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June, 2010
ISSN: 1857-6710

M aA gG aA z iI nN eE oO fF tT hH eE M iI nN iI sS tT rR yY oO fF D eE fF eE nN sS eE oO fF tT hH eE rR eE pP uU bB lL iI cC oO fF M aA cC eE D oO nN iI aA

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HIGH-LIFTED FLAG
THE DAY OF THE MILITARY POLICE MARKED WITH A CEREMONY

CELEBRATION OF THE ARMНАCOMPEER

PРАЗНИК НА ВРСНИКОТ АРМ
ARM-NATO REPORTING WEAPONS MILITARY HISTORY GAMES AND SIMULATIONS
ARMOURED VEHICLES “HERMELIN” AS A PART OF THE
INFANTRY OF THE ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
Content:
THE FIRST TEN

Ones reputation and image is creates

in different ways. Although it seems
that the reputation is evaluated and as-
sessed only according to relative criteria,
nevertheless, it involves constant strug-
gle for the positive reputation. Some-
times it is achieved by looking for an in-
tellectual effort, for a single moment, for
a sign that will mark a certain personality,
or a certain work. The orators in ancient
Rome used to start their speech with
the statement “I think Cartage should be
Page INTERVIEW destroyed”, Albert Einstein is recogniz-

8 WITH THE CHIEF OF THE

GENERAL STAFF OF THE ARM,
LIEUTENANT GENERAL MIROSLAV
able by the “theory of relativity”, typical
for Niccolo Machiavelli is “The aim justi-
fies the means”, and Gaius Julius Caesar
was famous for his “I have come, I have
seen, I have won” statement.
Page EUROPEAN UNION
NEW ROLE Significant dates of our own success
4 the eu mission
and the successes of our close ones are
remembered and stay curved in time as
a proof of our existence. For instance:
our graduation day, our wedding day,
ADVANCEMENT UNDER THREAT our children’s birthdays, our university
Page
graduation day, our first work day, a
15 DANGER FOR THE ASPIRATIONS
IN THE GREAT VACUUM – II
day when we took part in an important
event, a day when we published our first
book, when we opened an display, when
we performed on a concert, when we
Page MASTER PIECE OF received an award, when we passed the
THE MILITARY INDUSTRY Page driving test, when we moved to a new
18 A SHORT REVEIW ON F-35 LIgHTNINg II 11
flat.
Dear readers, August 2008, for us, the
editorial board members of “Shield” , is
one of the most important dates in our
Page SEARCH AND RESCUE lives because then our and your maga-
zine made its first steps and has bravely
26 IS IT JUST PART OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES
OR HIGH PROFESSIONALISM?
been walking through time thanks to
the understanding of our superiors and
the creative spirit of the editorial board
members. To our and your pleasure we
Page FOLLOWING THE FOOTSTEPS are preparing the tenth, jubilee edition of
OF THE ANCIENT GENERATIONS “Shield” – the first ten. We are very proud
31 Page
of our magazine and we consider it to
FROM A PEACEKEEPER’S JOURNAL
22 be our second child. We can speak about
the children knowing their parents. On
the other hand we can speak about the
Page A VISION FOR A NEW WORLD parents knowing their children. Children
are encouraged to be sincere, hardwork
hardwork-
40 A NEW USA NUCLEAR STRATEGY ing and honorable. But, in order to be a
child’s hero a person is supposed to give
love, understanding, help and support.
RED STAR LIGHT DIMMED We, the editorial board members, to-
Page Page
gether with our associates, are fully

56
committed to our magazine by providing
46
SERIES OF RUSSIAN VIDEOS
IN HONOR OF THE GREAT VICTORY good content and high quality and being
able to keep up with the spirits of the
modern time. This was the reason we
SHIELD - Year II, issue 10, June 2010, published monthly introduced columns for all generations,
PUBLISHER - MINISTRY OF DEFENSE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA columns with serious topics and articles
PUBLISHING BOARD for our youngest readers. Issue by issue
Emil Dimitriev (Chairman, Chief) the magazine transformed and grew up
Major general Naser Sejdini, Sashko Dimov, Lieutenant Colonel Mirce gjorgoski, Lieutenant Colonel Zdravko Rizovski, as children grow up. In your opinion, dear
Lieutenant Colonel Meri Rindzova, Ph.D. gorgi Malkovski
readers, from what we can read in your
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF letters, we are on the right track. “Shield”
Lieutenant Colonel Zdravko Rizovski meets your and our expectations.
EDITORIAL BOARD Jackson Brown said that you should tell
Biljana Ivanova (Copy Editor, Art and graphic
raphic Editor), Ivan Petrushevski (Associate Journalist) Ksenija Miteva (Lector), Aleksandar the children that any well accomplished
Atanasov (Photographs), Martina Kimovska, Rozi grozdanovska-Veleska,
rozdanovska-Veleska, Emilijan Noveski (Proofing/Editing) job will result in pride, honour and sat-
CONCEPTUAL CONSULTING, ART OFFICE AND DESIGN isfaction. We share these feelings with
Zarko Stojanovik, Oliver Kurciev, Vesna Vujadinovik, Stefan Smiljanoski you, dear readers. We strongly believe
that our common goal is to build and
Printed by: ”Evropa 92” Kocani upgrade the recognizable reputation
ADDRESSS of “Shield”. Undoubtedly, we have the
MINISTRY OF DEFENSE - Magazine “SHIELD” future and many jubilees to celebrate
“Orce Nikolov” bb 1000 Skopje ahead of us.
Phone: 02 038 24 17; 02 328 20 58
Fax: 02 3113 527; 02 3128 276 Zdravko Rizovsk
Rizovski
www.morm.gov.mk; E-mail: stit@morm.gov.mk

3

significant number of our
soldiers take part in several
missions outside the Repub-
lic of Macedonia: Interna-
tional Security Assistance Forc-
es (ISAF) in Afghanistan, United
Nation Interim Forces in Leba-
non (UNIFIL) and ALTEA in Bos-
nia and Herzegovina. All three
missions are led by different
influential factors in the world.
ISAF is led by NATO, UNIFIL by
the UN and ALTEA by the EU.
Many consider it strange for the
EU to lead a mission. They ask
themselves: Does the EU have
its own forces (army)? Those
who know more about the se-
curity system in Europe ask
another question: Can the EU
act independently without the
capacity of the NATO Alliance,
bearing in mind that the biggest
number of EU members are at
the same time NATO members.
NATO – EU RELATIONSHIP
EU and NATO are two different
organizations, but ever since
the very beginning of their ex-
istence they have had a good
relationship which at certain
4
EUROPEAN UNION
NEW ROLE
the eu mission
times was adjourned because
of some disagreements. Name-
ly, ever since the emergence
of the idea of a united Europe
there was the idea for estab-
lishment of European joint de-
fence forces. During the Cold
War, the European Community
(today the European Union)
was a civilian organization of
Western Europe with restricted
competences in the area of de-
fence and security. The defence
and security of the community
was NATO’s responsibility and
it fully met the needs for de-
fence of the European Commu-
nity members. After the end of
the Cold War, the EU was rap-
idly joined by a big number of
new countries from Central and
Eastern Europe, thus the Euro-
peans once again revived the
idea of the new role of the EU.
The idea that if Europe wants
to be powerful it must act on
the international scene united
not only as political, but as a
significant military subject.
This raises the question: What
makes Europe establish its own
army knowing the fact that the
biggest number of EU mem-
1. NATO SEC- bers are members of the NATO
RETARY GEN- alliance, and can the EU act in-
ERAL AN-
DERS FOGH dependently from NATO?
RASMUSSEN
AND THE THE APPEARANCE OF EURO-
HIGH REPRE- PEN ALIGNMENTS
SENTATIVE
OF THEEU-
ROPEAN A series of dramatic events in
UNION FOR Europe between 1945 and 1949:
FOREIGN direct threat on the sovereignty
AFFAIRS of Norway, Greece and other
AND SECU-
RITY POLICY European countries, the attack
CATHERINE on Czechoslovakia in 1948, the
ASHTON illegal siege of Berlin in April
the same year, as well as the
expanding politics of the USSR,
provoked some European countries to
start considering the idea of having a
common European defence system. In
order to put a halt on the Soviet infil-
tration in the area of Western Europe,
at the end of 1947, Western European
countries asked the USA for political,
economical and military assistance be-
cause there was no single political fac-
tor in Europe at that time who could
undertake this kind of consolidation.
The negotiations with the USA and
Canada for the establishment of the
North Atlantic Alliance which will guar-
antee the security of the member coun-

ment of the cooperation between the
governments of the member countries
in the area of security, although the
idea of a mutual European defence sys-
tem has existed as long as the idea of
Europe united.
After its establishment, in the period
from 1973 to 2009, the organization
expanded and today’s EU has 27 mem-
ber countries. If member countries
of NATO and the EU are compared it
could be noticed that 21 countries are
members of both organizations. Be-
cause of the fact that the biggest num-
ber of countries are members of the
two organizations, it is natural to ex-
the EU has built a wider stability by
promoting the economical and political
integration, firstly of the Western Eu-
ropean countries and after that by ac-
cepting member countries from East-
ern Europe.
As a result of the process of expansion
of the two organizations many Europe-
an countries gained certain political and
economic stability and security.
During the Cold War some European
NATO members considered the need
of sharing the burden of European se-
curity between the two sides of the At-
lantic. This question was first discussed
on a bilateral level, after that European

tries commenced. These negotiations

ended in April 1949 when the North At-
lantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was
formed.
The following 12 countries established
NATO: Belgium, Canada, Denmark,
France, Island, Italy, Luxemburg, the
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the
United Kingdom and the USA. After
the establishment, in the period from
1952 to 2009, in six rounds, 16 new
countries joined NATO. Today 28 coun-
tries are NATO members.
The creation of a Western European
Union started right after World War II.
It was initiated by a few Western Eu-
ropean countries – France, the United
Kingdom and Benelux countries (Bel- pect that they have a certain relation- NATO member countries made some
gium, Nederland and Luxemburg) as ship, although NATO is mainly a mili- initiatives to convince the USA how big
a result of the fear of these countries tary organization and the EU is based the European efforts for security and
to be endangered by the Soviet expan- primarily on economic interests. defence were.
sion. Both NATO and the EU contribute to Some European leaders were not sat-
The Brussels settlement was signed the maintenance and strengthening of isfied with the USA domination in the
on 17th March 1948 and it was a result security and stability in Western Eu- organization. Such an example is the
of the relationship between the Soviet rope. French General De Gaulle, who ex-
Union on one side and the USA on the NATO aims to achieve this goal in the cluded France from NATO command-
other side. This settlement gave a pos- role of a powerful defence, political ing structures in 1966. France rejoined
sibility for establishment of a Western and military alliance, and after the end NATO commanding structures after 43
European Union (WEU) as an organiza- of the Cold War, by improving the re- years at Strasburg NATO summit in
tion and basis for European integration. maining partnerships and enlarging its 2009.
WEU was an international organization membership, thus strengthening the At the beginning of the 90s the idea
the goal of which was the improve- wider Euro Atlantic region, whereas of Europe having its own army became

5
 very popular with a big number of EU
countries.
After a big number of diplomatic activi-
ties which were supposed to end the
conflict in the Western Balkans (using
politics was not fruitful), it was clear to
many that these kinds of political and
diplomatic efforts should be supported
by a respectable military force. This
strongly influenced the idea that Europe
should have its own defence identity.
Creation of this kind of European de-
fence identity was enabled by EU lead-
ers with the Maastricht Treaty in 1992,
a treaty for “common foreign and se-
curity policy which will in time lead to
common defence” …

CHRONOLOGY OF NATO-EU
RELATIONSHIP

The initiative for establishing defence

capacities through WEU was later con-
ducted based on the EU Treaty of Am-
sterdam (1997), a treaty encompassing
the tasks of the WEU from Petersburg.
– humanitarian research and rescue
mission
– peacekeeping mission
– crisis management tasks
– peace enforcement and environment
protection
– providing basis for operational devel-
opment of mutual defence politics.
At the NATO summit in Brussels in 1994
a decision was made to develop a Eu-
ropean security and defence identity in
agreement with NATO and support all
the activities undertaken by the WEU.
This political agreement was enforced
by certain decisions about strengthen-
ing the EU NATO relationship, made
at the NATO summits in Berlin in 1996
and Madrid in 1997. Thus, the WEU de-
veloped into the EU defence compo-
nent and at the same time strengthen
the position of the EU in NATO.
A new wave in the EU NATO relation-
ship appeared at the British-French
summit in St. Malo in France in 1998.
This summit has a great significance
because Great Britain had certain wor-
ries that the increase of the EU role will
harm NATO cohesion.
France and Great Britain agreed at that
summit that:
“The European Union must have a ca-
pacity to act individually, supported
by respectable military forces, ways
of making decisions for using these
forces, and being prepared to respond
to international crisis”.
After this French-British summit a
good climate was created for making
additional decisions. At the NATO sum-
mit in Washington in 1999, NATO lead-
ers approved this French-British initia-

6
tive and stated that NATO and the EU
should provide mutual consultations
and cooperation for development of
the existing mechanisms.
This is how NATO and the EU started
working on numerous principles for
their future mutual cooperation in the
EU and giving answers to crucial ques-
tions. This applies to three issues which
were regarded very difficult to solve:
1. Ways to guarantee development of
effective mutual consultations be-
tween the EU and the Alliance based
on the mechanisms built between
NATO and the WEU.
2. Participation of the European allies
who are not EU members in making
the decisions and taking part in mis-
sions conducted by the EU.
3. Practical agreements for providing
access of the EU to NATO’ planning
capacities and assets.
The situation significantly changed in
1999 when the EU leaders, in the con-
texts of the Balkans crisis, decided to
create a European Security and De-
fence Policy in the EU frames taking
the responsibility for many functions
which were conducted by the WEU.
The following year, NATO and the EU
started working together on develop-
ing a mutual partnership strategy –
NATO and EU Declaration for Europe-
an Security and Defence Policy (ESDP)
between the two organizations as well
as the “Berlin plus” agreements which
open access to the collective capacities
and capabilities of NATO for military
operations led by the EU.
On the EU Helsinki Summit in 1999,
a decision was finally made to create
military capacities for performing the
tasks discussed in Petersburg. The EU
Military Forces should consist of 60.00
soldiers, 400 fighters and 100 war
ships. The forces were to be deploy-
able 60 days before the mission and
be able to stay in theatre at least one
year. The missions of the Rapid Reac-
tion Forces remained the same as de-
cided in Petersburg.
It should be emphasized that beside
everything, this did not mean creation
of European army. The role of these
forces would be undertaking military
operations led by EU only if NATO
decides not to intervene. This is only
a part of EU determination regarding
the development of mutual European
policy for defence and security.
At the European Council meeting for
strengthening the European capability
of conducting civilian missions in Santa
Maria da Feira in 2000, member coun-
tries took the obligation to provide
5000 police officers to participate in
international missions.
These Rapid Reaction Forces were sup-
ported to be operable by 2003. This
was supposed to be a milestone in the
establishment of Europe united not
only economically, but also politically
and in terms of the defence/military
as well. The Helsinki Summit was sup-
posed to have the same importance
for the defence as the Maastricht Sum-
mit had for the euro.
In order to be able to fulfill the obliga-
tions agreed at the Helsinki Summit in
2000, a conference was held where the
capacities that the Union should have
were discussed, where a Catalogue of
Forces of the member countries intend-
ing to offer in order to meet the agreed
goals was established. An action plan of
the European capacities was developed
as an outcome of this conference.
It is obvious that since the dissolution
of the Soviet Union in the early 90s,
and by 2000, NATO and the EU, or
more precisely the WEU, by certain de-
cisions made at the NATO and EU sum-
mits, prepared the ground for further
development of NATO-EU relations.
The aim of these agreements was to
enable the WEU to intervene in the
crisis which the EU decides an inter-
vention is needed and in which NATO
has decided not to intervene which in
other words means that the WEU will
ask NATO to use all NATO tools and
capacities.
In the meantime the European NATO
member countries realized that the pro-
cess of creating the European military
capacities, a duplication of the command-
ing structures, personnel for planning and
military means and capacities existing in
NATO should be avoided.
The range of cooperation and models of
consultations about the security prob-
lems between the two organizations
was finalized in the correspondence
between NATO’s Secretary General and
EU presidency in 2001.
This correspondence resulted in meet-
ings on different levels, meeting of
Ministers of Foreign Affairs of both or-
ganizations, meetings on a level of Am-
bassadors, as well as staff meetings.
All these meetings up to 2000 estab-
lished the fundaments for NATO-EU
cooperation in the crisis management
area, as well as the development in the
cooperation in different issues.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Simeon Mitrev
7
 ARM HAS THE NECCESSARY LEVEL
OF INTEROPERABILITY WITH THE
NATO ALLIANCE
INTERVIEW
WITH THE CHIEF OF THE GENERAL STAFF OF THE ARM,
LIEUTENANT GENERAL MIROSLAV STOJANOVSKI
General Sir, you have recently visited
the Macedonian peacekeepers taking
part in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan.
What are your impressions of the mis-
sion and how satisfied are you with the
tasks completed so far by our Macedo-
nian peacekeepers?
– I can say with great satisfaction that
the ARM peacekeepers deployed in the
ISAF mission in Afghanistan, perform-
ing their tasks in different parts of this
big Asian country as part of the biggest
NATO-led mission so far, have presented
their country proudly and with dignity and
are highly respected and acknowledged as
brave professionals. The participation of
the ARM peacekeepers in the ISAF mis-
8
sion during the past years has resulted in
achieving a high level of professionalism
and interoperability. All ARM service per-
sonnel regardless of where they are per-
forming their tasks - home or abroad, have
the obligation to maintain and upgrade
that level. What makes us even prouder is
the fact that the ARM service personnel
in Afghanistan are not only peacekeepers,
but also ambassadors of our culture and
traditions. Moreover, they are completely
dedicated to their everyday task and this
visit as many preceding it has demonstrat-
ed that the Macedonian service personnel
in Afghanistan have not only lived up to
all our expectations but have exceeded
them. This is also confirmed by the fact
that the ARM personnel are respected
and well-accepted by the local population
as well as our mission partners and thus
they are fully integrated with the other
members of the mission. Of course, this
is a burden that our peacekeepers are suc-
cessfully carrying and at the same time it
is a challenge and an incentive for being
even more successful.
The Republic of Macedonia is one of the
leading countries contributing to the
ISAF mission in Afghanistan per capita.
How is this significant for the ARM and
what is the opinion of the NATO Alliance
about our important contribution?
– During the past years we have been
constantly building appropriate facilities
 we talk about the achievements of the
Macedonian peacekeepers, some might
think that we, as ARM, are subjective and
that our NATO partners` evaluations are
given out of politeness, but I can assure
you that the praises that we receive are
genuine and sincere. The marks and evalu-
ations that we are given reflect the skills
and knowledge demonstrated by the
ARM service personnel, who are highly
praised for their work by their superiors
during the missions. We as ARM are very
proud of this and are motivated to work
harder to improve our results even more.
The Army of the Republic of Macedonia
apart from the Mission in Afghanistan
also participates in the UNIFIL mission
in Lebanon and the ALTHEA mission in
Bosnia and Herzegovina. Are there any
plans to participate in some other inter-
national missions in the future?
– As you know, at the moment the larg-
est part of the ARM personnel is engaged
in the ISAF mission as one of the biggest
missions abroad, and also a mission that
is extremely risky to the life and health of
our service personnel. This does not mean
that the service personnel participating in
other missions give less contribution. We
have to stress that the missions we take
part in differ according to the specific tasks
and aims but they are very important for
maintaining the peace and stability in the
regions where our peacekeepers are de-
ployed. The determination and aim of the
Republic of Macedonia is to participate
actively in the collective defence and se-
curity systems, and our task is to prepare
and train our units and military personnel
to participate in as many missions as pos-
sible. That is why the ARM units will be ad-
ditionally composed according to the type
of the mission and at the same time we
will train the personnel for various combat
activities which are different in complexity
and type. They will also receive appropri-
ate training in order to respond to various
asymmetric threats. Our obligation is to
provide efficient and specialized training
for the ARM units, and estimate the level
of their mission readiness according to the
successfully completed training. Thus, we
can give our proposal for possible future
mission participation to the government.
and improving our capabilities, and at the
same time we had defined our goals and
priorities. However, we never forgot that
our main priority should be the ARM sol-
diers without whom any task would be
impossible. Taking this into consideration
the training of our personnel is among our
highest priorities and according to what
the ARM service personnel have already
demonstrated during the missions and
exercises, I can say with certainty that
we have achieved this aim. Because of
our results ARM is considered a valuable
and desired partner of any military contin-
gent. What we plan, organize and achieve
shows that we are on the right track, and
that the investment placed in the training
and the operations was worthwhile. When
Although the Republic of Macedonia is
not yet a NATO member that has not
hindered the reforms in the defence sec-
tor, on the contrary they have been go-
ing on for years. What is your opinion
about the reforms and according to you
when will the Republic of Macedonia
gain its well- deserved membership in
the Alliance?
– When we talk about the reforms in the
defence, I would like to emphasize that
this has been an ongoing process for 15
years now. However, the determination
of the ARM personnel, as well as the
achieved results, has demonstrated that
this process is more than successful. When
such crucial and fundamental reforms are
being undertaken over a longer period of
time, normally, there are improvements
as well as periods of slowing down of the
reform procces; however there has never
been a standstill, which is of great impor-
tance. The results of the progress that
the Republic of Macedonia has made are
obvious in many segments but, mostly
they can be seen in the defence. Due to
the great improvement and progress that
the Republic of Macedonia has shown it
has already earned its place in the Alli-
ance, which is not yet given as an equal
membership, formally. Moreover, the Re-
public of Macedonia during the past years
has proven to be a serious NATO partner
and has fulfilled all the necessary obliga-
tions and requirements, consistently, thor-
oughly and with much dedication. It is truly
inappropriate for one country; in this case
our neighbouring country in the south, to
impede the full integration of the Republic
of Macedonia in the Euro- Atlantic institu-
tions. But, this is our reality. Despite this
situation, we as the Army of the Republic
of Macedonia have committed to maintain
the necessary level of readiness of the
units declared to participate in missions.
This contribution is greeted by the Alliance
and it has never closed its doors for equal
membership.
The Army of the Republic of Macedonia
has recently hosted another exercise or-
ganized according to NATO standards-
Macedonian Flash-6, which proves that
ARM have completely implemented the
NATO standards and that ARM is com-
9

patible with the armies of the Alliance
member countries. What is your evalu-
ation about the level of interoperability
of the ARM?
– For a long period of time ARM has put
all of its efforts into implementing NATO
standards and procedures, especially in
the area of training of the headquarters
and the units which is one of the main
criteria for NATO membership which we
have completed. Our numerous partici-
pations in different NATO/ PfP exercises
and missions with service personnel and a
number of army units have helped us gain
valuable experience, especially concerning
the process of organization, planning and
executing international exercises and mis-
sions, as well as specific skills training of
the personnel.
Implementing the NATO standards and
SOPs is priority for the declared units in
order to achieve the necessary level of in-
teroperability, but we did not neglect the
combat readiness (again in accordance
with the demands set by the partnership
goals).
Implementing the Operational Capabili-
ties Concept (OCC) and after the evalua-
tions done according to the guidelines for
self-evaluation of the declared units, all
the units evaluated during the exercise
“Macedonian Flash-6” (the Second Mecha-
nized Infantry Company, Military Police
Platoon, Demining Platoon, Transporta-
tion Platoon, Helicopter Detachment, Re-
connaissance Company, Middle Infantry
Battalion and Military Police Company),
are interoperable. The evaluation as well
as the activities and the participation in
missions have shown that ARM units are
highly interoperable, and are capable to
successfully participate and perform ex-
ercise and operations together with the
NATO partners. The series of exercises for
training and evaluation according to the
Operational Capabilities Concept (“Mace-
donian Flash” and “Step Ahead”) have
been successfully completed and at the
same time in addition to the evaluation,
the exercises provided an excellent oppor-
tunity for organizing appropriate courses
for NATO evaluators defined by the OCC.
I firmly believe that the ARM units have
the necessary level of interoperability with
the Alliance and this is confirmed by the
high marks received for the exercises we
10
have participated in, applying the SOPs,
the cooperation with the NATO personnel
as well as our mission participation. That is
why in the following period we will inten-
sify the headquarters and units trainings,
and continue to increase the interoperabil-
ity in all areas.
What do you think about the readiness
of the declared units to respond to the
NATO requirements to participate in
international missions? What is being
done to fulfill the obligations that ARM
has assumed?
– The high level of readiness of the de-
clared units of the ARM has been demon-
strated many times and we have met the
requirements successfully. The process of
evaluation of these units according to the
NATO Operational Capabilities Concept
which we have completed through series
of exercises ”Macedonian Flash”, and the
participation of the declared units in the
ISAF missions, have confirmed our readi-
ness and the high marks given for the ex-
ercises. Today, we can say without any
doubt that our units are competitive with
the armies from the great NATO and PfP
family, which is supported by the achieved
results and many successful accomplish-
ments during the exercises. Concerning
the activities undertaken by the ARM to
meet the requirement for the declared
units, we have demonstrated our deter-
mination for completing all obligations
that we as an Army have been given by
the Ministry of Defence and other relevant
institutions. Our responsibility concerning
the declared units, as always, is of the
highest priority for us, and that is why in
the next period we are expecting bigger
support especially for improving the equip-
ping of the units.
When do you expect the new structure
of the Army of the Republic of Macedo-
nia to be approved and what is the cur
cur-
rent situation?
– I have to say that the General Staff to-
gether with the subordinate headquarters
have constantly worked on designing a
proposition for a new army structure in
the past two years. I will stress again that
our suggestion for the new army structure
is based on our needs, recommendations,
and capabilities as well as the new role that
the ARM has in the society today, together
with other institutions responsible for de-
fence and security issues. According to our
conducted research and thorough analysis,
the new structure of the army will have
better command and control as one of the
crucial factors for functioning of an army.
The General Staff of the ARM as the high-
est expert body, functioning ever since the
beginning of the ARM, and responsible for
defence issues within the Ministry of De-
fence, will continue to fulfill the ARM obli-
gations regulated by the Constitution, the
laws and the National Defence Strategy.r
General Sir, the activities regarding the
ARM project “ARM- My True Home” are
running according to the plan. In your
opinion how will this project improve the
ARM personnel living standard?
– The General Staff of the ARM and I
strongly support all projects aimed to
improve the welfare of the ARM person-
nel, including the project “ARM - My True
Home”, which offers the ARM personnel a
possibility of purchasing army apartments.
I expect this project to improve the perfor-
mances and results in all aspects of work
and life of the military personnel.
In order to achieve better results the ARM
needs a lot of support, above all financial,
which means that in the next period we
will complete the projects for acquiring up-
to-date and sophisticated equipment that
will enable us to have a better and more
comprehensive training and task execution.
When we talk about the ARM personnel
standard we have to say that in the up-
coming period we will have to find financial
means to improve the living and working
conditions in the barracks and all ARM facili-
ties, and by doing so we will boost up the
moral and the motivation of the personnel
for completing their everyday obligations.
These are our real expectations for the peri-
od to come and I truly believe that the ARM
service personnel completely deserve it.
“Shield” Editorial

