Macedonia

The contribution of the Republic of Macedonia by the participation in the international missions under a mandate is of great importance for our country. By participating in the peace forces, the Republic of Macedonia confirms that it is a part of the anti-terrorist coalition in the world, giving a modest, and at the same time important contribution in building of the most precious mission – peace. At the same time, in this way it is confirmed as an army of peace.The Republic of Macedonia, with the support of its political and civilian society, has been actively supporting the Coalition in the fight against terrorism by sending units to contribute to Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.The legal basis for sending the Army of The Republic of Macedonia (ARM) troops to participate in peace operations in Iraq and Afghanistan consists of Article 41, paragraph 3 of the Defense Law. Accordingly, any decision concerning ARM units' missions abroad is taken by the Parliament. The Liaison team of the Republic of Macedonia at USCENTCOM was established in March 2003. 

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM

The decision regarding the sending of an ARM unit to participate in a peace mission in Iraq by the Macedonian Parliament in 2003 opened the door wide for the active participation of Macedonia and its armed forces in the anti-terrorist coalition. This was a gesture of complete support of the fight against the global war terrorism and its exponents, personified in the attack against the civilization values of today and the visions of the welfare brought by the new era.The Republic of Macedonia publicly declares itself as a supporter of the world anti-terrorist coalition. By sending soldiers in peace supporting mission, we firmly stood behind the building of the collective defense systems, practically demonstrating that we see our future in the Alliance membership.

Starting from June 2003, the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, with one special operations platoon, has participated in the Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In December 2005, within the IV rotation Macedonia expand contribution with 5 staff officers in Multinational Force in Baghdad.

From January 2008 within the XI rotation in Iraq we increase our contribution with one mechanized infantry platoon. That mean that in this moment we have two platoons plus staff officers.The professionalism, the responsibility and the patriotism of the Macedonian soldiers and officers in Iraq in the carrying out their responsible tasks prove that they are our greatest ambassadors.

Troop support:           79 military personnel. 

INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE FORCE IN AFGHANISTAN

Starting from August 2002, the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, with two officers, lasting three months, participated together with the Turkish forces in the ISAF-1 and ISAF-2 missions in Afghanistan.

On our independence day – the 8^th September, 2002, there was a celebration in the ISAF Command in Kabul, in Afghanistan, where the ARM officers raised the Macedonian flag on the pole, in this way officially marking the beginning of the Macedonian participation in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan.

Contribution of the Republic of Macedonia in the ISAF mission was increased in March 2003, when infantry unit size squad was sent to participate. The contribution of Macedonia to the peace continued with sending of a new increased infantry unit size two squads from the existing ARM structure.The mechanized infantry company has participated since June 2006, and this is in the same time the largest engagement so far not only in Afghanistan but in all peace missions in general.In 2008 Macedonia expand contribution in ISAF mission with sending staff officers in ISAF HQ and officer and NCO as a part of German OMLT.

The Republic of Macedonia together with the countries from the Adriatic Group (A-3), Albania and Croatia have participated in the joint medical team since August, 2005. The medical team is composed of 12 members, one team from each country, one doctor, 2 medical technicians and one nurse and driver in the same time.

Troop support:           136 military personnel. 

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