site.btaMinistry of Defence: Althea Company Evaluated as "Combat Ready"

The Bulgarian Land Force unit which will participate in the European Union's Althea operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been rated "combat ready", the Defence Ministry said on Friday. The inspection and assessment of the unit's combat capabilities was carried out between July 18 and 20 in the Karlovo area and the Marino Field Training Area of the 61st Mechanized Brigade by a committee from the Joint Forces Command. The main part of the contingent was formed by the 3rd Mechanized Battalion of the 61st Mechanized Brigade.

To certify the formation, a company-specific tactical exercise was conducted with the execution of force protection tasks, building tactical-operational centers of the national element and the mechanized company. Actions demonstrated included securing sites, conducting scouting patrols in the area of responsibility and conducting scouting operation, implementing movement control, riot control and escort. Personnel demonstrated high professionalism in the performance of tasks and deservedly received a "Combat Ready" rating.