all web light - Sofins 2019

giment. In this evolution, the Special
Forces Group remains the spearhead of
the capacity. Various investments are
under way to increase the means, particularly
for the training and intervention
at sea. Moreover, two paratrooper
commandos initiated a transformation
process in order to be able to conduct
special operations by supporting the
Special Forces Group or completely
autonomously for specific missions. In
the same goal, training in the commando
and parachuting training centres is
booming. The trainings given there must
also converge
towards the same
objective.
A first deployment
of the Special
O p e r a t i o n s
Regiment is
foreseen in
Afghanistan next
September. What
role will the
SOCOM play in the
process of this
first deployment
of the SOR?
Operational
consistency at
the internal level
of the Defence but
also in link with
the other allied
nations to assess
the needs?
For on-going
operations, the
SOCOM ensures
the follow-up of
units on the field
in close collaboration
with the
other departments of the army staff.
Placed at the heart of the operations
and training department, the SOCOM is
the nervous centre for everything related
to special operations. At national
level, it also ensures operational
consistency within the components. Its
many contacts with allied countries allow
to quickly perceive the trends and
needs outside our frontiers, thereby
allowing us to actively position ourselves
in international alliances.
A Support Unit was integrated to the
Special Operations Regiment, the 6
CIS. The SOR may also enjoy support
from the other brigade’s units. Will the
SOCOM play a role as facilitator and
coordinator between the SOR and the
new Motorised Brigade for instance?
Considering the capital importance of
secure long-distance communications,
a transmission unit - the 6th Group CIS
- was incorporated to the Special Operations
Regiment. This will allow integrating
the many CIS means currently
under purchase and to respond as
best as possible
to the many communication
needs
either internally
with national
support elements
or with the allied
partners.
Regarding the
support from
other brigades
and components,
the SOCOM aims
to be a driving
force to ensure
that the different
supports are duly
prepared to back
the special units
in due time and
when required.
The SOCOM does
this in close collaboration
with
the commanders
of the other components.
Can we therefore
say that the
SOCOM becomes the “Special Forces”
privileged interlocutor, not only within
the Belgian forces but also for the
other allies? Will the Belgian Defence
increase its credibility in the area of
Special Operations at international
level?
By broadening its capacities and by multiplying
its deployments on the field,
Belgium is firmly intent on becoming a
reliable partner in the area of special
operations. Almost three years of operations
in Iraq and long-term missions
in Africa have already allowed to build
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M.I.F.A. - Sofins 2019