD towards the priorities of the Alliance. This
Emil Dimitriev (Chairman, chief)
Major general Naser Sejdini, Sashko Dimov, Lieutenant Colonel Mirce Gjorgoski, Lieutenant Colonel Zdravko Rizovski, common engagement is a crown to the
Lieutenant Colonel Meri Rindzova, Ph.D. Gorgi Malkovski long years of partnership between the sister
armies of the Vermont National Guard and
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF the ARM, writes Minister Konjanovski in his
Lieutenant Colonel Zdravko Rizovski letter, underlining the firm commitment that
Macedonia continues to contribute not only
EDITORIAL BOARD towards stability and security of the region,
Biljana Ivanova (Copy Editor, Art and Graphic Editor), Ivan Petrushevski (Associate Journalist) Ksenija Miteva (Lector), Aleksandar
Atanasov (Photographs) but also to the global security and world
peace. The common mission of our “brothers
CONCEPTUAL CONSULTING, ART OFFICE AND DESIGN in arms” is a real confirmation that Republic
Zarko Stojanovik, Oliver Kurciev, Vesna Vujadinovik, Stefan Smiljanoski of Macedonia is an “equal and trustworthy
partner”, states Minister Konjanovski in his
Printed by: ”Evropa 92” Kocani letter that was read in front of the others.
ADDRESSS
The outspoken assessment of ther relevant
MINISTRY OF DEFENSE - Magazine “SHIELD” Macedonian and American authorities is a
“Orce Nikolov” bb 1000 Skopje sufficient guarantee that the joint contingent
Phone: 02 038 24 17; 02 328 20 58 “Phoenix” will complete its noble mission suc­
Fax: 02 3113 527; 02 3128 276 cessfully.
www.morm.gov.mk; E-mail: stit@morm.gov.mk Zdravko Rizovski

3
 LOGISTICS SUPPORT
CONCEPT OF ARM IN MISSIONS
OBSERVATIONS AND NEW CHALLENGES
n the framework of the
strategic determination for
membership to NATO and
the EU, the Republic of
Macedonia continues its dedi-
cation to reform for improv-
ing the defence capabilities. In
accordance with the goals of
the Long-term Development
Plan and the Annual National
Program (ANP) for NATO
membership, in the forthcom-
ing period the Republic of
Macedonia will continue with
its active contribution in the
international operations with
units and military personnel
that will gradually increase to
a certain percentage, propor-
tionally with the development
of the deployment capacities
of the ARM.
As already known, by the end
of 2009, Macedonia brought
is approaching the comple-
tion of the partnership goal to
prepare one medium infantry
battalion for participation in a
wide range of NATO-led op-
erations, deployable and able
to operate with high intensity,
to maneuver on all kinds of
terrains and different weather
conditions. This is only the first
precondition for establishing a

4
battalion group which is to be carried
out several years latter.
The units and equipment contri­bution
increase brings about the increase in
the responsibility of the logistics sup­
port (LS) of the national contingents.
The priority is one more point on the
list of logistical challenges in 2010:
codification, stan­dardization, logis­
tics infor­ma­tion system, acquisition
system, decentralization of functions
and responsibilities, optimization of
lo­gistics personnel, structural chan­
ges, establishment of material man­
agement, etc.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCES
Participation of the ARM contingents
in ISAF, Althea and Iraqi Freedom was
mainly based on logistics support of
coalition partners in the area of re­
sponsibility. Although the RM had a
rather poor experience in these and
similar missions, as a member of the
PfP (Partnership for Peace) it often
had a relatively privileged status and
used the benefits of the multinational
logistics support of the allied forces.
Consequently, the national respon­
sibility in providing logistics support
was concentrated on engaging the
entities in the contingent prepara­
tion, deployment and return phase.
The continual existence of the troops
was directly dependant on the orga­
nization and implementation of the
logistics concept of a partner coun­
try or ac­cording to the existing inter­
na­tional agreements. On the other
hand, the participation resulted in
several capital benefits – gaining in­
valuable international experience in
defining operational needs, possible
allocation of financial resources for
other needs in the country, and gain­
ing self-confidence and security in
performing operations in a distant
multinational environment etc.
LOGISTICS SUPPORT ESTABLISH-
MENT IN MISSIONS
In addition to the already mentioned
experiences gained by participation
in international missions, a good as­
sumption and foundation for a more
serious approach toward the estab­
lishing of a logistics sup­port system
in missions are the achievements
in the logistics field from the previ­
ous year. This primarily refers to the
revised National Logistics Support
Concept, revised Combat Service
Support Directive, Logistics Support
Planning in NATO-led missions Guide­
lines, National Support Element Con­
cept, the activities of the integrated
project teams for acquisition of mis­
sion equipment, implementation of
codification and current engagement
of entities from the logistics in re­
form processes for army structure
improvement etc.
The National Logistics Support Con­
cept represents a basis for develop-
ment and transformation of the sys-
tem for the logistical support of the
defence and the ARM. The document
may be used as a guideline in plan-
ning and implementing the defence
of the RM, the participation of the
ARM in peace support operations
and humanitarian aid, resolving re-
gional conflicts and crisis, and protec-
tion of broader interests of the RM,
moreover, it can be used in participa-
tion of the ARM units in multinational
operations outside the Republic of
Macedonia, in support of “friendly
troops” deployed in the RM, as well
as other military assignments.
The Logistics Support Planning in
missions Guidelines provides the
guidelines and explains the metho­
dology for implementing the appro­
priate logistical planning and imple­
mentation of the lo­gistical support in
conducting the operations. The pro­
visions from these guidelines refer
not only to the NATO-led operations,
but also to the participation of our
troops in operations led by the UN,
EU, OSCE or other union or coalition
in which the RM participates as a
member.
The logistic support of the deployed
ARM unit in an operation outside
the Macedonian territory includes
preparation, deployment, reception,
staging and movement in the area
of operations, operation execution
and redeployment and return to the
country. All these elements are con­
tained in the basic Draft Concept for
Logistics Mission Support which was
outlined in the above-mentioned
guidelines.
The outline (1) provides the possibil­
ity of presenting the basic idea for
implementing the logistic support
with the basic system elements,
that is, a conditional division of the
logistics organized according to the
levels of responsibility. The fact that
there is no single adopted terminol­
ogy in the logistics that will ease the
expression and the communication
forces us to operate with closely de­
termined terms. In this respect, the
overall logistics in the RM (entities,
infrastructure and resources) is the
domestic logistics. After the deploy­
ment on the territory in the area of
operations, advanced logistic sup­
port is formed to support the con­
tingent participating in a specific mis­
5

Log.concept/
Operational
requirements
Coordination
Material management
Routine procedures
Basic Logistics at Home Basic Logistics Abroad
sion. The logistic support elements
directly supporting the combat units
in the contingent are located in the
field of conducting operations.
COMMAND AND CONTROL
Having in mind the Logistics Support
Concept and the existing structure,
and knowing the provisions of the
current regulation in the ARM in this
field, a successful attempt for illus-
trating an outline of the command
and control (C2) relations can be made
between the holder of logistic sup-
port from the aspect of implementa-
tion of the unit operational mission
requirements. The conceptual outline
6
c procedures.
2
Coordination
Ј4 С4
Operatinoal
Requirements а
LS-
LE/ implementation
NSP
contains a minimal number of rela-
tions vertically, which is one of the
most important imperatives created
by modern logistics in a multinational
environment. Consequently, the op-
erational mission command, in this
case the Joint Operational Command
(JOC), would be the main holder of the
mission and the direct relation with
the unit-participant, and the Logistics
Support Command (LSC) which in its
formation has the Logistics Support
Battalion (LSBt) and the Supply and
Transport Center (STC) would be ca-
pable of providing direct distribution
from the National Support Element,
that is, the logistic element in the
area of responsibility. Several factors
influence the establishment of the
logistic element, where the practice
suggests engagement of a company
for logistic support of the mecha­
nized infantry battalion, which does
not necessarily have to be a rule. The
present Concept allows the estab­
lishment of logistic support elements
of a modular principle by escorting
the previously enabled and equipped
modules-units toward the mission re­
quirements.
The last transformation of the ARM
troops should allow enhancement of
the horizontal relations by increasing
the responsibility of all participants in
the logistics support system, which is
a characteristic of all contemporary
armies in the world, especially in the
last few years. Thus, a perspective is
opened for a positive solution of the
immobility of the logistics support
system and elimination of the redun­
dant, expensive and unnecessary ad­
ministration. It is not too much to say
that with the implementation of ma­
terial management projects, the ARM
follows the latest trends in multina­
tional logistics. Namely, the develop­
ment of the function and the system
of material management should en­
able a more efficient system of mis­
sion troops supply in near future, so
that the logistic support in many seg­
ments and phases should be a collec­
tion of routine actions and simplified
FUNCTION OF THE LOGISTICS
SUPPORT SYSTEM
This outline (4) presents a possible
variant of occurance of an activ­
ity spectrum by the logistics holders
which selects and positions the re­
sponsibilities in a line of succession.
In this respect, the process of mis­
sion planning and Logistics Support
Concept development occurs in the
JOC by parallel participation of the
LSC in the appropriate preparations
of the resources and distribution to
the final destination. This possibility
allows a rational utilization of troops
as it prevents the appearance of con­
flict of authorization and competence
overlapping, and moreover through
the practical unification of the partici­
pants around the main concept it of­
fers security in the execution of this
possibility. The outline also provides
the final points and ways of current
supply in all subsequent phases as a
main precondition for strengthening
the operational capabilities and the
ability for contingent existence.
The physiognomy of the presented
relations in the strategic transport,
disembarkment and staging phase
in the area of responsibility includes
new elements as well, especially at
the reception, staging and onward
 ARM GS/G4
Guidelines for the
establishment and Establishment and
preparation of the Cont Guidelines for the preparation order
establishment and
preparation of the Cont 1.MIBg + TC
JOC
Cont+
Support
Ј5 Section Catalogue of Element
Capabilieis

Operational tasks Guidlines

(Logistics) Orders LBt

Petrovec
Ј4 Section depo
LSC STC
Log. Concept+
Catalogue of Capabilities

Ongoing
Cont Commander Log supply
Cont - Contingent NSE

movement. A big role will be played
by the host nation support entities,
as well as the partners and contac-
tors from the multinational logistics.
The offered models for functioning of
the logistic support are a logical prod-
uct based on the existing regulation
in the ARM concepts, rules, guide-
lines and procedures, and the existing
formation structure. Numerous ongo-
ing reform processes in the logistics
and the announced improvements of
the ARM and MoD structure will bring
about new challenges and, naturally,
will have a significant influence on the
relationships in planning and carrying
out the logistic support of mission
units. There will be a need of sugges-
tions for new logistic support func-
tioning models which will probably be
based on the fundamental principles
of logistics, the projected strategic
provisions and dynamics and com-
plexity of the events in the current
security environment.
The NATO operations in Afghanistan
and the Balkans reaffirmed the need
of establishing modern and capable
forces, fully deployable, secure and
interoperable, capable to operate in
a full spectrum of conflicts and crises
for a long period and on significant
strategic distances. In order to re-
spond to these challenges, the logis-
tics must be an efficient force capable
of a joint disembarkment and long-
term existence without geographical
limitations. In this respect, by moving
the logistics toward the operational
readiness the ARM should build an
effective logistics support system,
compatible and interoperable with
NATO, which is an imperative under-
lined in the strategic determinations
of the Republic of Macedonia.
Ljupco Jankulovski

7
 A SUCCESSFUL
AN EXAMPLE OF

COOPERATION

INTERVIEW
WITH THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF
Minister, would you please tell the
readers of „Shtit“, what is the reason
behind your visit to the Republic of
Macedonia?
– Before I answer your question, allow
me to greet the readers of «Shtit» and
to express my pleasure of having the op-
portunity to give an interview for your
magazine.
I am here with a delegation from the Min-
istry of Defence of Montenegro to pay a
friendly visit to my colleague and friend,
the Minister of Defence of the Republic of
Macedonia, Zoran Konjanovski. Our coop-
eration started in 2007, and we have es-
tablished a bilateral cooperation plan for
2010, which is a big project defined in our
agendas and needs to be implemented in
the course of this year.

8

MONTENEGRO, MR. BORO VuCHINIC
The Republic of Macedonia and the Re-
public of Montenegro are a good exam-
ple of the successful bilateral coopera-
tion on the Balkans. What do you think
about the bilateral defence cooperation
between the two counties?
– This cooperation is an excellent exam-
ple of how the cooperation in the region
should be. It shows that two countries
with no open questions, two friendly na-
tions of both countries with the same
democratic values show how cooperation
should be conducted, and how the rela-
tions between them should be developed.
I am really pleased that the cooperation in
the defence area between the Republic of
Macedonia and Montenegro is conducted
in this way. It is our obligation to maintain
and constantly enhance this cooperation.
During your visit of the Republic of
Macedonia you and the Minister of De-
fence, Zoran Konjanovski signed a Mem-
orandum of cooperation in the defence
between the two counties, thus adding
a new dimension to the cooperation.
What does the Memo­randum of coop-
eration project?
– I would like to underline two important
things. Due to the fact that we don't have
a developed system of military education
in Montenegro, we don't have an oppor-
tunity to educate our officer corps, our
future service personnel in the army. In
accordance with the Memorandum of co-
operation, in that respect we are planning
to use the facilities of the Macedonian
Military Academy to educate our officers
in the future. On the other hand, we are
going to offer training and accommoda-
tion to Macedonian pilots at the Regional
Training Center for pilots in Podgorica. This
year we are expecting the Macedonian
pilots as our first participants after which
we are expecting the service personnel
from the German army. Thus, with these
key activities, and a wide range of other
activities which we have talked about in
the course of today's visit, such as visit-
ing the Military Medical Center in Skopje,
we are going to continue developing our
cooperation. In addition to this delegation,
there are three other delegations from
Montenegro visiting the Republic of Mace-
donia at the same time, which is the best
indicator of the scope of our cooperation.
We are going to continue and promote our
cooperation because your experience is
very significant for us.
Minister, Montenegro and the Re­public
of Macedonia are successfully partici-
pating in international peace support
missions in the world. What do you think
about their contribution in that respect?
– At today's meeting with your President,
Mr. Gjorgje Ivanov, I have congratulated
him for the contribution of the Repub-
lic of Macedonia to global peace and its
participation in peace support missions.
You are an excellent example. Macedonia
is recognized by the leading countries in
the world and by world leaders, especially
with the acknowledgement received by
the President of the USA recognizing the
country as a leading country according to
its contribution to international missions
compared to its demographic capacity
and as a country which provides support
to global peace. As it was mentioned at
9

the meeting with your President today,
the troops are not there to fight, but to
create conditions for peace making and to
create normal conditions for developing
democracy and normal life. Montenegro
would really like to follow that direction.
Within the frameworks of our capacity, we
have already equipped one unit which has
already been sent to accomplish its task.
In the second half of this year we are go-
ing to prepare its rotation. We are send-
ing soldiers to the «Atlanta» mission in
Somalia to fight against the pirates. We
already have soldiers in Liberia, in the UN
mission, so we are doing everything we
can. On the other hand, we recognize the
responsibility which comes out of our mor-
al obligation to, I hope, Montenegro’s and
Macedonia’s and other countries’ in the
region, soon to be, membership in NATO,
and the advantage provided by the collec-
tive defence system. Therefore, if we want
to develop and use this collective defence
system, we have an obligation to give our
contribution within our powers.
Minister, how much can the Republic
of Macedonia with its long years of ex-
perience help your country successfully
accomplish the tasks assigned by the
NATO Membership Action Plan?
– I think that by having good cooperation
you send a good message. Both counties
are ready to cooperate, which is a good
thing. But, when there is an essential co-
operation, then that is even better. In our
cooperation both elements of cooperation
are emphasized. I think that in the essen-
tial part of the scope and content of our
agenda for cooperation defined for this
year I recognize huge benefit for both
countries. I have already emphasized your
rich experience gained through your par-
ticipation in peace support missions, your
10
experience in giving military medical care
and training medical teams.
Montenegro has deployed a medical team
in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan this
year. We are already working on the train-
ing of the second medical team. I be­lieve
that many things can be useful to us.
Our obligations regarding the Euro-Atlan-
tic aspirations have increased now that
we have become a member of the MAP
(Membership Action Plan). Macedonia’s
experience in the implementation of the
partnership goals and assignments is very
important to us and it will help us apply
everything you have done in the extent
required for us. During today's meeting at
the Military Academy, which will be attend-
ed by the young people from our country,
and especially at the meeting with Minis-
ter Konjanovski, we have touched upon
many areas of cooperation to be consid-
ered in the future. Basically, it is important
that we are coming from one ambience,
one area, and now were developing well;
we have no language barriers to make our
communication diffi­cult in the course of
learning your 'lessons learned'. Your expe-
rience is valuable.
The Republic of Macedonia and Mon­
tenegro have similar strategic interests
and that is to become members of the
Euro-Atlantic Alliance. According to you,
when do you expect these two coun­
tries to become members of the EU and
NATO?
– Our strategic interests are membership
to the EU and NATO. We share the same
values in that respect. Regional coopera-
tion is our priority in order to lead us to
the accomplishment of these aims. What
Montenegro and the Republic of Macedo-
nia do in that respect is positively recog-
nized by our partners. I believe that Mace-
donia will overcome the name issue it has
with its neighbor Greece. Montenegro
firmly supports Macedonia’s membership
to NATO, as we support all countries on
the Balkans, because we think that is the
only option which brings lasting peace and
stability in the region.
How do you assess the cooperation
among the countries from the A-5
group?
– Montenegro is dedicated to the initia­
tives in the region. We have developed
fruitful bilateral cooperation with all coun­
tries in the region and we have signed
memoranda for cooperation with them.
I think that that is very important, as it
sends a good message about the readi­
ness for cooperation in the region, which
leads to broader integration processes -
membership to the EU and NATO. Mon­
tenegro rounded up its contri­bution in the
regional initiatives last year, firstly, in the
A-5 initiative, then in the SEDM (Southeast
European Defence Ministerial) process.
Naturally, we are also presiding in one part
in RACVIAC. When the regional initiatives
are in question then we think they are very
important. We think that the A-5 initiative
is an extremely important mechanism for
achieving a full-fledged membership to
NATO. Therefore, Montenegro considers
the A-5 initiative as very important and our
country believes that this initiative provides
a significant assistance in our progress to
achieving a full-fledged membership to the
Alliance. Macedonia had a very important
role in this initiative. At that time, It was
an A-3 initiative, and now, with the latest
enlargement, it has grown into an A-5 initia­
tive. Moreover, I am very grateful for your
support in becoming a member of the A-5
initiative and the support in attaining mem­
bership in the SEDM process.
What are your impressions from your
visit to the Republic of Macedonia?
– The visa liberalization is very important.
Macedonia has fulfilled the criteria set by
the European Union, whereas, we have
just sent the additional answers to the
questionnaire of the European Commission
in Brussels. After becoming a member of
the MAP at the end of last year, and a few
other steps we have taken, I believe that
we are steadily catching up in the future
integration processes. This visit of Skopje,
where I had exceptionally useful meetings,
and the recent visit I had with the Minister
of Defence of Serbia, as well as the visit a
few days ago by the Minister of Defence
of Slovenia, demonstrate the readiness of
the countries of this region to cooperate.
In this way, we send a clear message that
we want this region to become an area of
peace and stability and development of de­
mocracy. In that respect, we can take the
fruitful and successful cooperation in the
relations between the Republic of Macedo­
nia and Montenegro as a positive example.
Zdravko Rizovski

