US embassy cable - 04ROME2913

C O N F I D E N T I A L ROME 002913 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/27/2014 
TAGS: MOPS, MARR, PREL, IT, AFGHANISTAN 
SUBJECT: ITALY/AFGHANISTAN: MIL PLANNING FOR ELECTION 
SUPPORT ADVANCES 
 
REF: A. USNATO 0709 
     B. USNATO 0767 
 
Classified By: POLITICAL MINISTER-COUNSELOR TOM COUNTRYMAN FOR REASONS 
1.5 (B) AND (D) 
 
1. (C) Following the NAC decision reported in ref A, 
operational planning has accelerated for the deployment of 
one Italian NRF land battalion plus a command element to 
provide election security support in Afghanistan.  Italian 
military officials have told ODC Rome that the 3rd Alpini 
battalion based in Pinerolo (near Turin), a component of the 
Taurinense brigade, has been tapped for the job. 
 
2. (C) On July 26 the Joint Forces Command (Commando 
Operativo Interforze-COI) conveyed to ODC Rome specific 
strategic lift requirements.  ODC officials estimate that the 
COI has furnished approximately 85 percent of the information 
that Transcom will need to begin selecting airframes for the 
mission.  The main cargo and personnel load has been 
identified, according to ODC, with remaining "hot cargo" 
(munitions) requirements still outstanding. 
 
3. (C) A EUCOM air lift coordinator will meet July 27 with 
COI officials to discuss the mission's lift requirements and 
the COI's preferred deployment schedule.  ODC Rome indicates 
that the COI's current plan is to begin deploying to the AOR 
on 23 August and have all forces/equipment on the ground by 
mid-September.  Italian military planners say this schedule 
will help keep costs down and maximize operational readiness. 
 
 
4. (C) Comment: The most difficult task ahead will be 
matching up Italy's preferred deployment plan with the 
availability of U.S. stratlift during the August/September 
window.  Italy deeply appreciates the USG offer to provide 
for transporting its troops and equipment to Afghanistan.  We 
are hopeful that this will make Italian military planners 
flexible in working out a deployment schedule compatible with 
Transcom's operational constraints.  End Comment. 
 
 
5. (U) Minimize Considered. 
 
Visit Rome's Classified Website: 
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/rome/index.cf m 
 
SEMBLER 
 
 
NNNN 
 2004ROME02913 - Classification: CONFIDENTIAL