1 00:00:00,320 --> 00:00:02,760 With Tesla Government's Knowledge Management Solutions, 2 00:00:02,760 --> 00:00:05,400 you are adding a strategic partner that helps unleash the 3 00:00:05,400 --> 00:00:08,200 full power and potential of your institutional information. 4 00:00:08,720 --> 00:00:11,480 Let us unpack your data and put your knowledge to work. 5 00:00:12,040 --> 00:00:19,860 Learn more at teslagov.com. So we we usually are very 6 00:00:19,860 --> 00:00:24,660 cooperative, very involving the local populace, the local 7 00:00:24,660 --> 00:00:29,900 authorities into our also our decision making process in our 8 00:00:30,020 --> 00:00:35,660 semi decision making process. Hello, everybody, and welcome to 9 00:00:35,660 --> 00:00:39,060 ONE Civil Affairs Podcast. I'm your host today, James 10 00:00:39,060 --> 00:00:41,260 Macchicci. And today we're continuing our 11 00:00:41,260 --> 00:00:44,500 dialogue with our NATO and multinational partners, 12 00:00:44,500 --> 00:00:47,220 specifically focusing on the Ucom AOR. 13 00:00:47,940 --> 00:00:51,540 Today we are going to be joined by Colonel Mattia Zusi, who is 14 00:00:51,540 --> 00:00:54,060 the commander of the Multinational Summit Group. 15 00:00:54,540 --> 00:00:57,660 He's also a civil affair qualified officer having taken 16 00:00:57,700 --> 00:01:00,700 the course at Fort Bragg, NC And additionally, he has had 17 00:01:00,700 --> 00:01:03,140 experience and the United States Military Professional 18 00:01:03,140 --> 00:01:07,420 Development as a graduate of the 10-01 Command and General Staff 19 00:01:07,420 --> 00:01:10,180 Officers course. Colonel, thank you very much, 20 00:01:10,180 --> 00:01:12,180 Sir, for joining us. It's an absolute honor to have 21 00:01:12,180 --> 00:01:13,660 you here. Thank you very much. 22 00:01:13,820 --> 00:01:15,680 Thank you. So today we're going to be 23 00:01:15,680 --> 00:01:18,880 discussing about the role of the Multinational Summit Group also 24 00:01:18,880 --> 00:01:22,240 known as the MNCG SIMIC within NATO and some of the 25 00:01:22,240 --> 00:01:25,480 opportunities for civil affairs formations and elements to 26 00:01:25,480 --> 00:01:29,440 participate and join the MNCG in their education and operational 27 00:01:29,440 --> 00:01:31,160 outreach. We'll be getting this discussion 28 00:01:31,160 --> 00:01:34,400 by asking the Colonel to please introduce the MNCG and talk 29 00:01:34,400 --> 00:01:36,710 about their mission. Yes, thank you very much. 30 00:01:36,790 --> 00:01:41,950 MNCG is a dedicated whole military cooperation capacity 31 00:01:41,990 --> 00:01:45,270 here in Motaly. Then we have double capacity, 32 00:01:45,270 --> 00:01:49,670 let's say we can deploy operational and tactical assets 33 00:01:49,790 --> 00:01:55,030 overseas in operations, but we can also be a Education Center 34 00:01:55,150 --> 00:02:00,030 of center expertise where we provide courses, semi courses, 35 00:02:00,070 --> 00:02:04,030 liaison courses and many others in order to increase the 36 00:02:04,030 --> 00:02:08,789 capabilities of the. Students, So what we learn on 37 00:02:08,789 --> 00:02:14,150 the field of operations, what we also study in our doctrine, then 38 00:02:14,150 --> 00:02:19,710 we teach in our courses. So the add on of our capacity is 39 00:02:19,790 --> 00:02:23,990 to basically draw from the experiences on the field, some 40 00:02:23,990 --> 00:02:28,310 exercises and some experiences to then give to our students. 41 00:02:29,190 --> 00:02:31,750 Fantastic, Sir. So you have a bifurcated or a 42 00:02:31,870 --> 00:02:33,950 two kind of mission, an operational mission and 43 00:02:33,950 --> 00:02:36,190 education mission. If it's Okay, I'd like to 1st 44 00:02:36,190 --> 00:02:37,630 ask about some of the operations. 