STRENGTHENING OF THE COOPERATION
ontenegrin cadets will be
educated at the Military
Academy in Skopje, and
the Macedonian pilots in
a certain stages will be
trained in Montenegro”, this
was agreed at a recent meet­
ing of the Defence Ministers
of both countries, Zoran Kon­
janovski and Boro Vuchinic.
The respective ministers also
sig­ned a Memorandum of Co­
o­peration between Ma­cedonia
and Montenegro in the de­
fence area.
After the meeting Minister
Konja­novski noted that more
than 60 percent of the agreed
joint activities in the past year
have been completed and that
by the end of this year it is
expected that the bilateral co­
operation plans would be fully
completed. “If the real picture
of the Balkans can be reflected
anywhere, this needs to be in
our two countries that foster
multi-ethnic democracy and
pave their roads towards a full-
fledged Euro-Atlantic integra­
tion, by building re­cognizable
and re­cognized armies in the
NATO alliance”, said, inter alia,
Minister Ko­njanovski.
According to Minister Vuchinic,
the relationship between Ma­
cedonia and Montenegro is
based on an honest friendship
between the countries. The
bila­teral cooperation between
the two countries, according
to him is conducted in the best
possible way and, as countries
determined to achieve their Eu-
ro-Atlantic strategic goals, they
can provide the best example
for cooperation in the region.
“We would like to see Mace-
donia resolve the name issue
imposed by Greece as soon as
possible, and in this respect, we
are expecting the full-fledged
membership to NATO“, said
Minister Vuchinic.
According to him, it is especially
important that Montenegro is
moving in its direction to NATO
in accordance with the Member-
ship Action Plan, and together
with Macedonia it is contribut-
ing to peace support missions,
emphasizing that they have to
work and meet their partner-
ship obligations for joining the
Alliance. “It's nice to hear that
there is a country in the region
that according to its participa-
tion to the ISAF mission in Af-
ghanistan is among the top»,
said Minister Vuchinic, adding
that since recently, Montenegro
has contributed with more than
30 soldiers.
Asked when Montenegro ex­
pects an invitation for NATO
mem­bership, the Minister em-
phasized that they have to
work and meet the partnership
obligations. “We shall work dedi-
catedly on our assignments, and
when our partners consider that
it is time, we shall be pleased to
accept it”, stated the Minister of
Defence of Montenegro.
2
CHANGE OF THE
MILITARY REPRESENTATIVE
OF NATO IN SKOPJE
The long-term defence develop­
ment plan and the new ARM
force structure are the priori­
ties for the next few months,
for which the advice from the
NATO Advisorty Team in Mace­
donia will be required, stressed
the Minister of Defence Zoran
Konjanovski, after the meet­
ing with the new and old Se­
nior Military Representative of
NATO and Commander of the
NATO HQ in Skopje.
“The NATO Advisory team
should remain in Macedonia
because we still need mutual
communication until the mo­
ment Macedonia becomes a
full-fledged member of the Alli­
ance“, said Minister Konjanovs­
ki after the meeting with the
Senior Military Rep­resentative
of NATO and Commander of
info
the NATO HQ in Skopje, Com­
modore Valentin Gagashev and
newly appointed performer of
these two functions, Brigadier
General David Humar from Slo­
venia.
Minister Konjanovski expressed
his gratitude to Commodore
Gagashev for the overall activity
and open com­munication, and
expressed cer­tainty that the
same will continue with Briga­
dier General Humar as well.
The newly appointed Senior Mi­
litary Representative of NATO
and Commander of the NATO
HQ in Skopje, Brigadier General
David Humar from Slovenia, an­
nouncing the support for the
planned process, stressed that
Macedonia is an excellent part­
ner of the Alliance, particularly in
NATO led operations.
Commodore Gagashev ex­
pressed his hope that he will
soon see the Macedonian flag
unfurled in the NATO HQ in
Brussels.
11
 3
A USEFUL MEETING
“The urban plans should be pre-
pared by 1 Junet, after which the
property would be assessed
and sold, in order to support the
country’s development“, conclud-
ed at their meeting the Minister
of Defence, Zoran Konjanovski,
the Minister of Transport and
Communications, Mile Janakies-
ki, and the mayors of the mu-
nicipalities in which the projects
“ARM - My True Home“ and “Old
Barracks for New Development -
the Government for the Citizens”
are planned to be implemented.
The meeting was held on 21 April
in the Ministry of Defence.
Minister Konjanovski, reminding
that April 21 was the deadline for
the members of ARM to fill out
a statement of interest in order
to determine the exact number
of apartments, said that he ex-
pected that the company that
will develop and within three
months complete the necessary
projects will be selected by June
15, in a tender procedure.
“After that, the overall docu­
mentation should be forwarded
to the Public Enterprise for Hou­
sing and Business Facilities, after
which a tender will be announced
for the selection of the contrac-
tor“, explained Mi­nister Kon-
janovski, who expects that the
construction of the apartments
would begin in the period from
November till the end of the year.
The “ARM - My True Home“ proj-
ect is envisaged to be realized
in Karposh - Skopje, Kumanovo,
Veles, Shtip, Prilep, Kichevo and
in Tetovo, while Strumica, Bi-
tola, Debar, Kichevo, Radovish,
Gevgelija and Dojran are among
the municipalities in which the
project “The Old Barracks for
New Development - The Gov-
ernment for the Citizens“ will be
realized in the interest of local
economic development.
4
ENHANCING THE
MILITARY COOPERATION
A senior military delegation led
by the Chief of General Staff of
the Army, Lieutenant General
Miroslav Stojanovski, recently
paid a two-day working visit to
the Army of the Republic of Slo-
venia.
The ARM Delegation, which was
welcomed with high military
ho­nours in Ljubljana, was wel­
comed by Chief of General Staff
of the Army of the Republic of
Slovenia, Major General Alojz
Steiner.
The aim of the visit was to re-
view the possibilities for improv-
ing and expanding the military
cooperation on a bilateral plan,
where one of the main topics
was the possibility of using the
Army training area “Krivolak»
for the training of the Slovenian
Army, as well as for training prior
to deployment in NATO, EU and
UN led missions. The two chiefs
discussed the future steps for
the organization of joint exercis-
12
es, the experiences from partici-
pation in peacekeeping mi­ssions
and the activities of the Army
regarding the im­ple­men­tation of
partnership goals as a key factor
in achieving the standards for full-
fledged mem­bership of the Re-
public of Macedonia to NATO. At
the meeting, the structure of the
Armed Forces of the Republic
of Slovenia, the organization of
logistics, participation, expe­rien­
ces of the Slovene army in inter-
national missions, as well as the
deployment of me­dium infantry
battalion were presented before
the delegation of the Army.
While in Slovenia, General Sto­
janovski was welcomed by the
President of the Republic of Slo­­
venia, Danilo Turk, and the Mi­­
nister of Defence, Ljubica Jelushic.
5
PUBLICLY EXPRESSED
GRATITUDE
On the occasion of the suc­
cessful action carried out by the
members of SOR in the mine
“Buchim“ last month, on 16 April
in the Special Operations Regi-
ment Command in the “Ilinden”
barracks in Skopje, the de­puty
director of “Buchim“ from Ra-
dovish, Mr. Nikolajcho Nikolov,
awarded Certificates of Grati-
tude to this elite ARM unit, as
well as to the personnel engaged
in performing this task. The ad-
viser to the Chief of GS of ARM,
Major General Zoran Lekovski,
SOR Commander, Co­lonel Zoran
Dodevski, Com­mander of the
Special Purposes Battalion, Lieu-
tenant Orce Jordev, and mem-
bers of the unit that participated
in the action were also present
at the meeting with the deputy
director of “Buchim“.
At this meeting, Mr. Nikolov did
not hide his admiration for what
the ARM “Wolves” had done,
and expressed gratitude to ARM
and SOR on the behalf of all “Bu-
chim” employees. On this occa-
sion he particularly stressed the
courage, determination and pro-
fessionalism that members of
the SOR had demonstrated dur-
ing the execution of the extreme-
ly complex and difficult task, for
which the staff of “Buchim” was
still impressed.
The Commander of the Special
Purposes Battalion Lieutenant
Colonel Orce Jordev, thanked
them for their visit and the kind
words, and underlined that the
high level of training, physical fit-
ness and motivation to help the
citizens of the Republic of Mace-
donia, a pledge that is constant
for the ARM members were cru-
cial in the successful execution of
the task in the mine Bucim.
As previous known, on 23
March, 2010, a team from the
Special Purposes Battalion - the
“Wolves“, using special pro­
cedures in the extremely dan­
gerous and difficult conditions,
managed to remove the body
of Vlatko Ilkovski from the old
collection system of the mine
“Buchim“. When executing the
task the “Wolves“ demonstrated
their courage and calmness, and
the high degree of their training
and psychophysical readiness to
perform tasks with a high risk to
human life was especially em-
phasized.
6 build democratic institutions. It
A VISIT TO
THE ARM GARRISONS
On 15 April, teams from the
Ministry of Defence visited the
ARM Garrisons in the Republic
of Macedonia, a propos the real-
ization of the project “ARM – My
True Home”. At the meeting, the
ARM members were informed
about the provisions of the regu-
lations provided for housing of
the active military and civilian
personnel serving in the Army,
regarding a purchase of an apart-
ment as a personal property and
norms for the construction of
apartments within the project.
The team, led by the Minister
of Defence Zoran Konjanovski,
visited garrison Petrovec (Cho-
jlija) and the “Ilinden” barracks in
Skopje, Deputy Defence Minister
Emil Dimitriev visited the garr­
isons in Tetovo, Kichevo and
Ohrid, and the State Secretary at
the MoD, Peter Esmerov, visited
the garrisons in Kumanovo, Shtip
and Veles.
At the meetings, the Minister,
Deputy Minister and State Sec­
retary reported that every mem-
ber of the Army, in accor­dance
with the intended crite­ria, has
equal chances for parti­cipation
in the project. All ARM members
greeted the realization of this
project, which until now, has ex-
isted only as an unfulfilled prom-
ise.
The agreement was to establish
operating bodies at garrison lev-
els, which will work on providing
regular information and coordina-
tion of projects.
7
SIGNED MEMORANDUM
OF COOPERATION
On 14 April, the Minister of
Defen­ce Zoran Konjanovski and
the Minister of the Kosovo Secu­
rity Force, Fehmi Mujota, signed
a Memorandum of Understand­
ing between the two ministries
as a basis for initiating bilateral
cooperation.
Minister Mujota, who was wel­
comed with civil and military hon­
ours, and Minister Konjanovski
an­nounced that the co-operation
will take place initially in the area
of health and joint military exer­
cises, and committees that will
define the bilateral cooperation
plan for 2010 will be established
on the basis of the memoran­
dum.
“We have a sufficient experience
that we feel we can exchange
with our neighbours to help
will also contribute to regional
di­mensions“, said Minister Konja­
novski, among other things, after
the meeting.
The Minister of the Kosovo Se­
curity Force, Fehmi Mujota, as­
sessed the current security situ­
ation in the region as better than
ever. “This is just a proof that we
are a factor of peace and stability
in the region. Macedonia made
the right move for the good of
the country and the region in the
right moment“, said, inter alia,
Minister Mujota.
8
A MEETING ON “ARM –
MY TRUE HOME”
On 14 April 14, in the Army Ho­
me in Skopje, the Minister of
Defence Zoran Konjanovski and
the Minister of Transport and
Communications Mile Janakieski,
to­gether with the presidents of
Chambers of Commerce in Mace­
donia, had a working break­fast
with representatives of construc­
tion companies, to discuss the
launching of activities for the
implementation of the project
„ARM - My True Home.“
In the second phase, which
should be completed within sev­
eral days, questionnaires are be­
ing sent to determine the exact
number of ARM members who
want to buy an apartment under
the given conditions. By the end
of May the tender for selection
of a con­tractor to do the project
will be announced, after which
the necessary documentation
will be provided.
“It should be completed by 15
June, and by 15 September we
are expecting the completion
of the projects, after which the
whole documentation will be
transferred to the Public Enter­
prise for Hous­ing and Business
Facilities, where the procedure
for selection of con­struction
companies will start“, said Min­
ister Konjanovski.
“This project”, emphasized Mi­
nis­ter Janakieski, “including the
construction of local and re­gional
roads, facilities for public institu­
tions, airports and other projects
will contribute to making the con­
struction industry to be a bearer
of the GDP in Macedonia.”
9
EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCES
On 14 and 15 April, a high de­
legation of the Armed Forces
(AF) of Bosnia and Herzegovina
led by the Chief of Joint Staff of
the AF of Bosnia and Herzegov­
ina, Lieutenant General Miladin
Milojchic paid an official visit to
Macedonia. The delegation was
welcomed in the ARM GS with
high military honours. The del­
egation was hosted by the Chief
of GS of the ARM, Lieutenant
General Miroslav Stojanovski.
During the stay, the Chief of the
Joint Staff of the AF of Bosnia
and Herzegovina had a meet­
ing with Defence Minister Zoran
Konjanovski.
At the meeting, the delegation
from the AF of Bosnia and Her­
zegovina was presented with
the achieved level of transfor­
mation and reform in the MoD
and the Army, the participation
in missions outside the Republic
of Macedonia and the applica­
tion of the Operational Capabili­
ties Concept of NATO. Among
the topics of discussion was
also the enhancement of bilater­
al cooperation between the two
armies, and the guests were
familiarized with the capacities
and opportunities for education
at the Military Academy.
During their visit, the delegation
from Bosnia and Herzegovina
visited the Military Medical Cen­
tre, the Military Academy and
“Krivolak“, where they got ac­
quainted with the new training
capacities in accordance with
NATO standards.
10
STUDY TRIP
As part of the study trip, the
Republic of Macedonia was
recently visited by a group of
Dutch colonels – participants at
the Course for Future Top-Man-
agement from the Ministry of
Defence of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands.
In the Macedonian Ministry of
Defence, the Dutch colonels held
separate meetings with Deputy
Defence Minister Emil Dimitriev
and Chief of General Staff of the
Army, Lieutenant General Miro-
slav Stojanovski.
During the meetings the group of
colonels had the opportunity to
be briefed on political and military
aspects of the Euro-Atlantic inte-
gration processes, and activities
undertaken in this direction in
the Ministry of Defence and the
ARM. They also received a short
briefing on the ARM transforma-
tion and operations and activities
of the Republic of Macedonia for
NATO membership.
The study group visited the gar-
rison in Ohrid, where they had
the opportunity of becoming
familiar with this unit as part of
the Second Mechanized Infantry
Brigade.
During the stay in our country,
the group had meetings in the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
the Ministry of Interior, with the
Parliamentary Committee on
Defence, and part of the NGOs,
i.e. representatives of the Euro-
Atlantic Council.
11
TEST OF THE PUBLIC OPIN-
ION
From 2 to 10 April, at the request
of the Ministry of Defence, in or-
der to test the public opinion on
issues directly related to defence
and NATO integration, the Insti-
tute for Democracy “Societas
Civilis“ carried out a poll on the
public opinion on several current
issues.
Asked: “If a referendum regard-
ing the Republic of Macedo-
nia’s entry into NATO is to be
held next week, how would you
vote?”, 80.2 % from the examin-
ees answered they would vote
«in favour of», 10.8 % answered
they would vote “against”, and 9
% answered “I still do not know”,
“I will not vote”, or had no an-
swer at all.
Asked: “Will you agree to change
the name in order to join NATO?”,
65% answered “No”, 28.1% an-
swered “Yes”, and 6.9% had no
answer. Out of the examinees
that gave a negative answer
for changing the name in order
to join NATO, 84% are Macedo-
nians, 7.1 Albanians, and 8.9 are
from the other nationalities.
Asked: “How do you assess
the work of the Ministry of De-
fence?”, 52.6% answered posi­
tively, 21.7% negatively, and
25.7% had no answer.
Asked: “How do you assess the
work of the Minister of Defence
Zoran Konjanovski?”, 44.2%
answered positively, 27.4%
negatively, and 28.4% had no
answer.
Asked: “How do you assess the
role of the ARM in peace mis­
sions and the representing of
the Republic of Macedonia in
the world?”, 72.6% answered
positively, 9.7 negatively, and
17.7% had no answer.
12
AN ANNUAL MEETING
MACEDONIA - NATO
A delegation from the Ministry
of Defence led by the Secre­
tary of State Peter Esmerov,
attended the regular annual
meeting of Macedonia-NATO in
Brussels, on 26 April.
Representatives from the
Ministries of Interior, Finance
and Foreign Affairs were also
present at the meeting, during
which the progress of the Re­
public of Macedonia in achiev­
ing part­nership goals was
reviewed. During the meeting
it was confirmed that the Re­
public of Macedonia fulfils its
obligations towards NATO, and
among the topics of discussion
were the political reforms in the
country.
“We gave an overview of the
previous achievements in the
defence sphere, also we pre­
sented the past achievements
of the Republic of Macedonia
and the readiness to join NATO,
after resolving the name issue
with our southern neighbour
Greece“, said Secretary of
State Esmerov.
This meeting is held annually
in the presence of the Mem­
ber States of the Alliance, and
other candidate countries such
as Montenegro, Bosnia and
Herzegovina and Georgia.
13
MEDIA – TRAINING
OF THE MAIN NCOs
From 26 to 29 April in the
Regional Training Centre for
Communications in Skopje, a
workshop for media-training of
non-commissioned officers of
the Army of Macedonia designed
to train chief non-commissioned
officers from all ARM units as
part of the ARM key personnel
was held.
The aim of the workshop was for
the chief non-commissioned of-
ficers of the Army that perform
key duties within the Army Gen-
eral Staff and subordinate com-
mands and units to gain basic
knowledge of communication
with the media, both domestic
and in the course of the execu-
tion of NATO, EU and the UN
led missions. At the workshop
participants had the opportunity
to acquire basic knowledge and
skills regarding speaking in front
of a camera, giving a statement,
writing press releases and orga-
nizing and conducting a press
conference. For the first time the
workshop was held only with the
ARM chief non-commissioned of-
ficers, who, in this way, despite
their basic task of managing non-
commissioned corps and deliv-
ery of training with professional
soldiers, were able to gain the
knowledge necessary for the im-
plementation of NATO standards
in the area of public relations, as
one of the most important seg-
ments for the successful execu-
tion of the mission within their
units.
14
THE ADVANCED NCO COURSE
WAS COMPLETED
On 14 April, at the Centre for
Individual Training (CIT) as part
of the Training Command, the
Advanced Course for Non-Com­
missioned officers (ACNCO)
ended with an appropriate cer-
emony.
The Course started on 20 Feb-
ruary, with 37 attendees, who
became Course attendants after
previous selection consisting of
testing and physical screenings.
The concept of professional de-
velopment of the ARM NCOS
defines the NCOs as competent
in­structors with developed lea­
der­ship characteristics, able to
successfully lead their subordi-
nates in carrying out missions.
This advanced course is a part
of the contents of the concept
of professional development of
ARM non-commissioned officers.
In the past two months, the non-
13
 commissioned officers who at­
tended the course have gained
knowledge and leadership skills
that in the future they will be
able to use as deputy platoon
commanders and command­
ers of third lines, compatible
with military standards of NATO
member countries, capable to
undertake all responsibilities as­
sociated with future obligations.
The two-month training took
place in the classroom and trai­
ning sites of CIT, where tactics,
techniques and pro­ce­dures of
practical exercises were prac­
tised.
The following staff sergeants
were chosen as the best three
attendees: Esad Ibishi, Ljupcho
Milanovski and Aco Krstevski,
who received diplomas, and
Staff Sergeant Toni Karadjolov,
Sergeant Goce Dimovski and
Staff Sergeant Darko Jovanovs­
ki were commended.
The commander of the cere­
mony, Lieutenant Colonel Trajan­
cho Petrovski, wished the par­
ticipants a successful and high
performance in their training and
on their work positions.
Slavica Nikolovska
15
MARKING THE DRIVERS DAY
With the mass introduction of
motor vehicles in equipping the
armies, a need has emerged to
have a bigger number of well-
trained drivers. With the mod­
ernization of the vehicles, the
drivers' training becomes even
more important. “Having that
in mind, in the Command of the
Second Mechanized Infantry
Brigade, we dedicate a special
attention to the training of driv­
ers“, said Captain Zoran Petro­
vski, officer for movement and
transport in the Brigade’s Com­
mand. Although the profession­
al soldiers join the unit with their
driver’s test passed, different
training methods are still used
in order to improve their driving
skills. One of the ways to im­
prove their training and practice
is, by all means, the competition
in skilled driving, organized on
the occasion of 31 March – The
Drivers Day.
The competition was held in two
phases. In the first phase the
drivers from the Brigade com­
peted in the discipline of skilled
controlling of the military motor
vehicles “DAF“, “HUMVEE” and
“HERMELIN”. The best ranking
drivers from the Brigade com­
peted against soldiers-drivers
from the other units of the Joint
Operational Command. The
14
celebration of the Drivers Day
began with lectures held by
representatives of the National
Council for Traffic Safety, as
well as by the Chief of the Di-
vision of Movement and Trans-
port within G-4 in the Army
General Staff. The competition
culminated with a competition
between the units’ best driv-
ers, on the track created by the
legend of motor racing in Mace-
donia, Aleksandar Dimusheski.
The professional soldier Sasho
Joleski from the Second Battal-
ion in Logistics, in the discipline
“driving DAF”, the professional
soldier Zvonko Mitevski in driv-
ing “HUMVEE” and profes-
sional soldier Go­ran Joncheski
from the Communi­cations
Company in the discipline “driv-
ing HERMELIN” achieved the
best results. This year’s compe-
tition was enriched with other
contents. Namely, teams from
two elementary schools from
Kitchevo competed in skilfully
riding bicycles. The stu­dents
from the elementary school
“Vladimir Polezinoski” showed
the best results. The cherry
of the daily activities was the
promotional drive of Mr. Dimu-
shevski with a sports car on the
driving polygon in the barracks
in Kichevo.
The competition ended by pro-
claiming the winners. The JOC
Commander, Major General Zoran
Dimov, handed the best drivers
of “DAF” certificates of apprecia-
tion; the Mayor of the municipal-
ity of Kichevo, Blagoja Despotoski
handed certificates of apprecia-
tion to the best drivers of “HER-
MELIN”, and the Commander of
the Second Mechanized Infantry
Brigade, Colonel Metodija Velich-
kovski, handed the certificates of
appreciation to the best drivers of
“HUMVEE“.
Mice Koteski
16
HONORING THE HEROES
Marking the ninth anniversary
of the death of the ARM mem-
bers in Vejce, on 28 April del-
egations of the Army laid fresh
flowers at the memorials in the
“Ilinden“ barracks in Skopje, the
memorial before the Command
of the for Special Purposes
Battalion “Wolves“, the memo-
rial on the cemetery in the vil-
lage of Bunardjik, the memorial
on the city cemetery in Make-
donska Kamenica, on the city
cemetery “Butel“ in Skopje and
the city cemetery in Kumanovo.
On 28 April, 2001 near the vil-
lage of Vejce, in the Tetovo
region, eight members of the
security forces of the Republic
of Macedonia, four of whom
were from the Army, and the
remaining four from the MOI,
lost their lives. The following
ARM members from the Spe-
cial Purposes Battalion were
killed: Staff Sergeant Robert
Petkovski, Sergeant Boban Tra-
jkovski, Sergeant Mile Janevski
and Sergeant Igor Koteski.
In the honour of the fallen ARM
members, memorial tournaments
in football were held in Makedon-
ska Kamenica and Bunardjik, at
which members from the Special
Operations Regiment, part of other
ARM units as well as the local citi-
zens participated.
17
BELGRADE MARATHON
The 23rd traditional and most fa-
mous marathon in the Balkans in
length of 42 kilometres and 195
meters, which featured 300 mar-
athoners from over 30 countries,
was held in Berlgrade, Serbia, on
18 April.
The Army, and a part of the
Macedonian national team, was
represented by Captain Igor Ja-
kimovski from the military unit
8034, Skopje. He has partici-
pated in this marathon for five
consecutive years, but this year
was the most successful for him
since he set his personal record
with a time of 3 hours, 24 min-
utes and 28 seconds. In the final
line up this result brought him
the solid 36th position, and with
this success our marathon run-
ner was second in rank from the
representatives of the Republic
of Macedonia.
Winners of this international
event by winning the first three
places were the competitors
from Kenya.
The next presentation of the Army
athletes will be at the Regional Mili-
tary Mountain Running Champion-
ships in Dimitrovgrad, Serbia, to be
held in May this year.
18
From the ORORM Activities
Lj.P.
BILATERAL COOPERATION
In the past several years, the Or-
ganization of Reserve Officers
of the Republic of Macedonia
has achieved quite a good col­
laboration with the Association
of Slovenian Officers (ZSČ),
which was among the hardest
working lobbyists for the ac­
ceptance of ORORM in CIOR.
In the context of this coopera­
tion, a delegation composed
of ORORM President, Prof. Dr.
Gjorgji Malkovski and a member
of the Executive Board, Assis­
tant Professor Dr. Mende Sol­
nuchevski, paid a visit to ZSČ
from 14 to 18 April.
The official stay of the ORORM
delegation in the Republic of
Slovenia was, in fact, a return
visit to ZSČ - their represen­
tatives during August 2008
stayed in the Republic of Mace­
donia as guests of ORORM.
The main purpose of the visit
of the Association of Slove­
nian Officers and Non-Com­
missioned Officers was gain­
ing new knowledge about the
activities of ZSČ which could
be implemented in the work of
ORORM, exchange of experi­
ences and the enhancing of co­
operation.
On this occasion, representa­
tives of ORORM talked with the
President and Secretary of ZSČ,
Colonel Miha Butara and Janko
Ljubic, and were informed about
the results from the coopera­
tion with the MoD and General
Staff of the Slovenian Army,
the structure of ZSČ, activities
on the territory of the Republic
Slovenia and the way in funding.
At the meeting with the Chief of
the General Staff, General Ma­
jor Alojz Steiner, the President
of ORORM, Prof. Dr. Gjorgji
Malkovski, informed him about
the activities and functioning
of ORORM, its international ac­
tivities and fruitful collaboration
with ZSČ.
As part of the rich program,
several visits were paid to sig­
nificant command and military
formations, as well as meetings
with holders of senior positions
in the defence of the Republic
of Slovenia. It should be noted
that on this occasion, the Presi­
dent of ZSČ, Miha Butara, pre­
sented the ORORM President,
Prof. Dr. Gjorgji Malkovski with
a Medallion of the Association,
and the Chief of General Staff,
a high recognition of the Slove­
nian Army.
Zhivko Trajanovski
 TREND
OR LONG-TERM VISION FOR THE
FUTURE?

MODERNIZATION OF Mi-24 HELICOPTERS “Aleksandar” – part two

n the previous issue of Shtit maga- military systems. The challenge is how complexity, robustness, memory stan-
zine we looked at the flexibility and to apply these advances in increasing the dards, as well as data processing abilities.
endurance of the original design of combat effectiveness, survivability and Moreover, we save on time, energy and
Mi-24 helicopter and the need for its extension of life time and service life of money invested into upgrading different
upgrades conditioned by the challenges the helicopters in order to avoid replace- systems of the aircraft.
deriving from the contemporary spec- ment sooner than expected. The avionics upgrades are a way of im-
trum of operations and the methods of The development of military avionics proving operative abilities of the Hind
implementation. For the Hind operator (especially during the last two decades) helicopters. This is very important since
countries the most cost – effective solu- resulted in an improved integration of part of the operator countries are already
tion for enhancing the operational capaci- the avionics systems. The various dis- NATO members and the rest of them (in-
ties of their fleets is the modernization of crete subsystems on board an aircraft cluding the Republic of Macedonia) have
the avionics of the existing platforms and evolved to become more and more inter- NATO aspirations. NATO standardization
their adaptation to their specific require- dependent and integrated. Furthermore, and interoperability criteria include the
ments. the number of separate subsystems has STANAG 4555 concerning the helicopter
increased due to the more complex mis- avionics and is a vital condition for par-
MILITARY AVIONICS TODAY sions. Faster data processing as well as ticipating in NATO led missions. Modern-
The word avionics is a portmanteau word increased data flow between the avion- ization of the existing avionics is one of
of “AVIation electrONICS” created for the ics subsystems caused more effective the many criteria for joining the collective
first time in the 1930s as a general term integration of the systems. The evolu- security organizations, naturally, there are
used to refer to all individual electronic tion of the avionics resulted in overall also other requirements when it comes
systems fitted to the aircrafts at that improvement of the performances, types to helicopter operation capabilities such
time. The Second World War and the peri- of sensors, functionality, cost, integration, as: appropriate crew training, airframe up-
od of the Cold War stimulated the invest-
ments in the scientific research and tech-
nological development which in turn led
to remarkable improvements in the field
of avionics installed in the aircrafts avion-
ics. Consequently, today 50% of the cost
of the modern aircraft falls on the avion-
ics and it is considered the main compo-
nent of the aircrafts airframe, regardless
of the type of the aircraft (fixed wing,
rotary wing, UAV or missile). The avionics
provides the aircraft with dramatically im-
proved attack, defence or reconnaissance
mission performance.
The rapid development of technology
has influenced the development of the

