MISSIONS OF ACTIVE & RESERVE COMPONENT OF THE AF OF REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA ON THE REGIONAL AND GLOBAL SECURITY ENVIRONMENT Colonel Mehdi POGAÇI ® 25 March

Constitution of the Republic Part 14, Armed Forces Article Albanian citizens have their duty to participate in the defense of the Republic of Albania, as provided by law. 2.Citizen, who for reasons of conscience refuses to serve in the armed forces, is obliged to perform an alternative service, as provided by law. Article 171,paragraph 2 “In case of external threat or coercion to the common protection that stems from an international agreement, the Parliament, on proposal of the President of the Republic, declare the state of war, decides the total or partial state of mobilization”. Constitution of the Republic Part 14, Armed Forces Article Albanian citizens have their duty to participate in the defense of the Republic of Albania, as provided by law. 2.Citizen, who for reasons of conscience refuses to serve in the armed forces, is obliged to perform an alternative service, as provided by law. Article 171,paragraph 2 “In case of external threat or coercion to the common protection that stems from an international agreement, the Parliament, on proposal of the President of the Republic, declare the state of war, decides the total or partial state of mobilization”. 1

Law nr.9047, "For military service in RA” Types of military service A. Military service includes: a) active military service; b) alternative service; c) service in the reserve. 2. Active and reserve military service are performed in the Armed Forces. 3. Alternative service performed in public or in the Armed Forces, according to the criteria of this law. Law nr.9047, "For military service in RA” Types of military service A. Military service includes: a) active military service; b) alternative service; c) service in the reserve. 2. Active and reserve military service are performed in the Armed Forces. 3. Alternative service performed in public or in the Armed Forces, according to the criteria of this law. 2

Law nr.9047, "For military service in the RA", Article 39 Military mobilization in time of peace A. Military mobilization in time of peace planned, organized and run in accordance with the goals and commitments of the document of the defense policy, security strategy and military strategy of the Republic of Albania by the General Staff of Armed Forces, forces commands and forces support commands. B. Mobilization of reserve forces for the development of exercises and other activities, carried out by the Chief of General Staff, forces commanders and forces support commanders, on the basis of annual programs approved by the Minister of Defense. Law nr.9047, "For military service in the RA", Article 39 Military mobilization in time of peace A. Military mobilization in time of peace planned, organized and run in accordance with the goals and commitments of the document of the defense policy, security strategy and military strategy of the Republic of Albania by the General Staff of Armed Forces, forces commands and forces support commands. B. Mobilization of reserve forces for the development of exercises and other activities, carried out by the Chief of General Staff, forces commanders and forces support commanders, on the basis of annual programs approved by the Minister of Defense. 3

Threats, AAF reforms and reserve forces The main threat to peace and security in the world did not come from any form traditional conflict between states, but mainly from asymmetric threats and risks, including internal ethnic or not conflicts of various states and the dangerous activities of international terrorism. In Albania, as in most countries, are carried out reforms aimed at passing from the compulsory service and reserve forces, to a smaller active professional force, supported by a volunteer reserve force. In today's terms of engagement, always greater, peace support operations led by UN, NATO, EU and others coalitions to meet the participation in them by the countries with active forces is becoming more difficult. In these conditions, to cope with these difficulties, an important role, the reserve forces are going to play. Threats, AAF reforms and reserve forces The main threat to peace and security in the world did not come from any form traditional conflict between states, but mainly from asymmetric threats and risks, including internal ethnic or not conflicts of various states and the dangerous activities of international terrorism. In Albania, as in most countries, are carried out reforms aimed at passing from the compulsory service and reserve forces, to a smaller active professional force, supported by a volunteer reserve force. In today's terms of engagement, always greater, peace support operations led by UN, NATO, EU and others coalitions to meet the participation in them by the countries with active forces is becoming more difficult. In these conditions, to cope with these difficulties, an important role, the reserve forces are going to play. 4