45 00:02:38,070 --> 00:02:41,390 Where are some of the deployment histories of the civic forces 46 00:02:41,390 --> 00:02:43,910 from the multinational semi group when I took the class 47 00:02:43,910 --> 00:02:45,350 there? A lot of the folks are getting 48 00:02:45,350 --> 00:02:47,830 ready to go to Djibouti. Where else have you guys 49 00:02:47,830 --> 00:02:49,790 deployed or well will you deploy? 50 00:02:50,860 --> 00:02:54,260 Yeah, We started our first deployment in 2003. 51 00:02:54,340 --> 00:02:59,820 I was part of the civic detachment into Iraq Immediately 52 00:02:59,820 --> 00:03:03,740 after the the war. We deployed in Nazariya with the 53 00:03:04,100 --> 00:03:06,220 with the detachment of 30 people. 54 00:03:06,260 --> 00:03:11,300 We have then deployed also to Afghanistan, Lebanon, Somalia, A 55 00:03:11,300 --> 00:03:14,260 Djibouti, Kosovo and many other places. 56 00:03:14,780 --> 00:03:18,100 By around the world and we are also deploying other assets in 57 00:03:18,100 --> 00:03:22,580 Iraq, mainly staff officers. So we are deployed in both in 58 00:03:22,660 --> 00:03:26,980 Africa, Asia and the Balkans. And when you deploy those 59 00:03:26,980 --> 00:03:29,980 lessons learned, help build the education section, Can you talk 60 00:03:29,980 --> 00:03:32,380 about some of those big lesson learns that have helped shape 61 00:03:32,460 --> 00:03:34,900 the education section of the MNCG? 62 00:03:35,750 --> 00:03:38,670 Yes. Mainly we the people are getting 63 00:03:38,670 --> 00:03:43,510 experienced on the field, so when they have to teach, for 64 00:03:43,510 --> 00:03:47,750 example, cultural classes, they can give to the students the 65 00:03:47,750 --> 00:03:53,550 real taste of what cultural awareness is and what is needed 66 00:03:53,550 --> 00:03:58,830 when dealing with other people coming from other countries with 67 00:03:58,870 --> 00:04:02,590 different religions and different behavioral aspects. 68 00:04:02,670 --> 00:04:05,630 That's the most important thing we learn on the field. 69 00:04:05,750 --> 00:04:09,110 And then we are able to transfer to our students. 70 00:04:09,710 --> 00:04:11,910 That's fantastic. And your students, they are 71 00:04:11,910 --> 00:04:15,670 mostly CIMIC forces, correct? Yes, they are mostly CIMIC 72 00:04:15,670 --> 00:04:20,149 forces, but we also house the military personnel of the navies 73 00:04:20,149 --> 00:04:23,470 of the air forces. Some of them are just infantry 74 00:04:23,470 --> 00:04:26,990 officers that are getting deployed overseas and for 75 00:04:26,990 --> 00:04:31,510 example they have to man AS9 or a G9 cell. 76 00:04:31,670 --> 00:04:35,310 So they take advantage of our experiences in order to. 77 00:04:35,790 --> 00:04:38,030 Better do their business on the field. 78 00:04:38,870 --> 00:04:41,950 Just to follow up on that now, CIMIC is a little bit different 79 00:04:41,950 --> 00:04:44,590 than Civil Affairs. And now if you could, just for 80 00:04:44,590 --> 00:04:47,070 our listeners because some of them might not be familiar with 81 00:04:47,070 --> 00:04:49,510 CIMIC as they are with Civil Affairs or they might not be 82 00:04:49,830 --> 00:04:52,750 familiar with either of them, Could you describe the role of 83 00:04:52,750 --> 00:04:56,510 CIMIC and what CIMIC is from a NATO and Italian standpoint, 84 00:04:56,510 --> 00:04:57,900 please? Yes. 85 00:04:57,900 --> 00:05:01,980 Having basically done both, I can tell you that a civil 86 00:05:01,980 --> 00:05:06,420 affairs have a broader perspective are a little bit 87 00:05:06,420 --> 00:05:12,620 broader in terms of intervention into the single areas of a 88 00:05:12,820 --> 00:05:15,820 society. Civil affairs units are able to 89 00:05:15,820 --> 00:05:20,980 deploy asset functional specialists which can man also 90 00:05:21,100 --> 00:05:26,420 civil areas civil society while CIMIC is a little bit more 91 00:05:26,580 --> 00:05:29,860 related to the. Impact of military operations on 92 00:05:29,860 --> 00:05:35,060 the civil dimension and in order to be a good interface between 93 00:05:35,060 --> 00:05:39,820 the military unit and the local populace, the local authorities 94 00:05:39,940 --> 00:05:43,380 and the international community, I would say that the CIMIC 95 00:05:43,380 --> 00:05:47,940 impact is a little bit softer than the civil affairs impact. 