Supreme Allied Commander Transformation visits NATO EOD COE

On 17 September 2019, the EOD COE had the honour to welcome General André LANATA, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT), in Trencin. Since the COE establishment in 2010, it was the first time that SACT has visited the EOD COE. The EOD COE Director COL CSASZAR expressed his appreciation that General LANATA was able to include the visit into his busy schedule. Major General POKORNY, Deputy Chief of Defence of the Slovak Armed Forces as a host of SACT official tour in Slovakia, accompanied the distinguished delegation.

During his presentation, COL CSASZAR introduced the EOD COE, described its history, the structure, main roles and responsibilities as well as current projects and near future activities, and stressed the fact that there is no other EOD entity providing the similar deliverables to NATO.

Second presentation was delivered by LTC HUGYAR, Head of EOD Education and Training Department, who continued with the detailed description of Centre`s educational activities.

The programme of the visit continued with a static display of EOD equipment (provided by the National Centre for EOD and CBRN within the Host Nation framework) and demonstration of homemade explosive production scenario. Both static displays were supported with detailed description of experienced operators and instructors of both centres.
 
General LANATA emphasised the important benefit of COEs for the NATO Alliance and at the same time highlighted the essential criteria of added value with no duplication of capabilities. During the presentations, the SACT was very interested in the COE progress, its contribution to EOD Doctrine, NATO Lessons Learned process and other projects within the NATO Defence against Terrorism Programme of Work such, as the Integration of Exoskeleton in the Battlefield.
 
General LANATA concluded his visit by recognizing the EOD COE hard work and thanked for the added value to the Alliance. He also appreciated the EOD COE participation in the ACT’s recently organized COEs Marketplace at NATO HQ in July 2019. He further encouraged the EOD COE to advertise its accomplishments and to continue in the effort and engagement in the new innovative and challenging projects to support the NATO transformation and to stay advanced.

At the end of the visit, both SACT and Deputy SVK CHOD wrote their acknowledgments in the COE’s Book of Honours, where they appreciated the hospitality and professionalism of the COE staff.