Dear Readers
The present operations review intends to describe the achievements of the Austrian Armed Forces in 2010, both on the national as well as on the international level.
Pursuant to national decisions, the Austrian Armed Forces strengthened their international commitment within KFOR as well as EUFOR "Althea” as of last summer, to largely compensate for the shortfalls in military capabilities that had occurred. Unilateral troop withdrawals mainly of NATO countries from KFOR as well as EUFOR "Althea” decisively influenced the Austrian measures. The average number of roughly 1,100 troops in 14 operations worldwide gives proof of the commitment of the Austrian Armed Forces to reestablish and secure a peaceful environment in former crisis areas.
National operations, such as the security assistance operation at the borders of the Province of Burgenland or the disaster relief operations following severe weather conditions that had left entire stretches of land devastated, have repeatedly shown that our troops are well structured and well interlinked with regard to all matters of command and control as well as supply and therefore make best use of their capabilities. It is part of any review to measure the achievements in relation to the tasks of the respective missions and operations, with regard to the goals that are to be achieved. And the goals are achieved when a safe and secure environment (SASE) is established that ensures a peaceful further development or when a lasting contribution to overt threats has been made. The multinational as well as the national contributions show that these goals have largely been met by the Austrian Armed Forces. As Operations C2 Division/Operations stated, all soldiers having served in the various operations deserve praise and recognition.