Story by JFC Naples J-9
MANJACA, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) conducted a Self-Evaluation Level 1 (SEL-1) of the Light Infantry Battalion Group (INF-L-BnG) in the Combat Training Center here, near Banja Luka in northwest Bosnia and Herzegovina from September 23 to 27.
After more than a decade of successful contribution in NATO Operational Capability Concept Evaluation & Feedback (OCC E&F) Programme, with 11 smaller units, Armed Forces of BIH decided to declare a complex Battalion Group.
This specific INF-L-BnG integrates some additional combat support functions as Artillery, Engineering, and Air Defense. This large unit represents about 8% of BiH Armed Forces.
Due the complexity of evaluation, during previous months, JFC Naples had supported planning and preparation of this SEL-1.
Evaluation was supervised by JFC Naples monitoring team lead by Lieutenant Colonel Maximilian Brunnert, one observer and supported with five NATO evaluators as well as 14 evaluators from eight partner countries.
In addition, this activity had significant attention from EUFOR and NATO HQ Sarajevo, who organized numerous training activities to support the unit’s preparation.
Successfully execution of the evaluation demonstrated the ability of the BiH Armed Forces to establish BnG HQ and demonstrate command and control in accordance with NATO standards.
The aim of the OCC E&F Programme is to improve interoperability and operational capabilities of partner units in order to enhance the operational relationship between the Alliance and partners contributing to NATO-led operations and to the NATO Response Force (NRF).
Bosnia and Herzegovina's commitment to offering such a valuable contribution is an important instrument for further modernization of the Armed Forces and enhancement of interoperability with NATO forces.
Joint Force Command Naples along with other NATO HQs will continue to provide support to Bosnia and Herzegovina in further development of the Light Infantry Battalion Group interoperability and capability in the years to follow.
MANJACA, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) tanks maneuver during a Self-Evaluation Level 1 (SEL-1) of the Light Infantry Battalion Group (INF-L-BnG) in the Combat Training Center here, near Banja Luka in northwest Bosnia and Herzegovina from September 23 to 27. (Photo by JFC Naples J-9)