NATO'S BALKAN RESERVE FORCES

C O N F I D E N T I A L USNATO 000378 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR EUR/RPM, EUR/SCE E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/20/2017 TAGS: NATO MOPS MARR SUBJECT: NATO'S BALKAN RESERVE FORCES Classified By: Ambassador Victoria Nuland, reasons 1.4 (b and d) ¶1. (C) In response to Principals' recent questions, NATO currently has three Operational Reserve Forces (ORF) maneuver battalions (one German, one Italian, and one British) for the Balkans, in addition to a Strategic Reserve Forces (SRF) maneuver battalion (French). This information was briefed to the North Atlantic Council by the Deputy Chairman of the Military Committee, Lt-General Karl Eikenberry on June 20. ¶2. (C) The NATO ORF battalion from Italy is currently deployed in Kosovo as it conducts an Operation Rehearsal until the end of June. The German ORF battalion is the current "ready battalion" with the capability to have its headquarters and one company mission ready in theatre within four days. The remainder of the battalion would be ready in theatre within seven days. The remaining "Stand by" ORF battalion (UK) and the SRF battalion are at 14 days notice to be mission ready in theatre. The ORF battalions are supported by and also include one Greek Transportation Company which has a four-day mission readiness capability. NULAND