15
 grades, fitting hot and high engines, more
efficient air intake filters, as well as stan-
dardization of the mission preparation
and execution). Again, the quickest way
of meeting these requirements would be
modernization of the avionics (another
option is the purchasing of a new plat-
form but with appropriate implementa-
tion of a new system which would not
prove cost-effective). The technological
breakthroughs of avionics have caused
a boom in the markets and resulted in
promoting upgrade packages of avionics
system for Mi-24 by companies like “BAE
Systems”, “SAGEM”, “ATE”, “IAI”, “Elbit
Systems”, “Russian Avionics” and others.
UPGRADING THE Mi-24 AVIONICS
All the above mentioned companies of-
fer different upgrading packages, but the
most common (and at the same time the
simplest option) is modifying the platform
for night missions or missions in difficult
weather conditions which provides the
operator countries with improved per-
formances of their Mi-24. Implementing
NATO and ICAO compatible navigation
and communication equipment is a crucial
element for all the NATO oriented coun-
tries. Further and more complex upgrades
of the Hind avionics are vital for enabling
this helicopter to be among the most
efficient aircrafts of its type. However,
these upgrades require larger budgets
and better preparation on the part of the
operator in terms of defining the future
missions of the Hind.
After implementing the upgrades for
night and all weather missions, what
would be the next logical step? Without
doubt it would be increasing the crew’s
level of knowledge (the helicopter is a mul-
tifunctional platform) and thus prevent
unnecessary risks when operating the he-
licopter under attack. This means that the
pilots need to use the computer gener-
ated data about the specific mission and
at the same time fly the helicopter and be
able to operate all the systems. One of
the possible outcomes of the moderniza-
tion is implementing the helmet mounted
display – HMD, which helps the pilot dur-
ing lower altitudes missions (the most
preferable way of operating these attack
helicopters because of the IC guided mis-
siles). HMD displays all the basic flight pa-
rameters like speed, course, altitude, the
position of the aircraft, the constant rotor
speed (NR) and others. The focus of the
pilot is ahead (in order to reduce the strain
to the eyes) and another great advantage
is that the pilot has all the necessary sym-
bols and data in sight which means that
there is no need to keep an eye on the in-
struments in the cockpit. The display can
show warning or danger symbols. For an
attack helicopter it is of great importance
to have the generated data concerning
the weapons and the ability to acquire
this information about its specific task via
HMD. The most advanced systems can
also provide data about the speed vec-
tor which is calculated on the basis of the
information from the sensors for static
and dynamic air pressure as well as the
navigation information from the global
positioning systems (GPS). Having this in-
16
formation the system can determine the
possible future position of the helicopter
based on the aircrafts speed at the mo-
ment. HMD is a system that should be
the basic component when upgrades are
planed because of its information display
potential and also due to the fact that it
does not take up too much space in the
cockpit ( this is especially important for the
limited Mi-24 cockpit space). With further
upgrades the HMD potential abilities are
improved. Fitting optical and electromag-
netic sensors which follow the markers
placed on the helmet itself, the system
can determine the pilots head position
more accurately (determining the line of
sight of the pilots- LOS). This enables the
pilot with a single movement of the head
to control the work of the sensors as well
as the weapons of the helicopter. If these
possibilities are in combination with the
night vision goggles (NVG), the platform
is enabled with multi-operational combat
potential. This modification of the helicop-
ter gives the aircraft improved abilities
for night operated missions compared
to its original model limitations. Further-
more, the combat endurance and safety
of the helicopter is improved due to the
night conditions. “Elbit” is the company
that has set the standards for HMD and
it provides a sensory device that is placed
on the night vision goggles (without any
modifications of the goggles) which gives
the pilot all the necessary flight informa-
tion (especially important for night flights).
Another possibility for upgrading the at-
tack helicopter is implementing mission
management systems based on digi-
tal maps. The basic aim of this system
would be presenting the image of the
helicopters movement on a digital map
with adjustable map scale (depending on
the specific mission). This system would
function on the basis of the information
provided by a satellite system (GPS), an
inertial sensor (INS), or a combined satel-
lite/inertial sensor (INS/GPS also known
as EGI- embedded global and inertial) as
well as the doppler system of the helicop-
ter (thus gaining greater stability and pre-
cision). Today’s digital map systems are in
colour which is useful for determining the
position of the helicopter and the encom-
passing environment by distinguishing
the terrain bellow and above the helicop-
ter at the same altitude. These systems
have the option to display tactical data
(advanced digital maps), for example the
position of enemy or friendly forces. The
most important feature of this system
is of course the display of the locations
of the enemy`s air defence units as well
as the areas of operation. This type of
system operating with the help of mul-
tifunctional display (MFTD) needs to pro-
vide the option for making changes of the
mission during the flight itself. Depend-
ing on the newly acquired information the
system should be able to easily apply the
new symbols in order to change the path
for entering or leaving the areas of opera-
tion, and perform new tasks received af-
ter take-off. Other than the mission man-
agement the MFTD can also provide the
option of managing other subsystems of
the aircraft (for example, weapon status
or the radiofrequency list). For presenting
the flight information usually additional
multifunctional displays are being used so
that the crew can have an overall view of
all the elements of the flight.
The next step of course would be inte-
grating additional sensors in Mi-24. With
the recent development of the electro-op-
tical devices the attack helicopters today,
beside their basic aim (attacking enemy
ground targets), are acquiring additional
tasks - they have become “the eyes and
ears” of the battlefield. Electro-optical
devices such as the TV-camera (CCD Cam-
era – Charge Coupled Device camera), the
infrared camera (FLIR–Forward Looking
Infrared) and the laser rangefinder, give
the modern helicopter stand-off capacity
since they enable acquiring, identification
and targeting outside the enemy weap­
ons range of fire (if you take into con­
sideration that the missions are done at
night time, then the stand-off capacity is
a very important factor). Moreover, these
devices also make the helicopter the
main source of tactical information and
thus there is a need for further upgrad­
ing- that is implementing DL – data link,
so that there is a possibility for receiving
and sending acquired information about
the enemy elements in various types of
operations (helicopter-unmanned aircraft,
helicopter- soldier, helicopter- command
center and other). In addition, when it
comes to information sharing it is very
important to pay attention to the securi­
ty element- the need to protect the infor­
mation that are being transmitted from
the helicopter is more than obvious (yet
another element for upgrading).
The above mentioned upgrades suggest
that the challenges of modern way of
combat demand greater performances
and abilities from the helicopters and its
crew. A vast amount of information col­
lected from the different systems on the
helicopter should be processed (including
the information from the weapon sys­
tem, the electronic protection system
and others) in order to make it easier for
the crew members to make an on–spot
decision concerning the specific mission
or task. One very important device that
enables all this is the mission computer-
MC, which represents the hearth of the
attack helicopter avionics and it is the
main element for appropriate operation.
The mission computer should be a device
with open architecture (open, modular
architecture is a necessary in the field of
modern military avionics) and it should
use a commercial microprocessor and a
software which would enable hardware
replacement without disrupting the sys­
tem.
MACEDONIAN UPGARDES
OF Mi-24 “Aleksandar”
The modifications and upgrades of Mi-
24V helicopters, which are part of the
Macedonian Air Force Wing, are one of
the most complex and integrated up­
grades of the Mi-24 avionics on the mar­
ket today and is a result of the coopera­
tion between the Israeli company ”Elbit
Systems” and domestic resources (mainly
human resources). This is confirmed by
the fact that this Mi-24V “Aleksandar “ is
a unique modernized attack helicopter of
its type and Macedonia and the Macedo­
nian Army should be proud of it.
Mi-24 “Aleksandar” has all the above
mentioned subsystems (as well as a
range of others) among which we should
mention the subsystem hand on stick col­
lective -HOCAS which gives the crew the
ability to operate with the helicopter sys­
tems, but do not need to take off their
hand from the command joysticks. Also
the system for weapon managing which
drastically improves the necessary time
for reaction while targeting and operates
on modern sensors (like EGI which is one
of the most advanced of its type and of
course the gyro stability electro optic plat­
form, Compact Multi Purpose Advanced
Stabilized System (COMPASS) which in-
corporates a colour TV, infrared camera,
a laser rangefinder and automatic tracker,
interactive with the digital map, the heli-
copter weapon subsystem as well as the
HMD) which guarantee the precision and
stability of the system.
The upgrades of the Mi-24 Aleksandar he-
licopters enable:
– modern way of presenting the main
and additional flight information to the
crew members;
– reconnaissance capabilities;
– modern flight navigation;
– modern communication equipment;
– modern radio and navigation equip-
ment;
– 24-hour operability;
– application of one of the most revol­
utionary examples of the technological
development of combat helicopters –
HMD;
– modern weapon management;
– improved weapon precision.
Needless to say, that these upgrades
greatly improve the operation per­for­
man­ces of the helicopter. However, we
should not forget the advantages for the
crew members, which results from the
upgrades. We will mention some of the
most important:
– improved level of information about the
tactical surroundings;
– improved and simplified way of operat-
ing the aircraft;
– improved cockpit management;
– improved crew safety;
– more efficient performance of the spe-
cific tasks.
The night capabilities of the platform are
improved with the implementation of the
HMD which enables the crew to have in
sight the information acquired from the
systems and scan the surroundings.
The reconnaissance abilities are real-
ized through the electro-optical platform
COMPASS which displays the image of
the target distance as well as laser tar-
geting. The image can be presented in
colour multi functional display (CMFD) or
with MFTD (touch display), while the line
of sight of COMPASS is indicated on the
digital map as well as the HMD.
All the subsystems are integrated, and
the transfer of information is done via the
1553B digital databus in order to enable
real time and accurate processing of the
new information and their display to the
crew members.
The upgrades offer improved helicopter
weapon systems, and thus securing the
day or night use of the machine gun and
the IC guided missiles with integrated
weapon calculation and their presenta-
tion on HMD including the individual line
of sight, the copilots line of sight, the
chosen weapon, as well as the point of
impact. The weapons are controlled with
the help of the HOCAS system, the use
of HMD and appropriate switches on the
command joystick of the electro-optic
platform.
WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?
Without a doubt we can say that Mi-24
Aleksandar is an example of the new op-
erational capabilities of the Air Force Wing
as well as the Macedonian Army. The po-
tential of this modernization should be
implemented within the army and in co-
operation with the other units, especially
the members of the special units. How-
ever, the Wing should continue with the
development of these capabilities in order
to be ready to respond appropriately to
increasing threats and new challenges.
This is why the work on the project “Alek-
sandar” should continue as a strategic
priority of the Wing, concerning the fol-
lowing issues:
– finalizing the stand-off capacity of the
platform by implementing laser guided
missiles in the armament system;
– standardization of the fleet in order to
prevent the “negative” transfer of the
crew placed in an inconvenient situa-
tion to operate two different platforms
(the original and modernized Hind):
– improving the combat readiness and
endurance by integrating the system
for passive protection (MAWS – Mis-
sile Approach Warning System) of the
helicopter;
– implementing data link (DL) for ex-
change of information;
– integrating the new “hot and high” en-
gine type.
With these additional upgrades the Mi-24
“Aleksandar” helicopter would pre­sent a
true example of a 21st century combat
helicopter and would of course be a re-
gional leader when it comes to its combat
platform. The project “Aleksandar” has
shown that we can transform an older
generation platform into a modern heli-
copter with great combat potential.
Oliver Ilijevski
 THE HELICOPTER
VAM 303
DESERVED GROUNDING OF ONE
OF THE MOST EXPLOITED ARMY AIRCRAFTS
ecently at the military part of the “Al-
exander the Great“ airport in Skopje, in
the “Strasho Pindzur” barracks, for the
first time in the history of the Mace-
donian Air Force the helicopter Mi–17 was
solemnly “sent” on a deserved short vaca-
tion. To be more precise, on April 1, 2010
the helicopter Mi-17 with licence plates
VAM 303 made a planned flight of the
last 31 minutes of the designated time of
1000 hours between overhauls. The cer-
emony is worth mentioning because for
the first time since the use of helicopters
in the ARM, a transport helicopter spent
the early flying resource. The last flight of
the helicopter happened in the presence
of ARM and MoD representatives, as well
as a large number of officers from the Air
WING.
18
The Air Force of the Republic of Macedo­
nia was constituted by a decision of the
President of the Republic of Macedonia on
April 10, 1992. The ARM AF and AD Com­
mand, the Air Force Brigade with aviation,
transport and combat helicopter squadron
where thus established. At that time the
training of pilots was carried out on light
aircrafts such as Utva-75.
On June 28, 1994, the Macedonian Air
Force received four transport helicopters
Mi-17, one of which was the helicopter
VAM 303. Since then, the transport and
combat training has been performed on
these helicopters. The AF was qualified to
conduct the transport of people and MTC,
for VIP transportation, fire missions, exer­
cises, for medical evacuation, search and
rescue and other missions.
Before that, the rich arsenal of aircrafts
(over 40), weapons and MTC was with-
drawn from the airport Petrovec, with the
exception of a small part of weapons and
equipment that were kept. Due to the im-
posed embargo on Macedonia, Mi-17 heli-
copters were purchased as a civilian ver-
sion and were initially painted white. Later
on, in 1996 this measure was abolished by
the Security Council of the UN, and shortly
after, four helicopters got camouflaged co-
lours and military markings (VAM, Macedo-
nian Air Force).
In 2005, in accordance with the Recon-
struction Program of the Army, the Air
Brigade was transformed into a smaller,
more compact unit called WING (short
from: Air Force Reconnaissance-Attack
Group), which started with new challenges

such as the program for modernization of
aircrafts and taking part in the internation­
al NATO and EUFOR peace missions.
HELICOPTER IDENTITY CARD
The helicopter VAM 303 was manu­
factured in 1990, and bought by ARM in
1994. After the entry into operational
use, the helicopter VAM 303 within ARM
had flown for approximately 8 years, af­
ter which the specified time resource of
10 years expired. During that time it had
flown for 695 hours, and on July 4, 2002 it
was sent to its first general overhaul with
an unfilled time resource in the overhaul
institute Aviakon, Ukraine.
The same helicopter, after the completion
of the general overhaul, arrived in Macedo­
nia in April 2003. After the first overhaul,
the helicopter got an additional resource
of 1000 flying hours, and an eight years
time resource. From then until April 1, 2010
the helicopter had flown 1000 hours, and
had justified the funding, logistical support
and efforts that the pilots and Air Force
technicians from the Air Force WING had
placed into it, the best possible way.
A SUCCESS STORY
The Mi-17 helicopter, licence plates VAM
303, was one of the most exploited air­
crafts in the Army, with the largest per­
centage of performed missions, as well as
the highest percentage of operational ca­
pability. It was used to carry out the basic
mission of the Airborne WING, which is the
defence and protection of territorial integ­
rity and independence of the Republic of
Macedonia in accordance with the Consti­
tution, the Law on Defence and National
Security and Defence Concept of the Re­
public of Macedonia.
The most frequent tasks performed with
the helicopter VAM 303 were the follow­
ing: education, training flights, internal
cargo (passengers and equipment), exter­
nal cargo, fire ex­tinguishing, control of bor­
ders, ro­tation of personnel and transport
of ma­terials to Solunska Glava, search-
and-res­cue-missions, MEDEVAC-missions
(eva­cua­tion of injured ), VIP transport,
FAST ROPE with members of the special
units, participation in numerous exercises
and preparations for the exercises in our
country, support to the Ministry of Interior
forces in dealing with threats, risks and
The helicopter participated in
several international exercises
and missions
– Cooperative Key 2003, Plovdiv, Bul­
garia;
– Cooperative Key 2005, Plovdiv, Bul­
garia;
– Eagle САР 2005, Airport “Farka”,
Albania;
– Participation in declared for­ces in
dealing with regional con­flicts
and crises, i.e. in se­veral rotations
in the ALTHEA mission, 2006-2008 in
Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mostar
and Sarajevo).
hazards to the security of Macedonia that
exceed their abilities and capacities, car-
rying special cargo (installation of pylons
and cable railways, transport of contain-
ers, transport of parts of the commercial
enterprises), delivering assistance to the
affected population, participation in activi-
ties with the Red Cross of the Republic of
Macedonia, with numerous governmental
and nongovernmental organizations, etc.
In a word, quite a wide range of tasks so
that resources invested in it have paid off
more than once.
The helicopter VAM 303 was the first he-
licopter that was upgraded in 2004 in ac-
cordance with the first stage of moderniza-
tion (JASMIN). During the mo­dernization,
the helicopter was upgraded with the sys-
tem for night-time flight ANVIS-Hood 24,
which enabled the use of the helicopter
in night conditions. The first training with
the night-time flying system ANVIS-Hood
24 was conducted on the VAM 303 heli-
copter in the period October-November
2004. The training was conducted by an
authorized Israeli instructor with the first
pilots-instructors for the night-time flying
system ANVIS-Hood 24 in the ARM. Later
on, on the same helicopter, the additional
trainings of the ARM pilots regarding the
night-time flying system ANVIS-Hood 24
continued with instructors from the WING.
In the course of June 2008, within three
working days, the demarcation of the bor-
der between Macedonia and Kosovo was
carried out with the VAM 303 helicopter.
The flights were carried out by the helicop-
ter from Popova Shapka, where the pillars
were attached to wire cables and taken to
previously established elevations at the
junction of the three borders with Albania,
Kosovo and the mountain top Ljuboten.
During the demarcation of the border, 15
major border pillars as well as 20 smaller
ones were set along the mountain range
of Korab and Shar Planina.
The helicopter Mi-17, licence plates VAM
303, is the best example of a “good in-
vestment” in the helicopter resources. The
members of the Air Force WING showed
that this is the best method to invest in
the training of pilots and Air Force technical
personnel, for supporting the activities of
JOC/ARM units and other governmental
and nongovernmental entities and, natu-
rally, the invested funds of the MoD of the
Republic Macedonia fully paid off.
A large number of officers from the Air-
borne WING as well as the higher Com-
mands of the ARM/MOD stand behind
the success story of the Mi-17 helicopter,
licence plates VAM 303. I am referring here
to the Air Force technical personnel at all
levels of maintenance of the helicopter,
and the pilots with their proper manage-
ment of the helicopter resources in terms
of training and tasks in the Air Force WING.
The solemn act of grounding the helicopter
VAM 303 on April 1, 2010 was attended by
Major General Zoran Dimov, Commander
of the Joint Operational Command of
the Army, Air Force WING Commander,
Lieutenant Colonel Kire Kolevski and
other Command representatives, repre­
sentatives from the Office of the Military
Air Force Authority within the Ministry of
Defence, the Commander of Helicopter
Transport Squadron, Major Slobodan Iva-
nov (commander of the home unit of the
helicopter), and all the members of the
Transport Helicopter Squadron.
The honour to perform the last flight with
this helicopter was given to the crew con-
sisting of: Lieutenant Colonel Kire Kolevski,
Lieutenant Colonel Stojko Pejovski and the
flying-technicians, Staff Sergeant I class
Zlatko Stojanovski and Staff Sergeant I
class Gorancho Trifunov.
Frankly, part of the audience members
was sad to see such a beautiful helicop-
ter go, however, technical and safety pro-
cedures required that. We hope that this
helicopter will adorn the sky above Mace-
donia again, after the conducted general
overhaul and its future enabling for further
flying, as soon as possible.
Dragan Pavlovski
19
 SPACE DEBRIS

THE BIGGEST THREAT FOR SPACE EXPLORATION

PACE DEBRIS: WHAT IS IT?
The human race has piled up huge
mountains of garbage on Earth but
we did not stop there; we have man-
aged to create some waste in our planets
orbit. At the altitude ranging from hundred
to thousand kilometers there is a huge
cloud of objects which moves with amazing
speed - up to 40.000 km/h. When it comes
to the term space debris we have to give a
more specific explanation. Space debris or
space junk is a collection of objects in the
orbit around the Earth that were created by
humans but no longer serve any useful pur-
pose. These objects consist of everything
from spent rocket stages, defunct satel-
lites to explosion and collision fragments.
The debris also includes parts of rockets
and spacecrafts, equipment and tools that
were used by the astronauts and objects
released due to the impact of micrometeor-
oids onto spacecraft.
Considering the possible dangers from
these impacts several studies and proj-
ects were conducted in order to identify
and locate these objects in the Earth orbit
and thus prevent catastrophic outcomes.
Some of them used optical telescopes or
short-wavelength radars for more accurate
measurement and assessment of the num-
ber and size of the objects in space. Other
projects used microscopes to study space-
crafts that had returned to Earth looking for
impacts that had already taken place dur-
ing the mission but were not noticed. This
proved successful and as a result several
holes from debris collision were found on

20

There is “something” up there.
However, that “something”
is not related to human
religious beliefs. Recently
the orbit around the Earth
cannot be referred to as
an empty and open space
anymore. On the contrary,
this space has become filled
with thousands of object
orbiting around the Earth
at various distances. The
collection of objects poses a
threat to our space exploring
and space travelling. The
human race has always
striven to “conquer” the
space and this has become
an imperative since the USA
president, George Bush in
his speech in January, 2004,
announced that there will
be another expedition to the
Moon and even exploring the
space further on
BY Ivan Petrushevski
some sections of the American Skylab and
the Apollo CSMs. The fact that the space
debris was the primary source of collisions
in space was surprising for the scientists
since they happened in the period of the
1960s and 1970s, the very beginning of
space exploration.
NORAD CATALOG
Since the earliest days of the space race,
the North American Aerospace Defense
Command (NORAD) had maintained a da-
tabase of all known rocket launches and
the various satellites placed in the orbit.
They also kept record about the aerody-
namic shields that protected these satel-
lites during launching, and the upper stage
booster rockets that placed them in the
orbit. This catalog is known as the Space
Object Catalog and it was created with the
launch of Sputnik in 1957. Those who were
assigned to maintain this database were
also aware of a number of other objects
in orbit, many of which were the result of
on-orbit explosions. Some of these were
deliberately caused as a part of 1960’s anti-
satellite weapon testing, while others were
the result of rocket left-over fuel explosion.
Knowing the importance of having a data-
base about these objects, John Gabbard,
a NORAD employee, took upon himself
to keep a separate catalog of as many of
these objects as he could. Studying the
results of these explosions, Gabbard devel-
oped a new technique-“Gabbard diagrams”
(or plots) for predicting the orbital paths of
their products, which are widely used to-
day. After NORAD catalog came out, some
further studies and measurement with an
optical telescope had been done. From
these optical measurements it was evi-
dent that the published object population
in the catalogue was too low, by at least
50% less that the actual number. However,
we should mention some important facts
about the NORAD catalog. First of all, the
database had information for at least the
majority of the large objects in the orbit.
Secondly, NORAD deliberately eliminated
some of the launches and objects (mainly
military satellites) due to the fact that at
that time they were considered to be mili-
tary secrets. One discovery that was par-
ticularly disconcerting was that 42% of all
cataloged debris was the result of only 19
events, explosions of spent rocket stages,
mostly from U.S. Deltas rockets.
DEBRIS GROWTH
According to scientific studies, in 1981, there
were about 5.000 objects orbiting around
our planet. Unfortunately, the real number
of objects was much greater. By the late
1990s the new Ground-based Electro-Opti-
cal Deep Space Surveillance system quickly
found new objects within its resolution and
the new results had shown that from the
majority of 28.000 launched objects, only
about 8.500 had remained in orbit. By
2005 this number had been adjusted up-
ward to 13.000 objects, and a 2006 study
raised this to 19.000. As for the number
of satellites, since the launch of Sputnik I,
4 October 1957 until 1 January 2008, 6000
satellites were launched , of which 400 are
orbiting far from the Earth orbit and from
the rest 5600 satellites only 800 are still
active. Faced with this potentially worry-
ing scenario, attempts were made to limit
the growth of the debris and one particu-
larly effective solution was implemented
by McDonnell Douglas. This solution was
to vent the remaining fuel from the tanks
of the rocket boosters, which eliminated
the pressure build-up in the tanks and thus
prevented their explosion. Other countries,
however, were not as quick to adopt this
sort of measure because of individual space
programs, and the problem continued to
grow especially due to a large number of
launches in the Soviet Union.
KESSLER SYNDROME
The NASA scientist, Donald Kessler in one
of his papers in 1978, presented a new
possible scenario – the cascade collision,
which was later known as the “Kessler
Syndrome”. This syndrome suggests that
because of the large number of debris in
the Low Earth Orbit (LEO), there will be
constant debris collision, which will result in
creating new debris. Consequently, the or-
bit around the Earth will have an increased
debris density that for a long period of time
even launching of satellites into the orbit
would become a problem. The first collision
known as the ablation cascade will cause
an explosion and a “cascade” of chain reac-
tion of other explosions (and collision of all
satellites). The effects of these collisions are
quite dangerous because they can cause a
“domino effect” Any impact between two
objects of sizeable mass spalls off shrap-
nel debris from the force of collision and if
there is such a collision the outcome could
be devastating. Their collision could result
into producing smaller pieces of debris that
could cause further explosions.
Kessler in another study “Collisional cascad-
ing: The limits of population growth in low
earth orbit” concluded that the problem of
debris density could be categorized into
three regimes. With a low enough density
the addition of debris through impacts
is lower than their rate of decay, and the
problem does not become significant. Be-
yond that is a critical density where addi-
tional debris can quickly upset the system
and lead to additional collisions. At a high
enough density the rate of production is
greater than decay rates. This worrying
possibility became the new use of the term
“Kessler Syndrome”.
21

SPACE DEBRIS IN LOWER EARTH
ORBIT (LEO)
As we mention previously, every satellite,
space probe and manned mission has the
potential to create space debris. Each piece
of shrapnel has the potential to cause fur-
ther damage, creating even more space de-
bris. With a large enough collision (such as
one between a space station and a defunct
satellite), the amount of cascading debris
could be enough to render Low Earth Orbit
essentially unusable.
The problem in LEO is compounded by the
fact that there are few “universal orbits”
that keep spacecraft in particular rings, as
opposed to GEO, a single widely-used orbit.
The closest would be the sun-synchronous
orbits that maintain a constant angle be-
tween the sun and orbital plane. Further-
more, LEO satellites are in many different
22
orbital planes providing global coverage,
and the 15 orbits per day typical of LEO
satellites results in frequent approaches be-
tween object pairs. Since the sun-synchro-
nous orbits are polar, the Polar Regions are
common crossing points. One of the ad-
vantages of this most frequently used low
earth orbit (400 km above Earth) is that the
residual air drag causes friction which helps
the decay and the process of destruction
of the debris. Also, an expansion of the at-
mosphere (like the one in the 1990s) leads
to an increased air drag to the fragments
which results in a shorter orbit life time and
lower debris density. Another reason for
decrease of debris population in one of the
most commonly-used orbits was the rapid
reduction in launches by Russia.
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN GEO?
RADARS FOR At higher altitudes, where atmospheric drag
TRACKING SPACE DEBRIS is less significant, orbital decay takes much
longer. Slight atmospheric drag, lunar per-
turbations, and solar radiation pressure can
NASA-LMT gradually bring debris down to lower altitudes
where it decays, but at very high altitudes this
TIRA (ESA) can take millennia The problem that is espe-
Goldstone radar cially problematic in the valuable Geostation-
ary Orbit (GEO), concerns the satellites that
Haystack radar often share the same orbital path. Active
Cobra Dane phase array radar satellites maintain their station but if they
become inoperable they become a collision
concern. However, one positive thing about
GEO is that rotation of objects (for example,
satellites) is much slower than in LEO (the
maximum velocity in GEO is 100 m/s).
However, there is one question that trou-
bles the scientist: Does the data gathered
from the monitoring and tracking of the
debris present the real situation in GEO?
Moreover, the fact that GEO is too distant
makes it is difficult to perform accurate
measurements of the existing debris espe-
cially for objects smaller than 1 metre.
It is thought that within these orbits there
are still some empty spots or at least ar-
eas with lower space debris density. They
are called “junk-free zones” and are mostly
used by NASA for calculating the trajectory
of their space shuttles
WAYS OF TRACKING
The threats from the space debris have
been taken seriously, thus sophisticated
systems for effective tracking of these ob-
jects in space have been developed. Radar
and optical detectors such as lasers are the
main tools used for tracking space debris.
However, tracking space debris bigger than
1cm is difficult due to the limited abilities of
the observatories. One of the most famous
observatories for determining space debris
was the NASA Orbital Debris Observatory
which used 3- meter liquid mirror transit
telescope. It was based in New Mexico and
it was functioning from 1995 until 2002.
When this observatory was closed some of
its parts were used for the construction of
the 6- meter “Large Zenith Telescope”. De-
spite, the frequent monitoring and keeping
a catalog database due to their huge num-
ber (there are more than 600,000 objects
larger than 1 cm in orbit) the majority of de-
bris objects remains unobserved.
Other sources of knowledge on the actual
space debris environment include measure-
ment campaigns by the European Space
Agency (ESA) with the Space Debris Tele-
scope (TIRA). The data gathered during
these campaigns updates the space debris
database and thus helps the assessment
of impact risks caused by these objects.
THE MISSION CONTINUES

A REVIEW OF THE LAST VISIT TO AFGHANISTAN

ot only the Persian calendar which is One proof of how risky the mission in Af- es there are also big facilities in Kabul. Most
used here, but also the living condi­ ghanistan is is the fact that a similar Turkish of them are used for military purposes, but
tions in most of Afghanistan give helicopter crashed on 23 March killing one there are also blocks of flats, a legacy from
the impression of 1389. Poor houses soldier. the 70s and the 80s, a period when the
made of bricks and mud, shops of The view from the aircraft window is like a country was under Soviet control.
exotic food, the biggest buildings are the glance in the past. There are small ground
blocks of flats a residue from the Soviet houses surrounded by high fences and HOLDING THE MACEDONIAN FLAG
times, similar to the ones Skopje got after dust, which is all around, mixed with water, The helicopter flight from the airport to the
the earthquake in 1963, which as a result of is the only available building material. The ISAF HQ lasts for around 10 minutes, the
the war seem exactly as if they had been outskirts of Kabul, at least from the air, look delegation led by the Minister of Defense
hit by an earthquake. Barricades, barbed like the town Alexander the Great arrived in Mr. Zoran Konjanovski and the Chief of
wire and checkpoints could be seen at each 330 BC. The current capital of Afghanistan General Staff Lieutenant General Miroslav
one hundred meters. This is Kabul, a city of is older than 3000 years, and it was ruled Stojanovski was welcomed by Macedonian
less than two million people, the capital of by many in the course of the centuries. soldiers, standing in line and holding the
the country where war has been raging for Many tried to conquer this important stra- Macedonian flag.
the last fourteen years. tegic point, the crossroad of commercial If the barbed wire from 1389 is on one side,
As you get off the plane you will be faced roads from South and Central Asia. 2010 is definitely on the other side, both in
with the dry dusty air, although the city is Nevertheless, apart from the modest hous- terms of the calendar and the conditions.
at 1800 m above sea level the climate is
almost desert-like. During the day the sun
shines mercilessly, the temperature reach­
es 35º C, and at night it could drop below
zero. There are frequent winds that lift
the dust from the surrounding mountains.
Here planes are never delayed due to fog
because it’s never foggy, but landing could
be delayed because of clouds of thick dust.
The airport, built in the 60s, was recently
renovated. The biggest part of it is still
used for military purposes. During the Tal­
iban regime, as a result of the sanctions,
there were no international flights. After
a decade-long pause the first foreign com­
mercial plane landed in 2002.
Our first rendezvous with Kabul was from
the air. Our Turkish friends met us at the
airport and took us to the ISAF HQ by he­
licopters. This is the safest part of the city,
the center of all events.

