Zoltán Kaszab takes over CSEL position at NATO Allied Command Operations

On the occasion of Zoltán Kaszab’s taking over his position, before a ceremonial event held at the NATO HQ, General Dr. Gábor Böröndi, Chief of HDF Defence Staff told Hungarian journalists that Zoltán Kaszab’s Special Operations Forces (SOF) career path, human qualities, professionalism and excellent English language skills enable him to carry out the tasks of his new position.

“Zoltán Kaszab has all the characteristics of a good leader: humanity, strictness, seriousness and presence” – he said.

He called it especially important that in the current security environment full of challenges, NATO has designated a Hungarian NCO to fill the highest NCO position at SHAPE. He added that all this means that in terms of professional preparedness, the Hungarian chief warrant officer has such a strong background that makes him suitable for this post. His person can be a role model for Hungarian NCOs – emphasized Dr. Gábor Böröndi.

The general pointed out that the best man is now in the best place in the current international environment full of challenges. This designation is a personal recognition for Zoltán Kaszab, and also the recognition of the Hungarian Defence Forces and Hungary – added the Chief of Defence.

In an interview, Zoltán Kaszab said that in his position at SHAPE, he would be responsible for matters concerning the forces operating under NATO command.

He explained that the CSEL position is a link between the commander, the NCOs and the enlisted personnel, and makes it possible that policies and strategic taskings can be implemented according to the leaders’ intent.

He said that in his new position, his job is to make sure that the strategic and operational tasks stemming from the policies and guidelines of NATO’s strategic operational commander at ACO are properly executed. This means that he has to translate the commander’s strategic guidelines to the level of NCOs, so that the personnel can prepare for the defence of their homeland and NATO’s area in the best possible way.

“We must prepare our soldiers and support our commanders in order to ensure the leadership of combat-ready forces. The personnel must understand the commander’s intent and take proper decisions on their own organizational levels to attain the specified objectives” – he said.

In his words, there is a lot of work, training and learning behind his designation. One must continuously develop oneself, and it is important that lifelong learning should be made part of a military career – he noted.

In his speech delivered at the appointment ceremony, Zoltán Kaszab highlighted that those filling this position before him were the most excellent NCOs of their countries and armed forces. They met all criteria of the appointment, and did an excellent job. He emphasized that the forebears gained great recognition in the Alliance as a whole, which is why it is especially motivating to follow in their footsteps.

“Strong will derives only from strong faith” – he said. This is one of the “most treasured” quotes of Hungarian NCO traditions – he explained.

“I firmly believe that our soldiers’ strength lies not only in the advanced technology but also in the individuals’ hard work, in our personnel’s mentality” – he added.

Zoltán Kaszab took over the NATO Allied Command Operations (ACO) Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) position from Canadian Chief Warrant Officer Kevin Mathers.