INTERNATIONAL EXERCISE „LIGHT 10“
he international exercise
for rendering help and hu-
manitarian aid during natu-
ral disasters, “Light 10”, or-
ganized by the Ministry of
Defence, was held in the training
area Pepelishte and at TA Kriv-
olak, between 17 - 29 May.
Coordinators of the exercise
were Sashko Zorba, Assistant
Head of the Civil Defence De-
partment at the Ministry of De-
fence and Dr. Paul Forage, Head
of the Emergency Management
Department at the Indian River
State College from Fort Pierce-
Florida, on the American side.
The main coordinator for the ex-
ecution of the exercise was the
Ministry of Defence.
The participants in the exercises
were the following: MOD repre-
sentatives, members of ARM,
MOI, Directorate for Protection
and Rescue, Red Cross of the
RM, professors and students
from the Institute for Defence
and Peace Studies at the Skopje
University Ss. Cyril and Metho-
dius, professors and students
form the US state colleges and
universities such as Military Col-
lege New York, Citadel South
Carolina, Indian River State Col-
lege from Fort Pierce – Florida
and universities from Oklahoma,
Missouri and Road Island.
Basides the emergency reaction
and natural disaster management
personnel training from the rel-
evant instituions, the first phase
of the Exercise “Light 10” had an
educational tone. The participants
in the exercises, predominantly
students from the Macedonian
and the USA universities, gained
basic skills and experience in han-
dling post conflict situations and
how to deal with these situations,
as well as with consequences
caused by natural disasters. One
of the most important objectives
of “Light 10” was promotion of
interoperability and ability for joint
reaction of international organi-
zations, institutions in charge of
certain reactions, rendering help
in post conflict situations and af af-
ter natural disasters. In the sec sec-
ond part of the exercise “Light
10” at TA Krivolak the participants
worked on crisis scenario caused
by strong earthquake, in post con-
flict situations.
2
REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON
NATO INTEGRATION IN SEE
The Ministry of Defence of the
Republic of Macedonia was the
organizer and host of this high-
level event in the defence area- a
Regional Conference on NATO
Integration in SEE, held in Bitola
between 31 May and 1 June. The
topic of the conference was the
importance of NATO integra-
tions in SEE, developing a com-
mon trans-Atlantic vision and the
future perspectives of the region.
The Republic of Macedonia has
initiated the idea for this regional
conference, which is the first high
level event of this kind in the de-
fence, furthermore it was seen
as an opportunity for regional
and international affirmation of
the RM as a strong promoter of
security dialogue and coopera-
Info
tion in the Region.
The Ministry of Defence of
the Republic of Macedonia co-
organized the Bitola Regional
Conference with the Regional
Centre for Security Cooperation
– RACVIAC, which additionally
affirmed the Republic of Mace-
donia as the leading nation in re-
gional security cooperation and
a country strongly committed to
NATO integrations of the entire
region, thus supporting its secu-
rity and economic stabilization.
The host of the Regional Con-
ference on NATO Integration in
SEE was the Minister of Defence
Zoran Konjanovski. In order to
confirm the importance of co-
operation and dialogue for re-
gional safety and the European
integrative efforts, in addition to
Minister Konjanovski many of his
colleagues: Minister of Defence
of Albania, Arben Imami, Croatia,
Branko Vukelik, Slovenia, Lju-
bica Jelushic, and Turkey, Vengi
Gjonul, as well as Deputy Min-
isters of Defence of Bosnia and
Herzegovina and Monte Negro,
State Secretary for Defence of
the Republic of Serbia, represen-
tatives of the Regional Centre for
Security Cooperation – RACVI-
AC, delegations from more that
11 countries from the region and
beyond, representatives from
Brussels, JFC Naples NATO, as
11
 well as representatives from the
defence diplomatic corps in RM
participated in the conference.
3
VISIT TO THE PEOPLE’ S
REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Minister of Defence Zoran Kon-
janovski visited the People’s Re-
public of China, where he partici-
pated in the Chinese-European
high forum of political parties
held in Beijing.
In the frameworks of the visit
to the PR of China the Minister
had a meeting with General Xu
Caihou, Vice Chairman of the
Central Military Committee of
the People’s Republic of China,
chaired by the President of Peo-
ple’s Republic of China.
During the meeting, Minister
Konjanovski conveyed the re-
gards of the President of the
Republic of Macedonia, the Pres-
ident of the Government and
the Chief of General Staff of the
ARM, expressed his gratitude
for the fair policy of the People’s
Republic of China towards the
Republic of Macedonia and the
strong support that the People’s
Republic of China is providing to
our country.
Underlining that the priorities
of the Republic of Macedonia
are the Euro-Atlantic integra-
tions, Minister Konjanovski em-
phasized that at the same time
we are interested in building
excellent communication and
cooperation with the People’s
Republic of China, at the same
time expressing his gratitude
for the understanding that the
People’s Republic of China has
with respect to our positions and
priorities.
At the meeting, attended by the
Deputy Chief of the Army of Peo-
ple’s Republic of China as well,
General Caihou emphasized the
enhanced military cooperation
between the Republic of Mace-
donia and the People’s Republic
of China, which was intensified
this year with joint activities of
both Ministries and armies and in
accordance with the bilateral co-
operation plan this will continue
next year as well. Furthermore,
General Caihou underlined the
economic development and in-
dustrial growth of the People’s
Republic of China.
4
WORKING VISIT TO THE
NATO HEADQUARTERS
„Macedonia is a model of a mul-
tiethnic functional democracy
which sets a positive example
in the entire region, and at the
same time it can be a model for
contemporary Europe”.
This was stated by the Defence
12
Minister Konjanovski on his
presentation of Macedonia’s
activities and results for NATO
integrations, given in the head-
quarters of the Alliance before
ambassadors, generals and high
representatives of NATO.
Minister Konjanovski, who was
on a two day working visit of the
NATO headquarters stated that
Macedonia, although a small
country on the Balkans, man-
aged to demonstrate its great-
ness in its peacefulness and
constructivism, its capacity to
compromise and its dedication
and sense of responsibility, not
only for national but also for re-
gional and global priorities.
During his stay Minister Kon-
janovski had a meeting with the
Assistants of the NATO Secre-
tary General for Operations and
Security Policy, as well as with
ambassadors of NATO member
countries. These representatives
praised Macedonia’s progress,
the reforms made in defence
and building of multiethnic soci-
ety, which should be a message
to all the countries in the region.
5
INFORMAL MEETING OF THE
MINISTERS OF DEFENCE
Defence Minister Zoran Kon-
janovski, accompanied by Dep-
uty Chief of the General Staff,
MajGeneral Naser Sejdini actively
participated on the first informal
meeting of Defence Ministers
of the troop contributing na-
tions to the Regional Command
North (RC North), in the ISAF
mission in Afghanistan, held in
the Bundeswehr of the German
Army in Berlin, on 11 May.
The purpose of the meeting was
the analysis of their area of re-
sponsibility, led by Germany, the
cooperation with international
organizations and the emphsis
of the incredible importance of
the involvement of the interna-
tional organizations in Afghani-
stan, both short-term and long-
term. Special emphasis was
made on the implementation of
the decisions from the London
International Conference on Af Af-
ghanistan, held in January this
year. The focus of the countries
contributing to the ISAF mission
in Afghanistan was to define the
means and direct forces for grad-
ual transfer of the security in the
hands of the Afghan institutions.
The participants demonstrated
their unreserved support and ap-
preciation for the soldiers in RC
North, for their professionalism,
dedication and courage when
completing mundane, extremely
difficult combat tasks. The par par-
ticipants expressed their con-
dolenced for the families whose
sons died in this mission.
The conclusion drawn at this im-
portant meeting was that the
achievement of the final goal of
the ISAF mission in Afghanistan,
the maintenance of permanent
peace and security, strength-
ening of the institutions and
democracy in the country was
possible only with complete,
cooperative approach of all rel-
evant institutions in the process
of transition in this region. It also
depends on the will power of the
Afghan population to meet chal-
lenges on the road for building
democracy.
On the margins of the meet-
ing the Macedonian delegation
had important bilateral meet-
ings with the representatives of
the USA, Albania and Norway.
On these meetings members
of the Macedonian delegation
received appreciation for Mace-
donia’s contribution to interna-
tional missions, especially about
the fact that by sending 79 rep-
resentatives in the elite army
units, which were included in the
training of the Afghan Security
Forces, together with the US Ver-
mont National Guard, the RM is
participating in the ISAF mission
with 242 peacekeepers, reaching
the respectable participation of
4 % of our national land forces, a
higher percentage in comparison
to many other NATO countries.
6
HANDLING EXTRA
Toni Masevski
AMMUNITION
A high-level delegation of the
ARM headed by the Chief of Gen-
eral Staff, Lt. Gen. Miroslav Sto-
janovski, participated on a con-
ference of the Chiefs of General
Staffs of the Armies of Adriatic
Group Countries held in Sarajevo,
B&H in the period 19 April - 2 May.
Chiefs of General Staffs of the
Armies from the Adriatic group
(Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and
Herzegovina, and Montenegro),
Chiefs of General Staffs of the
Armies of Slovenia and Serbia,
Deputy Commander of European
Command of the USA, high rep-
resentatives of the NATO Head-
quarters (SHAPE) and NATO Joint
Force Command Naples partici-
pated on the conference.
The main topic of the confer-
ence was “The benefits from the
NATO/PfP tools in the develop-
ment of the operational capabili-
ties with a focus on handling ex-
tra ammunition “. The participants
exchanged experiences in ways
to dispose ofobsolete armament
and ammunition as one of the
problems the countries in the re-
gion are facing.
During his stay in Sarajevo, Gen-
eral Stojanovski visited the ARM
Medical Team deployed in the
EU-led mission ALTHEA, and laid
a wreath on the monument of
victims from the ARM Air Force
WING, located in front of the EU-
FOR Command in Butmir.
7
BILATERAL DEFENCE
CONSULTATIONS
A delegation from the US Minis-
try of Defence headed by General
Joseph McMillan, Principal Deputy
Assistant Secretary of Defense
for International Security Affairs,
visited the Republic of Macedo-
nia in the period between 5 and
7 May. The aim of the visit were
the 5th bilateral consultations
between the Republic of Mace-
donia and the USA held each
year as an important contribu-
tion and an excellent opportunity
for strengthening the bilateral
cooperation between the two
countries in the defence area.
During his stay the Principal Dep-
uty Assistant Secretary of De-
fense for International Security
Affairs of the USA, Mr. McMillan
had a meeting with the Macedo-
nian Defence Minister Mr. Kon-
janovski. The ambassador of the
USA to Macedonia Philip Reeker
and the Ambassador of Macedo-
nia to the USA Zoran Jolevski at-
tended the meeting.
After the meeting the two in-
terlocutors gave statements to
public.
“We know that the Republic of
Macedonia is a trustworthy part-
ner. We will continue building our
capacities, training our soldiers,
firstly of all in order to be able to
protect the territorial integrity of
the RM but also to participate
in peacekeeping missions led by
NATO and the USA. Our goal
for the future is to strengthen
the cooperation with the USA”
stated the Defence Minister of
the Republic of Macedonia Zoran
Konjanovski.
“This is a proof of Macedonia’s
dedication to build more stable,
secure and peaceful world, and
simultaneously indicates the
responsibility of the RM and its
readiness to become a NATO
member. The USA respects
Macedonia’s dedication and its
contribution to international mis-
sions. Today’s conversations em-
phasize the existing cooperation
between the RM and the USA
and set the path for further bilat-
eral cooperation”, stated Mr. Jo-
seph McMillan, the US Principal
Deputy Assistant Secretary of
Defense for International Secu-
rity Affairs.
8
A DAY WITH THE SOLDIERS
Defence Minister Zoran Kon-
janovski has recently spent a
working day with the soldiers
form the First Mechanized In-
fantry Brigade in Jane Sandanski
barracks, and attended the live
firing at the military range “Pe-
nush” near Shtip.
Together with the soldiers, Min-
ister Konjanovski raised the flag
and participated in the physical
preparations. He stressed that
the easiest way to learn the
problems of one’s employees is
on the field. „Every Minister, de-
spite of his regular activities and
obligations in his cabinet, should
spend some time with his em-
ployees, in this case the soldiers
preparing for regular rotation in
the peacekeeping mission in Af Af-
ghanistan”, stated Minister Kon-
janovski.
According to him it is difficult
to be a soldier and a minister, if
one takes his job seriously and if
he completes his working tasks
with dedication.
The Defence Minister also at-
tended a tactical exercise in Pe-
nush, together with the officers
of the First Mechanized Infantry
Brigade, where ARM members
were taking control over a camp.
„The activities on terrain went
well and I am happy that the
soldiers allowed me to spend
a day with them, to talk about
their professional and personal
problems” stated Minister Kon-
janovski.
Brigadier General Dimce Petro-
vski, Commander of the First
Mechanized Infantry Brigade,
expressed his satisfaction that
the Minister spent a working day
with the soldiers preparing for a
peacekeeping mission abroad.
The Defence Minister finished
the day spent with the soldiers in
Shtip with the traditional solder’s
lunch - beans.
9
MEDALS AWARDED
З.Ј.
On 25 and 26 May, the Com-
mander of the US Special Opera-
tions Command Europe, Major
General Frank Kisner was in an
official visit to the Republic of
Macedonia.
During his stay in the Republic of
Macedonia, General Kisner had a
meeting with the Chief of Gen-
eral Staff, Lt Gen Miroslav Sto-
janovski and the State Secretary
in the MOD, Mr. Petar Esmerov.
In the framework of his visit Gen-
eral Kisner visited the Special Op-
erations Regiment of the ARM
where he saw a presentation on
the training capacities of this unit
in the Ilinden barracks.
General Kisner awarded two
members of the Special Opera-
tions Regiment with medals for
contributions to the operation
“Iraqi Freedom”. The members of
the Special Operations Regiment
presented part of an exercise on
the multi-purpose tower as well
as the reaction to an ambushed
unit supported by two helicop-
ters from the Air Force WING.
During his stay MajGen Frenk Kis-
ner visited part of the regiment
units undergoing survival training
at “Krivolak”.
10
NEW ROTATIONS OF
MEDICAL TEAMS
There was an official ceremony in
the premises of the Logistic Sup-
port Command (LSC) on 7 May,
on the occasion of leave-taking
of the eight rotation of the ARM
Medical Team participating in the
ALTHEA mission, in Bosnia and
Herzegovina and the fourth rota-
tion of the surgical team partici-
pating in the
ISAF mission in Afghanistan.
In addition to the Commander of
LSC, Colonel Blagojcho Pejchinov
the ceremony was attended by
the Chief of G-4 of the ARM GS,
Colonel Kiro Ristovski, the Com-
mander of the Military Medical
Centre Colonel Andrea Nau-
movski and other representa-
tives of ARM GS.
On the ceremony, the Com-
mander of LSC emphasized the
importance of participation of
the ARM members in EUFOR,
the contributions of the surgi-
cal team to the ISAF mission in
Afghanistan, reminding the rela-
tives of the members of these
teams that these two missions
are extremely important for pro-
moting of the operational capa-
bilities of the ARM in providing
medical assistance.
The medical team, which is the
eight rotation of mission AL-
THEA, consists of 10 people, pro-
fessional medical and supporting
personnel, whose main objec-
tive to provide general medical
assistance to EUFOR. They are
stationed in camp Butmir, near
Sarajevo. ARM started its par-
ticipation in the ALTHEA Medical
Team back in 2006, and so far
these teams completed all the
tasks immaculately which was
confirmed by the high grades
given by the EUFOR command.
The surgical team performs its
tasks in the frameworks of the
Norwegian contingent, on the
north of Afghanistan in the prov-
ince Maymanah, where the ARM
sent its first team in 2008. So
far the Kingdom of Norway has
given their highest marks to our
members for professional con-
duct when completing tasks un-
der difficult conditions.
11
MEETING OF THE LOGISTIC
OFFICERS OF THE ADRIATIC
GROUP
Based on the regional coopera-
tion plan between the Armies
of the Adriatic Group, the meet-
ing between the G/J-4 Chiefs of
Staff of the Army General Staffs
of the Adriatic Group was held.
The host of the meeting was
the Chief of G-4 of the ARM GS,
Colonel Kiro Ristovski and the
meeting was attended by his col-
leagues in charge of the logistics
department in the armed forces
of: Albania, Croatia, Bosnia and
Herzegovina and Montenegro
attended it. In addition to the
Chiefs of G/J-4 of the General
Staffs of the armed forces of the
Adriatic Group member coun-
tries, the meeting was attended
by the Director of the Logistics
Department of USEUCOM, Ad-
miral William Andy Brown.
The main topics of discussion
on the meeting were: the pos-
sibilities of mutual cooperation
and support to the armies of the
Adriatic Group member countries
in maintenance, lessons learned
in providing logistic support to
MEDCEUR, lessons learned in
the newly accepted NATO mem-
ber countries and the future
initiatives of the logistic armed
force structures segment as part
of the Adriatic Group member
countries focusing on the orga-
nization of the logistic exercises.
12
From the activities of the
Training Command
DEMONSTRATED HUMANITY
The humanitarian campaign of
the employees for voluntary do-
nation of the precious fluid, con-
tinued in the Training Command
located in the Veles barracks, on
21 April. The campaign for vol-
untary donation of blood was
conducted by the medical team
from the Transfusiology Ward at
the Military Medical Centre.
In the course of the campaign,
59 blood donors, among which
were professional soldiers and
their superiors, voluntarily gave
blood. The feeling of satisfaction
was very high among young sol-
diers who with honest affection
donated blood in order to help
the ones in need. Part of them
said that it was a great feeling
13
 to be a blood donor during their
conscript service in the Army.
The humanity was also proven
by girl soldiers on a voluntary
conscript service, who also do-
nated blood. This campaign,
once again showed the big hu-
manity of the ARM members in
the Veles garrison to save one’s
life in danger.
TRAINING MARCH
A training march of the active
military personnel and civilians
employed in the Training Com-
mand in Veles participated was
organized, as part of the annual
plan and programe for training
the employees of the Training
Command in 2010. The march
was performed in the beautiful
nature of the region near lake
“Mladost”. The final destination
of the march was the ship Pa-
nini stationed in the Veles Lake
where the participants had the
opportunity of enjoying their
lunch in the wonderful company
of the employees of the TC.
13
CONTINUED MILITARY
S. Nikolovska
EDUCATION
After four weeks of education at
the Military Academy “General
Mihailo Apostolski” in Skopje,
associated member of the Uni-
versity “Goce Delcev in Stip”, on
7 May, the course for company
commanders from branches
and logistics specialties in ARM
was completed. The training of
officers for company command-
ers was held for the first time in
our army. This course initiated
the implementation of continued
education of the officers in accor
accor-
dance with the accepted model
for progressive continued mili-
tary education and further pro-
fessional training for a particular
branch, all this as part of the Offi-
cer Corps Development Concept.
The course was organized by
the Sector for II and III cycle of
professional continued educa-
tion. The entire personnel of the
Military Academy, with excellent
cooperation of the course par par-
ticipants, was totally dedicated
to achieiving the high set goals:
enlargement of basic leadership
skills, interaction with people,
which they have to implement
in mundane training and activi-
ties with soldiers, in the units and
in the commands of the ARM;
all this to train the participant
14
to be more competent, inven-
tive, creative, flexible, efficient,
loyal, communicative, motivated
and responsible officers with
high morale; to specialize in per
per-
forming commanding duties, to
perform high quality training, to
manage and command company
units; to prepare psychologically
and physically for the execution
of their tasks in all parts of the
country and in all weather condi-
tions.
At the end of the course through
written evaluation but also
through conversation, the Man-
ager of the Sector for II and III
cycle, Colonel Slavko Angelevski,
Ph. D. discussed this pilot course
and shared his impressions with
the Dean of the Military Academy
Colonel Rose Smilevski, Ph. D.
At the end of the course all the
participants received their Certifi-
cates with the title” Completed
Course for Company Command-
er” for the first time in the his-
torty of the ARM.
14
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Lazar Gjurov
The First Mechanized Infantry
Brigade has gained big respect
and transparency, both in the
ARM and in the civilian struc
struc-
tures, which is due to the high
professionalism in completion of
the given tasks. The brigade has
been recently visited by eighty
students from the Faculty of
Pedagogy, under the mentorship
of the dean professor Ph. D Kiril
Cackov, Vice Dean forLectures
professor Ph. D. Nikola Smilkov,
Department Manager, Professor
Ph. D Snezana Miraschieva, As-
sociate Professor Ph. D. Sonja
Petrovska and Associate Profes-
sor Ph. D. Borce Kostov.
Part of the managing team
and students of the Faculty of
Pedagogy were hosted by Gen-
eral Dimce Petrovski. “ As future
teachers and professors you
have chosen a responsible pro-
fession which does not require
only professional knowledge but
other skills as well, and today’s
visit is an opportunity to gain ad-
ditional experience for develop-
ing pedagogical skills” stressed
General Petrovski.
The working visit was a result of
the good military civilian coopera-
tion directed at helping project
activities of particular content of
the courses’ programmes at the
faculty.
The visit was organized in sev-
eral sequences: sightseeing of
the barracks, presentation of
the brigade in order to familiarize
the students with the activities
of the Scorpions participating in
military exercises, peacekeeping
missions, humanitarian and en-
vironmental actions, visit to the
Macedonian room and organiza-
tion of tactical-technical demon-
stration.
The First Mechanized Infantry
Brigade proved to be an excel-
lent host, open for cooperation
with public in order to bring ARM
units close to civilian structures.
15 Z. Janakievski
From the activities of the
Organziation Reserve Officers
of the Republic of Macedonia
CELEBRATING THE DAY OF
THE RESERVE OFFICERS
The members and the manage-
ment of the municipal organiza-
tional units, with numerous activ-
ities and dignity marked the Day
of the ORORM- 29 April.
On the 58 anniversary from the
foundation of the Organization
of Reserve Officers of the Re-
public of Macedonia, most of the
executive boards of ORORM in
municipalities held special meet-
ings, discussing the past activi-
ties, as well as current tasks in
the defence system of the Re-
public of Macedonia. In certain
places the members organized
concrete activities. So, the mu-
nicipal organizations from Pro-
bishtip and Kratovo organized a
march on the 15 km long route
Kratovo-Blizanci-Solishte-Pro-
bishtip, i.e. 10 km long route Pro-
bishtip-Solishte-Probishtip. This
march, of 50 reserve officers and
NCOs was attended by many
other guests among which was
the Deputy Defence Minister,
Emil Dimitriev, Commander of
the First Mechanized Infantry Bri-
gade, Brigadier General Dimche
Petrovski, the MP from Kratovo
Marjancho Kolevski, as well as
representatives of the Manage-
ment of the ORORM from Sveti
Nikole, Shtip and Radovish.
On the occasion of the ORO-
ROM day, the Executive Board
in Tetovo held a formal meeting
to promote their web site, which
is first of this Organization in the
Republic of Macedonia.
Special notice should be paid to
the central programme activity
in the municipalities Krushevo
and Demir Hisar, titled “Cherish-
ing of freedom traditions and
cultural inheritance from WW II”.
Around 130 young reserve of-
ficers and NCOs from 12 MU of
the ORORM (Krushevo, Prilep,
Kicevo, Demir Hisar, Makedon-
ski Brod, Bitola, Karposh, Centre,
Kisela Voda, Chair, Gazi Baba and
Radovish) went on a training
march with several educational
activities. They followed the 18
km long route Krusevo-Training
Centre in village Rastojca. Be-
fore that they visited several his-
torical monuments in Krushevo.
During the march in the place
called Kojov Trn, at an altitude
of 1.339m the participants prac-
ticed moving the azimuth, using
a compass, topographical maps
and special attention was paid
to using the GPS+2, as a modern
sophisticated means, i.e. system
for global positioning used in the
ARM. The training regarding the
use of GPR system was con-
ducted by Major Mice Kotevski
and Lt. Zlatko Damchevski from
the Second Mechanized Infantry
Brigade in Kichevo. During the
march the young reserve officers
had a chance to see the water-
fall Momin Kamen which was
shortly presented by Miroslav
Stevanovski, president of the
Executive Board of ORORM in
Bitola. At the entrance of village
Rastojca the attendants visited
the monument of the freedom-
fighters of WW II.
In the closing part of this one-day
programe in the Training Cen-
tre village Rastojca, the Mayor
of Demir Hisar, Toni Angelovski
welcomed the participants of
the march. The president of
ORORM prof. Ph.D. Gjorgji Mal-
kovski shortly informed them
about the reform processes
of the ORORM, the most im-
portant program activities, the
cooperation with the branches
of local government, the coop-
eration with the MoD and ARM
GS and the other important is-
sues related to the work of the
ORORM. The participants were
also addressed by Ph.D. Mende
Solunchevski, as an organizer of
the above mentioned project for
celebrating the ORORM day. The
contribution of the ARM GS and
the SMIB which provided the lo-
gistic support of the event was
important for a successful com-
pletion of this one-day activity.
Zivko Trajanovski
ADVANCEMENT
UNDERTHREAT
DANGER FOR THE ASPIRATIONS IN THE GREAT VACUUM – II
he threats from the space debris are
real for both the satellites and flying
objects without a crew and for those
with a crew. Even though the critical
systems of the elements are protected
from collisions of smaller pieces of debris, they
directly influence the life span of the satellite
(especially important for the satellites which
are charged by solar panels). The solar pan-
els are the most exposed ones because their
front side must always be facing the sun. Still,
after being collided, in most of the cases they
do not cause new debris, just one cloud of
gas which is of no risk for the rest of the satel-
lites. The very effect of the long-term stay into
space was clearly visible on the solar panels
of the Russian Space Station “Mir”. The colli-
sion then again with a larger object could have
catastrophic consequences. The first noticed
„UNDERTAkING AGGRESSIVE
SPACE ACTIVITIES WITHOUT
TAkING ADEqUATE
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
COULD SIGNIFICANTLY
SHORTEN THE TIME BETWEEN
THE IMPACTS IN THE ORBIT
THUS PRODUCING DEBRIS
WHICH WILL BE GREAT
DANGER FOR THE FUTURE
SPACE SHUTTLES.“
Donald J. Kessler,
NASA scientist
impact happened on 24 July 1981 when be-
cause of the impact with a smaller object, the
Soviet Kosmos 1275 broke into 300 pieces.
Kosmos 1484 had the same destiny on 18
October 1993, although in this case a possible
reason for the explosion was considered to
be the explosion of one of its batteries. The
first direct collision happened on 10 February
2009 when the deactivated 950-kg Kosmos
2251 and 560-kg operational Iridium 33 col-
lided at 800 km over Siberia, Russia.
DEBRIS AND HUMAN MISSIONS
More worrying is the possibility of an impact
with a shuttle with human crew. Ever since
the beginning of the missions of the Ameri-
can space shuttles, NASA had researched
the NORAD Catalogue, continuously looking
for tracks with lower concentration of debris.
15

