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Host Nation Support (HNS) is an important element of a potential or real operations and exercises planning. HNS concept leads to an effective logistic support of deployed forces while keeping the lowest possible cost. Coordinated planning and providing is a key factor of the HNS defined as a civilian and military assistance in peace, in the time of crisis or war that is provided by Host Nation (HN) to other operation participating allied forces.

The actual security environment is not characteristic of the threat of unexpected and massive armed forces deployment in the symmetric opened conflict among several autonomous states or alliance anymore. The current situation analyses and defence predictions indicate as most probable military intervention deployment of highly mobile elements capable of wide spectrum operations and long distances deployment. This modern warfare creates basis and requirements for training and deployment procedures, where the role of logistic support is undeniable. Creating of applicable conditions for international exercises seems to be the right way how to rationalise operation preparatory where members of different armed forces proceed the activities to meet united goals according to NATO procedures.

Allied units operational activities support is defined as the one of the main tasks of The Czech Armed Forces (ACR) and is one of the priorities defined in the White Book on Defence. On this tendency the Czech Republic (CR) reflects by the participation, in some cases even by creating the organization background of the international exercises. Ramstein Rover, realized at Czech air bases and military training areas for the first time in 2012, may be considered as a specific example of such activity. Both planning and realization of this exercise are optimal opportunity for providing analysis

127 focuses on logistics support. Due to the fact that the CR takes the role of HN, an extensive planning process such as coordination meetings, establishment of mutual agreements (Memorandum of Understanding - MOU, Status of Forces Agreement – SOFA, Technical Agreement – TA, Joint Implementation Arrangement – JIA), and creation of documentation based on the alliance model was necessary.

Organization and planning of a wide scale international exercise requires to put an emphasis on the documentation of the individual countries logistic capabilities. This provision allows to select the host country which dispose of the capacities and capabilities that are necessary to ensure the exercise requirements. This procedure is analogous to the operations planning process. It is always necessary to analyze the operational area with the focus on logistics capabilities documents (HNS Capability Planning Catalogue) and relevant indicators.

2 Host Nation Support Principles Application Analysis 2.1 The Importance and Reasons for Using HNS Concept

The importance of HNS may be identified and described by using general HNS principles specified for conditions of current operations, exercises and humanitarian crises (disasters). It is reasonable to find concrete connections between normative background and practical applications. Following this approach, the real contribution of the analyses may be considered. HNS concept of logistics allows the application of joint operation strategies, and leads to higher efficiency level of using limited resources. Economical aspects of logistic support are essential in the time of military expenditures reduction [10]. These tendencies are reflected not only in Economy principle, the financial consequences of military activities are involved in Reimbursement, Co- operation and Co-ordination Principles as well.

The crucial area of units deployment is the provision of access to the transport roads, traffic junctions, multimodal terminals across all transiting countries and the destination country (Operation Area). By optimizing the process of logistical support during reception and integration into the operational formation transport expenditure reduction can be reached. HNS is not only about allocation of resources to create appropriate conditions for unit sustainability, but also about preparation of basis for a quick diplomatic procedures process to permit transition and access to Ports of Embarkation (POE) and Port of Disembarkation (POD) of transit countries [7]. This approach was applied in the case of the Croatian sea- and airports during operation IFOR (The Implementation Force - Operation Joint Endeavour: 20 Dec. 1995 - 20 Dec. 1996) [8, 16]. The opening of airspace to deploy air units is essential as well. For example during KFOR (operation Kosovo Force), NATO units ware allowed to cross Italian, Albanian, Greek and Turkish air space during the air campaign.

HNS enables deployed forces to operate longer continuously away from national supply sources. During KFOR and AFOR operation (NATO Operation Allied Harbour: Apr. - Sep. 1999), for example, Greece and Italy have provided to the coalition forces large scale of services, supplies and materiel that otherwise would required a significant quantity of additional air, sea or land transport capacity to deploy [1].

