U.S. General Lance L. Smith praises Romania’s army reform

(Initially published by www.romania-report.ro)

Mar 14, 2006 (Romania Report & sources)

BUCHAREST – While visiting Romania, Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM), Air Force Gen. Lance L. Smith stated he was quite impressed with the results achieved in reforming the Romanian army. The army transformation plan is an aggressive, robust one, the American general stated after the meeting with Army Chief of General Staff Gen. Eugen Badalan. President Basescu said Romanian army is only to consist of professional troops, as of January 1, 2007.

In case of a conflict, the Alliance can use all the bases available, if this is judged a suitable option, general Smith said, answering a question over the use, in a potential conflict, of US military bases on Romania’s territory. “Romania will be able to assert itself with an adequate voice, as a sovereign nation with full rights in the Alliance,” General Lance L. Smith said, expressing his doubt Romania will operate at standards different from the Alliance’s.

The two military officials discussed “very ambitious plans to develop military forces able to be deployable and fight along NATO allies.” The American general stated he was impressed with the professionalism of Romanian military in Iraq and Afghanistan and confirmed the respect enjoyed by Romanian troops among American allies.

In turn, Gen. Eugen Badalan mentioned that topics approached during the talks with the American official included security at the Black Sea, the NATO and the Romanian army transformation processes and aspects related to the Romanian army’s participation in multinational operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Romanian Chief of General Staff pointed out that the three topics were approached “in very realistic terms” and that means were identified for the development of the cooperation between the Romanian military authorities and the Allied Command for Transformation in the subsequent stage.

American General Lance L. Smith also met with President Basescu yesterday, with President Traian Basescu emphasising that Romania undertakes all responsibilities entailed by its capacity as a Western NATO border, given the potential sources of conflict East of Romania.

According to President Basescu, in order to adequately answer such challenges and risks, Romania must use its available resources with intelligence and efficiency, while at the same time he emphasised that our country should be a security provider, rather than consumer, a release issued by the Presidential Administration reads.

Basescu also pointed out that as of January 1, 2007 the Romanian army will only consist of professional troops, but emphasised that effective solutions are needed for providing the army with high-tech military equipment. In turn, Gen. Lance L. Smith said he was pleased to find well trained Romanian troops deployed in theatres of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, proving resolute commitment in accomplishing their missions in difficult conflict areas. President Basescu also pointed out that the strengthening of the strategic partnership between Romania and the U.S. stands as a constant element of the country’s foreign policy.


Romania Report and sources