SOLBIATE OLONA (VA) , 20 January 2009. After the positive experience as HQ of the mission ISAF VIII in Afghanistan, from August 2005 to May 2006, the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps – Italy (NRDC-ITA) from Solbiate Olona is once again deploying staff and support personnel to the HQ of the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan for a six month period.
The first multinational group, composed of a hundred of military personnel, has just arrived in the Afghan capital, Kabul. The deployed personnel, all from the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps – Italy and to its Support Units at Ugo Mara barracks in Solbiate Olona, left from Milan Malpensa Airport and reached Kabul by two USA airplanes C17 transport aircraft.
NRDC-ITA personnel will replace their twin Turkish HQ (NRDC-TUR) normally stationed in Istanbul, which is about to finish its six month tour of duty.
NRDC-ITA personnel (Officers, Non Commissioned Officers and Troops) have followed a specific training program to develop individual operational expertise specific to the NATO mission in Afghanistan and designed to build a close knit team across the HQ staff
The intensive preparation has not been entirely military, and has included aspects concerning Afghanistan’s historical, social, political and cultural dynamics, as well as a focus on local traditions and customs. This training was delivered by a series of renowned military and civilian subject matter experts from internationally recognised study and research centres.
During the mission, the Family Support Centre Ugo Mara barracks will be fully operational too, in order to continuously maintain the maximum support to the families of personnel deployed in Afghanistan.