HNS, when properly implemented, can reach the reduction of requirements for expensive transport capacities and other support capabilities that would otherwise stay in every Sending Nation’s (SN) responsibility. Not every nation can afford all the mobile, deployable port capabilities, transportation assets, and refuelling/supplying capabilities that are needed to support forces and sustain operations in distant areas.

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HNS enables forces to deploy faster and in a more economical way.

To ensure higher efficiency in the strategic (sea and air) transport capacities distribution, the Movement Coordination Centre Europe (MCCE) was established. This agency provides application of cooperative and shared transport usage concept. The concept deals with transport capacities provided by some nations to the others (the financial compensation, if required, is fully in their responsibility) or with transport capacities that are determined for NATO usage [13].

Application of HNS concept promotes cooperation among participating nations and strengthens the connection between the SN and the HN. The interaction among individual nations and NATO commanders in charge of the operation is also key factor of a successful execution of allied operation. The HNS plays an important role in this context because it does not include only the provision of logistic assistance. The responsible and flexible approach establishes great basis for receiving possible future services in return. For example The Czech and Slovak Republic change their roles of HN and SN during Ramstein Rover 2013 and Capable Logistician 2013 exercises. 2.2 The Role of the ACR In Chosen International Exercises

Participation in international exercise is an essential part of a successful deployment on a real battlefield. The new security situation emphasizes the importance of using Air Forces. The focus has shifted from regional stationary forces to highly mobile units with short response time. An emphasis is placed on practicing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) which are usually practiced according to the model applied in some of the current mission.

Analyses of Exercise Ramstein Rover 2012 (RARO 12, 4 – 21 Sept. 2012)

For priority section of training the process of Forward Air Controller units (FAC) preparation and reconciling of ground and air units in Close Air Support (CAS) were chosen a wide-spectrum scenarios reflecting real environment in endangered areas [18]. All participants, including logistic units, have the opportunity to increase the level of professionalism, standardization and expertise in the international environment even without the necessity of deployment in military operation.

The importance of logistics support is identified in all phases of the deployed units activities. The actual deployment precedes transport of materials and personnel into specific operating conditions. This phase is usually, in the case of international exercise, in the sphere of responsibility of the participating units of SN(s). HNS assistance is practically activated after passing the frontier of HN. To coordinate the movement and control of loading, unloading and storage in optimal the creation of Movement Coordination Centre (MCC) organised by HN representatives [17]. This HNS element is able to fulfil all requirements for the transport and handling operations mentioned in SOR (Statement of Requirements).

An integral part of the management of foreign operations is the management of all processes connected with stay of foreign troops at the base, this area is managed by the team of Real Life Support (RLS) [17]. It includes support of all participated units during training activities and beyond. The exercise was in the logistics perspective quite a specific because of the dangerous goods (ammunition, explosives) transports and handling procedures. The special safety storage areas have been identified and regulated under a specific security mode.

Exercise RARO 2012 is specific in the way of logistics control and execution authorities structure. Except of the national structure the Multinational Logistic Centre (MNLC) has been established. MNLC communicates with the NATO Exercise Control (EXCON)

129 and also summarizes the logistical requirements through the regular reports from each SN and HN [17]. The aim of all cooperation and reporting system is the possibly most effective distribution of all human and material sources in specific time and space conditions. In Figure 1 there is function and principle of MNLC coordination principle. HN can summarize the requirements of the SN with the objective to ensure all requirements of the negotiated contracts in accordance with its own needs. MNLC concept abstracts from this conventional approach and operates with a mandate of NATO command. All the tools and powers that are attributed to MNLC can be used. The reporting system will allow to distribute information and the aim is to aligned the objectives in the particular segments. The result is a more effective and efficient use of resources that can not be done without HN representatives. Knowledge of the local environment is necessary although the preparatory stages include regular site survey.

