Training and Service

“Today’s event means more than just a simple change of command – it reaffirms our collective mission, our shared values, and our steadfast commitment to peace and stability across the Euro-Atlantic region. In recent months, your professionalism, unity, and resolve have been truly inspiring. You have demonstrated the power of multinational cooperation, upheld operational excellence, and fostered goodwill in the communities we protect – proof that our strength lies not just in arms, but also in character and cohesion” – reminded Major General Tibor Králik.

“Regarding what is to come… we will sharpen our readiness – maintaining interoperability, combat credibility, and… we will draw upon innovation – adapting to rapid battlefield change through new technologies, tactics, and adaptable thinking… The path may be difficult, but with your courage, teamwork, and unwavering resolve, we will meet every challenge – and prevail. Together, we will defend every inch of Allied territory, safeguard the communities we serve, and uphold the values that bind us as NATO” – added the commander of HQ MND-C.

“It was a great honour to me to have been the commander of the battle group over the last six months” – started Lieutenant Colonel Botond Hetényi his welcome speech. He reminded his audience that the sixth rotation of the FLF BG had faced quite a lot of challenges, from challenging training activities to the successful participation in complex exercises on the level of Brave Warrior, but the personnel had been ready to cope with them all along.

Lieutenant Colonel Botond Hetényi also addressed the personnel of the seventh rotation, reminding them that service with the battle group means important development both on the individual and the force level. In talking about the contribution of the battle group to the defence of NATO’s eastern flank and to guaranteeing the defence of the Alliance and its citizens, he pointed out that “The NATO FLF Battle Group is not only about training, but also about service. You are here as one brick in the eastern wall of NATO. You are here to block any attempt of the threat to breach it.”

Lieutenant Colonel László Battonyai, Commander, 2nd Grenadier Battalion, HDF 30th Mechanized Infantry Brigade has taken over command of the seventh rotation of the FLF BG. As he noted, they had been preparing for the six-month service since early this year, for the most part by training in tactical procedures. “It is a great honor to me to take over this commander’s position, and at the same time I also feel its responsibility. The six months we have ahead of us are full of challenges, but I’m convinced that we will be forged into an even more experienced sub-unit with higher training level by the end of this period.”