The operation will be carried out as part of NATO’s defense plans, which reinforced its presence in Eastern Europe after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In his speech, the force commander, infantry major Nelson Sousa, addressed the officers to highlight the importance of the work that will be done in Romania.
“You are part of this international effort and that is why I urge you, paying attention to the content of the mission and your responsible tasks, that your work is of indisputable importance. Therefore, I count on your total availability, professionalism, dedication and dedication so that, in the end, we can fulfill our duty and honor the Army, Portugal and the Armed Forces”, he stated.
The official acknowledged that work in the theater of operations “is not without risks”, but believes that the training carried out at RI14 will allow soldiers to “operate consciously and effectively”.
“It took six months of rigorous preparation, with several phases in which the requirement was permanent, bringing the training conditions as close as possible to the demanding characteristics of the theater of operation, always focused on the technical and tactical issues of the mission, but very attentive to personal issues of every soldier in the force”, he recalled.
Nelson Sousa also recalled the “important challenges” that his force will face during the mission in Romania and assured that the team is “cohesive” and knows its direction. “I have full confidence in you, I know your quality and will and that you will do everything to fulfill the mission and elevate the name of the Army, the Armed Forces and Portugal,” he told the soldiers.
The commander also highlighted the support of the Army and RI14 in the preparation and the emotional support given by the parents of the members of the Detached National Force.
The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, General José Nunes da Fonseca, believes that the military will demonstrate in Romania “their qualities, their professionalism and their spirit of public service”.
The official also highlighted the international context that the new mission will face, stressing that the current environment “appears tense, dangerous and unstable”. Therefore, he defended Portugal’s presence in international missions to “potentiate the country’s interests, honoring commitments assumed collectively”.
“By successfully completing its NATO Enhanced Surveillance Activities mission in Romania over the next six months, the 5th Detached National Force will contribute to the consolidation of Portugal as a responsible, credible and active partner within the Atlantic Alliance,” he said.
José Nunes da Fonseca recalled that the 5th National Force Deployed to Romania will participate in combined activities, training and exercises with military personnel from the Armed Forces of that country and other NATO allied countries.
The general also told the force’s soldiers that they will be “put to the test in crucial and trying moments”. “We are aware that your tasks will be predictable, unavoidable and demanding, but we know that you will carry them out with panache,” he said.
Of the 200 soldiers that make up the 5th National Force Deployed to Romania, 134 soldiers, 47 sergeants and 19 officers are included. The collective brings together 179 men and 21 women.