Figure 1: Coordination of exercise participating subjects Source: [17]

An integral part of exercise executive is a system of logistic report. In the first stage the battle rhythm must be set to organise all essential processes of daily activities. To keep EXCON properly informed and reach the level of real operation conditions, logistics related information are distributed and analysed by Logistics Assessment Report (LOGASSESSREP), Logistic Update Report (LOGUPDATE) Movement Situation Report (MOVSITREP) [11]. Using these tools provides evaluation (assessment) of logistic units situation. The purpose is to standardize the method for reporting about the situation to superior logistics level and provide an assessment of the overall logistics situation with recommended steps for potential optimization. Reports include especially following areas: sustainability of logistics, inventory situation, occupancy of transport capacities. Other reports deal with the health care, infrastructure condition and other relevant areas.

Financial coverage of exercise expenditures is governed by the standard NATO mutually shared costs procedures. Each participant coincides his own expenditures to the exercise involvement, including additional-costs which are connected with such activities. The NATO headquarters then not only covers the cost of directly participating

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elements, but also pre-approved expenses leading to a complex exercise support (target situation, the communication, etc.) that covers all exercising countries activities [18]. HN advantage is the fact that additional-cost are minimized, the benefit resulting from the organization of exercise is increased (practical experiences with HNS procedures etc.). Quantification of additional-costs of 22nd Air Base connected directly with the exercise execution consisted primarily of the jet fuel transportation expenditures (support of the field airport - FARP), motor fuel consumption, provision of food and ecology expenditures (waste disposal and cleaning). The total cost estimation of RARO 12 counts about 1 million CZK (personnel costs and flight activities carried by the CR are not included) [18].

It is evident that in the case of non-realization of the exercise RARO 12 at 22nd Air Base took place another exercise comparable with BORES or DOMESTIC CAS, which would be characteristic by similar additional-cost, excluding transportation of jet fuel. Generally the additional-cost in comparison with benefits obtained in exercise of that scale and significance can be considered as adequate.

Conclusions and results of the training process were evaluated very positively and the CR was also suggested to be an organising nation (HN) for exercise RARO 2013 [9]. This decision allows continuation of the tradition established in 2010 when the first exercise of this kind took place (USA, 21 Aug. – 3 Sept. 2010) [12].

Capable Logistician 2013 (CL 13, 8 - 26 June 2013)

Another way how to train logistic capabilities is presented by Exercise Capable Logistician 2013. Czech units are in position of SN and will detach logistics assets, equipment and logistics personnel in large scale of expertises. The Czech party must plan all requirements necessary for deployment, using assets located in CR during the exercise may be acceptable no more. All problems are determined to be solved within the area of exercises. Logistic standardization and interoperability are the main goals, identified deficiencies may support optimisation and improvements in future deployment. Participating on helicopter operations may bring The Czech Air Forces valuable feedback for analyses of its own HNS approach (especially in the area of Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration – RSOM, ammunition, jet fuel, maintenance and logistic services).

The training will be conducted at the Military Training Area (MTA) Lest and the airbase in Sliac, Slovakia. Exercise will be planned and coordinated by the Multinational Logistics Coordination Centre (MLCC) and supported by Slovakia as the Host Nation [15].

3 The Czech Republic Host Nation Support Capability Planning Catalogue (HNS CAPCAT)

HNS CAPCAT in accordance to the HNS doctrine defines possible civil and military capacity and assistance provided by the Czech party to allied and partner forces located on or transiting through the area of the Czech Republic. Catalogue is used as the primary planning tool for HNS planners of SN(s) and NATO authorities. It includes a summary of capabilities for RSOM support. HNS CAPCAT provides initial quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the possible support that can be provided by the CR [2].

Availability of capabilities within the HNS will always be subject of arrangements with HN. All capabilities figures are total capabilities. Total capacity available for NATO use will be negotiated prior to a specific operation or exercise [14]. To provide high

131 efficiency and safety of operations it is necessary to ensure a coherent planning and providing HNS among NATO, HNS, SN(s) and the CR authorities.