23
 There are international shops, restaurants,
cafes, cinemas and fitness centers in the
military bases. The Macedonian flag, stands
together with the flags of 42 coalition
countries participating in the defense and
rebuilding of Afghanistan.
The Cherry Canon could be seen here, in the
middle of Kabul, as a symbol of the Mace-
donian presence and its commitment to
the mission.
The Macedonian delegation had a meeting
with general McChrystal, the Commander
of ISAF in Afghanistan. He considers our
peace officers as an example of profession-
alism and exceptional preparedness, and
their contribution to the success of the mis-
sion as priceless.
We didn’t spend a lot of time here…
BROTHERS IN ARMS
Two Turkish helicopters took us back to
the airport where we left for Bagram on
an American military transporter. The flight
was beyond comfortable, but it was the
safest and fastest way of travelling. Half
an hour later we landed in the town where
79 Macedonian peacekeepers had arrived
couple of weeks ago and were waiting to
be deployed.
Since it was Easter the Macedonian del-
egation was welcomed according to the
Macedonian tradition and customs, with
dyed eggs.
It was a great pleasure for the Minister to
whish all the best to all Macedonians from
Afghanistan, in his behalf and on behalf of
all the ARM members.
“We’ll do our best to proudly carry the
Macedonian flag and to justify our role in
this mission. Macedonia is a small country
by territory, but its role fighting against ter-
rorism is significant”, said the Minister of
Defense Mr. Zoran Konjanovski.
The Macedonian peace officers stationed
in Bagram will serve under the command
of our allies, the Americans, who promised
to look after them as if they are their own
brothers.
“I am extremely satisfied that we have
had the opportunity to cooperate with our
Macedonian brothers for many years in Ver-
mont as well as in Macedonia. Last autumn
we spent time together with them in the
most demanding USA Army training cen-
ter in Louisiana. We carry nice memories of
those moments. American soldiers are very
happy to serve with our Macedonian broth-
ers in this very complex mission”, stated
Col. Will Roy, 86th artillery fighting team
commander.
A HOME AWAY FROM HOME
After Bagram we went back to Kabul. This
time we had the opportunity to spend
more time with 150 Macedonian peace-
keepers living and serving here.
“The living conditions are excellent; we have
made friends with people who live here in
the base. We mostly cooperate with the
Turks, but with others as well. I would re-
turn here to represent Macedonia without
any doubt whatsoever, said Sgt. Ivica Smi-
levski.
There are only four women among them
and they have the same obligations.
“Life in Kabul is a typical military life, but
everything is organized according to NATO
standards. We behave very professionally”,
said Corporal Aleksandra Dimevska.
We met our peacekeepers in the big cin-
ema hall where they have a chance to see
24
the latest Hollywood films for free. After
presenting the project “ARM – My True
Home” and discussing the possibility of
buying a flat with the help of the Ministry
of Defense, the Minister read the letter
written by the Macedonian Prime Minister.
“Strength and honour are compliments
that have characterized brave men and
women throughout history, those who
are ready to attain the highest ideals for
common welfare. Strength and honour are
your compliments as well. Modern time
brings many challenges. The struggle of
mankind and the civilization development
and benefits demand a full support to
those who need help, to be humane and
persistent, courageous and ethical. By
contributing to world peace and stability
and to the development of democracy for
the Afghan people you are aiming towards
those civilization goals. This should make gether. I would certainly come here again”,
you proud as we in Macedonia are proud said Sgt. Viktor Davodovski.
of you”, said Mr. Konjanovski. “We are celebrating Easter with grill and
The Chief of General Staff spoke very salad together with the Minister and Chief
highly about the 150 Macedonian peace of GS of ARM. I hardly ever cook even in my
officers who provide security to the ISAF free time. Everything here is on a very high
command. level. Everybody appreciates us and we do
“Your good behaviour, your good acts the same, said Corporal Bojan Bogoevski.
confirm the success achieved here in Af- The party wouldn’t have been complete
ghanistan. You have demonstrated that without music. Macedonian songs sang in
you have the abilities and the capacity, the middle of Kabul. There was no dancing,
you have demonstrated that you are pro- though, because soldiers are soldiers even
fessionals and I have no doubts you will after working hours, if there are working
behave like professionals till the very end hours when on a mission in a conflict area.
of the mission”, said the Chief of General “They, as any other human being, need to
Staff, Lieutenant General Miroslav Sto- unwind, but not completely relax so as to
janovski, in his address to the peace offi- have impact on conducting their tasks, only
cers. to spend their free time doing different ac-
The Member of Parliament, Vladimir tivities. Our servicemen present Macedonia
Gorcev was in Kabul for the third time, as a
Head of the Parliamentary Committee for
Defence and Security. He also had some
encouraging words for the Macedonian
peace officers saying that the most impor-
tant thing is to take care of each other, to
be professional until the end and to come
back to Macedonia safe and sound.
“When an unexpected visitor rings the
doorbells of your homes your fathers,
mothers, wives, daughters or sons might
think he brings them bad news. That’s
why you have to take care, May God be
with you, May your professionalism and
training demonstrated every day keep you
safe. You are all someone’s daughters or
sons, brothers or sisters, that is way you
have to look after each other, be united,
keep together and the Ministry, the Gov-
ernment and the President of the Mace-
donian Parliament will support you”, said
Vladimir Gorcev.
EASTER PARTY IN KABUL and ARM in the best possible way here in
The reason for the Macedonian delegation the camp with honour and dignity, as their
visiting Kabul was Easter which was cel- responsibility is to maintain the image that
ebrated with a party for the peace officers has been built in the past years. This will be
from almost all countries who are fighting an obligation for their successors as well.
shoulder to shoulder in the defence and re- We have never doubted the commitment
building of Afghanistan. Macedonian bar- and dedication of our servicemen in accom-
beque and alcohol free beer were served plishing their duties. Their superiors from
at the party, as a precondition for a good the multinational HQ speak very highly
party, and a reminder of the responsibility about them and the work that the Mace-
of the soldiers to always be up to the task. donian contingent does to protect the
Our hosts presented themselves in yet an- command”, stated the head of GS of ARM,
other role, they prepared and served the Lieutenant General Miroslav Stojanovski.
food. Guests from all 42 countries participating in
“I secure the main ISAF HQ, but tonight in the mission in Afghanistan, 42 nations that
honour of the Minister and the General I give their contribution to the same goal- de-
am a Chef. The living conditions here are fense and rebuilding of this country joined
excellent, we work together with other sol- in the Easter celebrations. The cooperation
diers, we play football, we spend time to- among all of them is not on the same level.
“Connected to work, we closely cooperate
with the USA servicemen, with the German
as well as the British contingents, as a Brit­
ish platoon is under the command of our
company. Our company is part of the Brit­
ish armed forces which secure the camp.
Personally we are closes to Turks, we have
the best cooperation with them. We sup­
port and help each other and show that
we are two fraternal nations”, stated Ma­
jor Blaze Nikolovski, the commander of the
Macedonian contingent.
Not only Turks speak highly of the Macedo­
nian servicemen, but also you can hear the
same from other associates and friends.
“This is a great party and I would like to
thank our Macedonian friends for organiz­
ing this lovely Easter party. We closely co­
operate with the Macedonian peace sup­
porters in securing the ISAF command.
Their commitment in protecting the HQ is
crucial. I have nothing but positive experi­
ence working with Macedonian service­
men”, said German Col. Georg Hannen.
“As a commander of the HQ security forces
I can say that I am very satisfied with their
professionalism, they do whatever it takes
to secure the life of 2000 soldiers and civil­
ians who live and work in this base. They
are all professional soldiers and it is a real
pleasure to work with them, I respect them
and their contribution to what we are try­
ing to do for the Afghan people. We are
exposed to attack more than ever. The en­
emy is not happy with our presence here,
but I believe that the Afghani people need
us to help them establish the rule of law
and lead a peaceful life. The Macedonian
peace officers give a big contribution to
these efforts honorably and with dignity.
I haven’t had a chance to see what is go-
ing on outside the base, but I know that
the NATO-led coalition works on building
the infrastructure; roads and schools. We’ll
continue doing this”, said the US Army
Lieutenant Colonel Brad Brazell.
“It’s our pleasure to be with your Minister
of Defense and Chief of GS in this interna-
tional environment. Turkey is very satisfied
with the opportunity to cooperate with
your country. This example should be fol-
lowed by other nations as well. The Mace-
donian peace officers are very profes-
sional, committed and educated and it is
a privilege to be able to work with them”,
stated Col Ali Varlet from Turkey.
INSIGHT KABUL
We had the first insight of Kabul the sec-
ond day of our stay there. Although the
security has been improved in the past
few years we were not permitted to walk
around the city. We were able to see how
people live there from the windows of an
APC Harmelin with a Macedonian flag on
them.
It is compulsory for anybody who leaves
the base to have an interpreter, so our Af-
ghani interpreter told us that there are still
parts of Kabul where people don’t have
drinking water. The same goes for the
electricity, a large part of the houses do
not have electricity at all, and those who
are connected to the grid have numerous
defects and blackouts. The streets are
crowded with pedestrians, carts, sellers,
cars and trucks even domestic animals.
Even here we could notice crowded bill-
boards mostly in English, aimed for the
foreign workers and soldiers whose num-
ber here is really ample. The signs of the
local shops are written in one of the two
official languages of Afghanistan, Dari and
Pashto.
MACEDONIAN HELP
After a half an hour drive we arrived for the
meeting with the first man in the Afghani
Ministry of Defense, Abdul Wardak. We
were welcomed with the highest military
honours. In our host’s opinion, Macedo-
nia’s help and support, especially in the
area of the Afghani police and army training
is highly appreciated and necessary.
“It is very important to me what Mr. Wardak
said about enhancing the pace of enforc-
ing the capacity of the Afghan Army. This
is crucial for us because two tasks should
be conducted at the same time in order to
have success in Afghanistan, I am referring
here to the military and civilian component
in building the institutions of the system,
above all, the Afghan army and police
whose training is supported by our training
teams”, said Minister Zoran Konjanovski.
After this meeting we were back to the
airport. Our attempt to visit the Macedo-
nian medical team in the northern town of
Maymanah failed. After an hour and a half
uncomfortable flight the German military
transport aircraft was not able to land. The
visibility was only 10 meters due to strong
wind and clouds of dust. It took us another
hour and a half to get back.
TURKISH COFFEE AND
A SENCERE FARWEL
Our last afternoon was reserved for meet-
ing the Turkish representatives who give
the highest marks for the Macedonian
peace officers.
“As a commander of the Regional Com-
mand Capitol I would like to stress that any
general would like to have a unit as the re-
spected Macedonian Minister and Chief of
GS have. I personally am proud of that unit,
too. I would like to thank you for your visit
to the Turkish armed forces and I would like
to send the Macedonian people my sincere
greetings. I hope our future cooperation will
continue”, said General Levent Çolak.
The Macedonian delegation was welcomed
in the Turkish base with the highest military
honours and the traditional Turkish dishes
and the naturally, a cup of Turkish coffee.
THE CONTRUBUTION CONTINUES…
The priority for Macedonia and the allies in
Afghanistan is the stability of the country
and the training of the Afghan police and
army. This is the effort which is appreciated
by the local authorities.
Besides the Macedonian servicemen a lot
of Macedonian workers live and work in Af-
ghanistan. There are more than 200 Mace-
donians in the American base Phoenix.
“The working conditions are excellent, we
live in a bihat, but everything is great. We
feel safe in the base, I have been here for
five years and so far I haven’t had a single
problem”, said Aneta Nikolovska.
Macedonians, regardless of whether they
are soldiers or civilians, are among the na-
tions that are respected and loved by the
colleagues from other countries and at the
same time by the locals as well. Even some
of the shop assistants in the base have
learned a few Macedonian words.
Our servicemen have been here since
2002. Our contribution started with two of-
ficers, and now there are 242 soldiers train-
ing the Afghan police and army and helping
the county’s defense and reconstruction.
Our national delegation left very satisfied
with the meetings they had and even more
with the praises they heard on behalf of
the Macedonian peace officers. Their big-
gest satisfaction was that all Macedonian
servicemen were left in good health and
with a strong will to continue to represent
Macedonia in the best way possible.
Nikola Krstik
25
 EXERCISE
MACEDONIAN FLASH 06
A DEMONSTRATED HIGH DEGREE
OF READINESS AND TRAINING
he Military exercise “Macedonian
Flash - 6” was held in the period from
13 to 23 April 2010, in the Jane San-
danski military barracks, in Shtip and
the military training area “Penush”.
“Macedonian Flash - 6” is a live military ex-
ercise with boots on the ground in order to
reach its objective which was, supporting
the conducting of the 18th multinational
Evaluation Course OCC Level 1 (ОСС Е&F
– Operational Capabilities Concept Evalu-
ation & Feedback). During the evaluation,
the attendees of the course evaluated the
declared units while they demonstrated
conducting peace support operations by
following standard operational procedures
of NATO and in accordance with the Oper-
26
ational Capabilities Concept, which is used
in evaluating of the real possibilities for
deploying units in NATO-led international
peace support missions.
One of the objectives of this exercise is
the evaluation of the readiness level of the
Declared Mechanized Infantry Company
as part of the First Mechanized Infantry
Brigade to conduct different operations in
peacetime and crises. The Declared Mech-
anized Infantry Company is preparing to
be deployed as a regular rotation contin-
gent of the peacekeeping mission “ISAF”
in Afghanistan sometime in July 2010.
About 400 people took part in the exer-
cise including servicemen from the First
Mechanized Infantry Battalion, of the First
Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Military Po-
lice, Engineering Company and NBC Com-
pany, Helicopter Detachment of the Air
Force WING, logistics and other elements
for combat-service support. Many people
were involved in the command, including
personnel from the General Staff of ARM,
JOC, Logistics Command, Training Com-
mand, First Mechanized Infantry Brigade,
Air Force Wing, Military Police Battalion,
and the NBC Company.
The exercise was preceded by careful
preparation and planning. The planning
process was realized according to NATO
standards in compliance with Planning Di-
rective 75-3 Bi-SC. This process consisted
of: Initial, Main Planning and Final Coordi-
native conference. The planning Confer-
ences were held in the “Jane Sandanski”
military barracks in Shtip. Two workshops
were conducted between the two plan-
ning conferences by the key personnel
in charge of complete completion of the
planning process.
In addition to the representatives from the
ARM, other representatives from NATO
member-countries, i.e. members of the
committee for the 18 course for evalua-
tion according to the OCC Level 1 from the
Allied NATO Forces Command led by the
Colonel Andrej Razhenko, were involved in
the preparations for the exercise.
All documents were written in English in
compliance with the Planning Directive
75-3 Bi SC; Furthermore, English was
the official working language for all par-
ticipants during the planning process of
the exercise. At the end of the exercise,
when the planning process was finished,
the following documents were completed:
EXSPEC - exercise specifications, EX-
PLAN - exercise plan, OPLAN - operations
plan, OPORD - operational orders, MEL/
MIL - Main list of the events and incidents,
CIMIC - project plans, initial press confer­
ence and exercise briefing.
The military exercise “Flash - 6” was based
on a fictional scenario which is a good
foundation for reaching the aims of the
exercise. It was conducted in 4 phases:
– first phase: individual and collective prep­
arations;
– second phase: exercise planning;
– third phase: conducting of the exercise;
– fourth phase: evaluation and feedback.
The “Macedonian Flash - 6” exercise sce­
nario was solely designed for conducting
this exercise. It was invented without an
intention to represent any current or po­
tential world affair, nor a planned affair. A
modified map of the Republic of Macedo­
nia and its neighbors was used in the sce­
nario. Furthermore, real toponyms of the
Republic of Macedonia were used in the
scenario.
FICTIONAL SCENARIO
According to the exercise scenario, all
events happened in a fictional country
Bogaland, which borders Eastland in the
east, Southland in the south, Westland in
the west, and Northland in the north. Bo­
galand is divided into two provinces: Cas­
uria and Mida, and their citizens are two
nationalities called Casurians and Midans.
With the new constitution in 1995, Boga­
land was constituted as a country with
a centralized government with limited
authority on the both of the provinces’
councils. The state interests of the prov-
ince of Mida increased from 1995 to 2007.
The central government was not strong
enough to resist the activities of Mida. The
Party for Liberation of Mida was founded
in July 2008 as a result of nationalism in
Mida and Casurians’ dissatisfaction the
state policy. Casurian minority gave re-
sistance in order to get one centralized
government. The leader of the Casurian
“Party for Unity” requested the uniting
of Bogaland without provinces. The ten-
sion between the Casurian and Midan’s
nationalists was growing especially in the
county of Dragoevo. The crisis started
when crossing of the administrative bor-
der was denied to the Casurian leader,
when he wanted to visit a church in Shtip.
The Leader organized a peace march in
the vicinity of the administrative border on
the 15 October. The ‘Party for Unity” held
demonstrations along the administrative
border on the 1 November 2009, when
three protesters were killed. The violence
escalated in the central-eastern part of
the province Mida. The UNHCR announced
that 150 people have disappeared and
they are presumed to have been killed.
This marks the beginning of the armed
conflict with the Security Forces of Boga-
land. While the armed conflict between
the regular Security forces of Bogaland
and the armed groups of Mida was esca-
lating, there was ethnic cleansing mainly
in the central part of the country. Due to
the armed conflict, a large number of dis-
placed people, i.e. civilians, were forced to
leave their dwellings and to live in refugee
camps or to seek asylum in the neighbor-
ing countries.
MISSION “BOGDFOR”
Bogaland authorities requested help from
the UN for resolving the conflict. UN Secu-
rity Council held a meeting and brought a
resolution approving a peacekeeping mis-
sion for resolving this armed conflict. The
approved mission, called BOGDFOR, was
led by NATO and Partnership for Peace
(PfP) countries would take part in it.
Macedonia took part in the BOGDFOR
peacekeeping mission with one Mecha-
nized Infantry Battalion, a Helicopter de-
tachment, Military Police, Engineers and
NBC units. According to the scenario,
Macedonian units will execute the mission
BOGDFOR in the wider area of region “Pe-
nush”.
The Exercise Director was the Chief of
C-3/7 from the First Mechanized Infantry
Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Sasho Janev,
and the Chief of the Exercise Headquar-
ters was Lieutenant Colonel Zlatko Rado-
jchic.
The main groups of the exercise which suc-
cessfully coordinated all initiated activities,
the bloodstream of the exercise “Mace-
donian Flash – 6” were: EXCON–Exercise
command, organization and realization
center, EXCEN– Exercise center, in charge
of the whole organization of all planned
activities of the Land Forces and Air Force,
led by Major Borche Stojanovski and HI-
CON – a cell in a role of a Brigade Com-
mand which performed command and
control functions in accordance with the
received orders by EXCEN and sending
them to the subordinate commands and
units of the exercise “Macedonian Flash
– 6” under its command. HICON was led
by Lieutenant Colonel Marjan Simonovski.
ACC was Air Force Company Command
which realized all initiated events and inci-
dents directed by EXCEN on the exercise
“Macedonian Flash – 6” and it was located
in Petrovec.
NATO-MULTINATIONAL EVALUATOR
TRAINING COURSE
The 18th Multinational Evaluator Training
course in accordance with the OCC – Op-
erational Capability Concept Level 1, was
held within the frameworks of the military
exercise “Macedonian Flash – 6” from 9 to
23 April 2010.
The training course for OCC – evaluators
Level 1 was organized by NATO with the
support of Macedonian Ministry of De-
fense and ARM, and the activities were
carried out by the First Mechanized Infan-
try Brigade.
The leading team or ETC 18 Staff, for prep-
aration of the necessary conditions and
support of the OCC-course realization con-
sisted of: Course Director, Evaluator Team
Director, 6 team leaders, and 3 Evaluation
specialists from the Joint Forces Com-
mand of NATO, service personnel for ad-
ministrative support from the Macedonian
27

Ministry of Defense and the Army of the
Republic of Macedonia.
Lieutenant Colonel Roy Tweeter was
Course Director of the 18th Evaluator Train-
ing course in accordance with the OCC
– Operational Capability Concept Level 1,
and Andrei Rizhenko was Evaluator Team
Director, both of whom are representa-
tives of the NATO Supreme Headquarters
Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE MCD).
The 18th Evaluator Training course in ac-
cordance with the OCC – Operational Ca-
pability Concept Level 1 was held within
the preparation phase for the military Ex-
ercise “Macedonian Flash -6” from 13 to
18 of April, 2010, in the “Jane Sandanski”
military barracks in Shtip. The ETC 18 Staff
had working meetings with “Macedonian
Flash - 6 Staff, and they familiarized them-
selves with the exercise area “Penush”, a
place where the exercise took place. They
also learned about the climate, local in-
habitants, and organization of protection
forces, exercise scenario, the main event
list and the main incident list. They met
the troops which were evaluated as well
as saw the places and areas which were
planned to be used as ground for exercise
evaluation.
The aim of the 18th Evaluator Training
course was training of evaluators in accor-
dance with the OCC – Operational Capa-
bility Concept Level. Despite Macedonian
Army Service Personnel, 10 Partnership
for Peace countries (PfP), together with
22 NATO participants participated in the
Evaluator Training course. The Army of the
Republic of Macedonia took part in the
28
Course with 14 participants and 3 evalua-
tion instructors. .
ОСС Е&F – Operational Capabilities Con-
cept Evaluation & Feedback – is a NATO
tool for evaluating PfP countries and their
declared units in the OCC NATO group of
forces. The OCC program consists of two
levels of evaluation, Level 1 and 2.
ARM started with activities within OCC in
2006. It all started with preparation and
conducting of the evaluation which is of
national responsibility, as well as providing
support to NATO led evaluations.
In order to implement the evaluation in ac-
cordance with the OCC program, a certain
number of evaluators is needed; therefore,
in May 2008, during the military exercise
“Macedonian Flash - 6” a National Evalua-
tor Training course was held in compliance
with OCC program Level 1. Furthermore,
in the military exercise “Macedonian Flash
- 6” in October 2008, the 14th Evaluator
Training course was held in accordance
with OCC Level 1. Service personnel from
ARM and representatives from 24 PfP
and NATO countries participated in that
course with a total of 70 participants.
By organizing and realizing the OCC -
courses provide an opportunity offered
to train a big number of OCC - evaluators
from PfP countries as well as NATO coun-
tries by implementing the OCC E&F meth-
odology.
CURRENT SUCCESS CONFIRMED
On the 19 April 2010, after deploying the
units, the military exercise “Macedonian
Flash - 6” was officially opened in the
military barracks in Shtip. The exercise was
officially opened by the First Mechanized
Infantry Brigade Commander, Brigadier
General Dimche Petkovski. In his speech
in front of the participants of the exercise,
he emphasized that they are expected to
reaffirm their success on this extremely
significant military exercise which derives
from their skilled training, professionalism,
and gained experience by participating in
NATO - led missions. Brigadier General
Petrovski also said that the military exer-
cise: “Macedonian Flash - 6” was a good
opportunity to evaluate the operational ca-
pabilities of the First Mechanized Infantry
Brigade and their real abilities to success-
fully serve in the upcoming ISAF mission
in Afghanistan in July 2010. General Petro-
vski recommended that the servicemen
should do their best in fulfilling their every
day duties, disregarding the pressure that
they are observed and evaluated. “Leave
the evaluation to the evaluators because
good results come from good work”, said
Brigadier General Dimche Petrovski.
Lieutenant Colonel Sasho Janev in his
speech said that the military exercise
“Macedonian Flash - 6” was an excel-
lent opportunity to present and affirm
the readiness of the ARM in conducting
a practical form of training in compliance
with NATO standards, in front of 10 armies
from NATO and PfP countries.
The Course Director of the 18th Training
Evaluator Course in accordance with OCC
Level 1, Lieutenant Colonel Roy Tweeter
expressed his satisfaction with the current
course of the exercise, sincerely wishing it
continues in order to be successfully com-
pleted.
INTER-OPERABILITY CHECKED
According to the exercise plan, the course
participants did a formal NATO evaluation
Level 1 in the training area of the military
barracks in Shtip, from 20 to 22 April,
2010. The aim of this evaluation was to
check the interoperability of the units in ac-
cordance with the OCC – Operational Ca-
pability Concept. The units were evaluated
in 10 situations and 35 incidents during the
evaluating process. They were evaluated
in the following situations: work on receiv-
ing and issuing operational orders, setting
a mobile and fixed control point, secur-
ing a base, working on observation post,
deploying quick reaction forces by air and
deploying quick reaction forces by land,
search and rescue coordinated operations,
securing and escorting a convoy.
This was the beginning of the 18th Evalu-
ator Training Course in accordance with
the OCC – Operational Capability Concept
Level 1, used by the NATO Alliance for eval-
uating operational capabilities, interoper-
ability, as well as practical implementation
of NATO standards in the training of the
declared units while preparing for interna-
tional peacekeeping missions.
When dealing with the designated situ-
ations in practice, the units used NATO
standard operational procedures which
are determined for these kinds of situa-
tions. The NATO evaluating teams moni-
tored their work at all times.
The evaluation was done according to the
List of situations and the List of incidents
in different place and at different time. All
planned combat operations and peace-
keeping operations were conducted ac­ were taken for a sightseeing tour in Shtip tinuous media coverage of the exercise in
cording to the lists. The units’ high level of and Ohrid. order to be transparent. PCI also prepared
combat readiness and capabilities of the and organized a reception of the state
participants to face the challenges of an CONTINUOUS AND TIMELY and local media who visited the exercise.
international peacekeeping mission were INFORMATION The center made a plan for media cover-
clearly demonstrated. A Public Information Center was created age according to the dynamics of the ex-
The declared units of the ARM used the with a basic aim to provide the public with ercise activities, conducting briefings and
experience they have gained by participat­ continuous and timely information about other activities with the media, in order to
ing in international military exercises and the activities and the importance of the present the aims and content of the exer-
international peacekeeping missions when military exercise “Macedonian Flash – 6”. cise. It also followed, processed, analyzed
dealing with the designated situations and The Chief of the Public Information Center and evaluated the information connected
incidents. was the spokesperson of the ARM Gener- to the exercise which was announced or
The process of evaluation Level 1 of the al Staff, Lieutenant Colonel Mirche Gjogos- published in the media. It analyzed the in-
units in the military exercise “Macedo­ ki. In compliance with the exercise plan fluence it had on the exercise participants,
nian Flash – 6” and the 18th Multinational and set NATO procedures concerning the on the ARM. The PIC issued a bulletin with
Evaluator Training Course ended in the conducting of an exercise of this kind, the information about the exercise which was
morning of the 23 April, 2010, when the Public Information Center was completely distributed among the participants of the
exercise leaders’ team issued the last frag­ subordinate to the Exercise Director. PIC exercise. The Public Information Center
mental order.
When NATO evaluation Level 1 and Mili­
tary exercise “Macedonian Flash – 6” fin­
ished, the participants were awarded a
certificate and an emblem for completed
evaluator course according to the OCC
E&F program. The participants can use
this certificate in their careers in order to
be evaluators to other units of NATO and
PfP armies, declared in the NATO pool of
forces.
The evaluation was done according to
the List of situations and the List of inci­
dents in different place and at different
time. All planned combat operations and
peacekeeping operations were conducted
by the participant – evaluators of the 18th
Evaluator Training Course from 10 armies
of NATO and PfP countries organized in
six teams. Using the evaluation Level 1 in
the military exercise “Macedonian Flash
– 6”, is the best way to demonstrate the
capability of the units to execute practical
forms of training according to NATO stan­ was a professional team in use of the Ex- was situated in the operational center in
dards to Macedonian and international ercise Director in order to plan and orga- the military barracks “Jane Sandanski” in
community. Two servicemen from the nize the process of informing of the public Shtip.
armies of the PfP countries were observ­ and service personnel of the ARM about The military exercise “Macedonian Flash
ers at the military exercise “Macedonian the exercise, as well as to document the – 6” was successfully completed on the
Flash -6”. exercise activities. In order to inform the 23 April, 2010. The participants of the
citizens of the Republic of Macedonia exercise demonstrated a high level of
HUMANITY IN ACTION about the affirmation of the ARM and the interoperability and skills in conducting
In order to get civilian support in the exer­ level of training of its service personnel, activities and procedures when accom-
cise activities, representatives of the civil­ the Public Information Center implement- plishing peacekeeping missions. This was
ian institutions were contacted before the ed the proactive policy of informing. All another chance to demonstrate the readi-
beginning of the exercise. A CIMIC project information, announcements and photos ness and capability of ARM for admission
was completed during the military exercise from the military exercise “Macedonian in the Euro-Atlantic Defense Institutions
“Macedonian Flash -6”. The project was a Flash – 6” are displayed on the official web- to the Macedonian and the international
humanitarian action for donating food to page of Ministry of Defense of Republic of community.
the Children’s Special Institution for edu­ Macedonia. During the military exercise
cation and rehabilitation “ISKRA” in Shtip, “Macedonian Flash – 6” PIC provided con- Zoran Janakievski
where children, from Shtip and neighbor­
ing municipalities, with special needs stay
and go to school.
By completing the CIMIC project, the par­
ticipants of the exercise proved their hu­
manity in action and demonstrated their
readiness to help Macedonian citizens in
need, which is one of the important seg­
ments of their mission.
Within the exercise, the White Cell func­
tioned as a coordinator of the exercise
activities and representatives of the civil­
ian institutions which were involved in the
exercise.
During the exercise, the exercise lead­
ing team and the participants of the 18th
Evaluator Training Course in accordance
with OCC Level 1 were welcomed, accom­
modated and escorted. In coordination
with the CIMIC cell, the representatives of
the armies from NATO and PFP countries