96 00:05:47,940 --> 00:05:52,500 Years ago I used to describe the civil affairs like a big big 97 00:05:52,500 --> 00:05:57,460 garden in which there were some some flowers, some some trees. 98 00:05:57,780 --> 00:06:00,780 Which were the same. So I would say that civil 99 00:06:00,780 --> 00:06:05,100 affairs has a broader impact on on the civil society. 100 00:06:05,740 --> 00:06:08,940 From my personal experience as well as Cynic and Civil Affairs 101 00:06:08,940 --> 00:06:11,700 work best together think mutually supporting each other 102 00:06:11,700 --> 00:06:14,620 as we have seen in and throughout some of the 103 00:06:14,620 --> 00:06:16,580 operations in Europe and in Africa. 104 00:06:16,780 --> 00:06:19,700 I have worked with fellow Cynic folks in the past and we've 105 00:06:19,700 --> 00:06:21,300 mutually support each other very well. 106 00:06:21,580 --> 00:06:24,260 I agree. And you know, usually instead of 107 00:06:24,460 --> 00:06:27,380 underlining pointing out differences, I. 108 00:06:27,540 --> 00:06:30,860 Usually underline points of contact and I would say there 109 00:06:30,860 --> 00:06:34,660 are many more points of contact between civil affairs and semi 110 00:06:34,700 --> 00:06:37,420 then differences. So I'm I'm always optimistic. 111 00:06:38,030 --> 00:06:39,190 No, that's that's very important. 112 00:06:39,190 --> 00:06:41,910 That's a very operational tactical view of it. 113 00:06:41,990 --> 00:06:46,670 And you discussed the role of the school training S Nines, J 114 00:06:46,670 --> 00:06:50,790 Nines and G Nines. Now with that role, how involved 115 00:06:50,790 --> 00:06:55,390 has the education part of the MNCG then with making sure the 116 00:06:55,390 --> 00:06:59,190 CIMIC capabilities are intertwined with other NATO 117 00:06:59,190 --> 00:07:03,230 staff functions, I think specifically maybe information 118 00:07:03,230 --> 00:07:06,030 and protection or anything along those lines. 119 00:07:06,230 --> 00:07:10,110 Yes, you know where courses. We have the field and staff 120 00:07:10,310 --> 00:07:14,990 worker course and in the staff worker part of the course we 121 00:07:14,990 --> 00:07:19,790 usually teach also how to deal with counterparts of other 122 00:07:19,790 --> 00:07:25,190 branches, other age cues and how to deal with information flow 123 00:07:25,230 --> 00:07:28,190 with information exchange. We have always to be very 124 00:07:28,190 --> 00:07:32,870 careful when dealing with with information as a cinekers we we 125 00:07:32,870 --> 00:07:37,870 need to know some information to deal with them and to know how. 126 00:07:38,270 --> 00:07:42,830 The civil society, the civil area is, so we need to be able 127 00:07:42,870 --> 00:07:47,990 to manage information, to share information into the Hu and with 128 00:07:48,030 --> 00:07:51,630 a headquarters with other headquarters that are in the 129 00:07:51,630 --> 00:07:53,630 same area. That's very good. 130 00:07:53,630 --> 00:07:56,550 How about public affairs? Do you find there's a big 131 00:07:56,670 --> 00:08:00,790 synergy between the public affairs folks and then the staff 132 00:08:00,790 --> 00:08:02,580 sections as well? Right. 133 00:08:02,580 --> 00:08:05,500 They are all part of the EVO operations. 134 00:08:05,500 --> 00:08:11,500 So as a semi cars we have to be the public affairs, the Evos but 135 00:08:11,580 --> 00:08:16,900 also Siops with positive news, with the positive points that 136 00:08:16,900 --> 00:08:22,420 can be outlined during the PAO, the media OPS and Evos activity. 