FY10 1206 FUNDS REQUEST FOR HUNGARIAN SPECIAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L BUDAPEST 000723 NOFORN SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR PM/PPA JOHANNA KNOCH AND SCOTT KWAK, EUR/CE JAMIE MOORE, JCS J5 FOR COL DEBRA GRAY, OSD AT MR. KENLON, SECDEF FOR USDP DSCA/ERASA, OASD ISA-EUR AND USDATL/IC E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/01/2014 TAGS: MARR MCAP NATO HU SUBJECT: FY10 1206 FUNDS REQUEST FOR HUNGARIAN SPECIAL FORCES CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT REF: SECSTATE 92407 Classified By: Political Officer Jon Martinson, reasons 1.4 (b,d) ¶1. (U) Post has submitted a request for 10.2 million USD in 1206 funding to materially increase the Hungarian Special Operations Forces (SOF) capabilities for combined operations in campaigns in key theaters worldwide, with priority on deployments to Afghanistan. The Country Team has reviewed the request and strongly supports the document submitted to EUCOM for approval. The request will fund a Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) and equip the second Company of Hungary's Special Forces battalion. Hungary has invited partner nations to attend the SFQC in CY 2010. ¶2. (SBU) This request has strong Chief of Mission support. The U.S. and its NATO/ISAF partners need more SOF units that will deploy in support of U.S. and NATO strategic goals in Afghanistan. These units are critical to achieving those aims. By using 1206 funds for this program, the USG will enhance its strategic partnership with Hungary, increase the level of deployed SF troops, and build an important regional training capacity that will further increase SF capabilities in the future. ¶3. (C/NF) Hungary has deployed its Special Forces units, without national caveat, to participate in combined operations in Afghanistan. As Hungary's first deployment of troops in a combat role since WWII, this commitment is highly significant. Support for this 1206 request will signal USG support for the GOH in this vital and essential area. ¶4. (C/NF) Hungary's demonstrated level of political commitment fully justifies this investment. Hungary's military and civilian leaders have consistently adopted policies which place it firmly within the trans-Atlantic community. According to recent Embassy reporting, senior officials are certain this orientation and these deployment policies to continue even if the government changes after parliamentary elections in spring 2010. Hungary's Afghanistan policy is one area which enjoys wide political support in an otherwise fractured political environment. In early September, Minister of Defense Szekeres confirmed to SECDEF Gates his intention to maintain deployments at their current level, despite draconian budget cuts. The GOH has already extended its PRT mandate through October 2010 and its OMLT mandate through August 2010. Additionally, senior Government officials state that in December, after the national budget process is completed, the deployed Special Forces contingent's mandate, currently schedule to end in February 2010, will be extended through the end of 2010. This 1206 investment is fully justified by the expected deployments, policy outcomes, and developments in partner capacity. ¶5. Office of Defense Cooperation Budapest POC for this project is Colonel Lawrence J Kinde at 3630-274-8742 or LKINDE@SAN.OSD.MIL. Embassy POC is Jon Martinson, 36-1-475-4454 or martinsonj@state.sgov.gov. LEVINE