Sharing Hungarian and German lessons learned in logistics

During the discussions, the Hungarian side introduced the German delegation to the HDF Defence Staff, which has been transformed in terms of organization and task system, as well as the structure and task system of the HDF Joint Operations Command. The Commander of the German Support Command informed the hosts about the recent organizational transformation of the Bundeswehr. Other topics on the agenda included the already existing and the possible further areas of cooperation in the support sector, which encompass the fields of logistics as well as military medicine, CBRN defence, civil-military cooperation and military police. Besides, the guests were given a lecture on the capabilities provided by the Hungarian Defence Forces relating to Host Nation Support (HNS) and the Reception, Staging and Onward Movement (RSOM) of foreign forces.

The professional program included a visit to the Szentkirályszabadja logistics base, where Lieutenant Colonel Róbert Kovács, Deputy Commander, HDF Material Supply Storebase told the guests that as a result of the National Defence and Military Development Program, the central warehouse in Szentkirályszabadja with a floor area of 21,000 square meters increases the central storage capacity. He went on listing the main specifications of the store base, the conditions of operation, the warehouse barcode control system and noted that no hazardous materials are stored in this depot. Within the framework of the EU Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) LOGHUB, the Hungarian Defence Forces have declared the free capacity to the allied forces.

While showing the guests around the installation, Major Sebastian Duna, the commander of the Szentkirályszabadja Storebase introduced them to the storage system and its operation. Major Duna pointed out that despite the mixed stockpiling system, thanks to the computer-aided storage system that uses barcode identification, the personnel are able to find and issue even the smallest screws in a couple of minutes. The 40 kW solar panel system as well as the automated, staged extinguisher system ensure the safe operation of the warehouse. However, the base – where half of the staff consists of defence employees – is not only a warehouse but also a venue of training events, and also has repair, maintenance and vehicle washing capacities.

Lieutenant General Funke and Major General Schmidt saw the RSOM camp, which is being built partly with NATO funds. A portion of the installation is to be completed soon, and will receive and accommodate several thousands of personnel in buildings and tents. The furnishment of officers’ and enlisted men’s quarters is already in progress, and a number of recreational facilities have been completed alongside an area constructed for tents and their servicing containers, a storage area and the house of service dogs with a dog training facility.

The construction of the servicing and force protection buildings and areas of the camp is already under way as well. It is to be followed with the construction of a dining facility and other servicing elements, as well as a railway line which makes it possible to unload incoming items of military equipment without burdening with it the railway station and the civilian population of Hajmáskér. Lieutenant General Funke spoke highly of the – partly future – facilities and capabilities introduced to the German delegation.

In summing up the meeting, Major General Schmidt said that in addition to the German–Hungarian logistics cooperation that was launched in 2011 and has since been successfully functioning, the further development of already existing cooperation in other fields is also crucial. “In the recent period we have learnt a lot of lessons from each other, which has significantly promoted the generation and development of the capabilities of the Hungarian Defence Forces” – pointed out the Deputy Chief (Economic Management) of the Chief of the HDF Defence Staff.