137 00:08:22,420 --> 00:08:27,660 So the EFO sharing in as far as Evos campaign is very, very 138 00:08:27,660 --> 00:08:31,140 important and involved significantly the civic 139 00:08:31,140 --> 00:08:33,700 operator. And it's something very hard to 140 00:08:33,700 --> 00:08:36,179 do. I know even from our side we are 141 00:08:36,179 --> 00:08:39,740 still trying to figure out the correct balance and position 142 00:08:39,740 --> 00:08:44,780 especially on the non special operations side of where the S9G 143 00:08:44,780 --> 00:08:47,780 nines and J nines play that role Sir. 144 00:08:47,780 --> 00:08:50,820 So you would mentioned one of your courses, could you tell us 145 00:08:50,820 --> 00:08:55,100 the courses you have to offer at the MNCG and are US personnel 146 00:08:55,100 --> 00:08:59,210 able to attend these? Yes, we would love to to host 147 00:08:59,210 --> 00:09:02,410 the many American friends here in Moto Viventa. 148 00:09:02,490 --> 00:09:06,250 As you mentioned before, my professional life, but also my 149 00:09:06,250 --> 00:09:09,730 private life is significantly strictly connected with the 150 00:09:09,770 --> 00:09:12,330 United States. I spent also four years of my 151 00:09:12,330 --> 00:09:16,850 life in Arizona, in Phoenix, visiting my my relatives there. 152 00:09:16,970 --> 00:09:20,890 We do have many courses, the functional specialist course 153 00:09:20,890 --> 00:09:23,890 which is mainly for the Army Reserve. 154 00:09:24,010 --> 00:09:26,730 Then we have the Cimic Tactical Operator course. 155 00:09:26,890 --> 00:09:30,770 That is very tactically oriented for the civic soldier, the 156 00:09:30,810 --> 00:09:34,690 platoon commander, the team, the team commander such as civil 157 00:09:34,690 --> 00:09:38,690 Affairs, Alpha and Bravo teams. Then we have the female 158 00:09:38,890 --> 00:09:43,050 engagement team which is very important as far as gender is is 159 00:09:43,050 --> 00:09:45,930 concerned. As I mentioned, we have the NATO 160 00:09:45,930 --> 00:09:49,570 Civic field and staff worker course which are split into the 161 00:09:49,570 --> 00:09:54,170 field part and the staff fair part, the civic liaison course 162 00:09:54,170 --> 00:09:56,450 which is very, very important as far as. 163 00:09:56,810 --> 00:10:01,090 Prison officers and interacting with the civil community both 164 00:10:01,130 --> 00:10:03,970 international and the local host nation. 165 00:10:04,010 --> 00:10:07,570 And finally but very important we we have also the 166 00:10:07,610 --> 00:10:12,890 intercultural operator course which is brand brand new will 167 00:10:12,890 --> 00:10:17,930 take place at the end of 2021 and there will be as 168 00:10:17,930 --> 00:10:22,170 intercultural mediator course will be paramount for our 169 00:10:22,170 --> 00:10:27,340 education of offer for 2021. So and if I may add, I've taken 170 00:10:27,340 --> 00:10:29,980 a course at in the Mother Denevins up, I'm saying that 171 00:10:29,980 --> 00:10:32,060 correctly and it is a fantastic experience. 172 00:10:32,060 --> 00:10:36,100 I had the opportunity to attend the liaison officer course and 173 00:10:36,100 --> 00:10:39,620 not only was it a challenging course, but the end with the 174 00:10:39,620 --> 00:10:42,260 role players were fantastic and everybody learned from each 175 00:10:42,260 --> 00:10:43,500 other. I will add that it was one of 176 00:10:43,500 --> 00:10:46,460 the unique opportunities where it was not just Italians and 177 00:10:46,460 --> 00:10:49,340 Americans and the military, we had civilians from the private 178 00:10:49,340 --> 00:10:54,260 sector, the NGO sector and the state sector as well as our 179 00:10:54,260 --> 00:10:57,980 teammates from Ukraine. Georgia, Poland and a few other 180 00:10:57,980 --> 00:11:00,860 countries so and Austria. So it really was a fantastic 181 00:11:00,860 --> 00:11:02,300 experience. I learned a lot. 182 00:11:02,300 --> 00:11:05,460 So I would highly recommend that you are a US Civil Affairs 183 00:11:05,460 --> 00:11:08,220 officer and you're looking for an opportunity to broaden and it 184 00:11:08,220 --> 00:11:10,380 is definitely a some place to look. 185 00:11:10,920 --> 00:11:14,800 And you know how important would be the presence of U.S. 186 00:11:14,800 --> 00:11:19,000 Army soldiers, NCO's and officers here in motel events. 