The first officially registered maneuver for
avoiding a collision was in September 1991
during the mission STS-48. With assistance
by a seven-second starting of the additional
engines a possible collision with the rest of
the satellite Kosmos 955 was avoided. One
of the first bigger events that attracted the
public attention for this issue was the colli-
sion of one small piece with the front window
of the space shuttle Challenger during the
STS-7 mission, and the same thing happened
to Endeavor during the STS_59 in 1994. The
thing that was noticed after the inspection
of the two shuttles was that the concentra-
tion of collisions of smaller elements visible
on the hull of the shuttle was significantly
increased. Due to the fact that the collisions
into the front window became more often
after reaching the orbit the space shuttle
was moving in the opposite direction, i.e. the
back engines which are not used at returning
to the orbit, were exposed to a direct colli-
sion with the small debris. When the shuttle
connects with the ISS (International Space
Shuttle), the plans always go in the direction
to make the shuttle to be under the biggest
possible protection from the space station
itself.
Increasing the density of the debris today has
resulted in the fact that the biggest threat to
all missions of American space-shuttles is the
collision with the space debris-that is why be-
fore every mission there is a detailed check
and risk evaluation from the collision with de-
bris. If the risk of collision and destruction of
the shuttle is bigger than 1 in 200, a decision
is to be made on the highest level whether to
continue with the mission or not. The facts
16
say that one normal mission faces the risk of
1 in 3000, while the mission for repairing the
space telescope Hubble had the initial risk of
1 in 185 (because of the direct collision of the
two satellites in 2009). However, after more
detailed analysis of the debris, the risk was
lowered to 1 in 221 and then the mission was
allowed to continue.
The biggest object in space created by man,
the International Space Station, uses an
extensive: Whipple: protection for its critical
elements. Still, a great part of the station is
impossible to be protected, especially the so-
lar panels and just because of that the predic-
tions say that in only four years they would
be exposed to 0.23 % of degradation (that
is why its size was enlarged by 1%). The only
protection from collision with a bigger object
is to avoid it. Namely, in one case the crew
had to leave their work positions and to find
shelter in the Russian capsule Soyuz until the
danger was gone. The danger came from a
10-centimeter part of Kosmos 1275 which is
considered to be the first victim of the space
debris.
THE EARTH AS A TARGET
There are threats for our planet as well, al-
though smaller space debris would burn in
the Earth atmosphere. Such example is the
planned burning of the American station Sky-
lab which as a result of the solar activity got
out of its planned track and some debris fell
down in the area of the South Pacific Ocean
and Western Australia. A big threat to the
Earth was the debris of the space-shuttle Co-
lumbia which fell apart in the atmosphere in
2003. Some parts and systems of the shut-
tle that could possibly have traces of poison-
ous material fell down to Earth and because
of that NASA gave certain warnings to take
precaution for those parts not to be touched
by the curious citizens.
On 27 March 2007, one fragment from a
Russian spying satellite passed very close to
the plane of LAN Chile with 270 passengers,
on its way from Santiago (Chile) to Oakland
(New Zealand).
Until now there has been only one registered
incident of a person hit by a space object. The
American Loti Williams was hit on her shoul-
der by debris with measurements 10x13 cm
which was confirmed later that it was part of
the rocket’s fuel tank type Delta II having US
Army’s satellite attached.
Taking into consideration the velocity of the
objects in the space, the comparative analy-
sis regarding their destructive power would
look like this:
– A metal chip of 1mm can do the same dam-
age as a bullet shot by a 22-callibre gun;
– A metal sphere with a size of a tennis ball is
as deadly as 25 bars of dynamite.
PROTECTION AND CLEANING
In the beginnings of the space research, pro-
tection from micrometeoroids and space
debris were based on power. The outside
walls were made thicker, but in many cases
much thicker than it was necessary. But, hav-
ing in mind that the price of every launching
is directly connected with the mass being
launched, this was so-called the “expensive”
approach.
The protection developed by Whipple in 1946
seemed to them as a better solution. Its in-
vention was the use of a thin foil which pro-
tected by that when a small fragment would
collide with it, it turned into plasma and burst
without causing any damage to the space
shuttle. Because of the small mass of the
foil, they preferred this way of protection,
firstly known as “Meteor shield” and then as
“Whipple Shield”.
As a part of the new generation of shields
against micro meteoroids and small de-
bris there is a new design of NASA called
“Stuffed Whipple shield: which uses the soft
ballistic shield as a basic component.
Parallel with the process of creating a more
effective protection for the next objects
which will be launched into space, the sci-
entists from this field are thinking how to
reduce the process of a continual increase of
the debris (which in all cases is squeezing the
budget of every space organization and in-
creases the time necessary for space objects
constructions), but also to “fix” already done
damages. Namely, here we are talking about
innovative techniques which are still in the
initial phase. One of the most popular ways
of “cleaning” is using the “laser broom” which
uses a powerful laser positioned on Earth.
What is in fact the laser broom and how it
functions? As I mentioned above, it is about
an earth laser system that would have as a
target to clean up the way of the Internation-
al Space Station from debris. According to
the design, the broom can locate debris with
a diameter from one to ten cm. It is predicted
that the first tests are to be performed with
small power of the laser because of the fears
that the Agreement on the outer space could
be broken which prohibits the use of space
lasers. Otherwise, with full capacity, it is pre-
dicted for the laser to melt the frag- 16:56, 10 February 2009. This mo­
COSMOS-2251
kOSMOS AND THE AMERICAN IRIDIUM

ments’ material and would change ment will be remembered as the mo­
TIFICIAL SATTELITES: THE RUSSIAN
THE FIRST COLLISION OF TWO AR-

their orbit and would bring them into – Communications satellite ment when the first collision of two
HAPPENED IN FEBRUARI 2009

the Earth’s atmosphere where due Strela. artificial satellites occurred in Earth’s
to friction they would burn out com- orbit. “The main characters” in the
pletely.
– Launched on 16 June 1993. event were the American Iridium 33
One project for development of the la- – Weight: 950 kg. and the Russian Kosmos 2251, and
ser broom is called “Project Orion”, but the place (Siberia). The satellites col­
because of the mentioned Agreement IRIDIUM 33 lided with a velocity of 11.7 km/sec or
and other Agreements, as well as a 42.120 km/h. And in the moment of
great number of problems, the project
– Part of the satellite the collision, the American satellite
for more than a decade has been kept constellation Iridium was completely operational, whereas
on the NASA shelves. composed of 66 satellites. the Russian one was out of use from
There are other suggestions for re- – Launched on 14 September 1995 and its movement hadn’t been
ducing the number of space debris, stated ever since. According to the
and the biggest part of them include
1997. NASA data, the collision “produced”
robotized objects that would collect – Weight: 560 kg. more than 1000 pieces of debris
the debris and would transport them which as a result of the farther orbit
to a so called central unit, releasing ae- rather than the one of the Internation­
ro gel to collect the debris and similar. al Space Station will not be danger danger­
However, due to the high prices of ous for it. However, the Chinese sci­
any one of the suggested solutions, entists expressed their worries that
they have still been kept on the proj- the fragments from the collision are
ect tables. dangerous for the Chinese satellites
which operate in the near orbit.
COLLISIONS UP TO NOW The reason for the collision is obvious
Despite the relatively calm orbits and clear. The information says that
there has been great number of colli- “close” encounters between satellites
sions fatal for the satellites. Olympus are an everyday occasion and that
was hit by a meteor on 11 August nobody can confirm for sure that the
1993 and after that stopped function- track where one operational body is
ing. The same destiny happened to orbiting is debris­free,
­­free, i.e. that there is
the French micro satellite called Cerise no orbiting body which belongs to the
which collided with the tank of the definiot of space debris. John Camp­
rocket Adrianne-H10 on 24 July 1996. bell from Iridium pointed out that the
The Russian communications satellite network Iridium comes to a distance
Express-AM11 was also hit by a UFO of five km from another satellite even
on 29 March 2006 and after that it 400 times weekly.
stopped working. Ivan Petrushevski
 MASTER PIECE OF THE
MILITARY INDUSTRY
A SHORT REVEIW ON F-35 Lightning II
HE BEGINNINGS flection of the aircraft. The first test flight Mr. John E. White (Director of Engineer-
During the 1980s and 1990s, several with F-35 in CTOL – Conventional Take-Off ing), is carrying out their duties out-
programs for development of a new and Landing mode, was realized the fall of standingly and they are achieving excel-
fighter plane made an attempt to get 2006 in the capacities of Lockheed Martin lent results. Of course, the end result is
the sympathies of the military authori- in the Fort Worth base, Texas. an aircraft, which in different versions
ties in the USA. The changes occurred after will satisfy all the segments of the air
the announcement of the decision that the DEVELOPMENT AND defense, for conducting missions in sup-
future acceptable program should satisfy DEMONSTRATION port of land operations, as well as for
the needs of the air force, the navy and The team that at the moment, under action from aircraft carrier. This aircraft
the marines, with an emphasis on reduc- the guidance of General Major C. D. in future will replace the different types
ing the expenses for development, pro- Moore (Program Executive Officer) and that are carrying out these missions
duction, use and maintenance. This marks
the beginning of the JSF (Joined Strike F-35 Joint Strike Fighter right after its introduction grew into a multinational project in which,
together with the USA, the friendly countries are participating as partners, of course,
Fighter) program. After the elimination of with certain amounts although incomparable to the 19 billion of USA
McDonnell Douglas, in 1996 in the final
round enters the teams of Lockheed Mar- Country Date Sum in dollars
tin and Boeing. In the early 1997, Northrop
Great Britain 17 January 2001 2 billion
Grumman joins Lockheed Martin's team,
while the British Aerospace joins them
during the Paris air show the same year. Italy 24 June 2002 1 billion
Both teams approach the phase of defin-
ing the project, and in the course of 2000 Nederland 17 June 2002 800 million
they realized their first flights with their
prototypes with success. The Lockheed
team presented their X-35, while Boeing Turkey 11 June 2002 175 million
opposed with the X-32 prototype.
The final decision was announced on 26 Canada 7 February 2002 150 million
October 2001 and it was approved that
the project goes into the next phase, 10- Australia 31 October 2002 150 million
year SDD-phase (System Development
and Demonstration). The winner in the
race was Lockheed Martin team and their Denmark 28 May 2002 125 million
prototype, later named F-35 Lightning II.
During this phase of the program the team Norway 20 June 2002 125 million
completed 22 test-planes, 14 of which
were intended for air tests, 7 for ground In 2003 Israel and Singapore also joined the program as SCP-participants
tests and one for determining the radar re- (Security Cooperative Particiant)

18
 control. The mutual success is upgraded
by equipping the aircraft with EOTS
(Electro-Optical Targeting System). The
system provides increased radius for
detection and accurate action on the
ground targets, and detection of the
danger from air on large distances. The
accurate action on the ground targets
is upgraded with the AESA (Active Elec-
tronically Scanned Array) system that
also provides increase of the possibility
for detection of obstacles in the direc-
tion of movement. The integration of
the data of all these systems and their
display to the pilot was enabled by the
Vision System International with the
development of the HMDS (Helmet
Mounted Displays Systems) system.
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
The propulsive group of this aircraft is a
special story. This task was assigned to
Prath&Whitney who designed the F135
engine for the F-35A and F-35C ver-
sions, while the F136 vector thrust en-
gine, together with the special system
for separation of the side thrust neces-
sary for vertical landing is intended for
the F-35B version.
The integrated construction, modern
materials and the special jet brings the
stealth characteristics of the F-35 to
the maximum.
The sophisticated pilot cockpit enables
the pilot a real view of the entire area,
positive identification of the targets
and accurate action in all weather condi-
tions. The integrated systems enable vi-

F-35A CTOL F-35B STO/VL F-35C

CREW 1 pilot 1 pilot 1 pilot
AFTER THE PRESENTATION OF THE LENGTH 15.7 15.6 15.7
TENDENCIES IN THE DOMAIN OF PILOT
WINGSPAN 10.7 10.7 13.1
TRAINING AND THE MODERN FLIGHT
SCHOOL-COMBAT PLANES, WE MOVE WING AREA 42.7 42.7 62.1
ON TO THE FUTURE. WE WILL PRESENT EMPTY
THE PROJECT THAT WILL BECOME THE WEIGHT 13 300 14 500 15 800
LEADING PART OF THE STRONGEST
MILITARY AIR FORCES IN THE WORLD MAx TAKEOFF 31 800 27 000 31 800
FROM 2011 WEIGHT
RANGE 2 220 1 670 2 520
COMBAT RANGE 1 100 910 1 150
by Borce Manev POWER PLANT 1х Prath&Whitney F135 (F136 for B version), with a thrust of 125 kN, and
191 kN with afterburner.

today. Thus, for the needs of the US sual control and drastically improve the
Navy the F-35C version will be modern possibilities of the pilot.
interceptor which will replace the cur- The weapons system of the F-35 in-
rent F/A-18E/F on the aircraft carriers. cludes most of the weapons that the
For the needs of the US Air Force F-35A US Air Force and their allies use at the
CTOL - Conventional Take-Off and Land- moment. The modern system, besides
ing, it will be an aircraft mainly intended enabling the use of variety of weapons
for “air-to-surface” combat and will re- from one place, will also have an op-
place the F-16 and A-10 and will be com- portunity for simple upgrade so it can
plemented with the F/A-22 fighters. In be used for the weapons that are still
the US Marine Corps the F-35B STOVL to come. In addition to the built in 25
(Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing) mm cannon GAU-22/A and the variety
version will be used, and as the exclu- of bombs, it can be also armed with
sive fighter aircraft it will replace the AV- the AIM-120 «air-to-air» missile, AIM-
8B and F/A-18. For the needs of Great 132 ASRAAM and AIM-9x Sidewinder,
Britain and her Royal Navy and Royal as well as with IRIS-T AGM-154 JSOW
Air Force Sea Harrier&Gr.7 will be used, и AGM-158 JASSM «air-to-surface»
as a supersonic fighter, and for the rest missiles. The armament can be located
of the partners it will be the substitu- inside the plane's fuselage with the
tion for the their F-16, F/A-18 и AV-8V. maximum capacity of 8100 kg, and if
the stealth characteristics and the small
MODERN TECHNOLOGY radar reflection are not especially need-
F-35 is not just a regular jet plane, it is a ed, the armament can be set also on 6
highly integrated air system that unites under wing carriers with a total capacity
several components. Northrop Grum- of 6800 kg.
man using the Lockheed's missile con- All this confirms that is an exceptional
trol system as a bases and adding the example of an aircraft, a true master
key electronic sensors have created the piece of the military industry. And yet,
electro optical DAS (Distributed Aperture so far none of the partner countries
System), a system that enables the pilot or the SPP countries has confirmed
one unique defensive sphere around the the number of desired aircrafts, while
entire aircraft. The image of the entire that number for the USA will have to
environment with a real time projection be announced individually by the US Air
that enables prompt missile warning and Force, US Navy and US Marine Corps.
warning for hostile aircrafts, provides in- Nevertheless, the number of produced
creased visibility in day time and in night F-35 aircrafts is expected to be over
time conditions, as well as improved fire two thousand.

19
 CELEBRATION OF
20
THE ARM COMPEER
 he Military Police Battalion (MPB) is
formed by Decree of the President of
the Republic of Macedonia on 15 April
1992 and mostly functioned as an in-
dependent unit of the General Staff of
the Army. Today the MPB is located in the
formation of the Joint Operational Command
(JOC), and it is composed of professional sol-
diers with a fully transformed structure and
as such has the desired level of compatibility
with this kind of units in NATO. It is of great
importance that all MPB members have spe-
cial criteria for selection, similar to those for
the special units.
The basic mission of MPB is protection of the
premises of MoD, the General Staff of ARM
and the commands of the units of ARM, pro-
tection of people and delegations, as well as
command posts and other locations that are
of particular interest for the battlefield dur
dur-
THE DAY OF THE MILITARY POLICE MARKED WITH A CEREMONY
ing combat actions. In addition to this, one of
the tasks of this unit is to control the military
traffic and insight in traffic accidents with
motor vehicles, as well as to detect, locate
and accompany MoD and ARM members
that have committed a criminal act. The Bat-
talion is properly equipped for conducting
these tasks and for the purpose of greater
efficiency the Battalion is being constantly
equipped. As a result of the reached level of
interoperability, the declared forces of the
MPB have successfully completed the recent
phases of evaluation, and since the end of
March, one of its platoons together with the
Special Operations Regiment is carrying out
tasks as a part of the «Phoenix» contingent
in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan.
On the occasion of the Day of the police
and security, the MPB celebrated its day
on 7 May with a proper ceremony at the
Army Stadium in the City Park in Skopje. The
Minister of Defense, Zoran Konjanovski, the
Deputy Chief of General Staff of the ARM,
Maj Gen Naser Sejdini, the JOC Deputy Com-
mander, Brigadier General Kiro Galazovski,
representatives from the Army units and
the commands, as well as the relatives and
friends of the Military police officers attend-
ed the ceremony.
COMPLEX AND RESPONSIBLE MISSION
Extending his congratulations on the MP
day, the MP Commander, Lieutenant Colo-
nel Cedo Jakimovski, in his address, inter
alia, stated: «MPB is a unit - compeer of the
ARM. The ideological basis of the unit was
founded in 1903 by organizing village guards
to protect the Rila Congress in the evening
of the preparations for the Ilinden Uprising.
The legacy that was left on us presents a
great honor and responsibility and demands
our unselfish efforts, high awareness and
outstanding professionalism of the entire
collective in the preparation and realization
of numerous assignments in the country and
abroad. The importance of the efforts that
were made is confirmed by the fact that our
engagement today is throughout the entire
world, starting from the numerous military
and police tasks in the Republic of Macedo-
nia, then Bosnia and Herzegovina and in Af Af-
ghanistan, which we are all especially proud
of. In the following period, there are also diffi-
cult and responsible tasks, for which we will,
without any doubt, be impeccably prepared
and will carry them out. You must be wonder-
ing why am I so confident? I am confident be-
cause we have the necessary support of our
families, for which we are eternally grateful».
At the ceremony, a telegram with con-
gratulations from the Chief of General Staff
of the ARM was read, as well as the orders
for presenting means of stimulation to the
members of the unit. Afterwards, the MP
members demonstrated the training and
the readiness of the unit with a demonstra-
tive exercise: «Protection of senior military
leaders.»
There was also a tactical and technical pre-
sentation with a display of the weapons
and the equipment of the unit.
The Day of the police and security was also
marked by the members of the Security and
Military Intelligence Service within the MoD,
as well as by some departments in G-2 and
S-2 sections in the structure of the ARM
commands and staffs.
21

OPEN DAY OF THE SPECIAL OPERATIONS REGIMENT OF ARM
ince the formation of the Battalion for
special operations to date, the candi-
dates for the Special Operations Regi-
ment (SOR) are subject to extremely
rigorous selection criteria by which they
are required to have a high level of psycho-
physical readiness, regardless if they are
officers or professional soldiers. Due to the
exceptionally complex training and the great
number of specialties, achieving top scores
in the training of the SOR members always
presents a great challenge.
The basic mission of SOR is conducting
special operations in peacetime and con-
flict conditions, counterterrorism and other
additional activities, as well as carrying out
assignments by participating in international
peacekeeping operations, and also preven-
tion and management of regional conflicts
and crises in operations under NATO, UN
and EU leadership.
The SOR members are continuing to achieve
top results that have been confirmed
throughout the five-year participation in the
mission “Freedom for Iraq” in Iraq, and today
they are part of the ARM contingent that
participates in the mission “Phoenix” whithin
the ISAF forces in Afghanistan.
To be a member of this elite ARM unit is re-
ally an honor, but also a great responsibility.
In their lines they have the most capable sol-
diers who have proven their ability to handle
even the most difficult challenges on numer
numer-
ous occasions.
THE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AMONG
THE “WOLVES” AND “RANGERS”
In order to make the military calling popular
among the youth in the high schools, the fu-
22
SOCIALIZING
WITH THE SPECIAL FORCES
ture potential “special forces” of ARM, an
open day of the SOR of ARM was recently
held in the military barracks “Ilinden” in Sko-
pje. For that occasion there were activities
from the life and the work of the unit, with
a tactical and technical note and a display
of the technical resources, weapons and
the equipment of the SOR, and also there
was a demonstration of exercises from
the specialized training of the unit.
On the open day of SOR there were partici-
pants from several high schools from Sko-
pje and the region, and for the young peo-
ple this was a rare opportunity to see the
training and the skills of the “wolves” and
“rangers” of ARM and to become familiar
with their weapons and technique from up
close. In general, that was an opportunity to
socialize and inform on how to become a
member of the most elite ARM unit.
The socializing went through several workwork-
ing stages. After the initial welcoming mili-
tary ceremony for the formation executed
by the SOR commander, Colonel Zoran
Dodevski, to whom the officer respon-
sible for the planned activities, Lieutenant
Colonel Zoran Blazevski, gave a report, the
high school students were also “lined up”
according to the military regulations for in-
troduction into the following activity.
Then the realization of the practical part
of the activities followed at the training
ranges, where the young students could
see firsthand the life and work of the Spe-
cial Forces and to get familiar with some of
their everyday activities during the conduct
of peacekeeping operations. The activity
was realized through several points of the
work agenda.
First, the “rangers” demonstrated the proce-
dures and activities in an ambush situation.
According to the received intelligence data,
a hostile patrol of around 5-8 people is ex-
pected to pass through given coordinates
and the ranger platoon received an assign-
ment to set up an ambush to neutralize
the hostile patrol. Right after receiving the
assignment, the platoon made a detailed
plan of the ambush, infiltrated into the given
location, following reconnaissance of the
place of the ambush by the platoon com-
mander. After learning the information of the
commander reconnaissance, the ambush is
planned and the groups are in position. The
hostile group walks into the ambush and the
“rangers” swiftly neutralize them. Then the
assault group searches the ground. After
the search of the dead and the wounded,
the group for mines and explosives destroys
the enemy weapons and equipment and the
platoon withdraws to the agreed safe place.
The whole activity lasted less than three
minutes.
The big applause of the students was a con-
firmation of their enjoyment in the demon-
stration, the readiness and professionalism
in carrying out the planned procedure of the
“rangers”.
Second on the agenda was the demonstra-
tion of a procedure of a check point in a
hurry. This was realized on the scenario that
the Ranger platoon has a mission to make
a check point on a pre-planned location in
order to capture weapons and ammunition
and to capture the people in possession of
the weapons and ammunition.
Based on intelligence data, a rebel group
with weapons and ammunition is expected

to pass through the main road on a cer-
tain intersection. Right after arriving on the
planned position, the motor vehicles take
their position. Then there is an inspection
of the location, non explosive obstacles
are planted as a means to reduce the
speed of the vehicles and to direct the traf-
fic, thus setting up the check point. When
the vehicle arrives, the other traffic on the
check point is stopped, and the vehicle and
the people are secured and searched. If a
weapon, ammunition or some suspicious
equipment is found, it is promptly confis-
cated, and the people are detained. Doing
so, the check point in a hurry is taken apart
and the vehicle is taken with the convoy.
In compliance with the standard operating
procedures, the platoon takes the people,
the vehicle and the equipment for further
interrogation and processing.
A warm applause followed for a second
time.
MULTIPURPOSE TOWER
AND MARTIAL ARTS
In the third part of the agenda, the students
were introduced with the possibilities of of-
fered by the multipurpose tower for train-
ing of the SOR members, and they also
revealed part of the secrets of the martial
arts that only the ARM members possess
in the Balkans.
On the multipurpose tower, among other
things, there was a demonstration of de-
scending an injured soldier, saving of an
injured soldier, then basic descent, after
after-
wards the so called “repelling” descending,
followed by a simulation of a helicopter
by Zdravko Rizovski
descent which is used as a preparation for
a helicopter descent in a real situation. In
addition it was explained that the descent
is done with special ropes 10 to 12 meters
long and with carrying capacity of dozen
tons.
It seems that the most interesting part for
the students were the martial arts that are
result of the long and successful coopera-
tion between the ARM members and the
Chinese army. The specially “colored” mem-
bers of SOR for this part, among other
things, demonstrated the techniques of kick
box, the first level of the military technique
“sanda” multiple enemy combat, combat
between four people, then several dem-
onstrations of breaking bricks by hand, and
at the end by head. Simply, the high school
students were impressed from what they
had seen.
According to the last point of the agenda
the young people had a chance to see for
themselves the weapons and the equip-
ment of the ARM special forces.
That was the end of the unforgettable one
day socializing of the high school students
with the ARM Special Forces. The SOR
members gladly answered the questions
of the students and even for a moment
they introduced them to the secrets of
the military profession. At the end of the
visit, you could see the satisfaction on their
faces from what they saw and experienced
with the members of the Special Opera-
tions Regiment. We are convinced that the
most competent of them will soon become
“wolves” or “rangers”, i.e. they will be part of
the most elite ARM unit. These steps were
right in that direction.
23
 GOING TO MISSION

UNIT PREPARATION
he ARM service personnel start-
ed their participation in peace
keeping missions in Afghanistan
by symbolically sending two ofof-
ficers within the Turkish contingent in
August 2002, which is the first con-
tribution of the Republic of Macedo-
nia to the peace and stability out of
its borders. The ARM service person-
nel are direct and greatest ambassa-
dors of our country.
The Republic of Macedonia has de-
ployed over 160 NCOs and soldiers
in the mission ISAF in Afghanistan,
including one mechanized infan-
try company of 149 peacekeepers
within the United Kingdom army
contingent, which is in charge of the
security of the Command in Kabul.
Furthermore, the company performs
other complex tasks, such as:
– patrolling and securing the military
base and other facilities of vital
importance to people’s lives in Af
Af-
ghanistan;
– armed security of communications
compounds and other areas;
– other tasks for the mission when
the need arises.
In the past few years, since the ARM
has taken part in the mission ISAF in
Afghanistan, the ISAF Command as
well as the highest NATO structures
have been regularly giving the most
positive evaluation of the Macedo-
nian peacekeepers, where, their high

24
 level of training, professionalism, cour- motor vehicles and people;
age, endurance, interoperability are es- – hostage procedures;
pecially pointed out, and therefore they –search of a building;
have been awarded by the Alliance. – securing a convoy;
After deploying the unit from the Sec- – patrol in rural areas and etc.
ond Mechanized Infantry Brigade in a Gained experience and lessons learned
mission at the beginning of January, by the personnel who have already
pre-deployment training for a mission of been in a mission are used in the prepa-
the next unit started right away, that is, ration process as well as the updated
one Mechanized Infantry Company from intelligence sent by the current contin-
the First Mechanized Infantry Brigade. It gent in Afghanistan, because the situa-
will be sent in mid July, and meanwhile, tion is constantly changing.
during these six months, all necessary Giving first aid, dealing with stressful
procedures and preparations of the per- situations and implementing hygienic
sonnel and equipment, necessary MTA procedures are also topics which are
must be done for successfully accom- included in the personnel training. Fur-
plishing the mission.
The pre-deployment preparations of the
contingent last for six months which re-
quires making a dynamic plan of activi-
ties for preparing the personnel to take
part in the peacekeeping mission ISAF
in Afghanistan. The activities are as fol-
lows:
– personnel selection;
– making matriculas and ID cards;
– security and intelligence preparations;
– determining of the equipment and
MTA lists;
– starting the procedures of preparation
of the necessary documentation and
organizing equipment and personnel
transport;
– preparing customs documents;
by Zoran Djambaski – sending the personnel to specialist
medical check-ups;
– personnel training;
– other preparations necessary for com-
plete readiness of the contingent for
mission deployment.
Only the best and most capable can-
didates are selected for the mission,
because the successful accomplish-
ment of the mission depends on the
psycho-physical readiness and high
level of personnel training. The neces-
sary number of people is selected from
an extensive list of personnel, and the
unit is formed according to ORBAT list
(company formation). The first selection
is: a psychological test, a medical check-
up at the infirmary, a security check-up
and a physical check-up. All personnel
who pass these check-ups are sent for
further specialist medical check-ups in
the Military Hospital in Skopje. After the
specialist medical check-ups, another se-
lection of the personnel is made based thermore, the personnel are trained
on the formation of the contingent in on the methods and procedures when
the mission increased by a certain per- making contact with local and interna-
centage for the reserve segment, and tional media.
then the personnel starts their three The final list of personnel is made after
month training. completing the training, according to
The training is conducted according to the ORBAT list, and then the person-
the prepared Training Plan for prepara- nel are vaccinated and do the rest of
tion of the unit, and the topics that are the preparations before going to the
covered are for peacekeeping missions mission. The rest of the personnel who
and programmed marksmanship. Some successfully complete the training are
of the more important topics include: in reserve, to replace persons from the
– movement techniques; final list, should the need arise. They
– extracting motor vehicles from a dan- will be put on the list of the following
ger zone; contingent which will replace this one,
– setting a check-up point and search of because they are ready for a mission.