Reserve forces, from a traditional component configured to protect the territories of the country and its citizens, is becoming more a part of the whole spectrum of humanitarian operations and peace support operations, including those within the country, in case of various civil emergencies. The concept of security and defense of the country is radically transformed. From April 2009, when member of NATO, AAF passed eventually from the concept of protecting the country with its own forces to the collective security and defense concept of Alliance. Volunteer reserve force is a military component where the citizens, voluntarily, join the armed forces, combining civilian career alongside a military duty, part-time. Military reserve component is part of the organization of the armed forces and part-time activated during exercise or mission, based on a specific legal framework. Reserve forces, from a traditional component configured to protect the territories of the country and its citizens, is becoming more a part of the whole spectrum of humanitarian operations and peace support operations, including those within the country, in case of various civil emergencies. The concept of security and defense of the country is radically transformed. From April 2009, when member of NATO, AAF passed eventually from the concept of protecting the country with its own forces to the collective security and defense concept of Alliance. Volunteer reserve force is a military component where the citizens, voluntarily, join the armed forces, combining civilian career alongside a military duty, part-time. Military reserve component is part of the organization of the armed forces and part-time activated during exercise or mission, based on a specific legal framework. 5

Brief history on Albanian RF ^ On 09 September 1921, for the first time, AAF drafted and edited the provisional recruitment rules for active forces and reserve forces. ^ From 1944 up to 1960, reserve forces were more than 3 times than active forces, in peace time. ^ During the period the concept base of defense was, "the whole people soldiers'' and in 1965, by the decision of the Defense Council, created the Territorial Defense Units, Volunteer Forces, students units, women units. ^ The end of the Cold War, the new international relations, the new global environment and new regional and strategic changes brought significant changes in the nature of the international and regional conflicts. These changes brought also changes to the military concepts and to the organization of AF, specially about the role of reserve forces. In Albania, too. Brief history on Albanian RF ^ On 09 September 1921, for the first time, AAF drafted and edited the provisional recruitment rules for active forces and reserve forces. ^ From 1944 up to 1960, reserve forces were more than 3 times than active forces, in peace time. ^ During the period the concept base of defense was, "the whole people soldiers'' and in 1965, by the decision of the Defense Council, created the Territorial Defense Units, Volunteer Forces, students units, women units. ^ The end of the Cold War, the new international relations, the new global environment and new regional and strategic changes brought significant changes in the nature of the international and regional conflicts. These changes brought also changes to the military concepts and to the organization of AF, specially about the role of reserve forces. In Albania, too. 6

Albanian military service recruitment During the period existed only compulsory recruitment system In 1998, for the first time, began the recruitment of professional soldiers for special forces In 2000, recruitment of professional soldiers for all forces, besides the compulsory recruitment In 2007 recruitment of professional soldiers for the entire structure of the AF structures with the idea of replacing the compulsory system From the compulsory recruitment system was completely abolished. Voluntary professional service came into force. Albanian military service recruitment During the period existed only compulsory recruitment system In 1998, for the first time, began the recruitment of professional soldiers for special forces In 2000, recruitment of professional soldiers for all forces, besides the compulsory recruitment In 2007 recruitment of professional soldiers for the entire structure of the AF structures with the idea of replacing the compulsory system From the compulsory recruitment system was completely abolished. Voluntary professional service came into force. 7

Reserve forces legal base Law nr.9047, "For military service in the RA" 1. "Reserve Service" is service performed by an Albanian citizen who has had an compulsory military service or alternative asset and one that is out of limit of a particular age to perform this service and the military of active military service issued in reserve, according to criteria established by this law. 2. "Military service" is the constitutional obligation of the Albanian citizens to participate in the defense of the Republic of Albania and to meet obligations arising from participation in international bodies, to which Albania is a member or partner. Reserve forces legal base Law nr.9047, "For military service in the RA" 1. "Reserve Service" is service performed by an Albanian citizen who has had an compulsory military service or alternative asset and one that is out of limit of a particular age to perform this service and the military of active military service issued in reserve, according to criteria established by this law. 2. "Military service" is the constitutional obligation of the Albanian citizens to participate in the defense of the Republic of Albania and to meet obligations arising from participation in international bodies, to which Albania is a member or partner. 8