187 00:11:19,000 --> 00:11:23,920 It is of a such an importance that I strongly recommend you 188 00:11:23,920 --> 00:11:26,480 guys to come here and attend our tours. 189 00:11:27,040 --> 00:11:29,680 And they have fantastic coffee at the breaks every break. 190 00:11:29,960 --> 00:11:32,040 Best coffee I've ever had. Better than we drink. 191 00:11:32,840 --> 00:11:35,200 Everywhere you look, there's a barrage of emails and 192 00:11:35,200 --> 00:11:38,200 information telling you what everybody has done, is doing, or 193 00:11:38,200 --> 00:11:40,680 plans to do, all in excruciating detail. 194 00:11:41,120 --> 00:11:42,880 But access is only half the battle. 195 00:11:43,000 --> 00:11:45,520 You also need information presented in a usable form. 196 00:11:45,920 --> 00:11:48,560 That takes work, and the more information you have, the more 197 00:11:48,560 --> 00:11:51,160 work it takes. Tesla government takes on these 198 00:11:51,160 --> 00:11:54,120 issues so that your office or agency can fully exploit the 199 00:11:54,120 --> 00:11:57,400 data you already have. Our knowledge management experts 200 00:11:57,400 --> 00:11:59,640 organize and curate your internal data. 201 00:12:00,220 --> 00:12:02,820 Our open source research augments your knowledge base 202 00:12:02,820 --> 00:12:05,740 with strategic insights from our globally experienced team. 203 00:12:06,180 --> 00:12:09,780 And our data visualization turns complex data into compelling 204 00:12:09,780 --> 00:12:12,780 visuals while our community building makes sure everyone 205 00:12:12,780 --> 00:12:14,500 benefits. By leveraging collective 206 00:12:14,500 --> 00:12:16,900 knowledge, the Tesla government's knowledge 207 00:12:16,900 --> 00:12:20,060 management solutions, you are adding a strategic partner that 208 00:12:20,060 --> 00:12:23,100 helps unleash the full power and potential of your institutional 209 00:12:23,100 --> 00:12:25,780 information. Let us unpack your data and put 210 00:12:25,780 --> 00:12:28,900 your knowledge to work. Learn more at Tesla Gov. 211 00:12:29,300 --> 00:12:34,740 Dot com. Do you have an idea for an 212 00:12:34,740 --> 00:12:37,860 upcoming podcast or know someone who may be a good person to 213 00:12:37,860 --> 00:12:40,180 interview? Contact us at 214 00:12:40,940 --> 00:12:47,870 capodcasting@gmail.com. I named a few of the countries 215 00:12:47,870 --> 00:12:50,670 that participate in the multinational summit group 216 00:12:50,910 --> 00:12:52,550 training. Are there any others? 217 00:12:52,550 --> 00:12:56,030 Have you had a chance to bring anybody from Africa or Asia? 218 00:12:56,390 --> 00:12:59,230 Is that something in the plans to try to develop our partners 219 00:12:59,310 --> 00:13:01,270 in those regions and their capabilities? 220 00:13:01,890 --> 00:13:06,490 Yes, we in the in the years we have hosted many, many officers 221 00:13:06,530 --> 00:13:10,850 from the partnership of four peace area of NATO, so Northern 222 00:13:10,850 --> 00:13:14,770 Africa, Middle East. We have hosted also officers 223 00:13:14,810 --> 00:13:20,490 from Azerbaijan, Japan, Far Far East and other donations of the 224 00:13:20,490 --> 00:13:23,890 African continent. So mainly basically our our 225 00:13:23,890 --> 00:13:28,010 forces are very, very open and we are we are waiting for the 226 00:13:28,010 --> 00:13:31,730 large participation ever. So you're welcome. 