25
 SEARCH AND RESCUE
IS IT JUST PART OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES
OR HIGH PROFESSIONALISM?
aving human lives is the noblest
thing that one could do and it
should be an instinctive and in-
nate reaction with every person in
a certain situation. When the rescue is
part of the job, then it is an organized
action which is very complex and de-
mands maximum professional attitude.
The units which conduct these activities,
regardless of the various forms of orga-
nization, have highly trained personnel
who use the latest technology of mod-
ern world and manage to rescue a huge
number of people who are in danger
due to different reasons. Most of these
situations happen in inaccessible ter-
rain accompanied by severe weather
conditions which make the rescue even
more difficult. Every developed coun-
try regulates its search and rescue of
endangered people by establishing
rescue services which are part of the
state institutions, such as the army or
the police. In a few countries in West-
ern Europe some private companies
perform the rescue services. Given the
development of alternative tourism,
especially mountain and rural tourism,
as the fastest growing economy, there
are more and more people in the moun-
tains, and consequently, there are more
and more accidents that occur there.
The accidents which happen on the
mountains are the most complicated
from the aspect of rescuing; therefore,
basically, the search and rescue services
26
have become services for rescuing from
mountainous and inaccessible terrain.
There is a tendency in the world, for this
kind of services to exchange experienc-
es and knowledge, in order to improve
the search and rescue techniques and
the special equipment used for search
and rescue. The Austrian Alpine Asso-
ciation put forward an initiative in 1948
and gathered mountain rescuers, which
was the first step to forming the Inter-
national Commission for Alpine Rescue
- ICAR. This Commission determines the
standards, techniques and equipment
necessary to realize four segments of
mountain rescue and rescue in an inac-
cessible terrain. The segments are the
following:
– ground, classical rescue – conducted
by ground teams which come to the
place of the accident by vehicles or on
foot. It is used when helicopter res-
cue is impossible;
– air, helicopter rescue – the casualty
is reached by a helicopter in order to
be rescued. This is a priority way of
rescuing and it is used right after the
distress call is received;
– avalanche rescue – this is a special
kind of search of the terrain struck by
an avalanche by using special tech-
nique and equipment;
– alpine/mountain medicine – deals
with possible injuries which are most
common on such terrain and how to
treat them.
Members of this Commission
are the rescue services from a
few countries from the region,
such as, Slovenia, Greece, Bul-
garia, Croatia, Montenegro and
Bosnia and Herzegovina. Un-
fortunately our country, after a
few unsuccessful attempts, has
not established an official res-
cue service which would meet
the high criteria and would be
professional enough to join the
other rescue services from the
region. The state is obliged to
establish a rescue service, which
is one of the requirements that
the international air force regu-
lations demand. Therefore, the
Aeronautical Information Publica-
tion states that it is an obligation
of the ARM units and the Red
Cross of Macedonia to establish
a search and rescue service.
The absence of a professional
rescue service in Macedonia does
not mean that there is no highly
trained personnel who can face
the challenge of a rescue, nor
that if you are in distress nobody
would come to rescue. The res-
cue action on mountain Korab on
15 March 2010 is a proof of that,
when two people were rescued
while being trapped in a snow
pit. Two Albanian citizens, who
illegally crossed the Macedonian
- Albanian border, were rescued
from a snow pit that they had
dug up themselves in order to
shelter themselves from the bad
weather and extreme cold, near
the village Tanushe, Debar. This
rescues mission was conducted
by the Air Force WING and their
helicopter Mi-8/17. Nevertheless,
the most difficult part of the job
was done by three servicemen of
the Special Operations Flight –
SOF. The helicopter landed at the
closest and safest place possible,
then, guided by the helicopter
crew, they went on foot through
deep snow until they reached
the place where the people were
trapped. After giving them first
aid, the SOF servicemen took
the casualties to the helicopter,
which transported them to the
Medical Center in Debar.
RESCUERS AS PART
OF THE AIR FORCE
It is natural that the rescuers or
the personnel who is in direct
contact with the casualties, come
from the same unit with the per-
sonnel who transports them to
the place of the accident and later
evacuates them from there or
some other place. The rescuers
should come to the casualties in
the shortest time possible in or-
der to make the rescue more effi-
cient. Therefore, it is necessary for
1. COOPERATIVE the helicopter to take off as soon
ARCHER 2007, as the distress call is received. The
GEORGIA helicopter must be flown by well
trained crew who first locates the
2. RESCUING casualties and then safely takes
AN INJURED the rescuers to that place. After
PERSON FROM giving first aid to the casualties,
A ROCkY they are evacuated by helicopter.
TERRAIN The evacuation can sometimes
be done as carrying an external
3. INTERNATIO- load, i.e. the casualty and the res-
NAL EXERCISE cuer to be carried off by hanging
COOPERATIVE 10 meters from the helicopter.
kEY 2005, This complicated task requires a
BULGARIA kind of symbiosis between the
pilots and rescuers, which must
4. TRANS- work out perfectly. Every rescuer
PORTATION OF must know the principles of fly-
AN INJURED ing, the capabilities of the heli-
PERSON copter which is used for rescuing
operations, and know and trust
the pilot’s skills. On the other
hand, the pilot must know how
rescue operations are conducted,
the actions that rescuers do at
the place of the accident and the
problems they face. Only a well
tuned in team of pilots and res-
cuers can successfully complete
the operation and that is why the
rescuers are considered as part of
the Air force personnel. SOF has
got ideal conditions to develop
in this area until it meets the re-
quired standards. The majority of
the service personnel in the unit
has already been trained in first
aid and has completed a course
for paramedics. Additionally, they
have an experience in taking part
in international search and res-
cue exercises that were held in
France in 2002, Bulgaria in 2003
and 2005, Georgia in 2007, and
Albania in 2003, 2004, 2005.
The most specific training is the
mountaineering technique which
is regularly used. Moving through
inaccessible terrain, such as high
cliffs, frozen slopes, going into
pits and furrows, working with
equipment for rescuing which is
generally used for classic moun-
taineering using the techniques
of extracting and self-extracting,
and systems of combined equip-
ment for rescuing, a technique
that is regularly trained in the SOF.
The only additional intervention
that could be done is equipping
the unit with a special rescuing
gear for rescuing missions in win-
ter conditions.
Rescuing is a specific job where
the rescuers consciously put
their lives in danger in order to
rescue someone who they have
never met. Moreover, the rescu-
ers must be motivated to go
through hard training in order to
acquire the necessary skills and
constantly keep fit and keep up
the training. Improvising with
equipment and techniques is not
allowed, but complying with the
world standards is compulsory.
LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE
In order to illustrate the tenden-
cies we need to follow in the
future I will use Alesh Kunaver’s
saying, a doyen of Slovenian
modern alpinism: “If you want to
get on a moving train you have
to run faster than it is going”.
Therefore, Macedonia needs to
set high standards from the be-
ginning concerning a service or
unit which would conduct search
and rescue of people in distress.
The first step would be directing
a small unit in specializing for
that purpose. SOF has a great
potential because it does this
kind of actions in reality, not only
in exercises. The Flight is a part
of the Air Force WING and they
deal with flying on a daily basis,
moreover, the trained paramed-
ics are air force personnel. If
the Flight specializes in search
and rescue, and the equipment
is supplemented with the nec-
essary gear, and the number of
aircraft is extended to two addi-
tional helicopters provided with
SAR and MEDEVAC equipment,
we will get an excellent unit for
search and rescue that can face
any challenge according to world
standards.
Borche Manev
27
 HIGH-LIFTED FLAG

MARKED MAY 21 - DAY OF THE “LEOPARDS” UNIT

he day, which for most people THE sons, the best teams were selected,
is quite ordinary - May 21, is MEMEBERS OF and then at the barracks in Kicevo
of a particular importance for THE SECOND the best Brigade’s teams measured
the members of the Second MECHANIZED their forces against teams from the
INFANTRY
Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the BRIGADE “ city. The competitions were held in
Macedonian Army - “Leopards”. The LEOPARDI” a fair and sporting atmosphere and
remote year of 1943 hides a story MARkED THE the most prepared won.
that is the key to our existence, our DAY OF THE
seed, our guiding light. In its em- UNIT- 21ST
brace the Mountain of Lopushnik MAY WITH
cherishes the story of uniting of the GREAT PRIDE, A
battalions “Mirche Acev” and “Ma- HOLY DAY FOR
vrovo Battalion”, whose result is THE kICHEVO
Kichevo-Mavrovo Partisan Detach- WARRIORS
ment, the foundation of what today
is the 2nd MIBrg.

RICH PROGRAM
We can point out with great pride
that the Leopards approach every
significant day with great commit-
ment resulting in manifestations
whose organization is on a high
level. This year this day was marked
by many cultural, entertaining and
sports activities. The celebration
began by sending invitations to
primary and secondary schools in
the unit’s area of responsibility for
participation in the best art work,
poetry and prose work competition.
A professional team of eminent
people from the literature and art
field had a difficult task of selecting
the best ones among the numerous
received works.
Numerous sports competitions
took place. Initially, within the garri-

28

by Mice Koteski
To evaluate the readiness of the units in the
Brigade as well as to determine the best
unit, control shootings and check- ups on
the unit members’ training were organized.
The best Brigade unit transitional flag got
in the hands of Captain Darko Stojkoski,
Deputy Brigade Commander of the Military
Police, whose members showed the best
results.
The entire celebration was completed with
a formal concert at the House of Culture
“Koco Racin” in Kicevo which besides the
military personnel was attended by many
citizens of Kicevo who had the opportunity
to review the exhibition of the submitted
art works for the competition in the lobby
of the Cultural Centre. The official concert
was opened by playing the national anthem
of the Republic of Macedonia, followed by
a 15 minute program by the Military Orches-
tra of the Macedonian Army. The concert
continued with a recital by the students of
the secondary school “St. Naum Ohridski”
from the town of Makedonski Brod pre-
pared by the mentor Professor Rate Savev.
The recital was an introduction to the an-
nouncement of the winning students in the
contest. Following the grant of awards, the
best ranked students read their own works.
Tradition poured into songs and dances per-
formed by the folklore society “Koco Racin”
delighted the audience and reminded it of
the importance of all citizens nurturing the
tradition including the army members.
As it befits the occasion, the concert was
closed by the Macedonian Army Military
Orchestra and the guests left the hall satis-
fied. The guests were treated to an event
that will be remembered long, an event “We have faith in the future because in the
that will long be mentioned through Kicevo line in front of us there are honest, respon-
streets. sible, modest and noble soldiers, ready for
the military unit flag, the flag of our com-
CEREMONIAL PARADE OF ECHELONS mon mother country, ready to serve it
The crown of the unit celebration day was honorably and to defend it with their lives,”
the ceremonial lining up of the Brigade Colonel Velichkovski emphasized. At the
units together with the ceremonial parade end of his speech the Unit Commander
of echelons impeccably exercised by the welcomed the members of the unit who
units’ commanders. The ceremony opened were currently carrying out tasks outside
with a rendition of the anthem of the Re- the Republic of Macedonia, where some-
public of Macedonia by the women’s choir one needs help and this aid at present is
“Menada” from Tetovo. The welcoming of most needed in remote Afghanistan.
the military flag followed at which point the The command of Colonel Blagoj Iliev:
opening telegrams were read and recogni- “Units, on starting line for parade… For-
tion was granted to the unit’s members ward march! … was a signal for the unit
who achieved the best results in the pro- members to prepare the echelons and
cess of training and education as well as vehicles and take them to initial positions.
the performance of everyday tasks.
On the day of the ceremony the members
of the unit were addressed by the Deputy
Minister of Defense, Emil Dimitriev, who
among other things, praised the troops for
the results achieved in the training process,
and of course for the contribution to the
peacekeeping missions in Iraq and Afghani-
stan. Beside other things, the Deputy Min-
ister of Defense noted that members of
the unit are forming friendships with army
members from more than fourty countries.
The ratio of troops to peacekeeping mis-
sions has the broadest national consen-
sus. The support is above 90%. Maintain-
ing friendly relations with the neighboring
countries is one of the top priority goals for
the Republic of Macedonia. At the end of
his address, Mr. Dimitriev said that the Gov-
ernment will continue to invest in the devel-
The numerous guests eagerly greeted the
steady march and the impeccable drill with
loud applause.
The parade of the technique and armament
of the Macedonian Armed Forces hap-
pened in front of the eyes of hundreds of
citizens of Kicevo. At the end of the day,
the “Leopards” were satisfied with what
they performed. The present citizens were
also satisfied and their large attendance
magnified the ceremony. That means a
lot for the members of the 2ndMIBrg. It
says that every day, the “Leopards” of the
Macedonian Army are closer and closer to
the common man, which is especially em-
phasized because it confirms the fact that
the military comes from the people and it is
always with the people.
opment of the Macedonian Armed Forces,
in its equipping and modernization as well
as in its education and training.
The Brigade Commander, Colonel Methodi-
ja Velichkovski, in his address, welcoming
the guests pointed out that their presence
was a motive more to raise the unit banner
higher the following year. “If you are seek
seek-
ing a name for the hardship and suffering,
then the pinnacle is Macedonia, a country
of tears and suffering,” said Colonel Velich-
kovski, suggesting that that day was a sa-
cred day for the unit members, that today
it is a sacred matter to be a soldier since
soldiers remember for a long time, not
because they want to live in the past, but
because they respect it and regard it as a
guidance to the future.
29
 PARTNERSHIP AND
SINCERE COOPERATION
CHANGE OF COMMAND IN NATO HQ IN SKOPJE
n 3rd May, a ceremony was held in
the Army House in Skopje to mark the
shift of command in NATO Headquar
Headquar-
ters in Skopje. Therefore, the previous
commander of NATO Headquarters in
Skopje and a senior military representative,
Commodore Valentin Gagashev from the
Bulgarian Navy handed his office over to his
successor, the Brigadier General David Hu-
mar, from the Army of Slovenia.
The Minister of Defense Zoran Konjanovski,
the Chief of General Staff of ARM, Lieutenant
General Miroslav Stojanovski, the Command-
er of the Joint Force Command of NATO in
Naples, Admiral Mark Fitzgerald, the Chief of
GS of the Slovenian Army, Major General Alo-
jz Shtajner, as well as many senior represen-
tatives from the diplomatic corps attended
this ceremony.
On this occasion, the two Commanders of
NATO Headquarters in Skopje, the Minister of
Defense Zoran Konjanovski and the JFC Com-
mander Naples had appropriate addresses.
NATO HEADQUARTERS IN SKOPJE
NATO HQ in Skopje was established in April,
2002 by joining the two headquarters togeth-
er - KFOR HQ REAR and the HQ of the opera-
tion “Amber Fox”. The mission of NATO HQ
is to advise governmental institutions about
military aspects of the reforms in the security
sector in order to contribute to further Euro-
Atlantic integration and to provide support
for NATO operations in the Joint Balkan Area
of operations. NATO HQ in Skopje is a tact tact-
less Staff and consists of about forty people,
military and civilian personnel. Its mission is to
proceed with the transition from its previous
activities as an operational Staff into acquiring
a strictly advisory role in the final phase of the
30
reforms in the country before the final deci-
sion for NATO membership has been reached.
NATO HQ in Skopje completed the transfer of
the major responsibilities for logistic support
to the Army of Republic of Macedonia in the
first part of this year.
NATO ADVISORY TEAM
Based on the National Defense And Secu-
rity Concept, our Government has devel-
oped its Strategic Defence Review. This is
a process which prepares the armed forces
from the top downwards to what they will
be expected to demonstrate in near future
based on the assessments of the European
and global security reality. Based on these as-
sessments, the missions of the armed forces
have been defined as: defense of the country,
peace support and humanitarian operations
as well as protection of the further state in-
terests. The SDR is a dynamic process which
has been developing in three stages. The first
stage was a development of political frames
for the main structure as well as time frames
provided. The second phase meant a review
of the forces and capacities and future de-
velopment of the proposed organization,
structure and capabilities. The third phase is a
transformational strategy by which decisions
are being implemented through documents,
plans and programs. In 2005, an implemen-
tation of the programs began by a specific
transformation.
The role of the NATO Advisory Team is to
provide support and aid during this process.
The Skopje NATO HQ Commander, the Chief
of NAT and his employees continually guide
and support their partners in the Ministry of
Defense and the General Staff of ARM to de-
velop and implement the necessary concepts
through advising and commenting. In order
to coordinate the different aspects of SDR,
the MoD has installed a system on three
levels - work in groups, a coordination group
and a decision making group. In addition to
their meetings, based on personal friendship
and confidence, these authorities have been
communicating on a daily basis. This was one
of the main reasons for locating NAT within
the MoD.
This long-term cooperation among MoD,
GS and NAT offers an exchange of most
valuable experiences. The host country is in
a great position of choosing the best solu-
tion for itself based on numerous military
solutions of the NATO member countries.
In addition to this, the host country can ben-
efit from the experience and the knowledge
of the NATO member countries which had
passed through the process of transition of
their armed forces in order to be ready to
challenge the modified security environment,
especially the new NATO members can help
with their experience gained in the process of
joining the Alliance.
Within its structure, the NATO Advisory Team
has a commander, a chief as well as team
advisors from Greece, Germany, Slovenia
and Italy. The total number of employees is
12 including an assistant, three interpreters,
a driver and one Macedonian- an advisor for
governmental affairs who facilitates the com-
munication with the governmental institu-
tions. The NATO Advisory Team functions as
a team in the overall process of the Strategic
Defense Review or on certain predetermined
issues: human resources and military training
and education, interoperability, logistics, com-
munication and information systems.
Z.R.
 FOLLOWING THE FOOTSTEPS OF
THE ANCIENT GENERATIONS
FROM A PEACEKEEPER’S JOURNAL
he red and yellow pride has been waved
to many sides. We have traveled hun-
dreds of km to the north, and thousands
of km to the east. And with only one
goal-to contribute to the stabilization
and development of all corners of the Earth
with all our skills and capabilities. And the re-
wards are apparent. The Macedonian Army
with its recognizable feature has established
itself as a quality and capable army which has
continually and very successfully spread our
Macedonian and European values as well. Our
interlocutor in this issue, Captain Obrad Rosik
Rosik,
is the first in many things. He is the first Mace-
donian who has met the great Nelson Mande-
la, and the pedestal was also confirmed in the
field of education when he obtained his master
degree in Rome, Italy, in 2002, thus becoming
the first Master of Health Services Manage-
ment in Macedonia.
AN OFFICER AND A MASTER
“I have been in the Army since 1998 when I
started working as a dentist at the Military
Dentist Office at Ilinden barracks in Skopje,
as a civilian”, Captain Rosik started introducing
us to his army career. The care of the Army for
continual advancement in education and the
overall capabilities was confirmed when Cap-
tain Rosik was sent for advanced education
in Italy. “I was sent to Rome for the needs of
the Army and there I completed master stud-
ies in the field of Health Services Management
in 2001. When I came back after a year, in fact,
I was the first Master of Health Care Services
Management in Macedonia. In order to use my
potentials to the fullest extent, I was moved
to a new work position at the Military Hospi-
tal in 2002 and assigned as a Health Services
Management Officer at the Military Hospital
Command, and in the year of 2003 there was
an opportunity for me to be in active duty, so
I completed the Basic Officer Course in Veles,
and was promoted to a lieutenant. Since then
I have been a military officer in the ARM”, ex-
plained to us Captain Rosik.
Today, after changing a few work positions
such as an Operations, Planning and Health
Management Officer, as a Chief of S-3 Section
for Operations at the Military Hospital and as a
Head of Section for Operations and Support in
the Military Health Care Service, Captain Rosik,
with the new transformation of the Military
Hospital into Military Medical Center, has been
assigned as a Training Officer since January 1,
2010.
“At this moment I am working actively on
several projects, and I am also responsible for
implementing the Partnership Goal 4244 – es-
tablishment of a light maneuver surgical field
hospital (ROLE-2 classification). I am a member
of the working group that is working on devel-
oping the concept of ROLE-2, a concept which
is being developed in collaboration with the
army of the Kingdom of Norway. We should
receive that facility as a donation from Norway,
and that is why we are developing it together
in all aspects: in terms of personnel, organiza-
tion, finances and similar”, the Captain added.
We received interesting information from him
about our country which is going to be a host
country of “MEDCEUR” exercise in 2011, and
Captain Rosik is part of the working group re-
sponsible for its organization. Along with these
responsibilities, he is in charge of organizing
and coordinating the courses and the training
which takes place firstly at the Medical Training
Center within the Military Medical Center.
Our interlocutor has participated in two mis-
sions which differed in many things.
31
 He took part in the ISAF mission in remote
Afghanistan from January to August 2006 as
part of SEEBRIG, and from November 2008
to May 2009 in the ALTHEA mission in Bosnia
and Herzegovina.
SAND AND HEAT
“Afghanistan for me was a really huge experi-
ence, I had the opportunity to realize every every-
thing I had studied at all seminars, exercises
and courses in practice. We were situated in
Kabul, in the main Command, i.e. at the ISAF
Regional Command for the area called Center
(Afghanistan is divided into five zones, regional
commands East, West, North, South and Cen-
ter, i.e. the capital city of Kabul). There we were
part of a multinational brigade whose Com-
mander was a Bulgarian General. There were
staff officers from all seven SEEBRIG countries,
appointed to different positions, and I was a
Medical Advisor to the Commander. That was
a very important experience for me because as
a young lieutenant with substantial experience
I had under my indirect command two Polish
hospitals, one German ROLE-3, one Greek
ROLE-2 and seven ROLE-1 field ambulances. All
of them were under my indirect command, and
even though they are a national responsibility,
I was in charge for their overall coordination”,
said Captain Rosik, explaining his duty as part
of the international mission in Afghanistan.
We asked him what he had noticed the first
time he stepped on the sandy soil, and, the an-
swer was very similar to the answers of other
Macedonian peacekeepers in Afghanistan.
“Afghans are in principle very warm people,
but they are also people who have suffered
a lot, people who have had a lot of hardship
in the past and have always been occupied
by somebody. But that was something com-
pletely different from what we are used to.
Firstly, their mentality is completely different.
The religion is totally different, although it is Is-
lam. Kabul is a city with 3.5 million inhabitants,
and there is no water in the city, no electricity,
no sewerage. In the central city area of the so
called “green zone” where the President’s pal-
ace is located there are certain buildings built
by the Russians. The buildings built by them
are alike the Russian buildings which they had
also built in Skopje, I am telling you, completely
the same. There are some asphalted streets,
and there is water only in a few places, a little.
Everything else is like you imagine. You know,
everybody there is has a cell phone. Therefore,
if it weren’t for the cell phones and the cars on
the streets, you would think that you returned
two centuries in the past. Definitely, that’s to-
tally different from what we have been used
to”, Captain Rosik told us his first impressions.
32
Both, the culture and the way of living are
something according to which, again, we differ
completely. We were astonished to what de-
gree the way of behaving of people can differ
in different parts of our planet. “I would like to
point out that in relation to understanding the
cultural habits of the Afghan people; the 20-day
training in Germany which took place before we
left for mission, i.e. in the end of December was
of great help. There we had lectures mostly in
terms of those cultural differences and how we
are supposed to behave towards the people,
i.e. what we are allowed to do and what we
must not do. In Afghanistan, for example, it is
very normal for two men to hold hands when
walking on the street. That is a sign of friend-
ship and nothing else”. And, how that could be
at the same time unpleasant, but also interest
interest-
ing for the people close by.
“Once an Afghan General came to visit our
General, as I mentioned, a Bulgarian, and
when he was seeing off the Afghan General,
he held our General’s hand. You can imagine
how uncomfortable the Bulgarian General
was feeling, but on the other hand that is a
gesture which is very usual in Afghanistan”.
The great differences could be noticed in the
attitude towards the woman, an issue which
had been solved in the Western world many
years ago. “The woman had been treated as
an object for many years. Now certain efforts
have been made to change that, they have a
Ministry of Women’s Rights, but it takes a long
time for their consciousness to change. Only
then they see the results”, explained to us Cap-
tain Rosik.
Although our past experience conveyed by
some of the previous interlocutors says that
certain Afghans have some knowledge about
Macedonia, particularly connecting it with Al-
exander the Great, Captain Rosik has a little
different memory. “The ordinary people have
very low level of education and they don’t
know anything about the Macedonian people,
or Macedonia.
donia. However, once I had an oppor oppor-
tunity while visiting a hospital, I think its name
was Indira Gandhi, because it was built by
the Indians, to see a girl from the tribe con-
sidered to be descendants of Alexander the
Great. From her face you could easily see that
she was completely different from the oth-
ers because she didn’t have those traditional
Afghan looks. She had a fair complexion, light
eyes and dark hair. She was wearing different
clothes, a different national costume. When
I asked about the girl, they told me that she
belonged to a very old tribe”.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND UNEASINESS
Having worked as a Medical Advisor to the
Commander, Captain Rosik performed one of
the most humane issues in general- helping
those who really need that help. While execut
execut-
ing his duty, he had the honor of organizing an
annual examination for Hamia d Karzai. “While I
was on mission I had the opportunity to meet
many eminent people from Afghanistan, includ-
ing the meeting with President Hamid Karzai,
which is very special for me. We were request
request-
ed to organize a regular annual examination
for the President and I, as the oldest Medical
Authority did that along with the Germans. We
welcomed Karzai, he underwent all the exami-
nations and everything was fine. The thing that
surprised me most was the fact the he was
well-informed and knew a lot about Macedo-