Law nr.9210, "On the military status of the AF of RA” # Article 2, paragraph 5: "Reserve" is a citizen who has served in the Armed Forces of active military (officer, NCO, Soldier with payment \ professional) and, since interrupts military career, according to the law "On the rank and military career in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania ", is included in the structures of Armed Forces as reserve officer, NCO and soldier. # Section 23: Military Reservist personnel (officers, NCOs, soldiers), for the time called into service or military training in the Armed Forces structures, has salary and compensation benefits for food per day service or exercise equivalent to that of active military of the same rank or function. # Article 43, paragraph 1: Association of Reserve Officers, is created and function according to the legislation for non-profitable organizations. # Paragraph 3: The Reserve Officers Association has the right of membership at CIOR and other international organizations. Law nr.9210, "On the military status of the AF of RA” # Article 2, paragraph 5: "Reserve" is a citizen who has served in the Armed Forces of active military (officer, NCO, Soldier with payment \ professional) and, since interrupts military career, according to the law "On the rank and military career in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania ", is included in the structures of Armed Forces as reserve officer, NCO and soldier. # Section 23: Military Reservist personnel (officers, NCOs, soldiers), for the time called into service or military training in the Armed Forces structures, has salary and compensation benefits for food per day service or exercise equivalent to that of active military of the same rank or function. # Article 43, paragraph 1: Association of Reserve Officers, is created and function according to the legislation for non-profitable organizations. # Paragraph 3: The Reserve Officers Association has the right of membership at CIOR and other international organizations. 9

Active military, released from the AF, as reserve, are: 1.Employed in the structures of AF in civil position. Actually there are about 2% of the officers, NCOs, soldiers employed as such, mainly on the basis of education, age, profession and intellectual values ​​. 2. Employed in other structures as state police, Republic Guard, financial police, customs police and other polices legally recognized, even those based on profession and intellectual values ​​. 3. Employed in the structures of central and local state administration on the basis of education at home and abroad, special qualifications, and performance need. 4.There are 200 officers and NCOs in reserve employed in different duties in MOD, GS and military units. Others about 200 reserve officers are employed in other state structures. Active military, released from the AF, as reserve, are: 1.Employed in the structures of AF in civil position. Actually there are about 2% of the officers, NCOs, soldiers employed as such, mainly on the basis of education, age, profession and intellectual values ​​. 2. Employed in other structures as state police, Republic Guard, financial police, customs police and other polices legally recognized, even those based on profession and intellectual values ​​. 3. Employed in the structures of central and local state administration on the basis of education at home and abroad, special qualifications, and performance need. 4.There are 200 officers and NCOs in reserve employed in different duties in MOD, GS and military units. Others about 200 reserve officers are employed in other state structures. 10

The role of the AAF in support of missions and tasks in regional and global security #Republic of Albania and its Armed Forces, as a member of NATO, have a valuable contribution to strengthening regional and global security. #Republic of Albania and its Armed Forces, give also their contribution in peacekeeping missions of UN, NATO, EU, for establishing, maintaining and strengthening security in each region where the need arises, in which they are engaged and mandated by international structures of UN, NATO and EU. The role of the AAF in support of missions and tasks in regional and global security #Republic of Albania and its Armed Forces, as a member of NATO, have a valuable contribution to strengthening regional and global security. #Republic of Albania and its Armed Forces, give also their contribution in peacekeeping missions of UN, NATO, EU, for establishing, maintaining and strengthening security in each region where the need arises, in which they are engaged and mandated by international structures of UN, NATO and EU. 11

