P. Gajdoš: Natural disasters know no borders, that is why it is important for soldiers and other elements to cooperate in the event of a crisis

As natural disasters know no borders, it is important that soldiers manage to cooperate with other elements region-wise and that they are ready, if a crisis situation requires so, to help local residents. This message was communicated by SVK Minister of Defence Peter Gajdoš who, joined by CHOD Gen Milan Maxim, visited the exercising troops, firefighters and medics from 7 countries taking part in the 15th iteration of Exercise Blonde Avalanche 2017 on [Sereď Garrison's] Váh Training Ground in Kráľová nad Váhom.
 
Speaking in front of assembled troops, Head of the MOD remarked:“I highly appreciate that the TISA project has functioned in an exemplary manner for the past 15 years. It is a testament to just how vital and effective the regional cooperation has been. If required, the soldiers and other personnel from the countries represented will be able to make best of their experiences from this exercise in a real situation.”
 
As Gen Maxim added, today the Multinational Engineer Battalion TISA has demonstrated what it is capable of doing in the event of a crisis or natural disaster. “In this, the coordination with other non-military elements exercising here is of great importance,” he emphasised.

The multinational TISA project was established in 2002 as a collaborative effort of Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Ukraine. Taking part in the exercise this year were also troops from the USA and Austria and observers from the Czech Republic. The project is predestined to deliver cross-border assistance to residents in the event of natural disasters.