Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04ROME2913
2004-07-28 04:35:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Rome
Cable title:  

ITALY/AFGHANISTAN: MIL PLANNING FOR ELECTION

Tags:  MOPS MARR PREL IT AFGHANISTAN 
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C O N F I D E N T I A L ROME 002913 

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/27/2014
TAGS: MOPS MARR PREL IT AFGHANISTAN
SUBJECT: ITALY/AFGHANISTAN: MIL PLANNING FOR ELECTION
SUPPORT ADVANCES

REF: A. USNATO 0709

B. USNATO 0767

Classified By: POLITICAL MINISTER-COUNSELOR TOM COUNTRYMAN FOR REASONS
1.5 (B) AND (D)

C O N F I D E N T I A L ROME 002913

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/27/2014
TAGS: MOPS MARR PREL IT AFGHANISTAN
SUBJECT: ITALY/AFGHANISTAN: MIL PLANNING FOR ELECTION
SUPPORT ADVANCES

REF: A. USNATO 0709

B. USNATO 0767

Classified By: POLITICAL MINISTER-COUNSELOR TOM COUNTRYMAN FOR REASONS
1.5 (B) AND (D)


1. (C) Following the NAC decision reported in ref A,
operational planning has accelerated for the deployment of
one Italian NRF land battalion plus a command element to
provide election security support in Afghanistan. Italian
military officials have told ODC Rome that the 3rd Alpini
battalion based in Pinerolo (near Turin),a component of the
Taurinense brigade, has been tapped for the job.


2. (C) On July 26 the Joint Forces Command (Commando
Operativo Interforze-COI) conveyed to ODC Rome specific
strategic lift requirements. ODC officials estimate that the
COI has furnished approximately 85 percent of the information
that Transcom will need to begin selecting airframes for the
mission. The main cargo and personnel load has been
identified, according to ODC, with remaining "hot cargo"
(munitions) requirements still outstanding.


3. (C) A EUCOM air lift coordinator will meet July 27 with
COI officials to discuss the mission's lift requirements and
the COI's preferred deployment schedule. ODC Rome indicates
that the COI's current plan is to begin deploying to the AOR
on 23 August and have all forces/equipment on the ground by
mid-September. Italian military planners say this schedule
will help keep costs down and maximize operational readiness.



4. (C) Comment: The most difficult task ahead will be
matching up Italy's preferred deployment plan with the
availability of U.S. stratlift during the August/September
window. Italy deeply appreciates the USG offer to provide
for transporting its troops and equipment to Afghanistan. We
are hopeful that this will make Italian military planners
flexible in working out a deployment schedule compatible with
Transcom's operational constraints. End Comment.



5. (U) Minimize Considered.

Visit Rome's Classified Website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/rome/index.cf m

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2004ROME02913 - Classification: CONFIDENTIAL