29
 STATIONARY
CAMPING

WITH THE ARM ARTILLERISTS

30
 rom 06 until 15 April the Self-Pro-
pelled Howitzer Artillery Battalion
(SHAB) under the command of Lieu-
tenant Colonel Zarko Risteski con-
ducted stationary camping at the training
area “Krivolak”. A number of educational
and exercise activities were conducted by
the Command and the Battalion units.
From 06 till 08 April there was an artillery
seminar organized by the GS of ARM with
support of SHAB, with officers from all the
ARM artillery units. The goal of the semi-
nar was to promote the new artillery rules:
Artillery rule for shooting and a Manual for
firing positions.
A number of artillery officers from the op-
eration units, as from the Military Acad-
emy were involved in the creation of these
rules, who in a short period of time have
managed to create quality rules using spe-
cialized literature from the modern NATO
armies.
During the seminar several artillery live
shooting exercises were conducted by the
First Howitzer Battery from the Artillery
Battalion and by one Mortar Battery from
the Second Mechanized Infantry Brigade
where the new rules were applied.
“IN COMBAT” TO WIN THE FLAG
On 09 and 10 April tactical exercises were
conducted with live artillery shooting by
the artillery units from the Joint Operation-
al Command. Four mortar batteries from
the First and Second MIB, and the First
Howitzer Battery from SHAB participated
in these shooting exercises.
The shooting was evaluated by the JOC
Commander, Major General Zoran Dimov
with its own board whose members were
the Commander of SHAB, Lieutenant
Colonel Zarko Risteski and the firing sup-
port officer from JOC, Major Mate Zura.
The artillery units achieved outstanding
score, and the best score had the mortar
battery from the Second Battalion of the
First MIB. The commander of the best unit
was presented with the flag by the JOC
Deputy Commander, Brigadier General
Kiro Galazovski in front of all of the artil-
lery units.
The shooting was attended by the Deputy
Chief of GS of ARM, Major General Naser
Sejdini, the JOC Commander, Brigadier
General Kiro Galazovski, the Commander
of First MIB, Brigadier General Dimce
BY Goran Risteski Petrovski, the Commander of Second MIB,
Colonel Metodija Velichkovski, representa-
tives of the General Staff of ARM and bat-
talion commanderss from the Brigades.
This live artillery shooting with competitive
character will become a tradition of JOC
and will be conducted every year, and the
unit that will be declared the best twice
consecutively will keep the flag perma-
nently.
PROGRAM ARTILERY SHOOTING
Along with these activities, SHAB also
realized their planned tactical exercises in
the framework of which the combat bat-
teries of the unit conducted live artillery
program shooting.
On 11 April the artillery platoon BM21
“GRAD” conducted live ammunition shoot-
ing with field gun 76 mm B1 applying all
the possible ways of preparations of the
initial elements and adjustments while
conducting indirect live artillery shooting.
On 13 April 1-st SHAB conducted program
shooting number 20 with 120 mm howit-
zer applying the ATLAS system in full, and
the results were outstanding. The battal-
ion commander, Lieutenant Colonel Zarko
Risteski evaluated it with grade “above
standard”.
On 14 April the artillery platoon BM21
“GRAD conducted tactical exercise and
conducted program shooting number 20
with 128 mm multiple rocket launcher.
They demonstrated a high level of practice
and training, and the teams of forward
observers and the fire directing center
demonstrated amazing speed and skill in
adjusting and evaluating the target ele-
ments. This activity was also evaluated
by the battalion commander, Lieutenant
Colonel Zarko Risteski with grade “above
standard”.
Although during the carrying out of all ac-
tivities of the 10-day stationary camping
the unit was faced with certain logistics
difficulties, yet, with great efforts of the
unit members, they managed to remove
all technical and vehicle malfunctions on
the spot and complete all the assign-
ments as planned and on time.
At the end of the analysis of these ac-
tivities made by the commander and the
command of the unit a great satisfaction
was expressed on the successful camping
and they concluded that this unit can and
must achieve even better results in the
future.
31
 DAY OF
ECOLOGICAL VICTORY
Action “Day of the Tree” - Plant Your Future”
he action “Day of the Tree”-
Plant Your Future” which had
a Balkan character was orga-
nized for the fifth time on 30
March. The citizens planted
about 7.5 million saplings at about
a hundred locations all over the
country.
On the day of the action, the Min-
ister of Defense, Mr. Zoran Kon-
janovski, visited the area of Resen
where together with the Mayor of
Resen, Mr. Mihail Volkanovski and
the Mayor of Pustec, the Republic
of Albania, in the place “Slivnica”
“planted their future” along with
young Macedonians from neigh-
boring Albania.
“Today’s action which is support-
ed by the Mayors of Resen and
Pustec, R.Albania, in a way means
a holiday for the Republic of Mace-
donia. This action was started five
years ago and today it is already
becoming a nation-wide holiday-
a day of ecological victory, when
all of us are involved with the aim
of planting our future. It is really a
pleasure to see how children from
the neighboring municipalities of
both neighboring countries are
planting their future together. All
of us will feel the benefit from this
action in fifteen years when these
planted trees will give the oxygen
which is necessary for our lives”,
said the Minister of Defense, Mr.
Zoran Konjanovski.
The Mayor of municipality of Pus­
tec, the Republic of Albania, Mr. Ed-
mond Temelko, pointing out that
32
the Republic of Macedonia is an ex-
ample of realization of this ecologi-
cal action not only in the Balkans,
but also wider, stated, “It is a great
pleasure for me to participate in
this action. This action is very popu-
lar in the Republic of Macedonia.
This year, for the first time, we, the
Macedonians who live in the Re-
public of Albania are the promoters
of the action in our country. This is
the first time in the municipality of
Pustec and in the Republic of Alba-
nia that such a thing takes place,
all the citizens-residents of our mu-
nicipality to go out massively in an
organized way, the entire adminis-
tration along with the pupils and
their teachers. This is a good sign
that this action will be spread to
other municipalities in our country.
This action is more than necessary
in the Republic of Albania because
our forests are more damaged
than the forests in the Republic of
Macedonia”.
Stressing the pleasure from the
successful realization of the ac-
tion, the Mayor of Resen, Mr.Mihail
Volkanovski, said, “The response
of the Resen citizens for today’s
action is great. Traditionally, ev-
ery year there is forestation of
the bare terrain in the area of the
municipality. We have supported
these actions for years and we will
support them in the future with an
aim to make Prespa even more
beautiful. In this action, at the two
locations, the village of Slivnica and
the village of Ljubojno 100,000
young trees were planted, 80, 30,000 saplings of evergreen trees
000 of white pine and 20,000 of at five locations in areas of Sko­
cypress. We had a joint initiative to- pje, Kumanovo, Shtip, Veles and
day and a good collaboration with Sveti Nikole. Traditionally, the army
the Mayor of Pustec, the Republic planted the greatest part of the
of Albania. We would like this ac- planned number of saplings. “The
tion to become international, to Army of the Republic of Macedo­
spread not only to Albania, but nia has always given and will give a
also to other countries as well in contribution in enriching the green
order to make the Balkans greener fund of our country”, said LTC Mirce
and more beautiful for living for the Gjorgoski, the spokesperson of the
next generations” General Staff of the ARM. Apart
In this year’s action “Day of the from Macedonia, decorative, de­
Tree”-Plant Your Future”, in the ciduous and evergreen trees were
boundary region between Resen, planted at the boundaries by the
the Republic of Macedonia and members of the Border Police and
Mala Prespa, the Republic of Al- the Customs Managements in the
bania thirty pupils from both coun- Republic of Macedonia and the
tries participated for the first time neighboring countries.
and in a symbolic way with a mutu- Elizabeta Tashkovska
al tree planting (ours in Albania and
Macedonians from neighboring
Albania in our country), along with
the citizens from both countries,
they planted their future.
The Deputy Minister of Defense,
Mr. Emil Dimitriev participated in
the forestation of the municipal-
ity of Probishtip in the area called
“Zad Kostomar”, and the State
Secretary in the Ministry of De-
fense, Mr. Petar Esmerov planted
a tree in the location called “Korija
nad Vodna Skala”.
ACTIVE CONTRIBUTION OF
THE ARM MEMBERS
In the action “Day of the Tree”-
Plant Your Future”, 250 ARM sol-
diers participated actively from
five ARM garrisons who planted
 THE ARMY
IN SERVICE OF
JUSTICE
FROM THE PEACEKEEPER’S JOURNAL
he execution of activities by the
Army of Republic of Macedonia in
international missions in all parts
of the world is one of its basic mis-
sions. We have presented the rocky
and insecure terrain of the Middle East
Afghanistan, the far Iraq, culturally differ-
ent Lebanon and near Bosnia, where our
teams, among other things, take care of
what is most sacred for any human be-
ing – its health. And, the fact that has
been constantly mentioned throughout
all our issues is the opinion of the foreign
officers about our peacekeepers that
has been always described as pure and
instantly recognizable professionalism,
full dedication and loyalty, and absolute
execution of every given assignment.
In this issue, those attributes can be
related with the work of our Predrag
and Darko Kocovski, twin brothers that
proudly represented the Macedonian
sun in the “ALTHEA” mission in Bosnia
and Herzegovina.
ALWAYS TOGETHER
Following the established bon ton, ad­
vantage is given to the seniors. Thus, we
will first interview the five minute older
Captain Predrag Kocovski. We asked
Captain Kocovski if his life path is always
merged with the one of his brother. “We
have been together almost always and
everywhere. We go everywhere togeth­
er, although I don’t know if that is typical
for twins. After we graduated from high
school we both enrolled at the Faculty
of Law in Skopje at the same time, and
we also graduated with the same last
exam”, he began explaining. In analogy
from what we hear, we assume that the
service in our Army for both of them has
begun at the same time. Of course, our
assumption was entirely true. “After the
studies we waited for one year being un­
employed, and then we saw the public
ad for enlisting officers in the service of
ARM and we applied. A week before the
course started, we began serving our
mandatory conscript service, because
after the graduation there was no ex­
33
 cuse to prolong that. We started
in the Reserve Officers School
in Skopje in the military barracks
“Goce Delcev”, and as I said, after
a week, our mandatory conscript
service was terminated and we
started with the Officers Course
for the service in ARM. We
were actually part of the course
members, studying for the legal
service. Several months after
finishing the course we started
to work, appointed to G-1 of GS
of ARM”, Captain Predrag Ko-
covski told us about their begin-
nings, speaking at the same time
about his brother, Darko. Cap-
tain Darko Kocovski also had
something to add: “My brother
already said everything that
was happening before serving in
Army of Republic of Macedonia.
We both started serving in 2004
with a Lieutenant rank, because
the laws were different then, and
in July 2007 we were both pro-
moted to Captains. In that period
we were only separated when
he left for a mission in Bosnia,
and then half a year more while
I was there, that means that we
were separated a year and a half,
not counting the week when we
were together for duty transfer
and vacation”.
THE ROAD TO “ALTHEA”
About his work experience in
ARM, Captain Predrag explained
that he has been part of almost
every department in G-1 of the
General Staff of ARM. “I can say
that so far in G-1 in of GS I have
worked in almost every depart-
ment, thus most of the work
done from professional nature
and personal management in
the GS is familiar to me. I have
worked as an officer for profes-
sional qualification and progress
in G-1, in the country and abroad,
then as an officer for personal
management for noncommis-
sioned officers, after that some
time also in the personal man-
agement for officers, and at the
moment I am working as an offi-
cer for legal matters in the Legal
Department within G-1. Here, in
the Legal department in G-1, to-
gether with my brother, we have
been for almost six months”.
Regarding the involvement in the
EUFOR mission in Bosnia and
Herzegovina, “ALTHEA”, Captain
Predrag was the first one to be
a part of it. He left for Bosnia in
2008, while his brother a year
later. “I was the first to go in
mission in Bosnia in June 2008
and I stayed there for two rota-
tions, until June 2009, when I
returned back. The position I had
there was a legal advisor in the
34
command of the “ALTHEA” mis-
sion. The rotation for my position
there was one year, but our legal
duties stated that one rotation is
six months, so I stayed two ro-
tations. My position was under
the command of the Austrian
unit, and beside this position,
ARM has one headquarter duty
for a noncommissioned officer
as a medical administrator. Of
course, it is well known that we
have another medical team there
that as a logistic support of the
entire personnel in the “Butmir”
base, as well as the personnel
that is found at the moment in
the zone for which our team is
responsible. We are still in charge
of that place”, explained Captain
Predrag.
Having into consideration that he
was replaced by his twin brother,
we asked him if there were there
any interesting experiences re-
lated to it. “There are a lot of in-
teresting things that happened.
Especially interesting is when I
notified my superiors in the com-
mand that I will be replaced by
my brother in the next rotation,
and even more interesting when
they found out that he is my twin
brother. We were joking that no
one will be shocked because the
replacement is more or less like
1. CAPTAIN me. At the actual duty transfer
PREDRAG at which all members of the com-
KOCHOVSKI mand and the headquarters of
EUFOR were present, the com-
2. CAPTAIN mander, member of the Italian
DARKO army, said: “Here comes one
KOCHOVSKI more from the Kocovski clan,
who is the same as the one leav-
3. MEDAL
AWARDING ing, so it wouldn’t come as a big
CEREMONY AT shock to us because we will not
THE ALTHEA HQ be visually surprised.
IN BOSNIA AND Captain Darko continued: “It was
HERZEGOVINA interesting during the duty trans-
fer. I remember that once, the EU-
4. PAYING FOR deputy commandant Gener-
TRIBUTE TO THE al Carrasco, who was a part of the
MACEDONIAN Spanish Army, met us together in
PEACE OFFICERS
SERVING IN the command and was stunned.
ALTHEA KILLED My brother presented me as his
IN THE HELICOP- successor, and he replied – “you
TER ACCIDENT are the same!” My brother ex-
plained that I am his twin brother,
and the General asked who will
come after me, and I replied that
we have another twin brother at
home waiting his turn. However,
while I was there two command-
ers rotated, the first was from
the Spanish army, and the sec-
ond from the Italian army, Gen-
eral Major Stefano Castagnotto,
who was in charge of the EUFOR
when I left”.
IMPRESSION FROM BOSNIA
Nevertheless, their greatest im-
pression from the one-year, that
is, the six month period in mission, was
the way everyone involved in the mission
dealt with their work. “It is important to
say is that we have our maximum efforts
in doing our job professionally because
there we are working 24/7, and when-
ever necessary we were engaged in any
activity from the field of responsibility of
the Legal Advisor and the Office of the
Legal Advisor. It was interesting that we
met a lot of people and different charac-
ters, so I can conclude that while I was
a part of that mission, that one year, we
worked with professionals, who did their
with the utmost professionalism. It was
evident that the members of the ARM
contingent had reached that level, they
even stood our according to their level
of professionalism in comparison to the
others”, explained Captain Predrag.
His brother, Captain Darko Kocovski, who
was part of the “ALTHEA” mission on the
same position from June until December
2009, shares this opinion. “My brother
was right about what was going on in
Sarajevo while we were on the mission.
We think alike, I feel the same way about
the professionalism we found in Sara-
jevo. I have a lot of positive feelings, in
general, about the entire situation there.
It is very interesting that all the officers
respect you regardless of whether they
are generals or captains. As long as you
do your job professionally, they are open
and accept your criticism and, of course,
they appreciate your work. Moreover, I
would like to explain, that people who
worked in the HQ came different parts
of Europe, and there were even people
from Chile, although they weren’t part
of the EU command, they all had great
personalities and they were excellent at
their work”, Captain Darko added.
PRICELESS EXPERIENCE
Each contribution of the ARM members
in some of the international missions is
a big experience for them, and for the
Army of Republic of Macedonia as a
whole. We asked our interviewees to
give us their opinion on that. “Regarding
the experiences from the mission, I can
say that they are priceless to us as an
army that is not an EU or NATO member.
I must point out that they make no dif-
ference about that and simply appreciate
the work we do. With respect to wheth­
er we can use that experience from the
mission, I can say that we cannot when
it comes to our everyday job as lawyers.
Nevertheless we can contribute by intro­
ducing the contingents to the way the
missions function, especially regarding
the mission in Bosnia, so that they can
easily fit in that system. After all, it is a
system that has its own rules and regu­
lations and knowing them makes the
work easier for those who are part of
that system”, underlined Captain Darko.
“We are willing to share all of the knowl­
edge that we have gained or will gain
as part of the legal service, and by do­
ing that we want to contribute to the
development of the entire Army, espe­
cially through the experiences gained
in mission, working for multinational
forces. However, I have to distinguish
the work done here in the legal service
and the work there as a legal adviser.
There we face different legislation in the
area of peace and humanitarian law and
the armed conflict law, and at the same
time the interpretation of the local laws
of the country which is in the area of re­
sponsibility of the mission. An alleviating
circumstance for us was the fact that
we know the local language and that
enabled us to contribute in the interpre­
tation of the legal regulations that had
a big influence in the mission itself. That
was appreciated by everyone. As you are
aware, the cases in question are urgent
cases, emergencies, like for example, a
legal analysis that the commander needs
as soon as possible because based on
that analysis he should reach a certain
decision in the area of mission respon-
sibilities, which is of great importance.
What we did there as a contingent was
and still is highly appreciated”, his broth-
er, Captain Predrag added.
THE CONNECTION OF THE TWINS -
MYTH OR TRUTH?
Since we had identical twins in front of
us, we had to ask if all those myths we
have heard about twins and their psychic
connection were true. On that, Predrag
said: “Well, there are stereotypes and
speculations that the twins can commu-
nicate when separated, that one feels
what the other is feeling. I can say that
that is not the case with us. Anyway, we
are preoccupied with work, our day flies
by. While I was in Bosnia, I returned sev-
eral times from the mission, I had a va-
cation, and I returned between rotations
(due to some procedural issues), so time
goes by so fast that I didn’t even feel the
absence, as if I wasn’t separated from
my brother, with whom I have been all of
my life”, said Predrag.
But in their personal life, the connec-
tion is evident. Namely, they are family
men, with wives. They got married on
the same day. They both have daughters
only three months apart, for which they
say that they “missed”.
The Army of the Republic of Macedonia
has members that are fully dedicated to
their improvement. An example of this
are the Kocovski brothers who are cur-
rently studying for their masters. “We
definitely see our career development in
the legal service in the ARM. At the mo-
ment we are studying for our masters
studies and we finish those responsibili-
ties regularly and on time as well, in addi-
tion to the work-related obligations, and
we do not neglect them on account of
our studies”, Captain Predrag said.
Our interviewees in this issue are an ex-
cellent example demonstrating that the
ARM has professionals, people that are
utterly committed to their service in all
its elements.
Zdravko Rizovski/Ivan Petrushevski
35
 BOMB DEACTIVATION
ANTI-DIVERSIONARY PROTECTION
echnical protection refers to anti-
diversionary protection which is
achieved through application of
technical assets for complete pro-
tection of facilities significant for defence
of the country and for the lives of the mili-
tary and other persons.
Facilities significant for defence of the
country (hereinafter: facilities) refer to the
facilities determined by a separate article
of the Rulebook for basic criteria for de-
termining military and other facilities of
significant meaning for the defence of
the country and compulsory measures
for their protection.
Technical protection is а composite part
of securing facilities and people and it
is achieved through the application of
various variable systems which repre-
sent combinations of different mechani-
cal, electro-mechanical, electronic, opto-
electronic and chemical assets and their
components, built-in or set up for timely
detection and preventing the endanger-
ment of facilities and people’s lives.
The models and number of the technical
assets that comprise the system depend
on importance, application, type and loca-
tion being protected and which is deter-
mined by a project for each facility sepa-
rately, and the responsible officer decides
on the application and realization.
Anti-diversionary protection is organized
for the purpose of detecting and pre-
venting sabotage of military facilities and
property and of people’s lives, as well as
for determining the functionality of the
devices and installations in the facilities
36
that are being protected. Anti-diversion-
ary protection is achieved through appli-
cation of technical assets, methods, mea-
sures and procedures for the purpose of
detecting planted sabotage devices and
dangerous substances and their deac-
tivation and neutralization. The assets
used in detecting and destroying explo-
sive devices can be x-ray devices, explo-
sives detectors, robots, water cannons
and other.
WATER CANNON
During WWII the Germans dropped all
kinds of bombs at the British. To this
effect the British formed units respon-
sible for the non-activated grenades and
bombs, so they started using a disarm-
ing device. They put 50 fits of explosive;
at the front they put a piece of metal in
the shape of a rectangular bulb. Then a
fuse bomb was made. In the 50s it was
no longer used because the heat and the
blast set off the devices. They invented
devices called dinosaurs, with handles
which activated the packages. New water
cannons – destroyers appeared, and then
even newer cannons with lasers that use
clay in place of water, which are especially
used for opening the big packages.
Water cannons are intended to open the
packages, i.e. to deactivate the device. If
the battery is found, it is shot at to be
destroyed and that action deactivates
the device. The water cannon can throw
100 to 600 liters of water per second; the
faster it throws water the better it is for
opening the package. If it operates on
nitroglycerin, it will activate the device in
900 – 1000 fits per second.
Appropriate estimates must be made to
decide on the power of the shot at the
package. If it is a cardboard box we shoot
with small jets of water, and if it is a met-
al box we should shoot with stronger jets
(but this can set off the device). When it is
a container and we register the source of
energy with the help of an x-ray, we aim
at the battery and destroy it. If we do not
know what is inside, but we have an x-ray
device, it will help us to aim at the source
of energy and not hit the explosive, but
if there is a time-device (timer) we set
up the cannon, withdraw and activate it.
When we do not know what is inside, but
we suspect that the device operates on
nitroglycerine, we aim at the centre.
There are devices that have been made in
the past, for example, 3-inch pipes
which serve as charges for water
cannons with antifreeze, they look
like a bullet, they are disposable,
found in small and big sizes, and
they reach the speed of 300 mps
and are activated by a button.
There are smaller and bigger car­
tridges with gunpowder charges.
With 80 inches charge water can
be thrown out at the speed of 300
mps.
LETTER-BOMBS
When dealing with letter-bombs
we take the destroyer, the letter is
kept in a lying position and at a dis­
tance of 1 cm; one inch is shot (2,
5 m/s) to open just one side. The
cannon’s pipe should always be
aimed at the target, and one must
never stand behind it since there
are returning waves. In its proxim­
ity, behind it there should be only
one person but it is obligatory for
that person to be sheltered. In
case the device displaces or falls,
it should be opened remotely, to
check whether the battery has
fallen. If the battery is lowered,
it is lifted and set, the button is
pressed, and it is checked with a
knife and observed whether the ar­
row will move.
First, x-raying is performed, the
x-ray device is set opposite the
device, then the tape, with a pre­
viously set roll of film, is placed
at a distance of 1 m, impulses are
adjusted according to the device
(for example, for a cardboard box
it is adjusted to 15 impulses), it is
photographed, after that the tape
is given for development, the roll
is taken out, the position of the
battery is located, the package is
marked and taken outside to the
place of destruction. Then, the
cannon is prepared, the 300 m/s
cartridge (bullet) is placed in the
pipe, the lid is turned from above,
water is filled and it is closed with
a rubber plug (which is packed to­
gether with the cartridge), the pipe
is placed on a tripod stand and it
is carried to the device, it is aimed
at the device (the battery), the
wires of the cannon are attached
and then we withdraw, and with
a remote control device, which is
connected to the wires, we check
the potentiometer by pressing the
black button, then the red button,
which is held (pressed) while the
other switch is pulled, at first back­
wards, after that forwards and the
water cannon is activated.
Where can the robot be applied
after the purchase, since they are
slow and extremely heavy, and
also limited by their weight al­
though there are robots with dif­
ferent weights (for example, 70
kg and 300 kg). There are cable–
controlled robots and there are
remotely–controlled robots, but
when using those with a cable,
the robot might get tangled up in
1. ROBOT the cable and tear it which causes
WITH WATER the contact to be interrupted,
CANNON but interruption in the connec-
tion can happen with those that
2. X-RAY DEVICE are remotely–controlled if the
signal with the robot is lost, so it
will not be able to return and fin-
ish the task. Robots can perform
many tasks. The more cameras
are placed on the robot the bet-
ter, but it is the best to have one
person in control of the robot. It
can pick up very heavy objects, but
this also depends on the weight
of the robot. Heavier robots pick
up heavier objects. When the big
robot of 300 kg is used, camera 2
is used, which is positioned in the
direction of the robot’s movement.
This robot is called “pointer” and it
also has tracks. Water cannon can
also be installed on the robot. The
small robot has wheels.
ACCESS TO THE EXPLOSIVES
If we have access to the explosive
device then we can open it in sev-
eral ways. If we have commercial
explosive, using the devices we
have we will set off the explosive.
Terrorists usually use plastic explo-
sive which is quite insensitive.
The box is surrounded with а deto-
nating fuse, a detonating cap with
slow-burning fuse is placed at the
end, it is tightened with self-adhe-
sive tape to keep the detonating
fuse at the ends of the box. Then
the detonating cap is activated to
open the upper lid and part of the
box to be able to see what is in-
3. AND 4. side.
Opening an Cardboard with detonating fuse
explosive is placed on the upper part of
device with the case, it is fastened with self-
water
adhesive tape, the slow-burning
cannon fuse with the cap is added and it
is activated to open the upper part
of the case.
The detonating double fuse is
placed close to the dial of the case,
it is fastened with self-adhesive
tape and the detonating cap with
slow-burning fuse is placed on the
end and it is activated to open the
upper part.
On the upper part of the briefcase,
next to the numbers, two detonat-
ing caps are placed; they are at-
tached to a detonating fuse and
to a slow-burning fuse cap and
activated to open.
When dealing with letter-bombs
we should have in mind the set-
ting of the height of the detonat-
ing fuse in accordance with the let-
ter. When the fuse activates, the
letters also activate.
For a metal box a piece of booster
is used, placed through the stron-
gest part of the detonating fuse,
the slow-burning fuse is lit and ac-
tivated to open the box.
For a so-called pipe bomb a metal
plate is taken along with Styro-
foam (polystyrene) and placed at
the end of the pipe, empty space
is left in the Styrofoam for the cap
with the slow-burning fuse, and it
is activated to open the pipe on
one side.
The pipe can also be opened if on
one end we wind the detonating
fuse which is fastened with a self-
adhesive tape and a slow-burning
fuse cap is added and it is activat-
ed to open the pipe.
OPENING OF A PACKAGE
BARE-HANDED
This is the most dangerous way
of opening a package although
there were instances in Korea and
Spain when the operator – tech-
nician disposed the explosive de-
vice bare-handed. However, the
package should first be x-rayed to
check whether the explosive de-
vice has a fuse which could react
to shock, i.e. movement, and if it is
determined that it is not that type
it can be touched by hands.
The package is fastened with ny-
lon self-adhesive tape in order to
be tight, it is slowly soaked in wa-
ter on the sides and then slowly
the paper is torn to make a certain
opening. The paper next to the
opening is removed by the aid of
water. When the paper is removed
white self-adhesive tape is placed
over the opening to make it tighter
and not allow it to widen. A spe-
cial scalpel is used to cut the alu-
minum and cardboard box layer by
layer. If only x-ray is used with the
package, we will be able to see the
batteries, the fuses, the explosive,
cups and wires ending nowhere,
but we would not be able to see
the aluminum paper (foil) which
is the extension of the wires and
serves as a conductor. Thus, be-
side the obligatory x-ray, in some
instances we have to do part of
the job by hands. If it is a plastic
box, openings are carefully made
on the sides but, assuring that the
mixture does not drip on the wires.
If it is a wooden box it is cut on the
edges or if it is a metal box it is cut
with a hacksaw and light is placed
on one side to be able to observe
the inside content from the other
side.
Radoje Stojcheski
37
 THE INFLUENCE OF
THE MILITARY GEOGRAPHY
ON OPERATIONS – II
ON THE TERRAIN, WEATHER CONDITIONS…
OUNTAIN TERRAIN AND THE The mountain terrain affects the operations, The regrouping of the forces after the front
INFLUENCE ON OPERATIONS especially in the use of the armored, mecha- is very difficult, often impossible. The initial
The mountain terrain distinguishes nized and artillery missile structures. The ac- grouping has determinative meaning on the
greatly from the steep glens and val- tion is directed on small amount of roads, operation outcome. The reserves are in prin-
leys in vast areas. The weather con- passable ridges, valleys and hills, which are ciple stronger and organized in groups. The
ditions can also significantly vary in one more or less separated from each other. activity of the primary forces is often in the
smaller area. The mountain terrain can also Movement and gathering of the units is valleys, in length and through the ridges. To
include urban areas and valleys between made difficult, as well as the progress and speed up the activity and transfer the com-
mountain ridges, hills, and the mountains grouping for combat. Thus, in the time es- bat zone, the forces will often be brought in
themselves. timated for gathering and progress of the from the rear.
Which are important military characteristics units, the following elements are also taken The success of the mountain operations is
in the mountain areas? into consideration: the distance of the units usually achieved by units which have gained
The big differences in the terrain height pro- from the area, the type of the unit, the prop- control on the main terrain as are the moun-
vide excellent positions for observing or can erties of the ground and the number and tains and the ridges, valleys, canyons and
fully conceal great land fields. advantages of the directions. roads. Some of these will have a canalizing
The structure of the terrain usually has one In the course of the operation the units will effect and can be controlled by units located
characteristic look with road and railway net- conduct combat activities on greater dis- on high ground that dominate above them.
work that follows the flow of the rivers and tances, separated courses, individually and Therefore, the battle for the mountain peaks
other watercourses. This has great influence with a deeper combat establishment, usu- will be the main factor that governs the
on the maneuver since most of the forces ally with no direct fire connection. course of the operation in mountain environ-
will be forced to act in accordance with the
structure (appearance) of the ground.
The road network will be limited and the
movement through the woodlands, val-
leys and through other topographic char-
acteristics in the higher areas will often be
extremely difficult or impossible. A lot of
mountain areas are afforested, especially
the lower valleys.
The mountain terrain limits the use and
reduces the action effects of the modern
combat technique. Due to the impassability
away from the roads, the lack of farmland
and water, it is usually poorly populated, thus
making the operation complicated. Combat
actions, specially hostile, are channeled on
the routes, valleys and mostly in the course
of the mountain rivers, with little possibilities
for interaction among the forces oriented to
other directions. Maneuver preparation, es-
pecially hostile, is made very difficult.