nia, he knew about our country, about
the problem with the name, he knew
that we used to be part of Yugoslavia
and such things. He is very nice, edu-
cated and cultured person and another
thing which surprised me was that I
got an invitation to be his guest and
have tea with him. Then I met him in
his residence and got a present”.
In terms of everyday activities, Cap-
tain Rosik has cleared up to us, ”Of ”Of-
ten we went out of the base for dif dif-
ferent reasons, very often they were
reconnaissance, planning of different
activities, NATO activities, but also ac
ac-
tivities for support of the Afghan Na-
tional Army. All in all, I was frequently
out, but I was lucky that I wasn’t in
danger at any moment and there
wasn’t any particular trouble”.
Nonetheless, the basic assignment
had not been omitted. “In relation to
interventions, we received injured peo-
ple in bomb assaults on several occa-
sions. They were not NATO soldiers,
but members of the Afghan army
and police. Everything that needed to
be coordinated, sending the teams,
taking the injured and bringing them
to the base, that “de facto” was my
job. Anyway, I would like to point out
that NATO medical capacities are lim-
ited there and they first of all serve
the members of the Alliance. If there
was a possibility we always helped
the Afghan Army and Police and the
local population. Afghans have their
Military Hospital and civilian hospitals,
but the level of health care is very low.
Personnel is not a problem, they have
people educated either in Pakistan
or in England, and speak English per-
fectly. Their greatest problem is the
lack of basic tools for work, and no
electricity. For example, they receive
big donations by the powerful states,
medical computers, x-rays and similar,
and all of that stays unused because
they do not have electricity. And at
the places where there is electricity
it is without a constant voltage and
the appliances simply don’t work. Just
because of that, I say that medical
care is at a very low, basic level. That
is why, in fact, VIP-persons from the
Government or similar request to be
examined or to be treated by the
NATO personnel in Afghanistan”.
1. AT THE
WORkPLACE
IN THE MILI-
TARY MEDI-
CAL CENTRE
2. 5. AND
6. PHOTO-
GRAPHS
NOT TO BE
FORGOTTEN:
FROM THE
MISSION IN
AFGHANI-
STAN. CAP-
TAIN ROSIkJ
HAD THE
HONOUR OF
MEDICALLY
EXAMINING
THE PRESI-
DENT OF Besides the fact that our Captain, luck-
AFGHANI- ily, had not encountered any other se-
STAN, HAMID rious situation, the security picture of
kARZAI Afghanistan gives you the opportunity
to find yourself in a potentially worry-
3. 4. AND 7. ing condition. This is what our inter-
FROM THE
locutor explained to us in regards to
ACTIVITIES IN that: “During my stay there I had two
ALTHEA, BOS-
unpleasant situations. The first time
NIA AND HER- we were doing reconnaissance and I
ZEGOVINA
was standing on the transporter when
all of a sudden I was hit by a stone on
my arm at one intersection. Everything
was OK with me, but not knowing
what exactly happened, I felt as if I
had been shot. There were Germans
with machine guns in front of me and
behind me on the other openings of
the transporter who reacted instantly,
but nobody knew the direction where
the stone was thrown from. And the
second event could have been with
bad consequences, a month before
we were supposed to come back to
Macedonia, there was a World Cup fi-
nal match, I think Italy and France were
playing when all of a sudden our camp
was attacked with grenades. The gre-
nade fell fifteen meters from the con-
tainer, but we were lucky that it didn’t
explode, otherwise, if it had exploded,
there would have been wounded peo-
ple. The other two grenades flew over
the camp and exploded outside”.
MISSION IN A NEIGBORING
COUNTRY
Overcoming all the elements of sur-
prise in distant Afghanistan, the
mission in Bosnia had a different
influence. Of course, great influence
has the closeness of the people, the
culture, and the customs. Our peace-
keeper, situated at the base Butmir
in Sarajevo, served as an Officer for
Operations and Support in our contin-
gent, in the ARM medical team.
“As for Bosnia, that was a very differ
differ-
ent mission from the one in Afghani-
stan because Bosnia is very different
from Afghanistan as a country. People
are much more softened because the
war was a long time ago. We didn’t
have any incident there, and most
often we served in support of the ci-
vilian and local structures. Especially I
would like to stress the event when
we succeeded in saving one Colonel
of the Bosnian Army who was situat-
ed at Butmir. The Colonel was on duty
that evening and he felt some pain,
i.e. heart contractions and spreading
of the pain towards his arm. He came
to us alone on foot and the duty team
that evening took some immediate
steps, they did EKG and realized that
it was a massive heart attack. He was
immediately given first aid and he
was taken to the civilian hospital. Our
quick intervention in fact saved his life.
However, we often supported differ differ-
ent civilian activities, associations, for
example children’s associations, then
women ‘associations for fight against
cancer, etc.”
BETWEEN THE SOLDIER
AND THE MAN
We could see once again that it is
especially hard to make the perfect
balance between the dedication to
the service and personal life. Captain
Rosik cannot forget the expression
on his little son’s face when after the
long six months spent in Afghanistan
he saw him again. However, he says,
the duty to his country must never
be forgotten, and he proved that
he is not ready to close the door for
some future services out of our and
his country.
The ARM and the Republic of Mace-
donia as well can stay proud of the
vast number of missioners who con-
firm our professionalism and dedica-
tion to keeping world peace where
necessary on a daily basis.
Zdravko Rizovski/Ivan Petrushevski
33
 THE INFLUENCE OF THE
MILITARY GEOGRAPHY ON
THE OPERATIONS III
WARFARE IN THE DESERT
ue to its climatic and geological factors,
the desert is considered to be a difficult
and complicated terrain for carrying
out military operations. Its relief and
hydrography today, as well as the veg-
etation to a significant extent, are a reflection
of the geological composition of the terrain.
What is characteristic for the relief forms in
the desert is that, to some extent, they are
created by the chemical reaction of the wa-
ter, and to a significantly larger extent by
mechanical erosion as a result of the wind ef ef-
fects (eolian erosion), or the daily amplitudes
of temperature.
The desert is cruel: the living conditions can
be extremely bad and the desert can easily
kill the unprepared troops. Troops engaged
in such conditions must be physically, men-
tally and professionally prepared to meet this
challenge. They also must be fully acclima-
tized before commencing the highest inten-
sity operations.
The desert and the areas with extremely hot
weather conditions are similar in the atmo-
sphere and temperature, but they differ re-
garding the terrain structure and vegetation.
The deserts are dry, lifeless regions and they
vary from high mountainous to sandy salty
fields that cannot provide normal life due to
lack of fresh water. Inhabited areas are wide-
ly spread and concentrated around water
wells. There are only few roads and railways.
Temperatures can be extreme in the deserts.
During the summer they can reach 50o (122oF)
and 70oC (158oF), and in winter they fall under
–45o C. The daily temperature differences can
reach 20oC. The extremely hot weather and
the desert can influence the normal military
vehicle movement as well as the functioning
of arms and communications systems.
34
The visibility in the desert is often excellent,
allowing good surveillance and long range
of fire. There is scarce vegetation in the des-
ert, so camouflaging is mainly done with the
equipment. It rains on rare occasions, and the
rain is heavy. Abundant and dusty streams
reach the dry areas along watercourses (the
so called vadis) and are very dangerous in
such circumstances.
The desert winds can achieve force similar to
that of a hurricane. The dust and sand can
make life almost impossible, movement and
maintenance very difficult, and visibility can
be extremely limited.
The operations in the desert will be carried
out with the use of armoured and mecha-
nized forces, and on some occasions with
air-mobile and air-descent forces. The opera-
tions will probably be carried out in a large
area, and, in principle, they can be manoeuvre
battles, with the purpose of concentrating of
sufficient forces to defeat the enemy. The
capability to fight in such conditions will de-
pend on the logistic capabilities.
Missions that are given to any forces that op-
erate on a desert terrain will not differ from
the missions carried out in normal conditions.
What is important is the manner in which mis-
sions are carried out, and they can be different.
The organization of the units in desert condi-
tions is similar to the operations in variable cli-
matic conditions on a manoeuvre land. Even
though armoured and mechanized vehicles
intended for a task, consisting of mecha-
nized wheeled vehicles, including air-mobile
elements, will be efficient in such conditions,
the adjustability of light wheeled vehicles, arar-
moured or not, should not be underestimat-
ed. In order to maintain the operation on the
required level, the military-service support,
water supply and maintenance above all, are
very significant.
The desert operations preparation includes
the phenomenon of gathering information on
the terrain as well as evaluation of the terrain
factors of the military field by exploring the
compilation of the topographic and geologic
maps.
It is more probable for the party that made a
better usage of the land to win in the desert
operations.
When the French troops under Napoleon’s
command deployed in Egypt in 1798, there
was a group of engineers and scientists
among them. A part of this group provided
support for the French troops within their
competences, and the other part conducted
only scientific research. The geographic maps
were the key element for the movement and
manoeuvre of the French troops in Egypt.
A Turkish Army consisting of 6000 cavalry-
men, 1500 infantrymen and 40 cannons con-
fronted Napoleon, and was defeated by the
much better equipped, trained and technically
advanced French Army, in the battle known
as “The Battle at the Pyramids”. The French
fought off the Turkish attack, wounding or
killing 5000 cavalrymen, while the casualties
from French side were about 300 men.
After the defeat of the Italian Army in Libya
in 1940, the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini
asked Adolph Hitler for help with his Army in
Africa. The German Chief Commander sent
the “African Corps” to Libya, designating the
experienced and capable General Erwin Rom-
mel for its Commander.
Rommel with his command started gathering
information on the terrain, especially about
the area in which he expected combat opera-
tions. He ordered reconnaissance and analysis
of the space in order to obtain data that will
be useful for the German Army. At the begin-
ning, his subordinates analysed information
from different publications for the North of
Africa. The information from these works had
very little or no value for assessing the military
field because they were overloaded and did
not contain detailed information about the
terrain which would be useful for tactical level
units. The captured British maps were more
helpful. As a result of an aerial reconnaissance
on the ground (recording with planes) and the
methodical breakdown of the gathered data,
maps were created that Rommel could use to
conduct military operations.
The successful performance of the military
operations caused a constant retreat of the
British troops, after which Rommel got his
nickname “Desert Fox”. He knew that only on
a passable terrain can the German doctrine
for use of tanks, i.e. movement, shooting
and manoeuvre come to an expression. He
understood and learned his lesson from the
Italian defeat in the campaign of General Gra-
ziani very well. Based on that defeat, Rom-
mel concluded that in desert warfare, units
that are not motorized have no chances
against the motorized units of the enemy.
The desert water, especially during military
operations, is priceless. The responsibility for
water supply was given to the engineer units,
which had pumps and well drilling equipment.
Precipitation in the desert is irregular and usu-
ally comes in the form of a torrential rain; the
water goes through the permeable soil and
rocks, and where the geological structure of
the terrain allows the water to exit on the
surface, an oasis occurs.
Historians and military strategists gener gener-
ally agree that Rommel lost the final battle
of El Alamejna due to a significantly smaller
military force than the British, as well as due
to excessive dilatoriness of the German sup-
ply lines. After that defeat, Rommel had lost
the initiative and gradually retreated towards
Tripoli and later towards Tunisia, trying to con-
solidate the forces. After the deployment of
the allied forces in North Africa, in the attack
against U.S. troops, he noted and attacked
the weak defensive point of the U.S. units in
the Kasserine Gorge in the mountain chain
Dorsal. Rommel wisely used the terrain and
with two armoured divisions smashed the
U.S. defence lines and seized the Kasserine
Gorge and the town of Tal. The Americans had
1000 casualties and 2500 captured soldiers.
This was followed by a stronger counterat
counterat-
tack of much stronger U.S. and British forces
by which the Axis Powers were suppressed
from Tunisia. In May 1943, after the defeat in
Tunisia, the “African Corps” ceased to exist.
The experiences of the “African Corps” were
used for the preparation of the operations
“Desert Shield” and “Desert Storm” in 1990,
for the U.S. Army to improve the military
capability for successful performance of the
units in desert conditions. One segment of
that effort refers to the application of geo-
logical knowledge. The Section of US Military
Geologists had four basic assignments:
– Usage of geographical maps;
– Discovering wells and drinking water sup-
ply;
– Assessment of the field and assessment of
the possibility for the tanks to move;
– Locating bearings of construction material.
INFLUENCE OF OPERATIONS
IN URBAN AREAS
Operations in urban areas will be, as it used
to be in former wars, a common occurrence
in modern conditions. It also refers to the
smaller settlements which, similar to the cit-
ies, also have buildings made of stone, bricks
and reinforced elements, as well as devel-
oped infrastructure.
Urban areas, especially cities, affect opera-
tions by: size, economic, social and political
significance, the situation regarding the land
and the area of operation, size, composition
and quality of buildings.
Urban areas are usually centres of the road
network.
With the growing need for roads as routes
for movement of vehicles and special equip-
ment, and even the need to maintain lines
of communication, besides the mobility of
ground units across the country, it is essential
to maintain control of urban areas.
These areas often contain important econom-
ic and political structures and large population.
Settlements, depending on the size and
connectivity with other areas (roads, water
flows), economic and political significance
and position in relation to land, may have
greater or lesser importance to the enemy
and their own forces. In cities where the
economy, urbanization and public buildings
are developed, the enemy is forced to sepa-
rate powerful forces - operational and special,
which, in these conditions are not sufficient
to provide an occupying system and success-
ful defence. In the cities all forms of armed
and unarmed resistance should be devel-
oped.
Operations in the cities are generally con-
ducted in conditions of favourable proportion
of forces. In certain conditions of space and
time, an attack can also be performed suc suc-
cessfully with an unfavourable proportion of
forces.
Whether it is an attack or defence, a large
infantry is required. If the urban area is pro-
tecting itself, it may be better for the attacker
to bypass the area than to conquer the area
that would cost him time and manpower.
Operations in urban areas are characterized by:
– Restricted area of combat action and ob-
servation;
– Great care, coverage and concealment of
troops and equipment, thus hampering
the ability to assess the size of the unit;
– Reduced manoeuvre opportunities, es-
pecially for the mechanized units, and in-
creased opportunities for infiltration and
circumvention. Control may need to be
decentralized;
– Close combat (chest-to-chest), including in in-
creased possibility of attacks with vehicles
from a short distance;
– Presence of civilians, which may seriously
limit military actions;
– Difficulties in command, control and com-
munications;
– High consumption level of ammunition and
combat supplies;
– A battle that probably can be taken at
three levels: the surface, in the streets,
over land, and buildings roofs and underunder-
ground in subway systems and other un-
derground systems (drainage / sewerage);
– Timely and thoroughly carried out prepara-
tions for executing the operation;
– The participants in the operation are familiar
with the regions in the area of operations,
the tasks and ways of action;
– The cooperation is organized in details and
practiced with all participants;
– Concerning the enemy, based on intelli-
gence gathered, the information necessary
for successful conduct of combat is mainly
known;
– Quickly and secretly performing of all move-
ments and manoeuvres; maintaining con-
stant combat contact with the enemy; fast
and efficient removal of the consequences.
Operations in urban areas often consist of
individual clashes with the opponent that
makes it difficult to command a lot of units,
and limitations in sight, the observation and
combat actions, as well as the narrowed ma-
noeuvre, hamper running and securing the
combat.
The decision whether a larger urban area will
be attacked or not, or whether it defends it-
self or not, will be made by the highest com-
mand. Along with the decision for defence,
in conditions when the enemy is stronger,
the negative effect on morale must also be
taken into account, if it is necessary to leave
an important urban area with its population.
In line with this, the Commander should bear
35

in mind that a disproportionate number of
troops will be used in the defence, including
civilians in the theatre of operations.
While the defender tries to tie up the attacker
in the defense area, the attacker must decide
how to deal with the situation. He has three
options:
– Attack the position;
– Neutralize the defender in the urban area;
– Close and surround the area, using the
troops that are coming to govern and
clean the same area.
Attacking major cities should be avoided, un-
less all the necessary conditions are created.
Less populated areas, which are less de-
fended, should be taken up suddenly, often
at night, with a concentric attack.
The focus of the action is directed toward the
wings and the sides, with a constant tenden-
cy to act simultaneously on all elements of
the enemy order of battle in the entire depth
of the zone.
Constant activity is an essential precondition
for maintaining the initiative and imposing
own will on the enemy.
The effects any operation has on the civil-
ian population must always be taken into
account in planning and conducting combat
in urban areas, in this context, the Geneva
Protocol as well. You need to have in mind
particularly those aspects pertaining to the
civilian population and the responsibilities for
protection of national culture.
OPERATION “WOLF TRAP” –
OPERATION FOR CONQUERING THE
CITY OF GROZNY IN CHECHNYA
The preparation and organization of the op-
eration by the Russian army were realized
timely and thoroughly, i.e. completely.
To that end, the plan of the city and its ap-
proaches were carefully studied, as well as
36
the water tunnels and sewerage networks
that Chechen fighters used successfully in
1995. In mid-November in the town under
the cover of the night groups of soldiers for
urban reconnaissance were infiltrated to spot
the movement of terrorists, their locations
and to observe the situation for better cor-
rection of fire.
For the purposes of the information war, an
Information Centre was established in Moz-
dok carrying information from the front line.
In order to achieve tactical surprise, misinfor-
mation were skilfully used, and created the
impression that Russian intervention is lim-
ited. In the initial statements, the authorized
personnel were not mentioning taking Gro-
zny, but only about the situation in its envi-
ronment and the artillery strikes. Control over
the flow of information was facilitated be-
cause Russian and foreign journalists teams
were withdrawn from Chechnya because of
the danger of their abduction.
The use of artillery was decentralized on
motorized shooting companies, or the com-
pany skydivers were given battery mortars or
self-propelled mortar NONA 2S9. Air tactical
groups of two to four Mi-24 and one or two
Mi-8 were established for immediate sup-
port. It is interesting to mention that K-50
was used in combat for the first time.
The first phase began in late September and
ended in mid-October 1999. Unlike 1995, Gro-
zny was now trapped in a solid ring, and ar-
tillery and tank forces occupied all dominant
elevation points from which they acted on
the points of resistance.
For the defensive operations, the Chechen
forces prepared two defensive lines, unlike in
1995 when Chechens applied elastic defence
without clear lines, with mobile teams and
numerous ambushes.
Chechen first line consisted of less experi-
enced fighters who, for successful move-
ment from one point to another in the city,
dug a network of interconnected trenches.
Chechen fighters did not wear body armours
and were very mobile, and did not use flash-
ing ammunition in order not to reveal posi-
tions. Snipers invaded high and low positions
with predetermined lines of withdrawal; they
covered the fire positions with concrete
blocks, under which they placed automotive
jacks, and when they wanted to act they lift-
ed one side, and then lowered it down in the
camouflage original position. The entrances
in buildings and windows on the ground
floors were closed with wooden boards, so
the Russian soldiers carried ropes with hooks
and boards to enter the upper floors.
The first attempt to enter the city by Russian
troops was unsuccessful, and then on seversever-
al occasions Grozny was bombed with BM-21
GRAD, TOS-1, heavy flamethrower SMERC,
and tactical missiles TOCKA.
The third phase of the fight for Grozny lasted
from 25 December 1999 to mid February
2000.
The aim of the Chechens was to expel Rus-
sian troops on the streets while Russians
were trying to achieve the opposite. Rus-
sian units used the tactics of the Chechens
from 1995 - acting in small teams of three
soldiers, a sniper, a machine-gunner and a
gunner on RPG. To achieve mutual fire sup-
port, teams’ movements were synchronized
and controlled. Russian forces guided the
attack in five directions. Fierce fighting with
Chechen forces began on January 17, 2000.
Opponents were alternately taking impor impor-
tant buildings in parts of the city. The resis-
tance of the Chechens gradually weakened
because of the huge losses, and they were
threatened by a total destruction.
The “Wolf Trap” operation began during the
night of January 29, with joint efforts of the
Russian intelligence, eavesdropping depart-
ments and skilful usage of fake radio commu-
nication with non existing units, which was
known in World War II as “maskirovka.” At
the same time Chechen terrorists, exhausted
by fighting and using their intelligence infor
infor-
mation, set out in a general retreat from
Grozny in the south-western part, because
they thought it was the safest direction.
They made the conclusion on the basis of the
eavesdropping. However, that direction was
controlled by the Russian artillery, and it led
to countless minefields and was a result of
the Russian tactics known as “maskirovka”.
Gjorgji Bojadziev/Kemo Gjozo

REVIEW OF MILITARY DIPLOMACY
oreign policy should be part of the
politics run by each state or sover-
eign political entity, just as politics
in the areas of defence, justice,
education, culture and other areas. In
other words, the foreign policy of the
state represents an important state
and political instrument with the help
of which state planners tend to provide
their own country with the best condi-
tions and positions on the international
scene.
Its appearance dates from the forma-
tion of the countries that entered into
bilateral and multilateral relations. At
first it was practiced at a regional and
later at a global level within internation-
al organizations, using different forms
of actions. These actions indicate the
foreign policy of a country defined as
“an organized activity” of the state with
which it seeks to maximize its value and
interests in relation to other states and
entities that work in the external envi-
ronment.
There is a great spectrum regarding the
manner of conducting foreign policy
within the international community,
affected by many conditions, among
which we can consider the following as
the most important:
– Its size, population and ethnic compo-
sition;
– Socio-political order;
PEACE
WITHOUT UNREST
– Technological development and
wealth of raw materials;
– International, political and economic
aspirations;
– Stability of the political structure and
state institutions;
– Geostrategic position and so on.
International relations are not only part
of foreign policy but a whole complex of
military, cultural, sporting and other ac-
tivities by which the diplomatic activity
becomes concrete. The core elements
that a state has at its disposal for run-
ning the foreign policy are the following:
– Diplomacy;
– Public opinion and international propa-
ganda;
– Economic means and instruments;
– Military force.
In informal or social sense, diplomacy is
the use of tact to gain strategic advan-
tage.
The battle for opinion is very useful
since it encourages progress, develops
intuition and motivates people to seek
better solutions, a fact that has con-
tributed to the development of military
diplomacy.
The main feature of military diplomacy
is the combined use of diplomatic and
military means. It did not emerge sud-
denly as an independent diplomatic act,
but was continuously developing in the
framework of general diplomacy. The
first recorded military and diplomatic
contacts were made after armed con-
flicts of two warring parties, negotiating
with regards to the capitulation on one
of the parties. These contacts are usu-
ally made by senior military representa-
tives of the warring parties with their
colleagues.
With the development of international
relations and in accordance with general
diplomacy, the need to involve military
professionals in diplomatic missions oc-
curs frequently, because it is necessary
to have military and diplomatic person-
nel that are well acquainted with mili-
tary matters. In this context, although
military diplomacy remained an integral
component of general diplomacy, in
time international relations have devel-
oped and a need occurred for its partial
separation as a separate entity.
FIRST MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES
Contemporary military-diplomatic prac-
tice occurred in Napoleon’s France
when military officers were sent to dif
dif-
ferent duties within Embassies, respon-
sible for military tasks such as the case
with Captain De Lagerangea, who was
sent to perform a military mission in the
French embassy in Vienna in 1806.
The frequent wars during Napoleon’s
time contributed to the development
37
 of the military-diplomatic mission as a
permanent institution, so at the begin-
ning of the 19th century most European
countries introduced the practice of ac-
creditation of military representatives
within diplomatic missions. At the be-
ginning, their function was very limited
and was mostly related to the transmis-
sion of messages to the Head of State
or Minister of Defence, but in time this
branch of diplomacy has gained its in-
dependence. In the period from 1810 to
1852, a practice was established for ac-
creditation of permanent, legal military
representatives within diplomatic mis-
sions, who were cooperating but still
working independently and making deci-
sions within the diplomatic missions. MILITARY DIPLOMACY the system of military attachés is con-
The first military officials were repre- IN THE NEW ERA centrated on bilateral relations of the
sentatives of the land army, exclusively military establishment.
from the ranks of senior military lead- Military-diplomatic offices of the new
ers who were considered as the most era are a product of evolution for the NEW CHAPTER
competent experts on military strategy needs of the armed forces within the
and tactics with high sufficient military international relations, and the “military Britain was the first proponent of mili-
culture. But they were not able to fol- representative” function evolved from tary diplomacy and it first applied this
low developments in the other arms the necessity for the country’s armed concept in the Strategic Defence Re-
of service, such as the Navy and the forces to be appropriately present and view of 1998. After the attacks in the
Military Aviation, so to remedy this defi- represented in the international stage. United States on September 11, 2001, a
ciency experts in the area of naval mili- Fully developed military-diplomatic of of- new chapter in the strategic plan was
tary issues and Military Aviation were fices are rare in modern diplomacy opened in Great Britain that places par-
accredited as assistants to the military because they require enormous mate- ticular emphasis on the importance of
representative. With the introduction of rial and financial resources; in addition, military diplomacy, especially in the fight
these officials, conditions were created there is the fact that nowadays, with against terrorism. The tasks of the mili-
for institutionalization of military diplo- the increasing number of NATO Mem- tary diplomats (attachés) ensued from
macy in the form of a military-diplomatic ber States, there is not a great need to there:
mission composed of specific represen- increase the number of people as mili- – Protecting the military and security in-
tatives and other support staff. tary officials; on the contrary, they are terests of their country;
Rapid development of military diplo- almost down to one person, a military – Representing the military authorities
macy was made in 1914, and its highest attaché. The military attaché is a mem- of their country and liaise with them;
concentration in that time was in the ber of the Armed Forces who serves – Maintaining the security, political and
developed European countries, until the in the Embassy as a representative of military networks that are able to
outbreak of World War II when these of of- the military establishment of the coun- function in difficult times or during a
fices stopped working. After World War try abroad, and has a diplomatic status reduction of bilateral relations;
I military diplomacy got new dimensions and immunity in this function. He/she is – Performing the role of a military/secu-
in the framework of international rela- responsible for all aspects of bilateral rity advisor to the Ambassador;
tions, proving itself as a very important military and defence relations. – Monitoring the situation in the coun-
element in the conduct of negotiations. In addition, members of the armed try where they are sent and informing
So immediately after the war almost forces may be appointed to work in re- their own country;
all countries entered the era of sending gional organizations such as NATO, the – Monitoring and managing the activi-
well prepared military diplomats in coun- EU, OSCE or the UN. These people are ties related to the availability of mili-
tries for which they expressed interest, mostly appointed to the function of a tary information, military diplomacy
spending large sums of money for that “military adviser” or a “head of mission”. and military cooperation, as well as
purpose. A particularly great progress Their tasks are often multilateral, while bilateral contacts through multilateral
was noted between the two world
wars, when the states worked exces-
sively on both financial issues and find-
ing staffing solutions; the feeling that a
new world war will begin stirred each
country to send representatives where
there was a pressing need (danger). The
World War II had a great influence on
the development of this diplomacy, im-
proving its organization and the notion
of military representatives. In this con-
text, diplomatic and consular missions
became main media for collection, pro-
cessing and sending information in all
possible ways, which also made them
large and technically sophisticated orga-
nizations.