AAF Contribution in Afghanistan, NATO ISAF Operation - Kabul (in cooperation with Turkey), July 2002, AAF, are engaged in ISAF with the first contingent composed of one platoon of 22 troops and structures from the Special Forces Battalion, Rapid Reaction Brigade, as well as, units of Land Force Command. Until now engaged in the mission in Kabul, acting within the Turkish contingent, 418 military personnel. Currently continues to perform the mission the 19-th contingent of Infantry Battalion air transportable, part of the Albanian Army. - Kabul, in July 2005, within “Adriatic Charter A-3", AAF have engaged in the mission, a team of 4 military, 2 doctors and 2 nurses, as part of the joint medical group from Albania, Macedonia and Croatia, under the command of the Czech Republic AF. All 8 teams in rotation, with a total of 32 doctors and nurses. AAF Contribution in Afghanistan, NATO ISAF Operation - Kabul (in cooperation with Turkey), July 2002, AAF, are engaged in ISAF with the first contingent composed of one platoon of 22 troops and structures from the Special Forces Battalion, Rapid Reaction Brigade, as well as, units of Land Force Command. Until now engaged in the mission in Kabul, acting within the Turkish contingent, 418 military personnel. Currently continues to perform the mission the 19-th contingent of Infantry Battalion air transportable, part of the Albanian Army. - Kabul, in July 2005, within “Adriatic Charter A-3", AAF have engaged in the mission, a team of 4 military, 2 doctors and 2 nurses, as part of the joint medical group from Albania, Macedonia and Croatia, under the command of the Czech Republic AF. All 8 teams in rotation, with a total of 32 doctors and nurses. 12

13 Continues Herat (in collaboration with the Italian AF) - In August 2007, AAF enhance the contribution of participation in the ISAF operation, with a company from the Rapid Reaction Brigade structures, with 112 military, as part of the Italian contingent in Herat. - August 2009, AAF enhance once more the contribution of participation in the ISAF operation, with another company from the structures of the Commando Regiment, with 110 military personnel, as part of the Italian contingent in Herat. Starting from July 2010, both contingents were reorganized into a single unit with 222 military. In total, so far, 1558 Albanian military are engaged in the missions in Herat, acting as part of the Italian military contingent. Continues Herat (in collaboration with the Italian AF) - In August 2007, AAF enhance the contribution of participation in the ISAF operation, with a company from the Rapid Reaction Brigade structures, with 112 military, as part of the Italian contingent in Herat. - August 2009, AAF enhance once more the contribution of participation in the ISAF operation, with another company from the structures of the Commando Regiment, with 110 military personnel, as part of the Italian contingent in Herat. Starting from July 2010, both contingents were reorganized into a single unit with 222 military. In total, so far, 1558 Albanian military are engaged in the missions in Herat, acting as part of the Italian military contingent.

14 Continues Kandahar (in collaboration with the American AF) - In August 2010, AAF enhance again the contribution of participation in the ISAF operation with a contingent of Special Forces Battalion with 45 military, as part of 525 US Rec. Brigade JF, in combat operations. Total, so far, are engaged 134 military in mission. Currently, performs mission the contingent of Eagle-4, which acts in Spin Boldok City, Afghanistan. Continues Kandahar (in collaboration with the American AF) - In August 2010, AAF enhance again the contribution of participation in the ISAF operation with a contingent of Special Forces Battalion with 45 military, as part of 525 US Rec. Brigade JF, in combat operations. Total, so far, are engaged 134 military in mission. Currently, performs mission the contingent of Eagle-4, which acts in Spin Boldok City, Afghanistan.

15 Continues Kabul (OMLT - Operational Mentor and Liaison Team) - August 2011, AAF increase their commitment to the ISAF mission, with an OMLT team (joint with the National Guard of the State of New Jersey), with 32 troops. - Currently, performs mission contingent "Striking Eagle" -2, Albanian-American combined team, deployed to Camp "Black Horse", Kabul, Afghanistan, and has received sponsorship to train, support and develop a Combat Support Battalion of Afghan National Army (ANA), for a period of 9 months. - Also, in collaboration with US AF, is preparing the contingent of “ Striking Eagle – 3”, of the OMLT. Continues Kabul (OMLT - Operational Mentor and Liaison Team) - August 2011, AAF increase their commitment to the ISAF mission, with an OMLT team (joint with the National Guard of the State of New Jersey), with 32 troops. - Currently, performs mission contingent "Striking Eagle" -2, Albanian-American combined team, deployed to Camp "Black Horse", Kabul, Afghanistan, and has received sponsorship to train, support and develop a Combat Support Battalion of Afghan National Army (ANA), for a period of 9 months. - Also, in collaboration with US AF, is preparing the contingent of “ Striking Eagle – 3”, of the OMLT.