38
ment. Due to the restricted mobility of the
ground vehicles, the use of helicopters is of
vital importance for reconnaissance, resup-
plying products and evacuation.
Infiltration in enemy lines and in its background
is used on the mountain ground. The defence
is in divided resistance points of smaller
groups that enables, (especially nighttime), to
penetrate the resistance points of the enemy
background, and thus, using the attack of the
main forces of the front, to destroy the enemy
defense system from within.
SPECIFICS OF THE OPERATIONS IN
AFFORESTED AREAS
The tempo of the operations in forests is
significantly slowed down. The observation
zones and those protected by fire support
are limited and thus the battles are often
conducted with short range weapons. The
trees provide camouflage thus increasing
the possibility for surprise. Also, the problem
of commanding and control is increased on
every level that is further worsened by the
reduction of radio signals. This can call for
decentralization of command and increase
of the signals.
The forests reduce the effectiveness of fire
power. Because of observation problems
and determination of objective, the long
range weapons lose a lot of its advantages.
The weapons that the soldiers can carry
are extremely significant and when the ob-
jectives come into sight, it is crucial to act
fast and accordingly. The high trajectory of
the mortars makes them suitable for opera-
tions in afforested areas because they can
be used from any small open field.
The effectiveness of the conventional highly
explosive ammunition against the unpro-
tected people is increased by the effect of
spattering into fragments and with the ex-
plosions in the tree branches.
The restricted vision has a psychological ef-
fect on the troops deployed in forests op-
erations for a longer period of time.
There will be very little opportunities for
massive use of the armored forces. Depend-
ing on the size of the trees, their arrange-
ment and the terrain, the armored vehicles
can penetrate out of the established routes
although this will be slow. A larger number
of the troops are necessary for defense and
attack but they should not be in vehicles,
which is most often the usual situation.
The afforested areas have an effect of sepa-
rating and canalizing the attack units. Those
areas are suitable for the troops deployed
in defense or in operation delay. Typically,
the operation will be a series of isolated ac-
tivities of smaller units. Sustaining the cohe-
sion will be very expensive for the troops, so
the commanders may have to accept empty
areas that will not be covered. Due to the
excellent operation camouflage, there is a
bigger possibility for getting out of the wing
positions, for infiltration and ambush, and
smaller units can also have influence in the
operation as compared to the size of the
forces.
SPECIFICS OF THE OPERATIONS IN
SEVERE COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS
The operative setting and the influence of
the meteorological phenomenon and the
weather as an atmospheric phenomenon
of conducting operations in severe cold
weather in winter can seriously influence
the preparation, organization and conduct
of the operations.
Winter has great influence because of the
snow, ice, cold and the length of the day.
Low temperatures and heavy snowfall have
multiple affects on the performance of the
people and the machinery, making it very dif-
ficult and slowing it down, and often making
the movement impossible.
The planning is characterized by the in-
creased weather norms, more complex
preparations, increased use of the material
and technical means, intensive following of
the weather conditions, more complex situ-
ation assessment and logistic support plan-
ning.
Because of the limited movement possibil-
ity, more time is needed to prepare the op-
erations. The winter slows down the prog-
ress and grouping, and the maneuver and
regrouping is made more complicated.
For that reason, above all, demands are be-
ing made on the command and the head-
quarters to take more care in preserving
the forces and the combat readiness of the
units and for qualification in the use of the
weapon and the technical assets. In winter
time activities one has to take into consider-
ation the danger of freezing, snow blindness
and fast exhaustion of the people since the
days are short, which means that the time
for night time activities increases.
Low temperatures, snow and strong winds
exhaust people, especially while being a long
time in an open space. As a consequence
there is freezing, snow blindness and disori-
entation due to seeming changes of the ter-
rain. The low temperatures have a negative
effect on the combat assets, especially on
the automatic equipment and systems, mo-
tor vehicles, electronics and power sources,
and because of the cooling of the materials,
the parts often tend to wear out and break.
The shooting precision is smaller due to in-
accurate estimate of the distance, and the
effect of the grenades and mines is reduced
in the snow.
Very low temperatures (below -20°C) affect
the psychophysical condition of the combat
units and reduce their working and combat
abilities. The colds can turn into epidemic,
which in certain conditions can take out en-
tire units from battle, while the frostbites
can leave permanent damage.
As a result of the difficult supplying, the
units fill their ammunition supply and other
means above the usual norm, and the back-
ground units position themselves closer to
the position of the other elements of the
battle arrangement, in less populated areas,
forests etc.
During winter, the units set up in the hous-
es, huts, and in improvised shelters which
brings out the need to deploy bigger forces
to secure and take other precautions to pre-
vent surprises. When possible, the positions
should be at places that are protected from
cold, wind and blizzard. Precautions should
be made so that the military forces do not
freeze, and there should always be drinks
and warm food.
It is necessary to take precautions to pre-
serve the combat and physical readiness of
the units and the functioning of the weap-
ons, acquisition devices, vehicles and other
technical assets.
It is necessary to organize frequent changes
of the combat plan, warming and resting of
the units, to provide places shielded from
cold, strong winds and snowstorms for the
positions and the areas when possible, to
provide warm food and drink for the people,
winter oil for the vehicles and weapons,
coolant, chains and other winter equipment,
protection of the aiming devices, surveil-
lance devices and so on.
It is necessary to have frequent changes of
the units on duty and to organize resting
and warming of the people.
The command and headquarters must pay
more attention on raising the conscious-
ness of the officers and the units and on
the knowledge that even the most difficult
assignments can be carried out successfully
if they have proper preparations and if the
people are trained to act in these conditions.
The units that act in severe cold weather
conditions should be able to lead all types
of operations effectively in which they have
received extensive and appropriate training,
but it should be known that execution of
those operations will be extremely difficult.
The most important aspect for the opera-
tions in severe cold weather conditions is
that the unit must be able to live and sur-
vive in that environment if they want to be
effective in the battle against the enemy. To
the highest extent, the success will depend
on the appropriate training and equipment.
The operations in cold weather demand
more support units in sustaining the opera-
tive ability. The operations are usually carried
out by smaller units and the organization of
the assignments should be set before the
beginning of the activity. It will be difficult to
make adjustments during the operation.
Gjorgji Bojadziev/Kemo Gjozo
39
 COMPANY
military education
COMMANDER
PILOT COURSE
CURRENTLY AT THE MILITARY ACADEMY
ilitary Academy is a high educational
institution which educates candidates
not only for the ARM needs, but also
for Crisis Management Center (CMC)
and the Directorate for Protection and
Rescue. The Military Academy is an associ-
ate member of the University “Goce Delcev”
in Stip and it works in compliance with to
the European Credit Transfer-system. In ad-
dition to the education of the staff for the
defense needs, there are professional oc-
cupation courses for ARM officers. One of
these courses is the pilot course for com-
pany commanders of services and logistic
specialties of ARM which were realized dur-
ing the month of April.
Expressing satisfaction from the fact that
for the very first time in the Republic of
Macedonia started realization of such a
course, at the beginning of the course the
attendees were welcomed by the Dean of
the Military Academy, COL PhD Rose Smi-
levski, who wished them successful work.
The aim of this course was to enable the
attendees for commander duties through
acquiring basic notions for the way of or-
ganization, planning and realization of the
mission at company level (infantry, artillery,
company of armored mechanized unit, en-
gineering company, ABNCW (Atomic Bio-
logical Nuclear Chemical Weapons) com-
pany, artillery-rocket units for anti-aircraft
defense company, liaison company and
logistic company), as well as enabling the
attendees to perform national and joint
military operations and operations of non-
military character.
Course assignments:
– enabling the attendees for organization
and management with the personnel of
the company’s command and the unit in
the preparations for mission execution;
– enabling the attendees in realization of
40
training and executing the basic tactical
exercises and drilling out the basic tacti-
cal units at company level;
– developing leadership capabilities and
capabilities to make fast and quality de-
cisions in response to the set mission
goals;
– enabling the attendees for military deci-
sion making, developing the capability of
finding real answers and making the right
decisions as an answer to the contempo-
rary challenges of the battle field;
– developing the capabilities of adminis-
trative-technical management with the
approved resources;
– developing the endurance in the work
with the capability of short and concise
speaking with high level of presenter ca-
pabilities, as well as public performance.
The length of this study program for the
attendees lasts for four weeks or one
month. Education is realized in accor-
dance with the approved Curriculum of
the Studies by the Teaching Council of
the Military Academy which is made in co-
operation with the GS of ARM, with the
NATO Advisory Team and with the BAH-
team, as well as with the Plan for realiza-
tion of the teaching process with every
generation of attendees, and after an
approved decision or agreement by the
Minister of Defense.
The conditions and the way of course en-
rollment, as well as other status issues
are defined by the Military Academy Stat-
ute which outcome from the ARM Officer
Corps Development Concept.
Regular teaching hours were the basic
form of the teaching-educational process,
and it was organized and realized through
lectures, presentations, and work with syn-
dicates, consultations, ana­lyses, exercises
and practically applied form of teaching.
Control of knowledge and grading of the
attendees was performed through moni-
toring the activities during teaching, moni-
toring their engagement in the practically
applied part of the teaching and through a
check of separate subject materials. After
graduating from the course, the attendees
were given certificates.
The realization of the course for compa-
ny commanders of services and logistic
specialties was entirely in accordance
with the activities of the commands and
the units within ARM, regarding provision
of professional military help, instructions,
securing locations (ranges, firing ranges,
exercise grounds), and especially in rela-
tion to realizing the combined tactical ex-
ercises and command-staff exercises, as
well as the planned visits.
The justification and the set-up of the
course were checked through the practical
realization of the course, regarding the se-
lected course regime and the length of the
course and also the structure of schooling,
i.e. representation of the subject materials
and planned exercises.
One of the many significant dimensions
of the course was the openness to exter-
nal collaborators who enriched the con-
tent and the syllabus of the course with
their experiences from their engagement
in military missions and in missions of
non-military character in the country and
abroad and delivered their acquired expe-
riences to the attendees and familiarized
them with the new things in the tactical
and operational military doctrine, as well
as the new things in the application of
the contemporary management systems
for administrative-technical support in the
process of making up decisions in the mili-
tary, resources management and similar.
Z.R.
 military education
MILITARY CALL
BROTHERS-IN-
MEETING OF THE ALLIED RECRUITS
olonel Neal Rappaport and four ca- ment and Teaching Personnel of the ences with the future pilots.
dets from the USA Air Force Acad- Military Academy where they were At the end of their visit, the cadets
emy visited the Republic of Mace- presented the curriculum and the syl- from the USA expressed their admi-
donia recently. Their visit was upon labus of the studies at the Military ration with the unusual visit and the
initiative of Colonel Rappaport Academy and all supplementary forms wonderful memories that they will
who wanted to show to some of his of training that Macedonian cadets take with them from this country.
students the country with its beauties should face on their way of becoming They thanked Colonel Rappaport in
which he had fallen in love with when officers. front of everybody for choosing the
he was the US Military Attaché to the The inevitable and especially interest- Republic of Macedonia of all possible
Republic of Macedonia for two years. ing part of the American cadets’ stay destinations. At their departure and
The delegation was a guest to the was the visit to the Air Force WING of saying goodbye to the Macedonian
Military Academy “General Mihailo ARM. The future officers of the USA cadets after this short but fruitful
Apostolski” and to the Cadet Training Air Force attended the presented meeting and friendship, like “brothers-
Center at the Training Command. lectures with great interest and tried in-military call” they firmly shook hands
The recruits of both allied countries, to use the professionalism and the and instead of “farewell” said “good-
the USA and Macedonia, through their knowledge of the Macedonian pilots bye” to each other.
morning activities, from getting up, to a great degree and unselfishly
their working out together, raising of shared their knowledge and experi- MA Lazar Gjurov
the country’s flag and the parade, had
an uncommon opportunity to stand
shoulder to shoulder and to feel the
allied spirit. They had an opportunity
to see for themselves in the common
qualities and the dedication to the
military discipline. They also realized
that determination, persistence and
decisiveness are characteristics which
lead them through overcoming the
difficulties and successful acquiring of
the military skills and abilities.
For the last several days, the cadets
of the USA and the Republic of Mace-
donia assured all present that their se-
nior colleagues-officers who work and
live together in the mission in Afghani-
stan can be at ease because they will
have their respectable successors.
According to the program, the Delega-
tion had a meeting with the Manage-

41
 LESS NUCLEAR WEAPONS
FOR A SAFER WORLD
global
REVIEW OF THE NEW NUCLEAR STRATEGY
rom a global security aspect, the
events related to the nuclear arms
reduction are especially interest­
ing. At first, the new strategic
treaty on nuclear weapons or START-2
(Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) was
signed in Prague on 8 April between
the President of the USA, Barack
Obama and the President of the Rus­
sian Federation, Dmitry Medvedev.
It was followed by a Summit of the
Heads of 47 nations on nuclear safety
on 12 and 13 April, in Washington, and
there will be a UN Conference on non-
proliferation of nuclear arms in May.
In this context, of course, we should
point out the new nuclear strategy of
the USA (with great changes from the
previous one) which was published
on 6 April 2010. All these events are
of great importance for the security
worldwide.
TREATY START-1
The First Strategic Arms Reduction
Treaty or START-1 was signed on 31
July 1991 between the USA and the
former Soviet Union after almost
ten years of hard negotiations. But
five months later the Soviet Union
fell apart and there were four new
independent states: Russia, Belarus,
Kazakhstan and Ukraine, which had
strategic nuclear arms. Even though
certain steps for nuclear arms reduc­
tion were taken for a few months in
1991 until the collapse of the Soviet
Union, more significant activities for
42
its reduction were taken after 23 May
1992 when all four newly-established
independent countries signed the
Lisbon Protocol and by that all these
countries as legal successors of the
former Soviet Union became part of
the Treaty START-1. However, in or-
der to be fully into force this Treaty
was to be ratified by the Parliaments
of all involved countries. This proce-
dure in the parliaments took a little
bit more than three years. The final
enforcement of the Treaty START-1
took place on 5 December 1994 at the
Budapest Summit where the involved
parties had confirmed that the Treaty
was ratified in the parliaments of the
START-1 signatories. According to the
plan, this Treaty was to be valid for 15
years with a possibility of expanding
the treaty for another 5 years pro-
vided all involved countries came to
an agreement. In the course of the
first seven years, i.e. until 5 December
2001 all nuclear warheads were trans-
ferred from Belarus, Kazakhstan and
Ukraine. Also, Belarus and Kazakhstan
disposed their strategic offensive
arms, while Ukraine continued dispos-
ing of its own respectably strategic of-
fensive arms. According to the treaty
START-1 until that period, the USA and
Russia successfully reduced the num-
ber of warheads to 6,000, i.e. they re-
duced their nuclear arms by 30-40%,
and Kazakhstan, Belarus and Ukraine
disposed of or transferred all their
nuclear weapons from their territories.
TREATY START-2
The President of the USA, Barack
Obama and the President of the Rus-
sian Federation, Dmitry Medvedev,
signed the long-awaited new treaty on
strategic arms reduction or START-2 on
8 April, 2010 in Prague which obligates
both countries to reduce significantly
their nuclear potential. In addition, the
President of the USA emphasizing the
great collaboration with the Russian
President stated, “A year ago in Prague
I was talking about my vision to stop
the proliferation of nuclear arms and my
dream of a world without nuclear arms.
That’s a long process which may not be
finished even during my lifetime. But,
I believe that the pursuit of this goal
would push us away from the Cold War
mentality, would strengthen the global
regime for non-proliferation of nuclear
arms and would make the USA and the
world more secure” And the President
of the Russian Federation Dmitry Med-
vedev thanked Obama for the great
collaboration and said, “I am convinced
that everything that has been done
so far is only the beginning of the big
road. I would be sorry if the relations be-
tween Russia and the USA are directed
only towards the limitation of the stra-
tegic offensive arms; although this is
our special responsibility. But we must
also collaborate in the other areas be-
cause that is important for our nations
and for the situation worldwide”. Ex-
pressing his hope that they had made
a very significant step in that direction,

