Dear readers,
This is the 2009 operations review of the achieved results of the Austrian Armed Forces, both on the domestic as well as the international level.
Domestic operations were dominated by the continuation of law-enforcement assistance even after the extension of the Schengen borders as well as disaster relief assistance after heavy snowfalls in February and massive rainfalls in summer.
Within the field of international operations, there was the transition from the EU-lead operation of EUFOR/TCHAD/RCA to the UN-led operation of MINURCAT II.
The command of the Multinational Task Force South/KFOR (MNTF S) was handed back to Germany at the end of May. Austria continued providing the Force Commander to UNDOF for the entire year and successfully nominated the Force Commander for EUFOR/ALTHEA.
Striking the balance means that the achieved results are weighted against the tasking of the individual operation in order to assess the accomplishment of tasks.
This is gained when the "Safe and Secure Environment" (SASE) of the operations is ensured or enhanced.
Eventually, all attempts of soldiers in operations will be recognised by the majority of the civilian population, when task accomplishment is accompanied by high visibility.
According to the assessment of the Directorate-General IV "Operations” those soldiers, who were successful in the various operations, earned themselves recognition and commendation.