On the basis of analyzes carried out in this area is possible to see the essential deficiencies which are caused mainly by the fact that the creation of HNS CAPCAT are not involved all potentially interested parties. In preparing this publication and execution of HNS the most of activities are realized by the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic (MoD) and the Armed forces of the Czech Republic (ACR), but to accomplish the real procedure of HNS it is necessary to involve other ministries (government authorities) [4].

In the praxis there were identified government authorities that have the area of HNS prepared in detail, and carried out specific activities within HNS provision in practice (The Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Health and the State Material Reserves Administration). HNS process within the other government authorities absolutely absent or is not enough prepared [4]. For this reason, it would be optimal to create a document with specific tasks for potentially interested parties. This situation may be solved by establishment of now structure of HNS coordination elements with the now organisation and responsibility. In case of individual governmental authorities involvement, the detailed requirements for each governmental authorities (represented by the Interdepartmental Commission for HNS) would be specified by superior department which is responsible for fulfilment of the NATO commander and SN requirements.

In the conditions of peace, when the HNS CAPCAT is used primarily for international exercises planning is the general form of planning documentation without a detailed involvement of the competent authorities sufficient. All information that must be completed for the proper and flawless run of exercises are processed and distributed at the moment of the real need identification. However, if the Catalogue should be effective in a higher level of crisis when the CR is mobilized with activated defence and fully functioning national economy, it is necessary to consider the solution of this problem. Especially in the time of structural changes in the ACR is also important to emphasis the continuous updating of HNS CAPCAT. The HNS organization, responsibilities, and the essential information and capabilities that are declared in the HNS CAPCAT may be changed. The concept of HNS CAPCAT should have been cancelled in the NATO member countries from 1 January 2007 [4]. This regulation has not been implemented and the document is further updated and available for download from Staff Information System (SIS) and LOGFAS database.

4 Conclusions

The Czech Republic is according to the analysis results considered as an active member of NATO. In the area of international exercises the CR creates conditions for further cooperation development. The participation on exercises carried out in 2012 brought some important experiences that should be implemented to the planning and executive parts of similar future activities (exercises RARO 13, CL 13 or real operations) in the form of Lessons Learned, methodical sheets or internal regulations. All the RARO 12 participant experienced the atmosphere as well as control and reporting procedures of the international engagement.

The economical conditions of allied armed forces indicates military expenditure reduction tendency and reaching of higher efficiency of using limited resources by cost- and capacity sharing principle. The HNS CAPCAT supports allied authorities in the

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potential (total) logistics capacities analyses and allows to design the logistic support model for concrete operation or exercise. The author emphasizes the importance of the periodical update because the current situation in the Czech Air Forces is characterised by structural changes that may impact declared logistics capabilities. The author suggest a new approach of authorities involved in HNS planning process to improve future crises managing.

References

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[2] AJP - 4.5 Allied Joint Host Nation Support Doctrine And Procedures. NATO Standardisation Agency, 2001. p. 13-14.

[3] Analytical Study On Host Nation Support. Civil Protection Cooperation for the Candidate Countries and Potential Candidates [online]. 2013 [cit. 2013-01-15]. Available at WWW: <http://ipacivilprotection.eu/hns_study.pdf>.

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[9] LANG, Pavel. Povoluji ostře! ATM Plus, Informační příloha MO ČR a AČR, Nov. 2012, p. 78-81. [online]. 2012 [cit. 2013-02-15]. Available at WWW: <http://www.atmonline.cz/ archiv/info_prilohy/2012/11.pdf>.

[10] NATO and the Challenges of Austerity, National Defence Research Institute [online]. 2012 [cit. 2013-03-3]. Available at WWW: <http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2012/RAND_MG1196 .pdf>.

[11] PEDNEAULT, Gaetan. Logistic Reporting, Allied Air Component Command Ramstein, NATO [Presentation]. 27 March 2012, 22nd Air Base of The Czech Air Forces. Sedlec, Vicenice u Nameste nad Oslavou.

[12] RAMSTEIN ROVER 2010 - International Close Air Support Exercise in the US, Headquarters Allied Air Command Ramstein, NATO [online]. 2010 [cit. 2013-01-