BY MA Stojan Dimcov
strengthening thus the trust and mu­
tual understanding between Russia and
the USA, the Russian President added
that he considers the signing of the
treaty on nuclear weapons reduction
as a real historical event. With the new
treaty START-2 they clearly defined
the limit whereon the USA and Russia
should further reduce their nuclear po­
tential, lower than the limits proscribed
by the previous treaty START-1 in 1991
that expired on 5 December 2009. With
the new treaty which is already called
“Prague Treaty” and which has to be
ratified by the American Senate and
by the Russian Duma, both parties will
reduce their own nuclear weapons by
about one third within seven years after
its enforcement.
WASHINGTON CONFERENCE ON
NUCLEAR SAFETY
On 12 and 13 April 2010 there was a
Conference of Heads of States on
Nuclear Safety in Washington. At this
conference hosted by the President
of the USA, Barack Obama, 46 lead­
ers were present as well as the UN
Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, the
President of the European Council, Her­
man Van Rompuy and Director General
of the International Agency for Atomic
Energy, Yukiya Amano. With the final
declaration all countries-participants in
the conference obligated to take strict
safety measures to prevent radioactive
material falling in the hands of unau­
thorized people and being misused and
thus reduce the danger of nuclear terror­
ism. They also agreed that nuclear power
plants for energy production should use
low enriched uranium which can not be
used for making atomic weapons. In addi­
tion, the host of the conference on nucle­
ar safety, US President Barack Obama,
stated, “All nations have supported the
goal that I set in Prague a year ago - to
secure all insecure materials in the world
in four years. We do not have the illusion
that it will be an easy process”. The con­
ference participants agreed on disposing
of part of their own nuclear potential and
“I am convinced that everything
that has been done so far is only the
beginning of the big road. I would
be sorry if the relations between
Russia and the USA are directed
only towards the limitation of the
strategic offensive arms; although
this is our special responsibility. But
we must also collaborate in the other
areas because that is important for
our nations and for the situation in
the world”
President of the Russian
Federation,
Dmitry Medvedev
“A year ago in Prague I was
talking about my vision to stop the
proliferation of nuclear arms and my
dream of a world without nuclear
arms. That’s a long process which
may not be finished even during
my lifetime. But, I believe that the
pursuit of this goal would push us
away from the Cold War mentality,
would strengthen the global regime
for non-proliferation of nuclear arms
and would make the USA and the
world more secure”
President of the USA,
Barack Obama
closing part of their nuclear capacities,
and the Ukrainian leader promised that
the country would entirely dispose of
the raw materials for nuclear weapons
production. There was also a discus-
sion about not having any limitations
in the development of the programs
for using nuclear material for producing
nuclear energy and in that context the
participants came to an agreement to
global
deepen the collaboration with the In-
ternational Agency for Atomic Energy
which controls the nuclear potentials.
Although the USA was hitherto against
control of their nuclear capacities by
international inspectors, at this confer-
ence they agreed on being subjected
to international inspections. A special
emphasis at the conference was placed
on two countries, Iran and North Korea
that develop their own programs for
nuclear weapons production. Certain
sanctions had already been introduced
against these two countries because
of the infringement of the International
Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear
Weapons and new sanctions will be dis-
cussed at the UN Conference on Non-
Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons which
will be held in New York in May.
From the aspect of global security, in
my view, the number of nuclear weap-
ons existing in the world today is a
minor problem compared to the issue
how these weapons are controlled and
stored and prevention from possible
misuse of the nuclear potential by un-
authorized people and organizations. As
the USA and the Russian Federation are
the leading nuclear forces in the world,
this recently signed new treaty START-2
will certainly have a positive influence on
security globally. It is very positive that
47 state leaders signed the Declara-
tion of the International Conference on
Nuclear Safety in Washington, as well as
the new US nuclear strategy. We hope
that the dream of the US President,
Barack Obama, will become a reality one
day and that the world will be set free of
the intimidating nuclear weapons.
43
 ENVIRONMENT
ECONOMY AND SECURITY
global
THE ATTITUDE OF THE ENVIRONMENT TOWARDS
THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF HUMAN SOCIETY
nvironment has a significant influence
on human activities and hence on ev-
eryday life. However, very often man
does not take that into consideration.
ENVIRONMENT AS A FACTOR FOR
THE QUALITY OF LIVING
The quality of living of people directly de-
pends on the quality and the conditions
of the environment. People need clean air;
otherwise they will suffer from problems
and diseases of the respiratory organs.
Water deficit in some parts of the world
is the biggest reason for fatal diseases.
Many live species important for the food
chain can’t survive in polluted environment.
The destruction of the ozone layer as well
as the uncontrolled release and deposit
44
of hazardous materials in the waters and
fields brings to unpleasant occurrences
and causes disease in the animal world.
Unfortunately, besides great scientific
achievements in all areas of modern living,
there have constantly been diseases and
conditions that humanity can’t handle.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECONOMY
The economic vitality of the state also
depends on the environment. There are
numerous examples of regions left un­
populated and incapable of supporting
any kind of development just because of
the non-planned and unconscientious be­
havior of people. A significant part of the
destruction is caused by uncontrollable ex­
ploitation of natural sources of the Earth.
VS.
A lot of lava, remnants of coal from the
excavations in the mines in the 19th and
20th centuries left vast regions near the
coal mines totally incapable of securing
vegetation. The mineral irrigations togeth-
er with copper and other mining activities
have polluted the rivers and springs with
acids so that life in them is impossible. In
many parts of the world there is still un-
controllable cut of the forested areas even
though there are many ways to control
these situations. Without a proper fores-
tation of the surfaces or without an ero-
sion control vast regions with life are lost
every year. Very often, important surfaces
are lost because of the downpours, creat-
ing wasteland thus the land is incapable of
supporting any kind of a harvest.
In the 20th century bigger part of the de-
struction is caused by the factories. Un-
controlled air emissions from the factories
are a source of acid rains which gradually
destroy the forest near the factories. Even
more uncontrolled emission of polluted
and hazardous materials from the facto-
ries pollutes the rivers and springs to the
extent that those waters cannot be used
for domestic or industrial purposes.
A state which unreasonably allows too big

global
or reduced quantity of its valuable natural
sources in order to satisfy the short term
needs creates significant problems for the
next generations. Many generations will
need to go by to be possible for the de-
stroyed forests to be replanted and the
lost fertile soil if that is really possible. In
some countries the governments import
food forced to use the limited sources and
with that activity to help their own citizens.
Sometimes when the financial sources are
exhausted, the countries think that it is
necessary to turn to the international or-
ganizations for help. Cleaning up the con-
taminated sources and the soil polluted
by the careless use of the mineral sources
or by the emission of poisonous materials
from uncontrolled industrial plants will cost
a lot and it will take a lot of time to reno-
vate them. Furthermore, the authorities
should punish and warn the polluters and
prevent other possible actions that could
create worse and harder living conditions
for the population. Definitions which with international accords,
negotiations or agreements are used in order to
ENVIRONMENT AS help the army of any country in the development of
THE REASON FOR CONFLICTS
Certain conditions of the environment of- effective programs for protection of the human’s
ten are among the many factors which health and environment
contribute to tension and potential re-
gional or world conflicts. If the country is
exhausting its own natural sources, the Military Sector – includes armed Industrial Sector – includes
people may become dissatisfied. In some forces and defense administration commercial and government factories
cases, there could be a civil war because responsible for supporting military included in any type of production, where
of keeping or acquiring the other sources. activities. weapon production is involved and other
In other cases, the population immigrates Armed Forces – includes army materials for the armed forces.
to other countries in search for better life. personnel of any country, land forces, Legislature – advisory body
In any of these situations, the factories of military navy, naval units and air composed of representatives of bodies,
these countries are ruined and the capa- forces. responsible for passing laws.
bility to return and improve the life of the Environment – includes air, Local Authorities – includes city or
population is getting less and less pos- water, earth, flora and fauna state authorities that are responsible
sible. Then, tensions arouse even in the
countries where the government supports and archaeological and historical for making and enhancing of the local
the newcomers, but the population often treasures. standards.
makes problems with these emigrants. Government – includes regular Conservation – it refers to the
Destruction of the environment and na- direction of the elected ministers and protection of the natural and cultural
ture can arouse tensions in the neighbor- the other state bodies. treasures.
ing countries. For example, many countries
are hit by the “acid rains” which are very
often created by emission of waste gases have a need to provide food for their in- fact that they are the source of their good
from the factories’ chimneys located in creased population on the one hand, and economic status.
other countries. Also, some countries can- the ones who are concerned about the Another reason for the international ten-
not use the water from the rivers which natural sources which are destroyed if sion is the responsibility of some countries
flow through their territory because the they are used uncontrollably. for control of the increased length of the
water has already been polluted by the un- The international attention is increasingly hole in the ozone layer. Many countries,
controlled emission of waste material into focused on the control of the reasons especially the ones to the north and south
the countries of its previous flow. In other which bring about global warming of the of the two hemispheres have signed inter-
cases, in some countries a lot of water planet. Moreover, there is a significant national agreements and take outstand-
from the riverbed is used for watering thus disagreement among the countries about ing measures for eliminating the reasons
when the river flows in the next country, the proposed measures and actions. For which bring to the reduction of chemical
its water level is significantly decreased. example, the developed countries want to substances found in the ozone layer of the
In the last few years the tension between build new factories and to cut the forests Earth. Countries that are not directly con-
the countries is increasing concerning the because of new areas for industry devel- cerned with this problem from economic
natural sources management such as opment, and these activities contribute to reasons voted for non-signing of an agree-
oceans and the atmosphere. Whale and the global warming of the earth. Neverthe- ment and for continuation of the chemi-
fish industry attracts more attention and less, developed countries do not agree cal substances production that make the
causes tension among the countries that with the closure of the factories due to the ozone layer become thinner.
Elizabeta Tashkovska

45
 A DAY TO REMEMBER
65 YEARS FROM SIGNING THE ACT OF UNCONDITIONAL MILI-
TARY SURRENDER OF NAZI GERMANY
ight of May 1945. There were cel-
ebrations all over the country that
suffered. “The crowds of people
were dressed in white, blue and
red…. We were gathered near the
Buckingham Palace in London celebrat-
ing together with the King” states the
BBC correspondent about the celebra-
tion of the end of war in Europe. In this
issue of our magazine we have the hon-
our to mark the 65 anniversary from the
ratification of the surrender of Germa-
ny, which officially signified the end of
the war that took 70 million victims, in
this part of the world.
THE END IS COMING
Massive counter-offensive of the Ger-
man troops in Ardennes (16 December
1944) was a final desperate move of the
German forces to turn the events on
the western front in their benefit. Their
goal was to conquer Antwerp, one of
the major ports or the Allied troops. But
the outcome from the German contra-
offensive could have been predicted by
January. The troops were defeated and
the goal of Nazi leaders remained only
an unfulfilled wish. Exactly then, in Janu-
ary, Soviet troops entered Poland and
southern Prussia. Next month, Soviets
conquered Silesia and Pomerania, while
on the west, the allies were approach-
ing Rhine. In March, the allies crossed
the river and imprisoned big number of
German soldiers. The Soviets simultane-
46
„We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall
fight in France, we shall fight with growing confidence and
growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island,
whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we
shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields,
and in the streets, we shall fight in the halls. We shall never
surrender!“
Winston Churchill , speech to the House of Commons , 1940.
ously reached Vienna. At the beginning
of April, the allies progressed to Italy
and western Germany, and the Soviet
troops reached Berlin.
On the historic 25th of April, both
Armies encountered on the river Elba
and after only five days, on the 30th
April while the Russian troops were
only meters away from the bunker, Ad-
olf Hitler, the man responsible for the
bloodiest war in history of mankind,
put a gun on his head and with only
one shot the red curtain went down.
The horror show was over and his suc-
cessor, Admiral Carl Doenitz got the re-
sponsible task to end the fights on the
western front.
INSTRUMENT OF SURRENDER
With the end of the war being in the air,
the preparations for a legal document
began. British, American, Soviet repre-
sentatives worked on that document
all through 1944 in the European Advi-
sory Commission (EAC). It is inter-
esting that the Commission pre-
dicted and suggested a request
for total capitulation of Germany
since the beginning of 1944. The
Commission proposed the docu-
ment to be signed by the German
High Command as well, in order
to prevent the repetition of the
“stab- in - back”, legend created
in the First World War, when Ger-
man Militarist did not take the re-
sponsibility for the defeat, since
the instrument of surrender was
signed by representatives of the
German government only. Not
everyone agreed with the predic-
tions that Germany will surrender
under one leadership (Lord Wil-
liam Strang considered that the
war may end by the individual
surrender of German Command-
ers). Discussiosn moved in direc-
tion to make an agreement for
complete surrender of Germany
led by one Government.

REQUESTS OF THE SMALLER

ALLIED COUNTRIES
On the EAC meeting held on 14th
March 1945 the representatives
of the remaining smaller coun-
tries had their own requests to
be included in the instrument
of surrender concerning them in
specific. Here are some of their
requests:
THE CZECH REPUBLIC: The
Czech government proposed
that the document include a
paragraph against acquisition of
territories by force and mention-
ing the responsibility of the Ger-
man state for the war.
BELGIUM, THE NETHER-
LANDS AND LUXEMBURG: The
governments of Belgium, the
Netherlands and Luxembourg,
concerned with their positions as
small Allied nations, recommend-
ed that the instrument of sur-
render should include a specific
acknowledgement of the part to
be played by the small countries
in the control of Germany.
NORWAY: As a country which
was completely occupied by Ger-
mans, the Norwegian represen-
tatives requested the document
to include specific reference to
the demand of surrender of the
German troops in Norway.
YUGOSLAVIA: The Yugoslav rep-
resentatives declared its inten-
tion to refrain from any specific
recommendations until an agree-
ment on government unity was
reached between Tito and Prime
Minister Ivan Šubašić.
GREECE: The Greek government re-
quested that a demand is included
in the document to all German forc-
es that may remain on Greek terri-
tory at the moment of surrender to
surrender their military equipment to
the Greek Royal government.
1. ORIGINAL WINDS OF FREEDOM Reich President, Grand Admiral
DOCUMENT The hands on the clock showed Karl Doenitz. Walter Bedell Smith
OF THE CA- 02:51 hours, the day was May signed on behalf of the Western
PITULATION 7th,1945. At that particular mo­ allies, and Ivan Susloparov on be-
INSTRUMENT
ment in an old redbrick school­ half of the Soviets. French Major
house in Rheims, France which General François Sevez signed as
2. THE BIG
THREE AT THE served as the Supreme Head­ the official witness.
YALTA CON- quarters for Allied Expeditionary It should be mentioned that the
FERENCE, THE Force the first instrument of United States and Britain acted
AGREEMENT agreement was signed. It was in on behalf of all Allied forces,
FOR UNCON- effect as of 23:41 hours on 8th whereas France, Germany and
DITIONAL May 1945. the USSR acted individually.
SURRENDER The unconditional surrender of It is interesting that there was
OF NAZI the German armed forces was a second instrument of surren-
signed by Alfred Jodl, on behalf der, signed after midnight (CET)
of the High Command of Ger­ on 8th May, at the seat of the
man armed forces and the new Soviet Military Administration in
Berlin. This ratification was a re-
sponse to both Soviet and Brit-
ish concerns. The Soviets desired
a signature in the presence of
the Soviet Supreme Commander
Marshal Zhukov, while the Brit-
ish wanted the surrender to be
signed by the highest military
and civilian representatives of
the German Reich, in order to
avoid a repeat of the stab-in-the-
back legend.
It was agreed to have the act
ratified with the signatures of
the commanders in chief of the
German army, air force and ma-
rines, who were brought to the
Soviet command in Berlin. The
representatives of the United
Kingdom, France and the United

47
 States entered the dining room of the
officers’ mess in the Headquarters
shortly before midnight. The German
delegation entered the room shortly
after midnight after Marshal Zhukov,
the Soviet representative, had opened
the ceremony. The ratification of the
German Act of Unconditional Surren-
der was signed around 00.15 hours,
after its regulations had already been
in effect for over an hour (23:01 Central
European Time).
TEXT OF THE INSTRUMENT OF
SURRENDER
Further down we present the integral
text of the first instrument of surren-
der signed in Rheims:
1. We the undersigned, acting by au-
thority of the German High Command,
hereby surrender unconditionally to
the Supreme Commander, Allied Expe-
ditionary Force and simultaneously to
the Soviet High Command all forces on
land, sea, and in the air who are at this
date under German control.
2. The German High Command will at
once issue orders to all German mili-
tary, naval and air authorities and to all
forces under German control to cease
active operations at 2301 hours Central
European time on 8 May and to remain
in the positions occupied at that time.
No ship, vessel, or aircraft is to be scut-
tled, or any damage done to their hull,
machinery or equipment.
3. The German High Command will at
once issue to the appropriate com-
manders, and ensure the carrying out
of any further orders issued by the
Supreme Commander, Allied Expedi-
tionary Force and by the Soviet High
Command.
4. This act of military surrender is with-
out prejudice to, and will be superseded
by any general instrument of surrender
imposed by, or on behalf of the United
Nations and applicable to Germany and
the German armed forces as a whole.
5. In the event of the German High
Command or any of the forces under
their control failing to act in accordance
with this Act of Surrender, the Supreme
Commander, Allied Expeditionary Force
and the Soviet High Command will take
such punitive or other action as they
deem appropriate.
48
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
RATIFICATION IN BERLIN,
8 MAY 1945
SOVIET UNION
Marshal Georgy Zhukov on behalf of
the Supreme High Command of the
Red Army.
UNITED KINGDOM
Marshal Arthur Tedder as Deputy
Supreme Commander of the Allied
Expeditionary Force.
UNITED STATES
General Carl Spaatz, Commanding
USA Strategic Air Forces, as witness.
FRANCE
General Jean Lattre de Tassigny,
Commanding First French Army, as
witness.
NAZI GERMANY
– Admiral Hans-Georg von
Friedeburg as Commander-in-Chief
of the navy;
– Colonel-General Hans-Jürgen
Stumpff as the representative of
the air force;
– Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel as
representative of the army.
OFFICIAL END OF WORLD WAR II
– JAPANESSE INSTRUMENT OF
SURRENDER
Official end of WW II came after sev-
eral months due to the continued war
in the Pacific. Namely, the Japanese
instrument of surrender was signed on
2nd September 1945 aboard US naval
ship “Missouri” in Tokyo Bay. On that
day later referred to as “Day of Victory
over Japan” on the signing ceremony
were representatives of the Empire of
Japan, USA, the Republic of China, the
United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, the
Commonwealth of Australia, Dominion
of Canadian, Provisional Government
of France, the Kingdom of Netherlands
and the Dominion of New Zealand.
The ceremony during which the offi-
cial document was signed lasted 23
minutes and was broadcasted world-
wide. The instrument of surrender
was signed by the Japanese Foreign
Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu on behalf
of the Emperor of Japan and the Japa-
nese Government and General Yoshijiro
Umezu, Chief of the Army General Staff
on behalf of the Japanese Imperial Gen-
eral Headquarters”.
On the side of the winners, the under-
signed were U.S. General of the Army
Douglas MacArthur, Commander in the
Southwest Pacific and Supreme Com-
mander for the Allied Powers, and as
witnesses, U.S. Lieutenant General Jon-
athan Mayhew Wainwright IV and Brit-
ish Lieutenant General Arthur Percival.
CELEBRATING PEACE
A large number of people went out
on the streets of the devastated city
of London to mark the end of the
war in the European part. The crowd
celebrated from Trafalgar square to
Buckingham Palace where King George
VI, Queen Elisabeth and Sir Winston
Churchill appeared on the balcony of
the palace. Princess Elisabeth (today’s
Queen of England) and her sister Prin-
cess Margaret were allowed to walk
into the crowed anonymously and be
part of the big celebration. Even today
in many countries 8th May (9th May in
Russia and East European countries) is
celebrated as the Victory day against
Fascism.
Ivan Petrusevski
 EXECUTING
COIN
COUNTER INSURGENCY OPERATIONS (COIN)-IX
n the previous issue of the maga-
zine it became clear that within the
indirect approach to modern coun-
ter insurgency operations (COIN),
the combat operation can be generally
classified in three categories:
– civil-military operations,
– combat operations and
– information operations.
Although in favour of this position is
the sound argument that the same
general classification can be applied
within the direct approach, in this spe-
cific case the indirect approach is char-
acterized by emphasizing one or anoth-
er group of operations (in this particular
case civil-military operations and infor­
mation operations). The classification of
military operations during modern COIN
is to systemize them properly. Terrain
leaders and their planners should bear
in mind that the level of operation (by
emphasizing the first, the second or the
third category) should change during
COIN operations according to the ter­
rain. These civil-military operations can­
not be performed without informative
shaping of operational environment,
which means executing information op­
erations as well. In order to explain the
indirect approach we will first present
the civil-military operations.
Civil-military operations
(CMO) during indirect
approach when executing
modern COIN operations
When an indirect approach is consid-
ered, civil-military operations (later in
the text CMO) during modern COIN
should be primarily oriented toward
meeting the needs of the local popula-
tion in villages, towns and regions. (An
idea to divide the populated areas like
this comes from the approach to fo-
cus on solving local problems through
regional, towards central-inductive
rather that deductive method).
As stated above CMO during modern
COIN must not be isolated from the
combat operations and the informa-
tion operations. This conclusion came
out of previous discussions referring
to modern COIN, related to providing
safe environment in which govern-
mental institutions (institutions of the
country supported in executing COIN)
could respond to the needs of the
population.
When planning and executing CMO as
part of the overall campaign of COIN
the following should be considered:
– CMO must be in accordance and
completely integrated with the plans
of the political and military leaders
(local authorities or designated civilian
politicians supporting the country) who
are the most responsible for the coun-
49

try where these operations are
executed (e.g. In Afghanistan or
the case with Iraq);
– as part of the overall cam-
paign these operations should
be initiated immediately when
there are adequate conditions;
– intelligence and psychological
operations (hereinafter PSYOP)
as part of information opera-
tions (hereinafter IO) are man-
datory while CMO are in prog-
ress;
– effective local government is
crucial for success of CMO (this
adds up to the previous conclu-
sion of Lawrence of Arabia, and
the directions McCrystal gave
to coalition forces at the end of
last year in Afghanistan).
Command and control
during Civil-military
operations
Leaders must make a structure,
besides other things (mainly for
COIN) for execution of CMO
(usually it is one structure to
avoid overlapping). In regions
where such structure does not
exist its forming is obligatory.
50
Execution of command and
control for COIN, as well as for
CMO, must be through the so
called security coordinative cen-
ters. In order to be successful
these centres should have rep-
resentatives of military forces,
other institutions of the host
country, military and civil rep-
resentatives of the coalition
forces (if these operations are
under the mandate of the UN
they are called UN forces).
Practice showed that the chief
of these centres must be a
military person or a civil ad-
ministrator (designated by the
UN Secretary General, or the
most powerful country if it is
the coalition of will i.e. opera-
tions not under mandate of UN
e.g. mission in Iraq or Enduring
Freedom in Afghanistan). The
most important element, which
should run the “show” within
CMOs, is the so called Civil-Mili-
tary Committee.
The Civil-Military Committee al-
ways has an advisory role. Its
members should be represen-
tatives of leading economic and
social groups, which are on the
top of their particular domain.
This means that the local popu-
lation must not be excluded
form them. On the contrary, the
1. LOCAL POPU- participation of the local popu-
LATION RECEIV-
ING HUMANI- lation serves as a benchmark
when estimating the quality of
TARIAN AID
CMO, which directly affects the
2. TALKING COIN legitimacy.
TO THE LOCAL This leads to conclusion that
LEADERS military leaders must be pre-
pared for different organiza-
3. GENERAL tions related to commanding
EIKENBERRY, and functioning in general (this
CURRENT US
AMBASSADOR once again confirms the conclu-
sion that traditional approach
TO AFGHANI-
STAN in COIN should be avoided).
In order these centres to suc-
ceed in fulfilling their function,
resources must be established
and allocated correctly. This ad-
justment must be coordinated
with terrain situation and in ac-
cordance with detailed terrain
analysis, which was also men-
tioned previously. (It should not
be generic and by default for
the whole territory especially in
multicultural societies such as
Iraq and Afghanistan).
Resource allocation
Establishment of coordination
centers during CMO must not
exclude the reality on terrain.
Consequently military leaders
must consider the fact that
there will be other actors on
terrain such as NGOs, private
international corporations, pri-
vate companies from the host
country, governmental repre-
sentatives etc. ( Official politi-
cal representatives nominated
by the UN, or the lead nation in
the coalition. It is not excluded
to have representatives from
different countries with coali-
tion of will). In this operations
very often non-military, political
personnel, mentioned above,
is appointed for the highest
functions. Besides the political-
administrative part, the civilian
part may consist of civilian ex-
perts in different departments
e.g. economy, law etc.).
A key to success of CMO, which
is the main reason these cen-

tres are formed, is coordina-
tion of the military operations
with the efforts of the civilian
components. When there is no
civilian personnel, according to
the USA approach instead of a
civilian, often a military person
is nominated as the leader (es-
pecially in the early phases of
COIN). What must not lack dur-
ing the coordination is the fact
that each activity during CMO
must be related to economic,
social, psychological and po-
litical objectives. Thus the ac-
tivities must include this type
of programmes (programmes
focused to fulfill this).
If there are no sufficient civilian
resources, (which is often the
case) military resources are put
in function of the population
needs. For example, engineer
units participate in supporting
the infrastructure, military med-
ical personnel looks after the
health of the population, legal
advisors give support for estab-
lishing institutions responsible
for implementation of legal
regulations, and military police
units control traffic and assist in
forming local police structures.
It is clear that the idea be-
hind the existence of CMO is
to serve as a bridge between
population and the institutions
so as to form a solid ground
for the system in a particular
country. In latter phases ( e.g.
phases for support by civil au-
thorities, i.e. from the whole
campaign of CMO) of the cam-
paign CMO should fill in the gap
between local authorities and
fragile (if there is any) central
government. The idea and the
ability to establish and later on
to connect local and central ad-
ministrative and political struc-
tures are key to the success of
the indirect approach of COIN.
This is particularly important
since the success of COIN de-
4. A STEP FOR- pends on that (how much it is
WARD IN GAIN- in accordance with the needs
ING PEOPLE’S of the population and the po-
TRUST litical directives for forming and
establishing an overall system
when building nations generally,
i.e. COIN individually).
With this goal military leaders
should be ready to implement
political directions into plans
and also be prepared to give
detailed analysis and advice
on what should be changed,
5. TRAINING adapted to lead to success. The
OF THE LOCAL last is a case when the political
POLICE – EN- directions are not in accordance
GAGED IN CMO with the conditions on terrain
(e.g. Afghanistan and Iraq be-
fore General Petraeus). This
leads us to another conclusion,
which occurred in previous dis-
cussions. It is related to the ed-
ucation level of military leaders,
which is necessary if they are
to be successful (only military
education is not sufficient to
meet these standards). CMO
coordination is always in the
framework of national interests
of the coalition partners (for op-
erations of the Coalition of will)
i.e. countries donators (when
operations are under the man-
date of the UN).
On a tactical level, this coordi-
nation is performed through
the central centre which could
but does not have to be part
of a Headquarters of the armed
forces of a particular country.
On a strategic, (central) level
and on a tactical (local) level the
objectives of CMO are the fol-
lowing:
– to contribute for develop-
ment of the overall system
in the country where modern
COIN is performed.
– to gain support, loyalty and
legitimacy from the local popu-
lation
The principles of the CMO must
be in direction to:
– protect resources and devel-
opment of economy
– adjust to directions given by
the chain of command.
Despite everything, all the ac-
tivities during CMO (which are
usually called projects) have
to be coordinated with the
needs of the population. Thus
it is necessary to understand
culture, traditions and the real
needs of the population. This
directly leads to the educa-
tion level of each operator, in-
cluding the leaders, as well as
another assumption stressed
previously that there is no place
for “defaults” during a modern
COIN, even in the frameworks
of a campaign. In other words,
what functions well and is a
priority for the population in
one region of the country does
not imply that the same thing
will function or will be a priority
in another region of the same
country where a campaign of
modern COIN is executed.
In the next issue of the maga-
zine we will continue with the
importance of the population
for control of resources during
CMO as part of the overall indi-
rect approach in the process of
modern COIN.
Ph. D. Metodi Hadzi-Јanev
51
 SILENT HUNTER 5 - DOES THE

FIRE IN THE MIDDLE

OF THE OCEAN

At first glance, we would ask ourselves: Is it true that no one gives

you a treat without a good reason? This year Ubisoft Romania re-
leased the new sequel to one of the best franchises dedicated to
powerful and deadly submarines, which were decisive to a great ex-
tent in winning the battles in the Second World War....nevertheless,
does this new product satisfy our growing appetites?