38
 programs such as NATO’s Partner-
ship for Peace;
– Promoting domestic military industry;
– When possible, participating in the
management of operations in case of
emergency and crisis situations.
It can be said that our military diplo-
macy has energetic function in the coor-
dinated program between the Ministry
of Defence and the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs on foreign policy developments.
Since the country became independent,
our military diplomacy has established
direct and indirect contacts with several
NATO members, as well as with sev-
eral countries that tend to be part of it.
Through these countries we are devel-
oping contacts with other NATO mem-
bers and other Partnership for Peace
countries, with the purpose of improv-
ing the diplomatic efforts (negotiation),
through which we can easily reach the
goal we desire - full NATO membership.
ROLE OF THE MILITARY
AMBASSADOR
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize
the contribution with some basic con-
cepts, in order to better understand the
“role” in the field of military diplomacy,
by establishing an attitude to the le-
gitimacy of the integration processes
that lead the country towards full NATO
membership with respect to the norms,
the values and standards which stimu-
late the politics of internal stability and
regional cooperation. Internal political
relations and democracy can not func-
tion successfully without the achieve-
ment of political consensus on issues
of social interest, including the member-
ship of our country in NATO and the EU.
The contemporary understanding of di-
plomacy, especially military diplomacy
(which is “a hallway” in the process of
joining the Alliance), is taken into ac-
count in the display of this phenom-
enon.
It is a fact that within NATO integration
processes, there are competitive rela-
tions between the countries for their
membership, but they also have to
cooperate and build mutual public rela-
tions on a reciprocal basis.
For a contemporary perception of the
concept of integration, it is extremely im-
portant to clarify the role of the military
ambassador, or known in the world of
diplomacy as the military attaché, which
has a fundamental influence in the inte-
gration processes and in the successful
security and cooperation as well.
In order to achieve the strategic inter-
ests for membership in Euro-Atlantic
structures, the Republic of Macedonia
should define values, especially with re-
gards to the cooperation with its neigh-
bours as a starting basis for regional
cooperation that can be easily achieved
through the mechanisms of economic,
cultural and other types of cooperation
(bilateral and regional ). This would en-
able establishing a dialogue at multiple
levels and would create conditions for
greater trust and closeness of peoples
who live in these areas. It involves politi-
cal and diplomatic activity for a dialogue
in the definition of common values that
would create a stable environment for
good neighbourly relations.
Military diplomacy is present in the poli-
cy of enlargement. Being a NATO mem-
ber does not only mean that we should
have a fully professional Army that can
be deployed at any time. NATO mem-
bership means having a functional so-
ciety with democratic standards, i.e. an
application of a system which respects
the market economy, private property,
rights and freedoms of people, devel-
oping good neighbourly relations and
contributing to the strengthening of in-
ternational security.
NATO membership is a “corridor” to the
membership of our country in the Euro-
pean Union. That is why our member-
ship to NATO in the shortest possible
timeframe
is of paramount importance.
Besides the enormous willingness of
the citizens to join NATO and other
outstanding tasks regarding the full
implementation of the Ohrid Frame-
work Agreement, the MoD of the RM
has achieved significant results in the
defence field, fully implementing the
defence reforms. The merit for these
achievements go to the MOD employ-
ees (this includes the General Staff of
the Army), NATO Advisory Team, BAH
and other collaborators who contribut-
ed the attainment of this level of profes-
sionalism during the reforms.
Basically, the decision of the Bucharest
Summit was political, but that does not
mean we should not continue inten-
sively to solve first our internal and then
external problems, intensifying foreign
policy, including military diplomacy, with
regards to professionalism, transpar-
ency, accountability and synchroniza-
tion between national institutions in
the country with NATO and the EU, be-
cause there is no a better way to follow
through the state interests to those
communities.
It is time to realize that “the purpose
of politics is not knowledge but action
by the use of diplomacy.” That is what
everybody wants. This is what leads us
forward. That is what is called a key to
the future of young generations.
Florim Aziri
39
 A VISION FOR A NEW WORLD
GLOBAL
A N E W U S A N UCL EAR STRATEGY
n April and May of this year, sev-
eral events of vital importance have
occurred associated with nuclear
weapons, which may have priceless
significance for the improvement of
the global safety system. First of all, on
6th of April, 2010, the brand new American
nuclear strategy was announced, and on
8th of April, 2010, in Prague, the START
Strategic Arms Reduction Treats
2 ((Strategic Treats))
was signed between the President of
the United States, Barack Obama, and
the president of the Russian Federation,
Dimitry Medvedev. Then, on the 12th and
13th of April 2010, a Summit was held in
Washington, which was attended by presi-
dents of forty -seven countries, dedicated
to nuclear safety, and from the 3rd to 29th
of May in New York, a UN conference was
held in order to emphasize the non-prolif
non-prolif-
eration of nuclear weapons. In this edition
of “Shield”, we will pay a closer look at this
new American nuclear strategy.
Every newly chosen American administra-
tion headed by the newly elected presi-
dent, undertakes certain measures and
actions in the domestic and foreign policy.
After Barack Obama’s arrival in the White
House, his administration in USA began by
expressing positive attitudes towards not
only settling the internal challenges but
also dealing with the foreign policy. Usual-
ly, the new American president adopts his
own National Security Strategy
Strategy, where
he expresses his security priorities and
every four years, the administration imple-
ments the quadrennial Defence Review.
The last review of the security strategy
was announced in February 2010. Apart
40
from this, Obama’s administration has re-
cently declared its new nuclear strategy,
immediately before the signing ceremony
of the new historical contract between the
USA and Russia i.e. START-2.
This newly declared American nuclear
strategy was preceded by the presiden-
tial speech in Prague, during the Summit
dedicated to the USA-EU relations, in April
of last year, when Mr. Obama addressed
the issue of the new nuclear threats and
dangers throughout the world and also ex-
pressed his vision for a better world, with-
out nuclear weapons. He admits that this
ambitious goal could not be reached very
soon. But, Mr. Obama expressed his deter-
mination to undertake certain measures
towards this goal, which means reducing
the quantity of nuclear weapons as well as
its role in the American National Security
Strategy. In the mean time, the President
of the USA promised that as long as the
nuclear weapons exist in the world, the
USA is going to retain its nuclear poten-
tial to a safe, reliable and efficient level,
with the purpose of repelling the potential
enemies and guaranteeing safety to the
American allies and partners in accordance
with the previous safety commitments
and guarantees undertaken by the USA.
The implementation of the new nuclear
strategy is going to reduce the nuclear
danger and risks for the USA, for its part-
ners and allies as well as for the whole
international community. Even though
reaching this goal is not going to be a
simple and quick process, America’s atti-
tude is that specific measures need to be
taken as soon as possible.
The new American nuclear strategy en-
closes the following steps for the next
5 to 10 years:
1. Undertaking preventive measures
and activities for preventing nuclear
terrorism and adhering to the inter inter-
national non-proliferation treaty.
2. Decreasing the role of the nuclear
weapon in the American military and
national security strategy.
3. Sustaining the strategic distracting
of potential hostiles despite the re-
duction of nuclear potential.
4. Strengthening regional security and
safety of American partners and al-
lies.
5. Maintaining safe, reliable and effec-
tive nuclear arsenal.
The focus, for the first time so far, as the
main priority of the new USA nuclear
strategy, is to undertake preventive mea-
sures and activities for preventing terror-
ist attacks with the use of nuclear weap-
ons as well as to prevent the proliferation
of nuclear weapons. The USA requires
and expects all other relevant world fac-
tors to operate and contribute together
in the adherence of the international non-
proliferation treaty and to prevent the
misuse of nuclear materials. The control
of nuclear weapons is emphasized espe-
cially for the countries which develop their
own nuclear programs such as Iran and
North Korea as well as measures and ac-
tivities related to controlling the storage
of nuclear materials.
The role of nuclear weapons in the Ameri-
can strategy for national security and in
the military strategy has been significant-
ly reduced in recent years but despite this
fact, the USA is planning to undertake ad-
ditional steps and actions to further de-
crease the role of nuclear weapons in the
abovementioned American strategies.
Also, this strategy explains the specific
steps that the USA is going to take in or-
der to reduce its nuclear potential. In this
context, the American measures are the
new START-2 agreement which has been

GLOBAL
signed with the Russian Federation recent-
ly, the participation in the Conference for
nuclear security, whose host was the US
president, Barak Obama, as well as the ac-
tivities and the measures that the US has
been undertaking in order to adhere to
the non-proliferation treaty and to distract
prevent hostiles who have the purpose of
misusing nuclear weapons in order to ac-
complish certain political or military goals.
As long as the nuclear threat exists in the
world, the USA is going to maintain its nu-
clear potential only to guarantee strategic
stability in the world together with Russia
and China as the greatest nuclear powers.
The USA has a commitment to guaran-
tee security and stability for its allies and
partners. If the USA promotes its stra-
tegic stability with Russia and China and
if mutual confidence and improved trans-
parency remain on a high level, then, it will
be easier to create conditions for moving
towards a world without nuclear weapons
and to build solid grounds to solve security
challenges such as nuclear terrorism and
proliferation of nuclear weapons.
In the near future, the USA is going to pay
more attention to the improvement and
development of its conventional capaci-
ties. This new nuclear strategy obliges the
USA to never be the first to use nuclear
weapons. The possible use of nuclear
weapons by the US might occur only in
extreme cases when it will be of vital in-
terest to the USA, its allies and partners.
Also, the USA obliges never to use nu-
clear weapons against countries which
don’t possess any nuclear arsenal and
therefore respect the international non-
proliferation treaty.
Similarly, this document calls for the re-
newing of the US nuclear infrastructure
with a financial investment of 5 billion
dollars which are going to be transferred
from the Department of Defense to the
Energy Department within the next few
years. The Energy Department in the USA
is going to be in charge of the implemen-
tation of the new plan for modernization
of the nuclear infrastructure.
The USA believes that the new nuclear
strategy is going to have a positive im-
pact on American security as well as on
the safety of its partners and allies. This
is certainly one step forward in achieving
the vision of the US President for a world
without nuclear weapons.
All of the measures and activities that the
new American administration has been
undertaking have a positive influence and
are of great importance to the improve-
ment of the security system in the world.
The USA, as the biggest nuclear force in
the world, has a leading role in building
the world’s security system. President
Barack Obama deservedly won the Nobel
Prize for Peace.
Stojan Dimchov, MA

41
GLOBAL

CONFLICT
MANAGEMENT
STRATEGIES
PREVENTION – CODE OF CONDUCT
here are various strategies which
could be applied in the process of
conflict management. Mainly, these
strategies are based on: engage-
ment of power and force in the form
of psychological and physical force; dif
dif-
ferent forms of agreements and negotia-
tions and introduction of a third party in
the conflict.
Generally, four types of conflict manage-
ment strategies are recognized in lit-
erature: 1. conflict avoidance; 2. conflict
prevention; 3. conflict settlement; and
4. conflict resolution. The differences
among the mentioned strategies are
made according to which conflict ele-
ments the strategy refers to, according
to which phase of the conflict the inter-
vention is done and finally according to
the final results or solutions of the ap-
plied strategy.
to a situation in which a compromising
solution is reached. This solution gives a
possibility to overcome the differences
and an opportunity for the opposing
parties to reach certain targets even
on an “uneven basis”. However, conflict
settlement strategy is applied to pre-
vent the hostilities manifested through
armed combat or violence and to come
to a compromising solution. This could
be done by applying the following tech-
niques: intervention, reconciliation, good
services, mediation and peace keeping.
Conflict resolution is non-compulsory for
third party intervention which intends
to maintain the long-term suspension
of violence in the frames acceptable for
all conflict involved parties. This text will
closely discuss the second type of strat-
egy, conflict prevention.
WHY CONFLICT PREVENTION?
The basic idea for preventing a conflict
is the “better safe than sorry” approach.
The following parameters give the justi-
fication of this approach. Firstly, preven-
tion is a worthwhile strategy. This has
been confirmed by the analysis in which
post conflict reconstruction and peace
building expenses are compared with
forecasted expenses for conflict preven-
tion. Namely, the studies that deal with
conflict expenses claim that the costs
for the international forces for prevent-
ing the conflict in Bosnia and Herze-
govina would have reached an amount

DETERMINING TYPES OF CONFLICT

Conflict avoidance as a strategy implies
non-violent and constructive behaviour
and action of individuals and countries in
their everyday life. The aim of construc-
tive behavior, thus, peaceful conflict res-
olution, is to avoid any possibilities of a
violent conflict breakout.
Conflict prevention is usually analyzed
from two aspects: as a strategy for pre-
venting conflict escalation into armed
violence and at the same time as part of
the post conflict peace building with only
one main goal, preventing violation re-
development. Conflict settlement refers

42
of 33.3 billion dollars, in comparison with
the amount of 53.7 billion dollars spent
for intervention. In the case of Haiti,
conflict prevention would have cost 2.3
billion dollars in comparison with oppo-
site 5 billion dollars spent for interven-
tion. Studies regarding the case of the
Republic of Macedonia when presum-
ing it as a successful prevention (up to
2001), show a cost of 0.3 billion dollars,
an intervention conducted at the same
period would have cost 15 billion dollars.
However, a profitable prevention should
not be seen only through the financial
expenses. Civilian casualties, refugees,
economic losses in the form of non-
conducted commercial agreements, dev-
astated economies, as well as political
consequences in the form of victory of
violence over democracy, weak function-
ing of the institutions, radicalization of
political and ethnic positions, are all com-
ponents which very realistically confirm
the attitude “better safe than sorry”.
CONCEPTUAL LOCATION OF
CONFLICT PREVENTION
From a theoretical point of view, the
conflict prevention concept could be re-
garded as a fundamental concept of the
UN Charter. It’s interpretation, especially
up to the end of the Cold War, has been
“prevention of conflicts” among coun-
tries. In that period, prevention was usu-
ally identified with interventions, which
on the other hand, are reactive instru-
ments. Today, preventive diplomacy is
the main UN mechanism for conflict pre-
vention. Also, conflict prevention is one
of the OSCE (Organization for Security
and Cooperation in Europe) aspects, and
as a strategy has already been built in
the Common European foreign and se-
curity EU policy. When we speak about
conflict prevention as a wide-ranging
strategy which deals with the conflict be-
fore the armed violence outburst, then
we conceptually rely on different mea-
sures that could be built in the system
of the country in order to avoid a violent
conflict, at the same time we rely on the
international organizations (UN, OSCE,
EU) for international conflict prevention.
Long term conflict prevention strategy
should consist of a number of national
and international activities directed to-
wards reducing the influence of internal
and regional processes which produce
conflicts. However, I would like to stress
that the conflict prevention concept until
now has very often produced a dilemma
of an unclear enough concept. This is a
result of the fact that, according to con-
flict studies, it is a part of our everyday
life and conflict prevention is actually
a prevention of violent conflicts. Thus,
when debating about this approach, dif-
ferent techniques might be applied as
well as various forms of advice not to
take part in the conflict (threat or use
of power) directed towards avoiding or
suppressing the undesirable behaviour,
and techniques directed towards conflict
regulation in order to create a frame of
violent behaviour by the actors involved
in the conflict.
TYPES OF PREVENTION
Conflict prevention has been defined as
operational or structural strategy used
by different actors in applying mid-term
or long-term proactive measures aiming
to identify the reasons for the conflict
and to create conditions for a stable and
predictable international environment.
This means that prevention is not the
exclusive right of only one particular ac-
tor or subject and it does not mean “ad
hock” intervention to prevent the out-
break of violence. Also, we can talk about
operational and structural prevention of
conflicts. Operational prevention is direct
and short term prevention that aims to
stop or limit conflict escalation using ur-
gent and short term measures and tech-
niques. In this context, typical examples
of operational prevention are mediation
or withdrawal of military potential. Struc-
tural or long-term prevention uses sys-
tematic and long-term measures which
will influence the structural, profound
reasons for the conflict, and at the same
time will influence the factors which are
the reasons for conflict development. In
this case, measures for conflict preven-
tion are economy development relief and
democratization of political involvement.
Depending on the method and means
for achieving the set up goals, Henric So-
kalski makes a difference between: legis-
lative/direct prevention; changeable/indi-
rect prevention and forceful prevention.
Legislative preventive activity is part of
the UN Charter and other international in-
stitutions and instruments based on the
principles of international law and on the
basis of promotion of friendly relation-
ship and cooperation among countries.
Changeable prevention mainly consists
of: law enforcement, respecting human
rights and all fundamental mechanisms
of democracy and civil society. This is of
great importance because three quar-
ters of the countries with extreme viola-
tion of human rights have been involved
in armed conflicts. Forceful prevention is
not always a popular instrument for con-
flict prevention and crisis management.
In this context, economic sanctions that
have been applied in certain situations
are good illustration of their unpopular-
ity and inefficiency (they encourage grey
economy, increased crime rate and are a
big shock for the population). If repres-
sive nature is added to this, then in cer-
tain cases the success of this type of
GLOBAL
prevention may be endangered.
HOW TO EFFICIENT CONFLICT
PREVENTION?
When defining the preconditions for ef ef-
ficient conflict prevention, the following
approaches should be taken into consid-
eration:
1. Conflict prevention to be based on pro-
found understanding of the reasons
for a certain conflict and on a number
of techniques for conflict prevention,
coordination and cooperation.
2. One actor is not absolutely and com-
pletely capable of conflict prevention.
The need for profound understanding of
the reasons for the conflict arises from
the fact that possibilities are minor for
the same prevention model to be ap-
plied in two or more conflicts. This is the
case because each particular conflict has
its own characteristics that make it dif dif-
ferent from other conflicts. The efficiency
of conflict prevention will be determined
by having detailed information about the
reasons, parties, approaches and aims
of a particular conflict. An early warning
as a support for political prevention has
the main role in this situation. An early
warning involves gathering information
about a certain conflict area, analyses of
these information and development of
potential answers so that the reaction
will be on time. The assumption which
is part of the abovementioned state-
ment is that information and its analyses
and the strategic part will be applied in
a very short time to prevent or reduce
conflict intensity. Prevention efficiency,
apart from early warning, depends on
the number of actors that are in charge
of its realization in practice. There is an
opinion that international and regional
institutions can not independently and
efficiently prevent conflicts. This is why
prevention is not a privilege only of the
international institutions or national se-
curity institutions, the success of its
realization depends on a big number of
subjects in one society, starting from
each individual, local communities, the
non-governmental sector, specialized
institutions, media and international ac-
tors. Proactive behaviour in the frame-
work of functioning and acting of each of
these actors, as well as the partnership
of their preventive action, can significant-
ly and positively influence the efficiency
of conflict prevention. Successful and efef-
ficient conflict prevention could only be
expected if it is implemented as a norm
of behaviour, as a culture of prevention
and if it is applied on time.
Aleksandar Pavleski
43
GLOBAL
LEGISLATION,
THE BASIS FOR ECOLOGY
GOVERNMENTAL ROLE IN THE PROGRAMS FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
HE LAWS AND STRATEGIES –
MANNER OF ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION
The government and legislation are
responsible for the development of the
national security and the laws for envi-
ronmental protection, laws that should
meet the national needs and they should
consider the suggestions and responsi-
bilities of the international organizations
like the United Nations (UN) and NATO.
Unfortunately, the national needs are of of-
ten identified according to environmental
disasters that result in the loss of lives or
unfortunate effects over delicate or im-
portant national sources. The legislation,
in the process of initiating national secu-
rity, can lead to significant entry in the
legislative sphere, which is already fully
realized in the other countries.
Regarding the national goals and strate-
gies we must point out that the objective
is a prepared and understandable state-
ment of tangible objectives, with a real
date for its accomplishment. An objective
can be the assigned maximal level of air
pollution and the date when this will be
reached. The objective can also be the
date of putting all those industrial pro-
cesses that use toxic materials out of
use.
The strategy is a method that the gov-
ernment uses to fulfil the objective. For
example, the government demands plans
for treatment of all waters that flow into
the lakes or rivers so that the contamina-
44
tion be reduced to a certain acceptable
level. The government demands the fac-
tories to install control mechanisms that
will eliminate the dangerous fumes from
the air, and in the same time is in a posi-
tion to introduce taxes for the biggest air
pollutants. The resources from the taxes
can be used for other environmental proj-
ects of great ecological importance. In
addition, the tax usually motivates the
factory owners to look for other technolo-
gies with less air pollution.
The government must take care of the
development of the objectives and strat-
egies. Although they might wish to meet
the environmental standards as soon as
possible, the fundamental objectives that
are very ambitious or introduce a strategy
that is extremely rigorous can have nega-
tive effects on the economic vitality of the
country. The government forms objectives
for all organizations and subjects of the
country to sustain a balance between the
protection and progress of the living envi-
ronment and nature on one hand, and the
rest of the national opinions on the other.
DESCRIPTION OF DEVELOPMENTAL
OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES
Damage prevention of the
environment from past, current and
future activities
The government sets objectives and
strategies that will contribute in cleaning
the contamination of the environment,
which presents a health risk to the ani-
mal world in general. In some countries
the government is primarily responsible
for cleaning, although the activities were
executed according the laws of that time.
In some cases, when cleaning technol-
ogy is not available or too expensive, the
government takes no action, and those
parts are avoided form public access or
development until the cleaning is enabled
fiscally or practically.

