POST SUPPORTS 1206 FUNDING FOR USAREUR PROPOSAL

S E C R E T ANKARA 001971 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/01/2017 TAGS: PREL MARR MCAP PTER TU SUBJECT: POST SUPPORTS 1206 FUNDING FOR USAREUR PROPOSAL FOR TACTICAL HUMINT SEMINARS Classified By: CDA Nancy McEldowney for reasons 1.4 (b,d). ¶1. (S) Embassy Ankara supports USAREUR G2/EUCOM J2 Section 1206 proposal for training of tactical HUMINT operators. This training will enable Turkey to deploy tactical HUMINT forces in support of stability and counter-terrorism operations with the same level of collective training as US soldiers deploying from USAREUR. This training will prepare Turkish forces to collect actionable intelligence and will encourage intelligence sharing among allies. This proposal fits with USG goals of establishing Turkish capabilities to participate in such missions. ¶2. (U) Turkey has provided robust and steady support to an array of NATO and non-NATO stability and peacekeeping operations. Turkey contributes over 1000 troops to ISAF and currently commands the ISAF Capital Region. Turkey also provides reinforced battalions to KFOR and EUFOR, and currently commands KFOR's Multinational Task Force-South. Turkey also contributes a construction engineering company and naval assets to UNIFIL in Lebanon. ¶3. (S) Target training audience would be officers and senior NCOs from Turkey's 3rd Corps in Istanbul, which is a NATO High Readiness Corps providing forces to ISAF and other contingencies. Turkey's 28th Peacekeeping Brigade in Ankara, which provides troops to other stabilization and peacekeeping operations, would also benefit from this training. The troops in both units are specially selected and trained for such missions outside of Turkey's borders. Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/ MCELDOWNEY