DEFENSE POLICY WORKING GROUP BILATERAL DISCUSSION

C O N F I D E N T I A L BUCHAREST 001616

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/01/2016
TAGS: MARR PGOV PREL RO
SUBJECT: DEFENSE POLICY WORKING GROUP BILATERAL DISCUSSION

REF: BUCHAREST 1450

Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Bryan W, Dalton for reaso
ns 1.4(b) and (d).


1. (C) Summary: A bilateral working group organized by the
Romanian MOD with DOD counterparts provided insights into
Romanian views on their ongoing military transformation and
bilateral military cooperation. Discussion topics included a
review of bilateral cooperation, GWOT, and transformation of
the Romanian armed forces. The working group discussions
helped clarify MOD interests, and reflected both the strong
and close relationship between the US and Romania as well as
some future challenges. While generally enthusiastic about
transformation, the Romanian military will increasingly make
cost-benefit calculations, especially in light of the steep
cost of present and future overseas commitments. Continuing
political jockeying within the ruling alliance will also keep
things at the MOD unsettled. End Summary.

Bilateral Cooperation


2. (C) At the September 7 working group sessions, Col Grosu,
chief of the Romanian International Military Cooperation
Directorate (IMCD) reviewed the main areas of US-Romanian
cooperation, including, inter alia: FMF, IMET and the
US-Romanian basing agreement. On FMF, Romania is working out
the kinks in the delays for modernization of its C-130s -- an
essential element in Romania,s ability to conduct its own
lift into theaters. Grosu mentioned concerns with C-130
repair cycles, insufficient spare parts inventory and need
for a C-130 hanger. Romania would like additional HMMWVs,
has identified a need for more heavily armored vehicles and
is interested in more IMET courses for Romanian Special
Forces. Grosu also briefed on the stages for making the
SOCMAR Black Sea Integrated surveillance subsystems
operational. On the IMET program, he noted that 923
Romanians have participated since 1991. The MOD likes the
present format of courses, and would like to step up training
for Special Forces, to include training in CT, civil-military
cooperation and intelligence. Romania endorsed the C-17
strategic airlift capability initiative in August, and
beginning in 2007, will make use of its 150 hours contract.
Meanwhile the MOD has requested a budget increase to cover
50 additional hours of flying time. In conclusion, Grosu
noted the excellent state of US-Romanian bilateral military
cooperation, and the development of an intensified strategic
partnership.

Romanian participation in International Operations/GWOT


3. (C) The IMCD,s Sebastian Huluban updated the group on
Romania,s participation in Afghanistan and Iraq. Romania
plans to deploy a reinforced company (177 soldiers) to the
Afghan theater. The Romanian forces in MND-SE have been
reallocated to Talil as part of the assumption of
operational command by Iraqi forces. Romania has agreed to a
"soft security" approach as part of its Black Sea Area
interests, which will focus on regional development, rule of
law and multilateral issues such as transborder crime.
Priorities include building confidence and transparency among
the Black Sea littoral states. For example, Romania and
Turkey are discussing a memorandum of understanding on
Romania,s contribution to Operation Black Sea Harmony.
Other points: Romanian Forces in Afghanistan are expecting
to receive Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) equipment and 20
HMMWVs to meet their operational requirements; and there was
little formal coordination with the Dutch Military given the
pending deployment of some 2000 Dutch personnel in Uruzgan
Province, south of where the Romanian forces are currently
operating.

Romanian Armed Forces Reform


4. (C) MOD is working on transformation of the Romanian
military beyond territorial defense and towards
expeditionary force mindset, in recognition of the current
security environment. Specific requirements are to
contribute to Romania,s peacetime security, defend Romania
and its allies, promote regional and global security and
stability, and to provide support to local and national
authorities in civil emergencies. Fundamental is for
Romania to obtain the capabilities to respond to security
challenges, including terrorism, WMD proliferation,
destabilization resulting from failed or rogue states,
transnational crime and competition for national resources.
In terms of outcomes, the MOD seeks creation of a modern,
fully professional, mobile, effective, flexible, deployable,
sustainable force structure able to act jointly and
participate in a broad scope of missions. Key to this
transformation is interoperability. Regarding Romanian
Special Forces, the Romanian MOD is supportive of the
creation of a NATO SOF fusion cell at SHAPE to better
integrate NATO SOF training, doctrine and operational
deployment


5. (C) The MOD by 2015 would like to achieve a national
defense structure within NATO's collective defense framework,
which is compatible with both NATO and EU requirements. The
transformation projects include: 1) meeting NATO
commitments; 2) preparing for and participating in EU
missions; 3) streamlining C2 structures; 4) streamlining
logistical support structures; 5) setting the C4/2SR Systems;
6) modernizing MOD,s Human Resources Management System; 7)
improving "quality of life" for military personnel; 8)
streamlining the Military Education System; 9) refining
Planning, Programming and Budget Systems; 10) coordinating
modernization of military equipment; 11) revamping military
intelligence system; and 12) reshaping the Military Medical
System.


6. (C) Comment: Romania,s MOD knows it needs to operate in
the twenty-first century environment through capacity
building in niches where Romania has demonstrated talent such
as Special Forces, intelligence, and multilateral operations.
However the Romanian Armed Forces are also struggling
against aging equipment and institutional impediments, many
of which are being addressed with the help of US training and
assistance. It remains to be seen whether military
transformation will become enmeshed in the ongoing political
intrigues between President Basescu and Prime Minister
Tariceanu. It is clear that personnel matters at the highest
levels--including the suspension of Defense Minister Atanasiu
(a close Tariceanu ally) and the tit-for-tat indictment and
removal of Defense Chief General Badalan had a strong
political dimension. That said, the quick replacement of
General Badalan with Vice Admiral Marin demonstrates a
commitment to continuity of operations. While prosecutors
have exonerated Atanasiu for charges of "abuse of power"
related to a domestic spying scandal, Basescu last week
declared that he would wait the full
constitutionally-mandated term (until the end of October)
before making a decision on whether he would name a new
Minister or reinstate Atanasiou. All indications point to a
new Defense Minister before the NATO Summit. End Comment.
Taubman