The government sets objectives and
strategies that will make certain that the
current activities of the military, industrial,
agricultural and other sectors are gov-
erned in a way that the people are not
exposed to risk or do not reach unaccept-
able challenges for the environment. The
typical strategy is involving strict proce-
dures for safe control, keeping, using and
spreading of dangerous substances and
materials. Other strategies impose the
initiating and safe keeping of levels of
toxic substances that can be released in
the air, water or ground.
Regarding damage prevention of future
activities, the government sets objec-
tives and strategies with the authority to
adopt practices for using materials that
are no risk to the environment. Typical
strategies involve bans to use danger-
ous materials or high taxes for their use,
which forces or motivates the user to
search for an alternative, such as raw ma-
terials or materials that are not harmful.
Another strategy that is commonly used
is the adaptation of recycling programs
that reduce the amount of harmful mate-
rials that are emitted of expelled.
other words, even if the project is secret,
it is especially imperative to protect the
health of the workers, as well as the en-
vironment.
In some cases the government may al-
low the military sector to be relieved
from respecting those standards if they
weaken the military readiness. Interna-
tional examples recognize the need of
the military sector for certain clearances.
For example, MARPOL-Protocol for the
marine pollution (MARPOL identifies the
military methods of operations under
conditions different from commercial.
The military ships remain at sea in long
intervals, equipped and secured for action
in war time and have limited space for
waste and installing purifying equipment
for waste.
The use of chemicals is another part
where the government allows exceptions
to the military sector regarding standards
for the environment. For example, while
the governments of many countries are
trying to eliminate the use of chemicals
that harm the ozone layer, they allow ex-
ceptions in case of army use, but only if
there is no acceptable substitution. That
is the case with the use of halon as a
mean to start a fire in the air force.
Budget support and the revision
of the strategies
The executive authority must create ef-
forts to support the budget request
of the military sector for the support of
the objectives and strategies related to
the living environment. The government
GLOBAL
should arrange budget procedures that
will enable a review of the military and en-
vironmental needs. If the budget requests
are presented in this manner, the govern-
ment will be able to decide whether or
not they can fulfil the requested funds.
The government should also initiate an
audit program for the environment in
order to decide whether the involved
strategies are proper and whether further
actions or fiscal aid is really needed. Some
governments call for offices or ministries
responsible for the development of the
environmental objectives and strategies
in order to carry out the audits. Other
governments have delegated responsibil-
ity to local or regional authorities.
The audits can vary in their scope. For ex-
ample, an audit can be expected and use-
ful for some new operation. A focused
audit that shows only one media can
be useful for assigning confidentiality on
new environmental research.
The need for discretion leads to a situa-
tion where the members of the military
sector can conduct the audit. Usually, the
audit team of the military sector uses a
list of check-ups developed in accordance
with the responsible authorities for the
environment.
The audit teams have different level of
authority. In some countries, the auditors
can impose fines for discrepancy. In some
unusual cases, the auditors can stop the
operations if they cause unacceptable risk
for the workers, public or environment.
Elizabeta Tashkovska

Leadership in the military sector

The government has to conduct clear lead-
ership in the military sector that should be
in accordance with the national objectives
and strategies in this field. In most cases
the government will expect the standards
in the military sector to be respected as
they are in other sectors. Basically they
should maintain balance between the in-
terests of the military sector and those of
the environment. Usually the government
asks for an opinion from the military sec-
tor before the suggested objectives and
strategies are formally adapted.
Also, the military sector is expected to
be in accordance with the national ob-
jectives and strategies, even if the activ-
ity is secret due to national defence. In

45
 the reflection
of the full moon
66 YEARS AFTER THE D-DAY –
ALLIED DISEMBARKING ON THE FRENCH COAST
onday, June 5, 1944. British Air Mar- of several days, which was largely in fa- the defensive line on the Atlantic coast.
shal Sir Trafford Leigh Malory, com- vour of the allied forces. But despite major losses in the eastern
mander of Expeditionary Allied Air The operation of the allied invasion of front, the opinion that the forces from
Forces, during his visit to the airport north-western Europe was called “Op- the Atlantic coast would decrease did
in southern Britain, from where British, eration Overlord”, while the first phase not show to be correct. Even at the end
Canadian and American air-landing units of the attack on Normandy - “Operation of the war, in 1944, German troops sta-
a few hours later should have taken off, Neptune. tioned in the western front had great
noted strength, despite the lack of materials
“Their behaviour can be characterized as THE ATLANTIC “WALL” for the production of heavy weapons.
dreary and not happy at all. However, I After the invasion and the fall of France, The facts show that the German Army,
do not doubt their determination to ac- German troops controlled the entire despite shortages, was a very effective
complish this task.” length of the Atlantic coast of north- and loyal army that filled in that obvious
ern France. Because of “getting wires “whole” in the eyes of the Allies. On the
”SPRING TIDE” crossed” regarding the signing of some other hand, the lack of quality on the Al-
Setting the date for disembarking sort of truce with Britain, and the in- lied side was fulfilled with quantity.
largely depended on weather condi- ability of Germany to invade France, They largely controlled the air and the sea,
tions. Only a few days every month German troops found themselves in a forcing the German strategists to under
under-
were favourable for the launch of the situation where they had to maintain stand that the invasion was inevitable.
planned operation, because it has to be
a full moon, and a very high tide as well
which occurs only when there is a full
moon (“spring tide”). The first condition,
the full moon, was required to illuminate
navigation markers, and the second for
safe navigation through the hostile wa-
ters and to avoid defence barricades set
up by Germans. Dwight Eisenhower, the
supreme commander of the Allied Forc-
es at that time, set June 5 as the day
of the attack, but due to unfavourable
weather conditions on June 4, during
the especially important meeting the
day after, the forecaster suggested that
certain improvements in the weather
were expected on June 6. Due to chang-
ing weather conditions, German forces
did not expect an attack, and many of
the German officers had taken a leave

46
AIR LANDING
The landing zone was located on
both ends of that part of the Nor-
mandy coast where a few hours
later a massive transfer of people
and combat equipment started.
The U.S. 101st and 82nd Air Divi-
sion landed west from the U.S.
landing section “Utah” and “Oma-
ha” and the sixth British Airborne
Division (together with the Cana
Cana-
dians) landed east of the British
section, i.e., “Gold,” “Juno” and
“Sword”. The purpose of air land-
ing was to protect both sides of
the sea coast where the main al-
lied forces disembarked from the
side attacks of the German Army.
The parachute jumpers coloured
their faces with uniform colour.
The sky was clear and the moon
fully shining. The weather did not
betray them. Each aircraft carried
a group of ten parachute jumpers
who had to land in three zones: N,
V and K, and their task was to put
signal lights and a network of ra-
dar signals “Eureka” to allow the
successful landing of parachute
jumpers and gliders of the whole
Division within only 30 minutes.
Fortunately, despite many difficul-
ties and unsuccessful landings, a
sufficient number of signal lights
were placed, which enabled the
successful landing of the first glid-
ers, shortly after midnight on judg-
ment day - June 6. From the first
six gliders, 160 infantry soldiers
had a task to win two vital bridg-
es over the Cannes Canal and riv-
er Ornan. Despite heavy battles,
the radio emitted “ham and jam”,
the code that announced that
the bridges were won. On the
other hand, the bridges over the
river Wild had to be destroyed to
prevent a German counterattack
from the east. In this case the
task was fully carried out, but this
time by the British-Canadian 3rd
Parachute Brigade.
The toughest task in the attack
was winning the German coastal
battery at Mervil. The battery had
steel doors, roofs and walls made
of reinforced two-meter concrete
and the German army had 130 sol-
diers who operated 150mm can-
nons. To make the victory even
more difficult, a 100 meter wide
minefield was set around the
battery, as well as barbed wire 4
meters wide. Thirty minutes after
the first day of landing, a hundred
“Lancaster” bombers had shelled
the battery, but unfortunately
no bomb failed to directly hit the
battery. After a partially failed at-
tempted landing on this battery,
with less than 200 allied forces,
the attack began according to
the projected plan. The result
was satisfactory - there were 130
dead, wounded or captured Ger-
mans, while the allies had over
90 people still on their feet. And
most importantly, the battery
Mervil remained a problem for
1. AN OPERA- the major British-Canadian force
TIONAL PLAN which was to arrive on the coast
DRAWN ON A
in a few minutes.
MAP Air landing was successful de-
spite many things that went
2. THE ACTIVI- wrong. The goal was achieved
TIES OF THE
and the tasks fulfilled despite the
SOLDIERS AF- great number of loss: 2499 dead
TER COMPLE-
or wounded U.S. and 650 British
TION OF THE and Canadian soldiers.
OPERATION
LA MANCHE SIEGE
3. OPERATION One of the most important de-
ANALYSIS
cisions which referred to the
4. THE EM- planned landing was made in early
PLOYED 1944. The planned disembarking of
TANkS three divisions on a 55 mile wide
DURING THE coastal area was the proposal of
INVASION OF Eisenhower. Instead of three, five
NORTHWEST- foreign Divisions disembarked on
ERN EUROPE the French coast in the first ech-
elon, on a 90 km wide area. Initial
5. THE PREP- plans included about 35,000 peo-
ARATION OF ple and to gather the necessary
ARTILLERY personnel, many old ships includ-
EqUIPMENT ing four battleships, five cruisers
FOR INVA- and 40 destroyers were used, and
SION, STA- personnel from the land forces
TIONED IN and military aviation were tem-
THE ENGLISH porarily redeployed as well. There
PORT BRIX- was a lack of ships and vessels
HAM which were required to transfer all
staff and mechanization. Because
of this, the senior staff was forced
to ask the U.S. Navy for an addi-
tional number of ships, a demand
that was not met with enthusiasm
among the Americans. However,
despite certain differences, Admi-
ral King, who also believed that the
presence of the German warship
“Tirpic” in the northern waters was
essential to maintain a strong fleet
in reserve in Scapa Flow, allowed
the sending of additional three old
warships, two destroyers and 22
cruisers in April, which was more
than what was asked of him.
No resistance was expected from
the German air force and Ger-
man ships, and later during the
invasion, this was confirmed. On
the day of landing, the allies pos-
sessed full power in the air, and on
the sea surface as well. That’s why
a lot of attention was devoted to
dismantling underwater mines and
of course, dangerous submarines.
The attack from German subma-
rines was expected mainly from
Biscayan Gulf, the most important
exit gate. That is why a massive
fleet of 21 Squadron was sta-
tioned, which had been ordered
to patrol 24 hours a day the move
between Ireland, Lands End and
Brest, with the intensity of control-
ling every square meter of the sea
at least once every 30 minutes. It
was considered that even if they
hadn’t destroyed the submarines,
because of the complexity of
avoiding the ships and the time
of waiting, they would have spent
all of the power from the batter-
ies until they had reached a certain
location to invade.
The first echelon of landing in-
volved about 1,200 combat ships,
large and small, more than 4,000
transport ships and landing boats,
mainly in operations related to the
prevention and combat support,
as well as cleaning the area from
sea mines. Due to the large num-
ber of boats, they started their
way from a few ports on the Brit-
ish coast, mainly between Plym-
outh and New Haven. The most
important ports where combat
ships were concentrated were
Portsmouth, Plymouth, Dart-
mouth and Dover, but in Clyde
and Belfast as well (especially for
ships that have been designated
for artillery support). As part of
the fleet, small Dutch warships
“Flores” and “Sumba” were pres-
ent too.
47
 In the last miles from the beginning of
the invasion, the engines of hundreds of
hunters and heavy bombers were heard
above the ships that were to destroy
enemy bunkers and batteries located
on the French coast, and light bomb-
ers could have been seen above them,
which aimed to destroy every living
force in the landing area. Artillery bomb-
ing started around six o’clock, which
could have been characterized as the
largest “rain” of shrapnel that was once
fired from sea to land (later in the Pacific
even more bombings were carried out).
The landing was already in full action.
THE COMPLETE SUCCESS OF UTAH
Of all the zones of disembarking, Utah
Beach was considered a complete suc-
cess. Namely, in this zone, the number
of victims among the Allies was the
least – out of 23,000 troops, 197 were
killed. Luckily for the fourth Infantry Divi-
sion, because of the sea currents, rather
than the “Tejr Green” and Uncle Red”,
the disembarking was carried out in the
sector called “Victor”, where there was
a small number of defensive troops.
Precisely because of these elements,
allies succeeded relatively quickly and
easily to exert pressure on the Germans
and to merge with elements of the 101st
Infantry Division.
CONQUERING POINT DEW HAWK
The allied armies in this area had really
big problems. The 30-meter natural bar-
riers, together with the German ma-
chine guns mounted on their peaks sur-
rounded with reinforced concrete, which
represented an obstacle for the Second
Ranger Battalion, resembled the Great
Wall of China. The Battalion under the
command of James Rader had a task in
5 hours and 30 minutes to attack and
destroy the German coastal defence
weapons which controlled both places
close to the disembarking, Utah and
Omaha. They did not know that these
weapons were previously dislocated in-
land, so they were forced to penetrate
deeper into French territory in order to
fully accomplish the set task. However,
despite the absence of such weapons,
vital fortifications had to be taken. The
fighting for the take-over lasted two
days and the weight of fighting could
have been seen in the number of dead
members on the side of the Allies.
Namely, they lost more than 60% of all
manpower that was disembarked on
the planned site.
THE HELL ON OMAHA BEACH
Parts of the first and 29th Infantry Di-
vision faced the 352nd German Infan-
try Division, which was one of the few
divisions that were in full composition,
although about 50% of its soldiers had
no practical experience. However, al-
lied intelligence was unaware that just
two weeks before the disembarking,
the 100-km long beach was divided
into two parts (Caen Zone under the
716th Division and Baje Zone under the
352nd Division) instead of being a zone
of responsibility to only one (the 716th
Infantry Division), and the forces that
were assigned to defend were actually
48
duplicated. Omaha German Army had
set a number of machine guns, defen-
sive walls and artillery weapons, and
the allied bombardment that preceded
the disembarking was not very helpful.
Moreover, problems with navigation
units forced them to disembark at the
specified places, which led to the de-
struction of much of the equipment and
a large number of dead members of
the allied forces. Only a certain number
of “ad hoc” units managed to “pass”
through the heavy German defence. It
was exactly they, aided by constant ar-
tillery support, who succeeded to sup-
press the enemy and achieve the goals.
U.S. losses on Omaha were about
5,000 killed people (out of 50,000),
while on the German side, the number
was lower, around 1200.
DISEMBARKMENT ON THE
BEACHES OF “JUNO” AND “GOLD”
The disembarking on the beach of Juno
was entrusted to the Canadian forces
that faced a strong German defensive
line (two batteries with 155-millimeter
machine guns, nine smaller batteries
with 75-millimeter machine guns, con-
crete barriers and a beach above which
a rock rises twice the size of the Oma-
ha. In the initial attack, the Canadian
Forces survived large losses (50%), but
despite that, after several hours they
repressed the Germans and advanced
inland.
The Golden Beach was the target point
for the disembarking of the 50th British
Infantry Division. They encountered a
strong German army that set a strong
defensive line in the village near the
Germany-Unknown Germany from 4.000 to 9.000
PARTICIPANTS
beach. Despite the great difficulties,
Allies this division managed to penetrate
deep into the French territory until the
USA end of the day.
,
Great Britain THE SWORD OF VICTORY:
Allies 10.000,
THE SWORD BEACH
VICTIMS
Canada At 7:30 the first units that arrived on the
beach faced relatively little resistance,
Free France after which they managed to penetrate
eight miles in the French territory. How-
Poland ever, despite the easy penetration in
France, the main goal, winning the city
Norway
Allies-175 000,
of Caen, was not achieved. The city re-
Australia mained under German administration
FORCES
until August 8, after the battle for Caen.
Germany Ivan Petrusevski
CHARACTERISTICS
OF CIVIL-MILITARY
RELATIONS DURING
COUNTER-INSURGENCY OPERATIONS - X
n the last issue we postulated the
civil-military relations (Civ-Mil or
CMR) during counter-insurgency op-
erations (COIN). In this issue we are
going to present the characteristics of
CMR during COIN operations, especially
the significance of these operations for
civilians and control of resources.
Controlling people and
resourCes during the indireCt C
Ct
approa h while Civil - military
approaC
relations are set during Coin
When we described the basic principles
for modern global insurgency move-
ment we said that one of the major
goals of the insurgents is to reach the
people. In accordance with many theo-
rists and operatives who use Clauzevitz,
the centre of gravitation for insurgents
is people. When we talked about cen-
tres of gravity, we said there are capaci-
ties (critical capacities), demands (criti-
cal demands), and weaknesses (critical
weaknesses). On the other hand, the
insurgents always try to get to people
and their sympathy in order to get con-
trol over resources which are necessary
for their normal functioning. Therefore,
the main goal of any leader who plans
COIN operations is to separate the in-
surgents from the resources.
Taking into consideration the above-
mentioned, the military leaders in the
theatre and their planners need to
COIN
look for critical capacities, demands and
weaknesses in the relation between the
local population and resources. It is very
difficult to give a general definition of a
specific case and what would be critical
capacity, demand or weakness, there-
fore, we are going to focus on elaborat-
ing the meaning of isolating the line: lo-
cal population - resources.
For a military leader who is involved in
COIN operations, the first thing that he
needs to do is to ensure isolation of the
insurgents from the local population and
their resources. For that reason, leaders
and planners of COIN operations need
to know the principles, tasks and tech-
niques used to gain control over the local
people and resources in order to isolate
them. In order to reach the primary goal
in COIN operations (isolation of local
people from insurgents) the insurgents
need to be identified, their organiza-
tion, activities, as well as their methods
of control need to be recognized and
their influence over local people.
If we look at world practice of taking
measures in order to control the local
population we can see that the easi-
est way to adjust these measures is to
follow the classic practice of civil police
in every system. It is especially dem-
onstrated in the work of the civil police
while organizing and maintaining law
and order. This is based on the fact that
police in every system have substantial
knowledge of the culture, therefore the
experience and training are designed
and adjusted to that culture. Thus, in
order to take control over the people
successfully, it is necessary to under-
stand their culture, perspectives, and
perception of certain phenomenon and
behaviour. Moreover, every civil police
can function perfectly well if it cooper-
ates closely with the local population.
The military leaders who organize COIN
operations have to work in the same
way if they want to gain control over
the local population and recourses. In
that way, conditions are created in or-
der to build legitimacy. On the other
hand, COIN operations of this type will
give the military leaders a chance to fo-
49
 cus their armed combat actions
more easily during COIN opera-
tions. Through indirect approach,
gained control over local popula-
tion (i.e. gained trust of the local
population) will make good condi-
tions for dealing with the military
part of the insurgents – guerrilla.
An operational concept designed
in this way must go with continu-
ous psychological operations –
PSYOP. The insurgents will use
their own propaganda in order to
gain control over the local popu-
lation. Therefore, it is pointless
to try and gain control over the
population without attacking this
kind of propaganda because of
the following points. Firstly, the
insurgents come from the local with the local population. 1. RESOURCES ent among the people. It means
Another detail which must ARE VERY that the control is ideal when the
population, however, they can IMPORTANT
have foreign mercenaries in their be carefully considered is the population is constantly among
amount of used force. It is a fact FOR LOCAL the armed forces and local gov-
troops (which is a characteris- PEOPLE AND FOR
tic of modern insurgency with a that legitimacy is very sensitive INSURGENTS ernment that are supported by
global aim). Consequently, the to the amount of used force. This the armed forces (the latter is
local population has deeper and is very important and it should be 2. COMBAT especially important if the COIN
stronger relation with the insur- pointed out because the control VEHICLE OF THE operations are a part of the build-
over the population should be PSYOP – US UNITS ing a nation process, such as in
gents than with the troops who SUPPORTING
conduct COIN operations. Sec- taken over by the armed forces. Afghanistan and Iraq). The way
They are trained to use aggres- COIN how the armed forces will oper-
ondly, very often, the perception OPERATIONS
of the presence of armed forces sive force based on the idea to ate depends on the vision of the
is considered as an occupation or defeat the enemy. But in this 3. THE leaders and capabilities of the
as hostile (even though the COIN kind of operations armed forces SIGNIFICANCE planners. The presence of armed
troops are locals, when the insur- are required to use a different OF PSYOP AND forces is not justified if it is only
gents appear within the borders concept, i.e. to use a peacekeep- RELAYING for patrolling. Patrolling is maybe
ing operational doctrine which is INFORMATION IS necessary but only at the early
of one country and act locally. DEEPLY STUDIED
For example, very similar, though based upon different principles stages of the process of taking
than classical operations. AND ANALYZED, control over the territory. In the
not identical, was the case of the THEN USED IN
conflict in Macedonia). If there is a need of more aggres- MODERN COIN later stages their presence must
Therefore, the propaganda must sive methods for gaining control, OPERATIONS. IN be shown through programs, or-
not have a negative connotation, which means use of force (includ- ORDER TO HAVE ganizations, shows, PSYOP and
with the aim to manipulate the ing deadly force), it should be ap- A BIGGER EFFECT similar activities. In this way a
proved by effectively gathered lo- WHEN RELAYING media for communication with
population. The local population INFORMATION,
will not believe it because what- cal intelligence. This thesis shows the local population will be es-
that force is in function of building THE ARMY AND tablished and at the same time,
ever the lie or broken promise it AIR FORCE USE
is, it will only be a confirmation of up trust with the local population. AIR SUPPORT trust, which is extremely impor-
what the insurgents try to show Thus, the continuation and aim tant in setting up the next ele-
that they are not. Thus, when of all used methods are pointed ment, i.e. continuity. Continuity
designing the psychological op- out within the Civ-Mil operations means that territories with free-
erations (PSYOP) in order to gain in general, as well as for control dom of communication should
control over the local population over a particular territory. be more; moreover, they should
and recourses, all efforts which Taking control over a territory be connected and constant. This
are really put for the well being must be effective and continu- is possible only in an ideal envi-
of the people should be empha- ous. If you want to be effective, it ronment and the continuity is the
sized. In this case, it is very use- means that you need to be pres- peak of success in taking control
ful to favour the cooperation and
support of the civilian govern-
ment, who should come from the
local population.
Nevertheless, when control
methods are set up, care must
be taken so that they are legiti-
mate. One of the conditions of
legitimacy is that they should be
according to the law - legal. The
control methods should not be
against the national laws. An ex-
ception may be made if it is prov-
en that previous laws are beyond
widely recognized principles of
civilized nations and international
standards. Such case is in Israel,
in the region Gaza, where estab-
lishing new rules on the territory
means improving the relations

50
over a territory. It will prevent the
insurgents from manoeuvring,
which is one of the basic prin-
ciples they rely on (it has been
discussed before). That is how
big operations will be avoided
such as operation ‘Anaconda’ in
Afghanistan (2002) and the op-
erations around and in Fallujah in
Iraq (2004).
Good communication is the es-
sence of building effectiveness.
By communication I mean good
infrastructure as well as ex-
changing information between
corresponding zones. The zones
are very important when they
have differently delegated re-
sponsibilities, no matter if they
are coalition forces (as they are
in Afghanistan and Iraq) or if
there is communication between
military and police forces (for ex-
ample in COIN operations dealing
with national problems).
The imposed methods must be
in correlation with people’s cul-
ture and real needs, which means
they need to be implementable.
If they are implementable, they
are in good function of the previ-
ously mentioned conditions, which
means, they need to be legitimate.
The implemented methods must
be closely followed and analyzed.
The analysis always needs to be
real and to determine mechanisms
where the effectiveness of the
implemented methods could be
measured. Measuring effective-
ness is very difficult in this kind of
conditions. Therefore, it is difficult
to determine the mechanisms
which could be used to mea-
sure effectiveness. During classi-
cal armed combat in wartime or
armed conflict, effectiveness can
be measured by the number of de-
stroyed combat vehicles, enemy
troops or enemy infrastructure. On
the other hand, in actions when
COIN operations are conducted
4. A US CIVIL within the support and stabiliza-
RELATIONS tion operations, or peace support
AGENT IS operations, measuring the ef ef-
PUTTING UP fectiveness is based on different
A POSTER parameters which emphasize the
WHICH ILLUS- legitimacy of the operations (or
TRATES NEW the presence in the correspond-
ing area). The parameters of this
REGULATIONS
kind of operations are determined
OF THE AREA by the principles which work for
this kind of combat or operations.
Although it is too abstract to de-
termine effectiveness, it is still very
often connected to the trust of the
local population.
In practice, it is very often proven
that the leaders in the theatre
5. A CANADIAN
tend to rationalize this very im-
SERVICEMAN IS portant element, most prob-
COOPERATING
ably under political pressure or
WITH THE LOCAL
POPULATION because of the strong desire
IN ORDER for quick success. Namely, they
TO GATHER do not measure effectiveness
INFORMATION through the real needs of the
AND TO ENSURE population, but with their own
CONTINUATION
image that they have gained
OF EFFECTIVE people’s trust. One way of gain-
CONTROL
OVER THE ing people’s trust is by providing
POPULATION them with real living conditions
and prosperity. In order to create
these conditions, military leaders
often focus on numbers, for ex-
ample, number of schools, medi-
cal facilities, bridges, etc.). They
follow the principles and instruc-
tions for this kind of operations,
and in their efforts they forget
about the real needs of the pop-
ulation. This was the case with
Afghanistan until General Mc
Chrystal became Commander of
the International Coalition Forces
in Afghanistan (NATO forces and
the ones who take part in the
“Operation Enduring Freedom”).
The leaders and planners used
methods which they thought
were needed and not what the
local population needed, without
considering the security and real
needs, but they were partly led
by their own perceptions, partly
by misusing the framework of
the operational procedures. For
example, schools were built
which were supposed to give
education that would give a solid
basis to build a nation with stabil-
ity, according to the willingness
of the West (building up democ-
racy according to the USA model
and other western countries
which follow the liberal-demo-
cratic tradition). What happened
demonstrates that commanders
and leaders were wrong when
they implemented these meth-
ods while taking control over
the territory. The majority of the
children did not go to school be-
cause the level of security was
not satisfactory. The local popu-
lation was afraid that the Taliban
would come and kill all girls in the
school which prevented them to
support the initiative for educa-
tion. There are many examples
like this. Therefore, the leaders
and planners need to understand
that whichever methods they
implement, they must be in ac-
cordance with the real needs of
the local population and not ac-
cording to leader’s perception
and especially not according to
political pressures.
Finally, in order to have effective
methods they must be based on
the principle of flexibility, which
means that certain mechanisms
have appropriate effect only if
certain conditions exist. After-
wards, these mechanisms-meth-
ods may be absurd and even
counterproductive. Regardless,
all methods must be directed to-
wards building an effective gov-
ernment which has the trust of
the people. It is identical in both
cases, when COIN operations are
conducted in foreign countries or
at home. The government will
not be effective without the trust
of the local population which will
create a gap between the popu-
lation and the government.
PhD Metodi Hadji-Janev
51
 REVIEW OF THE THIRD GAME SET
IT IS ALL ABOUT MICROMANAGING

UNDER THE WATCHFUL EYE OF

EL PRESIDENTE

52
ON THE CARIBBEAN ISLAND TROPICO
FIRST THERE WAS A FINANCIAL, THEN ECONOMIC CRISIS. PEOPLE
ALL OVER THE WORLD CAN FEEL THE CONSEqUENCES. HAVING THIS
IN MIND (OR MAYBE NOT), kALYPSO MEDIA DIGITAL HAS DECIDED TO
TAkE US FAR FROM OUR HOMES AND THIS HARSH REALITY. SO, WE
ARE NOT TAkEN TO A TURBULENT NEIGHBOURHOOD BUT TO THE
SUNNY BEACHES OF THE CARIBBEAN PARADISE ISLANDS. WHAT MORE
CAN WE ASk FOR? BEAUTIFUL BEACHES, BLUE SEA, CURIOUS TOUR-
ISTS, PALM TREES, COLD CARIBBEAN DRINkS, A POSSESSIVE LEADER,
PLENTY OF TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, A STRONG ARMY…AND THE FA-
MOUS EL PRESIDENTE! IF THIS SOUNDS APPEALING THEN, WELCOME
TO PARADISE ISLAND!