16 Continues Other contributions to various representatives in the headquarters of the ISAF operation, to NATO in Afghanistan: - OMLT in Masar El Sharif, Afghanistan with the German collaboration, 3 officers from January CSTC (Command for Security and Transformation), in Kabul, Afghanistan, the US led, 3 officers and 1 NCO, from August NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan, 3 officers and 2 NCOs of which 4 in Kabul and in Herat, from January Representatives in "Reconstruction Provincial Team” (PRT), in Pol and in Komhri, Afghanistan, in collaboration with Hungarian AF, 2 officers, from August Continues Other contributions to various representatives in the headquarters of the ISAF operation, to NATO in Afghanistan: - OMLT in Masar El Sharif, Afghanistan with the German collaboration, 3 officers from January CSTC (Command for Security and Transformation), in Kabul, Afghanistan, the US led, 3 officers and 1 NCO, from August NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan, 3 officers and 2 NCOs of which 4 in Kabul and in Herat, from January Representatives in "Reconstruction Provincial Team” (PRT), in Pol and in Komhri, Afghanistan, in collaboration with Hungarian AF, 2 officers, from August 2010.

17 Continues - From October 2010, 3 officers, representatives in ISAF Headquarters operation in Massar El Sharif, Afghanistan. - From January 2010,3 military (2 officers and 1 NCO), representatives in the ISAF headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan. - From August 2011, 1 officer, representatives of the police team "A-5, POMLT“(Police Operational Mentor an Liaison Team) in Kabul, Afghanistan, under A-5 charter. -Total contribution of Armed Forces from 2003 until now in the ISAF operation in Afghanistan is 2560 troops. - Other contributions of AAF are in B-H, in Kosovo and Seebrig. Continues - From October 2010, 3 officers, representatives in ISAF Headquarters operation in Massar El Sharif, Afghanistan. - From January 2010,3 military (2 officers and 1 NCO), representatives in the ISAF headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan. - From August 2011, 1 officer, representatives of the police team "A-5, POMLT“(Police Operational Mentor an Liaison Team) in Kabul, Afghanistan, under A-5 charter. -Total contribution of Armed Forces from 2003 until now in the ISAF operation in Afghanistan is 2560 troops. - Other contributions of AAF are in B-H, in Kosovo and Seebrig.

18 Operation of AAF completed Iraq In April of 2003, committed the first contingent of the Armed Forces in Iraq under coalition forces in Operation "Iraqi Freedom" with a total of 215 troops. Georgia Since 1994 until July 2009, the AAF were engaged in UN-led mission, Unimog, Georgia. In July 2009 ended the mission, which involved a total of 39 military. Chad, Africa Armed Forces, were involved with three of the 63 military contingent in the operation MINURCAT, run by the European Union in Chad, Africa, in July July 2010, acting within the French contingent. Contribution of the Armed Forces in Chad was a total of 189 military personnel. Operation of AAF completed Iraq In April of 2003, committed the first contingent of the Armed Forces in Iraq under coalition forces in Operation "Iraqi Freedom" with a total of 215 troops. Georgia Since 1994 until July 2009, the AAF were engaged in UN-led mission, Unimog, Georgia. In July 2009 ended the mission, which involved a total of 39 military. Chad, Africa Armed Forces, were involved with three of the 63 military contingent in the operation MINURCAT, run by the European Union in Chad, Africa, in July July 2010, acting within the French contingent. Contribution of the Armed Forces in Chad was a total of 189 military personnel.

Crisis Prevention and Peace Operations 19

EU World Operations

OSCE and its Regional Security Engagements 21