Multi-National Division - Central South (original) (raw)

Poland assumed command of the Multinational Division (MND) Central South in Iraq, on September 3, 2003 as part of the international stabilisation force. Poland is doing so with support from NATO, as well as with contributions from individual NATO countries and Partner nations.

On June 2, 2003 the North Atlantic Council agreed to a request from the Polish Representative to support Poland in the context of its leadership of a sector in Iraq. That NATO support has consisted of providing intelligence, logistics expertise, movement co-ordination, force generation and secure communications support.

The NATO School in Oberammergau conducted specialised training for the MND staff in Szczecin, Poland on July 23, 2003. Experts from the AFSOUTH NATO HQ supported the Polish planning staff in Warsaw with advice on logistic planning, including standardisation issues. A NATO team is assisting the Poles to establish a secure satellite communications link from the Polish-led multinational division to a ground station in Europe. NATO has also provided assistance in intelligence sharing and information management for the MND.

Several NATO and Partner countries are among the nations contributing to the Polish-led multi-national division. Spain provides a substantial presence and the Deputy Commander, while Ukraine is the second largest force contributor.