52
SPLENDOUR OF NAVAL BATTLES FADE?

53
 ilent Hunter… I remember more
than a decade ago, the first sequel
of this simulation was the reason I
suffered from chronic lack of time,
especially with education related issues.
To be part of one epic war in the Pacific,
after all, was not such a minor thing. Ap-
parently, I was not the only one who was
overwhelmed by positive impressions.
Even though there was a big pause be-
tween the first and the second sequel,
due to the change of the company which
developed the game, Silent Hunter (SH)
continued its resolute stride in time. SH 3
appeared focused on “ The second battle
of the Atlantic”, as well as SH4, which
glued us to the monitors in the same way
as SH1, in an American submarine which
led us through the acts of the Pacific
play. The fifth sequel to the famous simu-
lation takes us back to the waters of the
Atlantic and the Mediterranean. At least,
that’s what they say...
DRM, WHAT IS IT?
It is said that if the bad news is told
first, its strength will be diminished. I de-
cided to follow this advice, since there
are small chances to feel the incredible
graphic engine of SH5 in our well known
circumstances. But, let’s get back to the
notorious DRM, that is to say „digital
rights management“ copy protection.
The basics of this on - line platform is the
fact that once the first time the game is
launched, each gamer has to check the au-
thenticity of the product, and in addition,
in order to be able to play the game, you
have to be on -line all the time during the
game. On top of that, no one can even
think of reselling it. I will emphasise once the captain is “de facto” positioned in the real synonym for boredom. There is a de­
again, although it has been crystal clear first person view, he can walk around the scription on more than 30 pages, which
from the very beginning. Silent Hunter 5 submarine, talk to his colleagues and give explains everything except the basics
uses this DRM solution. Sad, isn’t it? Ac- orders. The above mentioned graphics is of successful gaming. But we could be
cording to the news, the problems start- especially noticeable during an attack. As “happy” because we are entirely familiar
ed within 24 hours of the game’s release you run along the corridors, you can see with the detailed emotional conditions
on the market. Short break in the middle water coming inside all over the hull. Ac- of each member of the crew. Completely
of the game, difficulties with logging in, tually , I do not expect anything less than irrelevant. The other critics agree - the
and a complete failure of the server (for that, bearing in mind the system that you new system of morale introduced in the
5% of the users on the 7th of March). The should have in order to enjoy the “recom- game, which is based on the care of the
final goal of Ubisoft has been achieved. mended” pleasure. The whole story of captain for the members of his crew, is
At least for the time being. To date, no this game should also be added as its a big failure. The idea of the game devel­
one has ever managed to make a crack significant advantage. You can feel the oper is not completely bad - the morale
to SH5, although parts of the game were cold water of the Atlantic or the Pacific is accompanied with the personal charac­
immediately unlocked and enabled. from the comfort of your home, and at teristics and skills of the members, which
Therefore, the extremely negative re- the same time there are no guarantees are gradually developed (translated in
sponse on the part of the gamers is to that the level of stress will remain within the number of the accomplished mis­
be expected. The percentage of gamers the normal range. Anyone who has ever sions) giving us the opportunity to dive
who are not willing to buy the game just used any version of SH, knows how aw- faster or reach greater final speed. Does
because of the DRM, remains relatively fully difficult it is to incorporate all ele- anyone during a campaign think how is
high: 75-84%. Negative comments in- ments of gaming in a way that your sub- the navigator’s wife doing? Or about the
clude the idea that most of the people marine would be in a winning chess - mat dogs of the First Officer? And on top of
do not have a broadband Internet, the position. Do not forget that you are fight- that, if the captain does not care much,
Internet connection has a limited transfer, ing against convoys of merchant ships, or if we do not give him an order to ask
and of course, the fear that the server of destroyers, cruisers which do not refrain about these trivial things, the morale
Ubisoft would have frequent problems from shooting the cylinder pipes which could plummet to such extent that the
and cracks. bring death - the torpedoes. crew would not obey his orders. I think
it is too much!
ADVANTAGES PROBLEMS ARE GROWING ... I would like to mention the negative
What does Silent Hunter 5 really offer? Given the first impressions of the gam- aspect of the new way of movement
Unfortunately, in this case my own expe- ers who have already had a chance to through the submarine. This concept
rience would not be beneficial, although I see the qualities of the game, I think that would not be of any use when there is
have passionately played the previous se- this paragraph would be much longer. All a need for quick decisions in order to ac­
quels of Silent Hunter. To be in a position over the global network, gamers throw complish the mission (or to survive).
to lurk and suddenly attack your notori- accusations and express their dissatisfac-
ous enemy can never be boring. On the tion. However, the journey of 1000 miles “INTERFACE” FEATURES
contrary, SH offered me what is called starts by a single step. My wish to some- This is the new interface. The authors of
„good time“ from the very beginning. Ac- how get the “tutorial” for the game was critics claim that the interface is not an
cording to certain critics (and from what fulfilled. I do regret about it now. Boring! I advantage of this sequel. According to
I have seen on the screen shots), the think I said the same for the Sins of a So- them, some of the main elements which
graphics is a state of the art. In the new lar Empire, but after making the compari- are important for effective management
SH5, the gamer faces 3D environment, son, I realized that I made a big mistake. of the submarine are missing, as well
mainly inside the submarine. It is because The tutorial which is offered for SH5 is a as the real feeling that we are part of a

54
submarine from the World War II. I
remember the view from the peri-
scope in SH2 . Rudimentary , yet
realistic. In this sequel it is missing.
CPU: Intel Core2Duo E6850 (E4400) or AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ (4000+)
The periscope is replaced by a tac-
tical interface, that is to say, a mini
map which looks like a GPS more
than like a periscope produced
VGA: ATI Radeon HD 3000 (HD 2600) / GeForce серија 9 (8800)
in the mid 20th century. Do not
even try to find the compass, in
SH5 - it does not exist .
Unfortunately, the list of draw-
backs goes on. One example is
artificial intelligence, which is ev-
erything but stable. At one point,
the time between the discovery
of the submarine by the enemy
air crafts or merchant ships and
the arrival of battleships is mea-
sured in seconds, whereas at an-
other, you can send the ships to
the bottom one by one, and no
one would be concerned about
that. The military harbours of the
Royal Navy are not protected,
which means they are always a
good place to destroy anchored
Recommended (minimum):
inactive enemy ships. Actually,
it seems that the ships move in
the harbours of the enemy and
in their friendly posts without a
HDD: 15 GB (10 GB)
ship navigator. Merchant ships
RAM: 2 GB (1 GB)
could continuously crash into each
other until they occasionally get
on fire and destroy themselves.
Even worse, they can go from
one to the other end of the har-
bours, which makes them less
secure locations for your subma-
rine. You would be disappointed
upon your return in the harbour,
after submerging a whole enemy
convoy, your submarine would
be destroyed by friendly vessels
which move around „without a
compass?“
GRAPHICS- AT FIRST GLANCE
EXCELLENT BUT ...
There are frequent problems re-
lated to the audiovisual elements
of SH5. As I mentioned before,
the graphics is a kind of “ feast”
but there are some shortcomings
which can be noticed through dif-
ferent screen shots of the play-
ers. It does not fit in the period in
which the game should be placed.
Everything seems to be like high
- tech for the Second World War.
Details are incredible (which can
S Y S T E M be seen though the short videos)
REQUIREMENTS however, the drawbacks are even
more incredible. Performances
required even for the middle set-
tings are quite high.
Sometimes the errors in the
graphics are so obvious that
make this game which has just
been released from the factory
line look like one of the pioneers in
the world of strategies. The icons
at times resemble white dots, and
the harbours at times simply dis-
appear from the screen. At least
the people are real - they pace
back and forth the deck of their
destroyed ships while they are
burning with high intensity.
When it comes to the quality of
the audio part, I can not confirm
anything. Though, I will share with
you one critical view. There are
huge problems caused by the au-
dio. You would immediately like
to turn off those boring phrases
Internet connection is required.
like “Would you like to plot a new
course, captain?” which come up
every time you reach a particular
waypoint” said one of the critics
of Gamespot .
WHAT IS TO BE EXPECTED OF
THE CAMPAIGN?
The main long term goal of the
gamer is to cut off the channels
of transportation of goods to the
British Isles. Having in mind that
the Royal Navy is much bigger
than the small German Navy, little
U - boats are some of the main
offensive weapons. Taking into
consideration the fact that Britain
depends on the imported goods
from the mainland or from the
colonies, Germans try to destroy
the British power to fight and to
demotivate British people, by de-
stroying the biggest part of their
merchant fleet. In order to show
one example which each gamer
can be faced with during one sce-
nario, I will present one authentic
text taken from the official web-
site of SH5.
“Convoys of merchant ships go
along the determined trans-Atlan-
tic routes. Most of the convoys
sail without escort, relying only
on the air cover provided from
the mainland. Each attack on a
convoy could cause change in the
tactics of the British – they will
have minimal protection on these
convoys, which will make the
ocean going convoys more vulner-
able to enemy attack. If the Ger-
man submarines accomplish their
mission successfully, most of the
accompanying war ships will be
neutralized, which will open the
door of the German fleet into the
Atlantic...”
WE ARE STRONGER
TOGETHER
It is true that the number contrib-
utes to defeating the enemy. It
is particularly obvious when you
have a chance to play together
with seven passionate gamers
(if there are any who will pay for
the original SH5). The missions
are various, ranging from small
groups of convoys to huge fleet
attack which consists of merchant
ships, war ships and even His Maj-
esty, the aircraft carrier. The infor-
mation that new missions for the
multiplayer are constantly being
formed, makes a positive impact
and creates an impression that
it will be one good point in this
game (if we are looking for it). And
if you do not get lucky, you can try
a multiplayer mission, but on your
own...
ANY FINAL WORDS?
The fan base created by Ubisoft,
with its hard work and “release”
of excellent products like I, II,III
and even IV ( a sequel which
struggled with errors and bugs)
had the last word. It is important
to fight against piracy on a global
level, though not to such great
extent. DRM must have an early
retirement. It does not stop here.
All the bugs and shortcomings in
the fifth edition have to be over-
come as soon as possible, in order
to maintain the reputation which
has been built by this franchise for
more than ten years. Until then,
being loyal fans of naval battles,
we will focus our periscope on
the enemy using the well known
predecessors of this unfortunate
sequel number five.
Ivan Petrushevski
55
 FROM CREATIVE OBSESSION
TO MADNESS
REVIEW OF THE FASCINATING “THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI”
ar is a motive very often used in the
seventh art. This is probably because
in such dreadful moments people
could react completely different than
they would in normal life. Another
reason might be the fact that war could pull
out people’s best or the worst characteris-
tics, to make somebody a hero or a biggest
coward.
This is why we got the idea of reviewing a
few war films, films that have made a sig-
nificant impression on us as people without
being ambitious to be film critics. We would
like to write about those films that have
moved us, films that have become time-
less or may become such, war films we talk
about with delight and recommend to our
friends, films that make us feel euphoric or
depressed, sad or happy, furious or sympa-
thetic. When we started planning our work
we became aware exactly how many such
films we have at our hands. For a moment The screenwriters, Carl ly important for the Japanese army. The
it took us back in childhood reminded of Foreman and Michael Wilson, bridge was supposed to be built by the
that feeling when staring at the toy shop were on the Hollywood Prisoners of War from the Japanese prison
window we could not choose a favourite blacklist and could only work camp conducted by the extremely obses-
toy. sive camp Commander Colonel Saito. The
My dilemma didn’t last for long. I decided on the film in secret. The two
did not collaborate on the film is rich with very interesting mainly male
for my most favourite film of all, a film I characters. There is the character of the
saw maybe thirty years ago and I still vivid- script; Wilson took over after
Lean was dissatisfied with
rigid Colonel Nicolson (starred by Alec Guin-
ly remember it – “The Bridge on the River ness) who enters has an argument with
Kwai”. I didn’t even know that the film was Foreman’s work. The official
Colonel Saito reminding him that Geneva
released in the distant 1957, a film which is credit was given to Pierre Conventions exempt officers from manual
still very interesting to watch and is consid- Boulle (who did not speak labour. Each of them has an opposing at-
ered one of the unforgettable films of all English), and the resulting titude which results in impermissible inter-
times. Directed by David Lean, based on Oscar for Best Screenplay ruption of the bridge construction. Here
the novel “The Bridge Over the River Kwai’ (Adaptation) was awarded the plot unwinds. Although it seems that
written by the French novelist Pierre Boulle. to him. Only in 1984 did the film’s main theme is the fight between
Although a work of fiction, basing it on cer- Academy rectify the situation these two titans, Nicolson and Saito, the
tain historical information, the inclusion of by retroactively awarding the importance of other characters is easily no-
some real occurrences and the convincing Oscar to Foreman and Wilson, ticed; an American officer (William Holden),
acting would easily persuade many viewers posthumously in both cases a typical model of an antihero who was
that the film conveys a real event.
“The Bridge on the River Kwai”, Lean’s
epic war picture, is a film that made the
director’s name stardom. Lean, virtually
unknown outside the United Kingdom,
was not the first choice for director of the
film. Producer Sam Spiegel said that David
Lean was chosen “in absence of anyone
else”. It was a huge project so “Columbia
Pictures” considered the names of many
directors among them John Ford, William
Wyler, Howard Hawks and Orson Welles.
Although this decision might seem naïve,
Lean and his associates made something
of an extraordinary importance.
A THRILLING PLOT
“The Bridge on the River Kwai” follows the
events in Burma in 1943 during the con-
struction of a bridge which was significant-

56
This section is dedicated to the solider – the person who is always at the front line in the winds of war –
the person who is highly motivated to defend his/her own, motherland and ideas – the person with the
best physical and psychological preparedness – the person who has left a part of his/her soul home with
his/her family – the person, who at the end of the day, is only human.
Therefore, he/she is an inspiration to many films that have left a strong impression on the impartial general
public, films that have thrown our emotions in the air and films that have shown us actual cruelty of war and
its effect on people.
In the following editions of Shtit we will recapitulate some of those films without any special desire of
becoming film critiques. We only want to convey part of our feelings and show you that a soldier’s human
destiny can change our perception regarding the life values, and moreover underline that the soldier’s difficulty
and hard working life filled with sweat and tears deserves our utmost respect.
made hero by circumstance, as well “The bridge the hospital in Ceylon in a company
as a team of British commandos on the River of a lovely nurse.
who act in the rear line, soldiers who Kwai” won He pays his biggest sin with his life.
sacrifice their lives in order to blow up seven “Oscar” He and the Navy Commander sur-
the bridge which will help their armies awards, among vive the sinking of their ship, but the
reach their target. which the
Commander is subsequently killed by
First part of the film gives the detailed Best Picture,
a Japanese patrol. “Shears” switches
characteristics of the two colonels Best Director
dog tags with the dead officer hop-
– pride and honour. Neither of them ing to get preferential treatment in
– legendary
wants to give up his beliefs. The criti- captivity. It doesn’t work but then
cal moment and the decisive factor British director he doesn’t have a choice but to con-
is the fact that one of them has a David Lean, and tinue the impersonation. Knowing
lot to lose unlike the other. Nicolson, Best Actor - Alec all this, Warden threatens him with
whose nobility glows throughout Guinness, Best court martial. In order to avoid being
the whole film becomes a synonym Writing Pierre charged with impersonating an offi-
for the British Army, a synonym of Boulle the cer, and offence punished by death,
a leader capable of maintaining his author of the Shears “volunteers” the mission to
people’s moral on a high level, a syn- novel on which take the demolition team of com-
onym of a creator and organizer who the film was mandos to the place he only knows.
proves that the unreachable could be based Although being blackmailed, Shears
reached confirming the benefit of the
civilization he descends from. His vic-
tory over Saito in the fight between
the two of them is a victory of the
British way of living. Nicolson is blind-
ed by the so-called virtues; he forgets
where he is and what his priorities
should be.
In the second part of the film the di-
rector takes us to a hospital in Ceylon
where the escaped Shears arrives.
He there meets (not by his will) the
explosives expert, Major Worden
who is completely committed to
destroy Nicolson’s extraordinary cre-
ation. He is a distinguished member
of the British Army Special Forces,
commandos who conduct diver-
sions in the rear line of the belliger-
ent forces. He has no dilemma about
blowing up the bridge. He blackmails
Shears to return to the camp, he
sacrifices his own and the lives of his The song Colonel is very well aware of the importance
servicemen; he uses all possibilities Bogey March of the mission. His only aim is to stay
originally
to accomplish his goal. written in 1914,
alive and go back home, but being
The character who connects these will be used in
at a place he hasn’t chosen, at the
two parts is none the less interest- one scene in
crucial moment he sacrifices his life
ing; the officer of the USA Navy, Ma- “The Bridge on showing that heroes are not made
jor Shears – prisoner in the Japanese the River Kwai” heroes, they are born. This is the mo-
camp who does everything possible 43 years later. ment when Colonel Nicolson comes
to survive. He takes the valuables off Many of younger to his senses, unfortunately too late.
his dead comrades and uses them to and older The film creator gives him a chance
bribe the Japanese guards to send generations for his soul salvation; he falls on the
him to work in the hospital instead remember the explosive’s detonator and blows up
to work on the bridge’s construction. song the soldiers his marvelous creation.
He organizes a prison break out al- whistle. This
though he is aware it is not possible. is one of the WAR IN THE MIDDLE
He does this because he simply can- most impressive OF PARADISE
not bear the living conditions in the sound score ever David Lean creates wonderful
camp. After he manages to escape performed on the scenes. We are led into the film by
he spends blissful days recovering in big screen ever the train moving through a peaceful
green environment and just in a sec-
ond we are stressed by the sight of
many graves by the rail tracks and we
realize that the train carries prisoners
to the prison camp. The method of
presenting details is very attractive
– British soldiers marching in shabby
boots proudly entering the camp.
Nature has a special place in the
film. A fantastic scenery of peaceful
life in the jungle of Burma – a river
quietly flowing and villagers’ serene
daily routine. The film language
David Lean uses in this film is rich
of opposites: the beauty of nature
opposed to the ugly reality of con-
struction site of death; kind villagers
opposite stiff military command-
ers; Nicolson’s creativity opposite
Warden’s destructivity; Nicolson’s
high morale opposite Shears’ crimi-
nal astuteness. All these combined
with the stubborn fight of attitudes
between the representatives of two
different civilizations (Nicolson and
Saito) leads to a madness which
guarantees a devastating develop-
ment of events and starts a “fire” in
the beautiful den of nature.
I often asked myself what fasci-
nates me the most about this film. I
wondered how a young girl could so
easily be ushered in a war film, in a
male’s film. This is so because may-
be I was trying to identify myself
with each of the characters. I was
delighted by Nicolson’s persistence,
organization and creativity, I felt sor-
ry for Saito as a man trapped in the
shackles of his ideology, I admired
Shears’ ability to survive, I respected
Warden’s superhuman efforts to
accomplish the task and I am not
sure how all this led to a madness
when they all tried to carry out their
mission. This is how we can see the
message of this masterpiece. We
should learn from these people’s
mistakes, realize that people cannot
live isolated, that sometimes be-
yond our wish to do all the best, her
majesty the universe wants to play
games with us.
“The bridge on the River Kwai” is a
timeless film which greatness will
never be questioned. Alec Guin-
ness’s magnificent performance and
marvelously conducted scenes by
David Lean make this film engraved
in our consciousness.
Biljana Ivanova
57
 Title of the original:
Lawrence Freedman
The revolution in strategic affairs
Publisher: MAGOR, Skopje, 2009
ear readers, this book is also part
of the program of the Government
of Macedonia for translation of 500
specialized, scientific books and
course books used at the best and
most distinguished universities in the
USA and the EU.
This, by itself, is a sufficient recommen-
dation to pay due attention to the book,
that is, to be read. In case it needs addi-
tional argumentation and motivation, it is
adequate to stress at the very beginning
that this is a book by one of the leading,
most eminent analysts on military issues
in the contemporary world, but on the
other hand, the book is actually a study of
only about 80 pages, written in 1998, but
actual in its theme and contents, which
may be a sufficient challenge the book to
be found in your hands as well.
Lawrence Freedman is a professor of
military studies and head of the School
for Social Studies and Public Policy of
the Royal College in London – the United
Kingdom. Prior to this, he was the head
of the political studies at the Royal In-
stitute for International Issues. He was
educated at the universities in Manches-
ter, York and Oxford, where he worked
as a researcher as well as at the Interna-
tional Institute for Strategic Studies. He
was elected for associate at the British
Academy in 1995 and he is the winner of
the acknowledgment “Commander of the
British Empire”. In 1996 he was appointed
the official historian of the Falkland War in
1997. He was elected the member of the
official internal investigation in Britain for
the Iraqi war in 2003.
Freedman gave a significant contribution
in the debate about the revolution of mili-
tary issues. He wrote Revolution in Stra-
tegic Issues, published in 1998, the book
we recommend in this issue, which talks
about the fact that the technological
development indicates a new era in war
conflict and war capabilities. Therefore,
we recommend this book to those who
are interested in Freedman’s viewpoints
on these issues.
The Revolution in Military Issues is a
practical expression of the western way
of warfare whose basic elements are:
professional armed forces, intolerance
towards victims, and intolerance of col-
lateral damage.
The term „revolution in military issues”
was initially formed as a reference to his-
torical debates about main changes in war-
fare, which occurred in 16th and 17th cen-
tury. Later on, the term was used to stress
58
the influence of nuclear weapons. The term
had its own advantages as “a means of
marketing”, giving the issues a dramatic
character, connecting them in a way to
deep transformation, although risking to
turn the idea for revolution into something
old fashioned and meaningless.
Revolution means something more than
just a transformation and certainly a lot
more than merely a change in the much
greater variety. It represents a moment
of transformation. Those moments are
not valued until they are studied by some
later historians. Occasionally, the revolu-
tion may previously be envisaged. Will it
occur no matter the efforts of encourage-
ment, or does it only represent a collec-
tion of political goals that may be refuted
or condemned by others? Will RMI, the
same as political revolutions in the past,
be considered as a change consisting of
one step, approaching towards a new
paradigm, or should it be a continual pro-
cess, “a continual revolution” that needs
a continual change? Can revolution be lim-
ited to a country and still survive, or can it
give roots only when it is present all over
the world?
This book claims that several changes
are already in process which together can
really be revolutionary in terms of their in-
fluence, but it does not mean that these
changes move only in one direction. Big
part of the technical and technological
development, in connection with RMI,
may usefully be utilized in many situa-
tions without causing anything that could
approach war transformation. RMI in the
purest form may be conducted only in
specific and hopeless situations.
Big part of what is considered to be the
RMI is actually a military expression for
“revolutions” in technological and busi-
ness issues. The revolution in technologi-
cal issues is the deepest and the least
debatable, and based on a group of activ-
ities connected with information technol-
ogy including sensors, computerization
and telecommunications. These activities
obviously have dynamic influence on the
process of decision making and effective
usage of resources. This leads to revolu-
tion in business issues, encouraging com-
panies to become less adaptable, less
hierarchical and more prepared to think
globally. It is not surprising that many
companies which are believed to have
these characteristics are involved in com-
mercial exploitation of new technologies.
RMI depends on their products, and they
are often presented as a model which is
to be followed in the war organization.
From this reason, many RMI protagonists
stress that they see in it something that
involved organizational as well as techni-
cal changes.
One influential analysis shows that revo-
lutions in war issues occur schematically,
through interaction among technological
changes, system development, functional
inventiveness and organizational adapta-
tion. This development leads to a connec-
tion that “changes the character and con-
flict leading from its roots”. This kind of
analysis tends to underestimate political
and social dimensions of the change, and
still they have a deep impact on military
capabilities. The questions: “Who fights?
Against whom? What for?” determine
the character and the leading of the con-
flicts. In this book, the central point holds
the claim that it is impossible to under-
stand the sense of modern trends, with-
out paying attention to the influence of
the political changes on the military idea.
The term military issues has a significant
number of meanings. It refers to the or-
ganization and the application of armed
forces for the country benefit, and by
that, the revolution may refer to the main
disruptions in military equipment or politi-
cal goals, or a combination of both. The
significant changes in the international
system from the last decade are added
on the list of revolutions in the political
issues. That is a consequence of the long
term effects of the decolonization in com-
bination with short term effects from the
end of the Cold War and the increasing
influence of the globalization.
At the beginning of the 90s from the last
century, there was a little coquetry with
the concept of “the fourth generation”
of war that referred to the fall of the old
people’s states and traditional battles, as
well as the unmeaningful traditional mili-
tary forms and technologies, the conflicts
that include sub-state / non-state groups,
as well as ethnical militia and narcocar-
tels.
With the new political position, it is less
likely that the great powers will start a
war against each other, and it is more
likely that they will find an opportunity
to intervene in the conflicts that involve
the small countries. In these conflicts, the
development related with the technical
and organizational revolutions may not
be very significant. The tension between
these two aspirations is actually the core
of this study.
Juliana Stojanova, PhD
 STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
MORE INFORMATION
ABOUT THE “WOLVES” From 7 to 77

Your magazine is the best in the whole coun- Hello,

try, completely devoted to your work which I
like very much. You highlighted “the wolves”
and their weapon in the best possible way. In
other words, you are simply the best. Best re-
gards to the special unit “wolves”, to your edi-
torship and to the Ministry of Defense of RM.
Greetings,
Viktor Nikolov
The introduction of columns that refer
to films, books and computer games re-
freshes the magazine to great extent and
makes it more interesting for reading to
all age groups. The only thing I can add
is to ask you to proceed in the same way
and you have my whole support.
Vesna Jakimovska

Answer: Answer:

Dear Viktor, Dear Vesna,

Our gratitude for your kind words and have
confidence that we will always dedicate sig-
nificant space in our magazine for the special
operations regiment.
Editorial board “Shield”
You have totally grasped the purpose of
our newly introduced columns. This maga-
zine is intended to the entire reading audi-
ence therefore, you can always find topics
interesting to everybody.
Best bregards, editorial board “Shield”

BRAVO for “GLOBAL”

Dear readers,
Respectable editorship,
In our new magazine, we are implement-
I noticed that you have introduced a new col- ing a new kind of direct contact with
umn “Global” which I think is a full hit. I really you - our respected audience. Taking in
appreciate the articles referring to the inter- consideration that we value your opinion
national organizations and together with the the most, we decided to dedicate this
texts from the column “Magazine and Soft- page to you. Please send us your propos-
ware” it is my favorite. als, opinions and criticism to our e-mail:
stit@morm.gov.mk
Ljupcho Stefanovski

Answer:

Dear Ljupcho,

The introduction of the column “Global” result-

ed from the need to affirm the activities of the
organizations on the global scene as well as
to speak about the issues that concern us in
global frames. We are grateful that you share
our opinion that this is of great importance to
the wider audience.

Best regards, editorial board “Shield”