227 00:13:32,050 --> 00:13:34,010 Always. No, I think this is important to 228 00:13:34,010 --> 00:13:37,610 know because a lot of the US efforts in some areas are to 229 00:13:37,610 --> 00:13:41,890 build civil military engagement capabilities within our partners 230 00:13:41,890 --> 00:13:44,530 in developing nations. To know that there is a 231 00:13:44,530 --> 00:13:49,010 schoolhouse that accepts soldiers, officers and other 232 00:13:49,010 --> 00:13:52,050 service members from all countries is very important in 233 00:13:52,050 --> 00:13:53,930 building that capability. And it's something that I would 234 00:13:53,930 --> 00:13:56,450 highly recommend folks to look out and reach out to your 235 00:13:56,450 --> 00:14:00,370 schoolhouse to potentially build that synergy and establish the 236 00:14:00,410 --> 00:14:03,370 institutional capability. So thank you for sharing with us 237 00:14:03,370 --> 00:14:04,970 Sir. That's that's very important to 238 00:14:04,970 --> 00:14:06,730 some of the efforts there very much. 239 00:14:06,770 --> 00:14:08,610 Thank you. I would ask you this then. 240 00:14:08,610 --> 00:14:10,970 So as the school develops, what's next? 241 00:14:11,010 --> 00:14:14,370 You talked about some of the reaching out to other countries. 242 00:14:14,370 --> 00:14:17,010 You have talked about some of the educational aspects, but 243 00:14:17,010 --> 00:14:19,290 what's next for the multinational semi group from 244 00:14:19,290 --> 00:14:23,370 both the operational and from the educational standpoints? 245 00:14:23,950 --> 00:14:26,790 Yes. In terms of operational concept, 246 00:14:26,830 --> 00:14:30,830 we are drafting the new operational concept in which we 247 00:14:30,830 --> 00:14:35,990 are making a hypothesis, the use of multinational SIM group as a 248 00:14:35,990 --> 00:14:40,150 whole in operation. So the entire unit gets deployed 249 00:14:40,270 --> 00:14:45,870 supporting a joint theater, LCC or combatant command entirely. 250 00:14:45,910 --> 00:14:49,390 We're also thinking about changing the capabilities of a 251 00:14:49,390 --> 00:14:53,190 couple of plateaus of our battalion into a special 252 00:14:53,190 --> 00:14:56,110 operation. So we would like to get some of 253 00:14:56,110 --> 00:14:59,950 the CA training, sub affairs training in order to increase 254 00:15:00,310 --> 00:15:03,590 our our support to special operations capability. 255 00:15:04,300 --> 00:15:08,300 In terms of education, as I mentioned, the intercultural 256 00:15:08,300 --> 00:15:13,780 mediator course will be the most important change for 2021 257 00:15:13,900 --> 00:15:17,140 author. We look forward also to send our 258 00:15:17,140 --> 00:15:20,700 officers to drag in order to attend civil affairs course. 259 00:15:20,860 --> 00:15:26,220 But last but not the least, we are in the process of expanding 260 00:15:26,260 --> 00:15:29,420 the multinationality of multinational semi group. 261 00:15:29,420 --> 00:15:34,100 That's why I would like to ask other nations, both European. 262 00:15:34,300 --> 00:15:38,580 And NATO to join that multinational semi group as a 263 00:15:38,580 --> 00:15:42,140 participating name. We are in the process of 264 00:15:42,140 --> 00:15:46,140 discussing that with many nations, Albania, Montenegro, 265 00:15:46,220 --> 00:15:50,900 but also UK and as I mentioned also the United States of 266 00:15:51,100 --> 00:15:53,680 America. So, and right now it is the 267 00:15:53,680 --> 00:15:56,800 Italians and what other nations make the core of the MNCG. 268 00:15:56,960 --> 00:16:01,320 We are Six Nations so far, Greece, Hungary, Portugal, 269 00:16:01,320 --> 00:16:06,280 Romania, Slovenia and Ely and we would like to expand at least 270 00:16:06,280 --> 00:16:08,560 getting at least 2/10/10 nations. 