53
 o be in a “‘god-like” position, is
not bad at all. The strategies can
put the gamers in a position to
control the lives of their “subordi-
nates” which could really be a good break
from everyday hard work reality. “Today the
bus did not come on time …so I was late
for work…” Without any guilty conscience
you can spill all of your anger and frustra-
tion at the poor farmers or the workers
at the port. I am not saying that they will
not be angry but who cares! That is the
beauty of this game. Each of you is given
a choice to play a tanned tyrant or to be-
come the greatest democratic leader ever
(from my experience, you can not become
either completely). Eventually the army can
always help us to boost the dynamic of the
game. However, even if you are not a big
dictator fan (talking about imaginary situ-
ation, of course) you can always put your
efforts into making Tropico one of the top
tourist destinations or make your island a
leading economic power (amongst the oth-
er Caribbean islands).
But the strategic location of Tropico will
always put you in the middle of world af-
fairs. You will be taken back into history,
during the Cold War period, when the pres-
sure from the two world superpowers was
more than obvious. It is left to you, that is,
the charismatic El Presidente, to choose
whether to open the paradise gates to
the USA or its bitter opponent USSR. And
thanks to the Haemimont Games develop-
ers, the game play will also contain some
real historic events, like the Pope’s visit
or the Cuban missile crisis. Quite interest-
ing… don’t you think?
LET THE RULING BEGIN
Although most of you have already come
across the previous games from the Tropi-
co series, it is never a bad idea to start with
the game tutorial. And like the tutorials of
the previous games from the Tropico se-
ries, I have encountered some problems
with the instructions for the game play. The
tutorial of Tropico 3 is simple and contains
only the basic information, which means
it does not offer any instructions about
the most important and the most difficult
aspects of the game. Having in mind that
economy plays one of the most important
roles in this type of games, “making money
“has to be priority for the gamers. For those
who are familiar with the previous games
from the Tropico series, the simplicity of
the instructions for game play can be seen
as an advantage if you look at the game
as a whole. However, I have to stress that
the game play is not based solely on build-
ing roads, houses, apartments, factories,
farms, churches and other buildings, but
each gamer at the beginning of the game
has to either create his/her own despot or
pick from a list of history’s finest leaders,
which includes Fidel Castro, Che Guevara,
and even Eva Peron.
The gamer can also choose the character
traits of the leader. There are four positive
and four negative character traits that can
greatly influence things like the relation-
ships and cooperation with the world su-
perpowers as well as the homegrown fac-
tions, each with their own goals and aims.
I have to admit that it is quite interesting
to play a womanizer who has only one
passion in life - losing money while play-
ing poker. If this is the case the game play
is adjusted so that your dictator will have
problems with religious groups and the is-
54
land intellectuals.
And again we have the domestic factions.
Although while playing they are the most
problematic they also make the game play
more engaging and make it more adven-
ture like. You might get in trouble with the
nationalist if you make an alliance with the
USA, while the intellectuals might be mixed
because you are a religious zealot who also
happens to believe in free press. But there
is nothing to worry about; El Presidente is
always there to take care of everything.
You have a range of activities to choose
from in order to make the island’s inhab-
itants happy and win them over. You can
also hold speeches, introduce new laws
and policies, like allowing same sex mar-
riages or burning books and thus cripple the
education (typical for a dictator regime, isn’t
it?). These ranges of policies (some of them
are found in the previous Tropico games)
are a positive thing and definitely make the CAMPAIGN
game more enjoyable and challenging Tropico 3 campaign is one of the strongest
What will the first day bring? You can ex- aspects of the game. Each of the 15 ad-
pect everything. You have to be careful ditional missions are played on a different
how you manage your resources and ma- island, and one other positive thing is, like
terials which are the main elements for the in the previous Tropico games, there are
industry on the island (which you have to more difficult requirements and objectives
develop) and at the same time your island as you progress through the game. These
inhabitants should have the basic everyday requirements are different like exporting a
products. That is why building houses and certain amount of goods by a certain date
farms should be your priority at the begin- or another might ask you to stay in power
ning of the game play. If you have enough for thirty years. Each mission starts with
food coming in, you can start assigning the most important buildings (including
workers to harvest lumber or mine precious the presidential palace) and you have only
metals or oil from the earth. These goods a small amount of money to start off. And
can combine with your agricultural surplus while you try to fulfil the required objective,
to bring in a bit more cash. Once you have you will face random events like: military
got a profit going, you can start to think coup, corruption, pressure from the coun-
about the social welfare of your people, cils… but you will find yourself totally
give them churches, clinics, and schools and
even add some entertainment venues.
Of course, not everybody will be satisfied,
that is why I suggest building a few military
bases which will be helpful for maintaining
peace and order. Another recommendation
from my personal experience is to give your
soldiers high wages (you decide how high)
because even the El Presidente is not resis-
tant to bullets.
Another interesting fact is that no matter
what regime you will decide upon the elec-
tions are necessary. Needless to say that,
El Presidente always has a couple of aces
up his sleeve. So you will be able to give
pre-election speeches and promises, cut
down some taxes and other similar op-
tions. Nevertheless, the final outcome from
the elections will depend on how well you
have managed to balance and fulfill the ex-
pectations and demands of your voters.
MICROMANAGING
Although it looks too complicated, the devel-
opers have made sure that there is less mi-
cromanaging which makes the game easier
to play. The apartments, the farms, the fac-
tories and all other buildings run on autopi-
lot. Yet, you would have to make certain de-
cisions which are vital for the functioning of
the previously mentioned buildings. This in-
cludes determining the wages for the work-
ers which is very important for maintaining
a peaceful situation. For buildings, like clinics
and schools, you need educated staff so at
the beginning you will have to recruit foreign
specialists. However, each of the special-
ized buildings are maintained in two modes,
normal and reduced, which saves resources.
Likewise, the military bases can be designed
to produce traditional army or armies used
for special operations.
engaged while trying to balance
things out and make the correct
decision.
Though most campaigns only have
one goal, there are occasional side
goals that can take the game off in
another direction. The real charm of
the missions is in the event system.
It’s interesting because at first they
may seem random, but they begin
to unfold and tell a larger story. So
you may hear that a young, drunk-
en tourist has crashed the presi-
dential limo. Your first decision as
to how you punish the offender will
definitely spark the interest of the
nationalists in your country. But a
short while later, you may find that
the kid’s father is a US diplomat,
so you’ll have to make new deci-
sions that influence your regime’s
autonomy and relations with the
US. Over time that one forgettable
minor event becomes the basis for
a host of other issues.
PLAYING GOD (SANDBOX MODE)
The sandbox mode offers enjoy-
able game play. Using this option
enables you to adjust the game to
your needs and desires. The econ-
omy could reach its peak and you
might even decide to be invaded
by the USA (which could develop
your tourism and thus you will gain
a bigger profit) or to maintain your
independence. The option for alter-
ing many aspects of the game play,
including some historical events, is
allowed by an editor.
WHAT DOES
TROPICO 3
OFFER?
A CAMPAIGN
WITH 15
DIFFERENT
MISSIONS
MISSION
GENERATOR FOR
RANDOM MAP
CREATION
ELECTION
SPEECHES
NEW BUILDINGS
AND UNITS
VISITING ISLANDS
BELONGING TO
OTHER PLAYERS
SYSTEM
ADVANTAGES AND same as the one where we have pre-
REqUIREMENTS DISADVANTAGES viously built on without any problems.
Minimum system Each game has its own strong and Another small drawback is that some
requirements are weak points. I am happy to say that buildings have certain requirements
recommended this game has very few problems and in order to function. Sometimes you
OS: Win xP, Vista, drawbacks. When we considered the might find yourself in a situation that
7 interface I have to say that the over- you do not know what the problem
CPU: 2.4 GHz dual all impression is positive. It is stable, with your building is and why it is not
core (2.4 GHz well balanced and aims to show the functioning properly.
single core) quality of this game. Creating the The graphics are another story. I am
RAM: 2 GB (1 GB) road network could be a bit difficult saying this because some of you may
VGA: 512 MB and it takes some time but the result find the graphics not appealing since
Directx9c, GeForce is more than satisfying. Yet, as it was there is a mixture of realistic computer
8 series, ATI the case with the previous Tropico graphics with some cartoon like imag-
HD4800 (256 MB games here, we have the same prob- es. But the overall impression is sat-
Directx9c, GeForce lem when it comes to placing build- isfying; even more than that. In fact,
6 series, ATI ings. It is hard to understand why you this is to be expected from a strategy
x1300) can not build in certain areas although game of the new generation aiming
HDD: 5 GB the terrain according to the map is the to use the maximum out of computer
performances. Aside from that, the
visuals are incredible. The images of
the island, the sea and the ongoing
activities create a very natural, real-
istic setting for the game. It is even
worth diving down to the street level
to watch some of the activities. All in
all, you will not be disappointed and
some images may be breathtaking.
Talking about positive impressions,
we definitely have to mention the
sound effects of this third game from
the Tropico series. The Latino music
has always had a special effect and a
positive influence on the atmosphere,
and this game is not an exception.
Maybe later during the game you
might want a change of rhythm but
it is appropriate with the lively island
atmosphere and another choice of
music certainly would not have that
effect. A bit of rumba has not harmed
anyone yet.
ANY FINAL WORDS?
Maybe Tropico 3 is a bit different
from the standard RTS simulations
which have been presented in the
previous issues of “Shield”, but at the
beginning of what may be a long hot
summer we thought that this adven-
turous tropic island game would be a
good way to chill out. Tropico 3 with
its advantages and disadvantages is
a well balanced game which can offer
plenty to all strategy fans. And if you
think that this type of strategy game
based on micromanaging is not your
cup of tea, I can only say that every-
thing is possible. Who says that Tropi-
co can not have a military regime?
Ivan Petrushevski
55
 RED STAR LIGHT DIMMED
SERIES OF RUSSIAN VIDEOS IN HONOR OF THE GREAT VICTORY
ay is the month when we celebrate
Victory Day in the Second World War.
This year commemorates the 65th
anniversary of the great victory over
fascism. The deadliest war brought to
death 50 to 70 million people worldwide,
nearly 24 million only in the Soviet Union.
DAYS OF RUSSIAN WAR MOVIE
On that occasion the Macedonian Film
Library cooperation with the Embassy of
the Russian Federation in Macedonia, with
“Mosfilm” from Moscow and the Russian
Centre for Science and Culture in Sofia,
organized a truly classic cinematic event,
a series of movies called “Soviet Patriotic
War in Motion Picture.”
I found out about this event by accident. I do
not even remember the last time I watched
a Russian movie. Yet, curiosity immediately
awoke and took me to the opening of this
event. At the entrance we were greeted
by young girls who gave us George’s rib-
bon (social action dedicated to the celebra
celebra-
tion of Victory Day) and a brochure named
“Soviet Patriotic War in Motion Picture”
which included the opening addresses by
the event director of the Macedonian Film
Library, Mimi Gjorgoska-Ilievska, MA, and
by the Ambassador of the Russian Federa-
tion in the Republic of Macedonia, Vladimir
Solocinski. According to him, “this event is
supposed to remind us once again how he-
roic, tough, and bloody and filled with mis-
fortune was our way to common victory in
the most frightening war in human history.”
Short welcome speeches and a pretty dain-
ty performance of Russian songs by the fe-
male singer group “Chajki” followed and a
projection of the film was scheduled for the
end of the event.
I have to admit that I went there with a
small dose of scepticism. I expected much
dogmatism, movies in the style of social
realism, piteous patriotic elements or re-
construction of the famous battles, which
I was not that willing to watch. But I was
drawn by the movie “Star” which opened
this event due to being of recent Russian
production.
EVENING SELECTION
War film is a genre in which a lot of atten-
tion has been paid to the Russian cinema-
tography. The immense loss of the Soviet
Union in the Second World War enabled the
primordial struggle between good and evil
in which communism stresses the political
importance to triumph in the battle. Seek-
ing to step away from this, the director
Nikolai Lebedev with the film “Star” is try-
ing to save the Russian war movie from its
glamorous past, showing the less known
side of war - the world of intelligence of-
ficers who operate behind enemy lines.
The film is a modern project by “Mosfilm”
of 2002 and Nikolai Lebedev has the role
of the movie’s one-man author - director,
screenwriter and producer. There is a solid
literary foundation - the famous short story
by Emanuel Kazakievich also called “Star”
of 1947 written on the basis of his own ex-
periences in the Red Army. The synopsis
revolves around the actions of a group of
Soviet scouts working behind enemy lines
during Operation “Bagration” in World War
II. At the time when war literature and war
films were celebrated in post-war years in
the USSR, Kazakievich was not attractive
enough for the time. His very simple sto-
ries, illustrate the war as it was, not as an
allegory of Soviet domination.
PROJECT READY
The first scenes take us directly on the
front-line in the midst of the major Red
Army offensive which is supposed to return
the Germans outside the borders of the
Soviet Union. But that’s not easy with the
heavily armed German army that prepares
a counteroffensive. The main question that
can change the course of battle is where
the main armour of the German Army is
transferred. For that purpose a reconnais-
sance unit ought to be formed which will be
slipped behind enemy lines to gather such
information. Against the atmosphere of
everyday shelling of the front-line, amidst
other soldiers and the population that
failed to escape, a signals unit is in-the-
atre. Their task is to keep in touch with the
entire front and the command. We were
introduced to the camp through the eyes
of a young signals servicewoman, Katya,
who had recently arrived. Another two
soldiers arrive and they are immediately
introduced to Katya. They are young yet
very experienced reconnaissance soldiers -
Lieutenant Travkin and Sergeant Mamoch-
kin, who are the only ones who stayed
alive in their group of scouts. They receive
a task to form a group to infiltrated behind
the enemy. The Red Army offensive is at
full speed and the soldiers have the task
of suppressing the German forces behind
the border of the USSR.
Fighting with great enthusiasm, they win!
But the Germans are preparing a counter-
offensive. They take the elite SS-divisions
with all their armoured weapons – well-
known tanks and they prepare the large
tank division called “Viking”. The Soviets
need information on the exact location
of the division to bomb it and to prevent
its action. This affects not only the further
course of the battle, but also the war. The
secret operation is extremely risky. Two
such groups previously sent had vanished
and never returned. The team gradually
forms. Four experienced military persons
from different units join: Sergeant Brazh-
njikov, Captain Barashkin, Soldiers Bikov
and Temdekov and a young inexperienced
soldier, Vorobiev, who was taken in for
his knowledge of the German language
and radio communication. The operational

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.

name of the group is “Star”. They
receive a radio transmitter, commu-
nication codes and they head out.
The seven soldiers know that they
are going into almost certain death.
HIGH-PRICED TASK
From this point until the end of the
film, the action begins and no one
can for a moment divert his/her at-
tention. Soldiers come across ob-
stacles of every kind: nature (swamp
almost swallows them), technical
(radio breaks down prompting the
action almost to fall flat), military
(armed to the teeth Germans all
over), psychological (they had to kill
in cold blood – they must not leave
any witnesses alive) ... Due to a com-
bination of circumstances, they are
forced to split into two groups. Two
of the team, Bikov and Vorobiev,
break in a truck carrying them to the
false position of the German tanks.
Ukrainian Bikov possessing a great
military and intelligence experience
gives protection to the young, inex-
perienced and scared Vorobiev. They
are very close to Bikov’s birthplace
and he hides his disappointment
successfully seeing what had been
left of his home. Suddenly, when
detected, a terrible aircraft bomb
attack saves them. The Soviet avia-
tion bombarded the terrain because
they thought that is where the Ger Ger-
man tank division is stationed. How-
ever, Bikov and Vorobiev find out on
the spot that it is a false position,
that the Germans made models of
tanks very skilfully to conceal the
true location. In this scene of chaos
of bombing, shooting and hand-to-
hand fighting, the experienced Bikov
dies and Vorobiev has to take his
dead friend himself to the agreed
facility where they were supposed
to meet with the rest of the group.
The latter, however, lost the radio
during a shootout and remained
cut off from the command. They
found out the exact location of the
tanks from the captured Germans,
but could not send this information;
therefore they decided to steal the
radio from the Germans. They were
aware that this is a suicide act, but it
was very likely that they would perper-
ish anyway. The only question was
whether they would at the same
CAST time carry out the task for which sured in steps and one’s last sec-
Igor Petrenko – they were sent. When trying to onds of life are counted since it is
Lt. Travkin take the radio, the young Vorobiev clear to everyone that at the end of
Artiom Semakin – is badly wounded. They retreat to the staircase an explosion occurs.
Soldier Vorobiev an old barn, but the group is discov- Eyes are a very important artistic
Aleksey Panin – ered and surrounded by numerous expression that is often used in this
Sergeant Kostya German soldiers shooting at the movie: Travkin and Katya only hav-
Mamochkin barn with their entire military arse- ing eyes for one another – deep, pla-
Aleksey kravchenko nal. At the last moment before the tonic unfulfilled love that burns for
– Sergeant Anikanov band leader dies, Travkin manages life; the frightened eyes of the sol-
Anatoly Gushchin –
Soldier Bikov to establish a connection with Katya diers when facing a threat; the eyes
Amadi Mamadakov – and sends the valuable information. of the captured German soldier filled
Soldier Temdekov Their young lives end there in the old with horror whilst becoming aware
Yuri Laguda – barn fire, but at least they accom- that he is going to be executed;
Sergeant Brazhnikov plished their task. eyes filled with dismay when the
Ekatherina soldier sees his home destroyed...
Vulichenko – FINAL IMPRESSIONS Although it could not be argued
Soldier Katja Simakova In this movie of Lebedev we follow about some deeper psychologi-
war” from a “worm’s eye” view; we cal analysis of the film characters,
AWARDS
HONFLEUR
FESTIVAL
OF RUSSIAN
CINEMA “ YEAR
2002
NIKOLAI LEBEDEV
WON THE
“GRAND PRIx”
THE
INTERNATIONAL
FILM FESTIVAL
kARLOVY VARY
CINEMA – YEAR
2002
NIKOLAY
LEBEDEV IS
NOMINATED FOR
“CRYSTAL GLOBE”
follow scenes where at a slight an- Lebedev succeeded in acquainting
gle we would notice the dynamics us with a sentenced – to - death
of the action. We follow two paral- generation of young people in a
lel realities: the life of the German war in which the question of “what
troops behind the front-line and the will you become in your life” is non-
secret, surreptitious world of intel- existent, but “what do you want to
AWARD “NIkA” ligence people who moved about become in your life before the war.”
- 2003 the area as reptiles. When these The main character in this film is still
BEST MUSIC two worlds entwine an explosion the war itself. The war with its land-
– ALEKSEY of dynamics would occur. A rush of scapes filled with mud, smoke and
RIBNIKOV adrenaline was felt in the audience death, rivers filled with corpses and
BEST SOUND – and it was felt all over. The play with fields filled with tanks reminds us how
ALEKSANDER sound is interesting too. In the tens- very aimless, senseless, tragic the war
POGOSJAN
DISCOVERY OF est scenes only the breathing of the itself is. Yes, it must not be forgotten!
THE YEAR – frightened soldier waiting to be dis- Yet, we, watching the last scene
IGOR PETRENKO covered or the creaking of the stairs of the movie, where thousands of
which the German soldier climbs to dead young soldiers are marching,
check whether the stable is empty cannot feel anything but sorrow.
could be heard. Time is then mea- Biljana Ivanova

57
 Original title:
John Baylis, Steve Smith, Patricia Owens
THE GLOBALIZATION OF WORLD POLITICS
AN INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Press: TABERNAkUL – Skopje 2009
he book ““The Globalization of World
Politics” is the most extensive and
the most comprehensive book among
those works that are accepted at the
proposal of the Ministry of Defense
according to the topics it covers as well as
to the record number of 37 authors whose
views and standpoints are carefully ar ar-
ranged in an outstanding unity by the three
main editors, John Baylis, Steve Smith and
Patricia Owens.
John Baylis is a Professor of Politics and
International Relations and Assistant to
the Deputy Rector of Swansea University.
He obtained his PhD at the University of
Wales. He authored more than 20 books.
Steve Smith is a Deputy Dean of the Uni-
versity of Exeter. He taught International
Relations at the Aberystwyth University in
Wales and the University of East Anglia as
well as at the State University of New York
(Albany) and Huddersfield University of Poli-
tics. He was the president of the Associa-
tion of International Studies from 2003 un-
til 2004. In the year of 2000 he was elected
Academician of Social Sciences. He is an au-
thor and editor of thirteen books and over
90 academic papers from this field.
Patricia Owens is a Senior Lecturer at the
Department of Politics at Queen Mary Uni-
versity in London. She is an author of sev-
eral books and numerous papers in the field
of international relations and politics.
The book is structured according to interna-
tional standards in five main parts on over
600 pages.
Part One - Historical context: This part
of the book provides an overview of the
international society from its beginnings
in ancient Greece to the beginning of the
current century. There is a lot of historical
information given and in this context it may
be cosidered whether the globalization is a
new phenomenon or whether some of its
precursors have already existed.
Part Two - Theories of world politics: The
four main theoretical perspectives on world
politics treated here are: realism, liberalism,
Marxism and constructivism.
Part Three - Structure and processes: This
section shows the main structures and pro-
cesses in contemporary world politics. The
question what represents structure on one
hand and process on another, is in itself a
big and interesting topic for debate. This
section shows us important topics, such
as the variable nature of war (the defini-
tions of war, the nature of war, revolution
in military affairs, postmodern war, new
wars), the International and global security,
International law (especially interesting for
us is the section of the rules of war) and the
58
United Nations.
Fourth Part - International Affairs: A broad
overview of the major issues in contempo-
rary world politics is given in this part. The
first goal is to help understand some impor
impor-
tant and difficult problems that we are fac-
ing daily in prime time news coverage and
which directly or indirectly affect our lives.
Secondly, the goal is to give an overview of
those issues related to the nature of glo-
balization. Here, among others, are the is-
sues of terrorism and globalization, nuclear
weapons, nationalism, human security and
humanitarian interventions in world politics
that are particularly attractive from a pres-
ent point of view.
Part V – Globalization in the future: In this
last part of the book a few thoughts about
the impact of globalization on world politics
in the new millennium are offered.
The Macedonian translation of this at pres-
ent fourth edition of the book for the Mace-
donian edition of ““Tabernakul”, which was
first published in English in 2008 by Oxford
Universities Press, along with the proofproof-
reading and complete editing as well as
the high-quality print being at the highest
possible level, are gladly greeted and they
also set high criteria for such and similar
ventures in the future.
Now in its fourth edition, this internation-
ally acclaimed text has been completely
updated and upgraded in the light of recent
developments in world politics with new
chapters on the changeable nature of war,
human security, as well as the international
ethics. The comprehensive introduction to
the international relations is ideally suited
for students facing this issue for the first
time.
The purpose of this book, as the editors
say, is to give the reader an overview of
world politics in this globalized world.
Readers have the opportunity to shed light
on the different sides of the globalization
through an analysis of the various aspects
in the book that do not represent the same
party. For example, everyone has a differ-
ent view on the events of September 11,
2001. Hence it can be noted that this book
actually has three main objectives:
– To offer an overview of world politics in an
age of globalization
– To summarize the main theoretical ap-
proaches that explain the contemporary
world politics
– To provide necessary material and answer
the question whether globalization is a fun-
damental transformation in world politics.
The reason why the authors decided on
“global politics” is because they think the
term is more comprehensive than other al-
ternative terms.
The theme of this book is globalization, and
as the authors say, their goal is to show us
an overview of world politics in a globalized
era. “By globalization we simply mean the
process of growing interconnection of so-
cieties so that events from one end of the
world are increasingly affecting distant
people and societies.” .”
The book highlights the main arguments
that globalization is a new epoch in world
politics.
The chapters that follow do not give a re-
sponse and do not take a position for or
against globalization. Rather, they go fur-
ther and offer a multitude of views, opin-
ions and explanations with whose aid all
of us should eventually try to answer more
questions, such as:
– Is globalization a new phenomenon in
world politics?
– Which of the theories best explains glo-
balization?
– Is globalization a positive or negative de-
velopment?
– Is globalization the latest stage of capital-
ist development only?
– Does globalization make a country old-
fashioned?
– Does globalization make the world more
or less democratic?
– Is globalization really Western imperialism
only in new clothes?
– Is globalization making the war more
likely?
– How is the war itself a globalizing force?
The Globalization of World Politics” is
““The
one of the commercially most successful
textbooks published by Oxford Universities
Press, and by glancing at it it’s not difficult
to see why. The book aims to combine his-
tory, theory, structure and processes with
the contemporary international issues and
it does that in a clear way. This text is ideal
for students who enter this field but also
remains a key resource for those students
who continue their studies. Although the
purpose of the book is introduction, its con-
tent and insight make it an extraordinary
valuable investment. For those who want
more content, references and information
in connection with what is covered in this
extensive and challenging work, and who
besides the Internet, know English as well,
I suggest you visit the Online Resource
Center www.oxfordtextbooks .co.uk/orc/
baylis_smith4e, which accompanies this
book and provides students / readers and
lecturers ready materials for teaching and
learning.
MA Julijana Stojanova
 STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
A PLACE FOR
OUR “FLIERS” POSTERS

Respectable editorial,
Although I don’t really have any remarks
I truly like the texts dedicated to our Military concerning the contents in your magazine,
Air Force and I hope that there will be more I do have one question. Is there any
texts in the next editions of your great opportunity “Shield” to give a few posters?
magazine! Just keep up!
Filip Delovski
Mile Krstevski

Reply: Reply:

Dear Mile, Dear Filip,

Ever since the first edition of “Shield” we Unfortunately, we haven’t planned

have dedicated significant space to our
Air Forces. But, we would like to point out
that this is not by accident, it is because of
the professionalism which the members of
the Military Air Force have been contiously
showing.
supplementing the magazine with
posters, for now. Of course, if we have an
opportunity to do that in the future, your
suggestion will be taken into account.
Editorial “Shield”

Regards,
Editorial “Shield”

DIFFERENT CONTENTS
I am writing this comment to praise you
because even though your magazine
represents only one element of the society, it
can satisfy the wider reading population with
its contents. I find myself in the texts about
the space and also the ones about ecology.
I would recommend you not to leave that
concept.
Goran Milenkovski
Dear readers,
In the new magazine we are introducing
some news – direct contact with you, our
faithful readers. Considering the fact that
your opinion is the best measure for our
success, we dedicate this page to you.
We are looking forward to your opinions,
suggestions and criticism which you can
send us to our e-mail address: stit@
morm.gov.mk

Reply:

We absolutely agree with your opinion

that this magazine has contents which are
interesting for everybody and we are glad
that we hear these positive comments all the
time. They give us élan to continue further
with the same pace.

Editorial “Shield”