Defence: Four Members of US Military to Train Slovak Troops in Slovakia

Bratislava, August 10 (TASR) - Up to four members of the US military should come to Slovakia to train Slovak troops and provide consultancy in the sphere of the Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) and Psychological Operations (PSYOP), according to a motion submitted by the Defence Ministry for comments on Monday. The aim is to increase mutual interoperability as well as develop capabilities of civilian-military cooperation. According to the Defence Ministry, Slovak Armed Forces need CIMIC and PSYOP specialists. "In addition, these are capabilities we need to meet our commitment to make contributions to the NATO Immediate Response Force," reads the text. The American specialists are to be assigned to Martin company (Zilina region), with October 1 proposed as the start of their 36-month mission. The rotation will be carried out in nine-month cycles and the costs are to be covered by the USA. The motion to give consent to the presence of US military members on Slovak soil for the purpose of training Slovak Armed Forces will be discussed by the Slovak Security Council, subsequently it needs to be approved by the government and, finally, Parliament. mf/mcs