271 00:16:08,560 --> 00:16:13,200 Austria is also, as far as they know, interested in becoming a 272 00:16:13,240 --> 00:16:16,680 participation participating nation, even if they are not 273 00:16:16,760 --> 00:16:20,320 into completely into NATO. But as I said, we are in the 274 00:16:20,320 --> 00:16:24,480 process of dramatically. Expanding our multinationality, 275 00:16:24,840 --> 00:16:28,560 the more we are, the best it is. No, that's very true. 276 00:16:28,600 --> 00:16:32,160 And for those who don't know, Austria is very close to where 277 00:16:32,160 --> 00:16:36,480 the MNCG is and we had an Austrian officer on the podcast 278 00:16:36,480 --> 00:16:39,920 a few weeks ago and he also said that the Austrian military is 279 00:16:39,920 --> 00:16:42,120 trying to build a lot of partnerships. 280 00:16:42,120 --> 00:16:45,600 So it's interesting this easily do this European dialogue, how 281 00:16:45,600 --> 00:16:50,760 Austria as a non member of NATO is still integrating into NATO 282 00:16:50,800 --> 00:16:52,560 and increasing that capability. Ability. 283 00:16:52,680 --> 00:16:56,040 Sir, thank you so much for information on the schoolhouse 284 00:16:56,080 --> 00:16:58,840 and how it expands. So I will ask this about CIMIC. 285 00:16:58,840 --> 00:17:03,400 What do you see as the biggest challenges for the CIMIC force 286 00:17:03,440 --> 00:17:08,560 in NATO in the next 10 years? Do you see it being an expanded 287 00:17:08,560 --> 00:17:11,160 force that might have too much mission or are you still vying 288 00:17:11,160 --> 00:17:13,640 for missions or? And what opportunities do the 289 00:17:13,640 --> 00:17:17,160 CIMIC forces have in the coming years as well throughout the 290 00:17:17,640 --> 00:17:21,369 operating environment? Yes, the the main challenges is 291 00:17:21,369 --> 00:17:26,730 there will be to get let's say to get accepted into large scale 292 00:17:26,730 --> 00:17:30,330 combat operations. We are ready for that but large 293 00:17:30,370 --> 00:17:35,530 multi formations may see us as a body that they cannot. 294 00:17:35,530 --> 00:17:39,410 They don't know how to use. However we are we are 295 00:17:39,410 --> 00:17:44,330 challenging our our H use in order to get the other the 296 00:17:44,330 --> 00:17:47,570 formations pretty acquainted of what we can do. 297 00:17:47,990 --> 00:17:52,870 On our capability with respect to the opportunities, I guess 298 00:17:52,870 --> 00:17:58,510 that the new, the new set of functions called CMI civil 299 00:17:58,510 --> 00:18:02,630 military interaction is is paramount because leaves us the 300 00:18:02,790 --> 00:18:07,110 autonomy and the back and the capacity to link with many, so 301 00:18:07,110 --> 00:18:11,910 many bodies civil bodies in the world that we can significantly 302 00:18:11,910 --> 00:18:17,150 increase our capabilities, our knowledge and our links with the 303 00:18:17,230 --> 00:18:19,070 with the major. Stakeholder. 304 00:18:19,670 --> 00:18:22,870 No, that's very interesting. And it seems like the CMI 305 00:18:22,870 --> 00:18:26,590 opportunity is very linked to the challenge you have of large 306 00:18:26,590 --> 00:18:29,830 scale combat operations or as you know, the US Army wants to 307 00:18:29,830 --> 00:18:31,750 give everything an acronym we call LISCO. 308 00:18:31,910 --> 00:18:34,150 We also have the challenges with that as well. 309 00:18:34,150 --> 00:18:37,390 And I know from our standpoint, from civil affairs on the US 310 00:18:37,390 --> 00:18:40,230 side is they're trying to talk about how we can be scouts in a 311 00:18:40,230 --> 00:18:43,430 sense and be able to map the human terrain and let the 312 00:18:43,590 --> 00:18:47,150 leadership know where there's potential threats against the 313 00:18:47,150 --> 00:18:48,270 force moving. Forward. 314 00:18:48,270 --> 00:18:50,670 And of course, there's always the concern about displaced 315 00:18:50,670 --> 00:18:54,870 civilians on the battlefield and those obstructing the movement 316 00:18:54,870 --> 00:18:57,510 of forces. And I know that's how our forces 317 00:18:57,550 --> 00:18:59,990 are trying to find their role in there as well. 318 00:18:59,990 --> 00:19:02,270 I don't know if you've had similar efforts. 319 00:19:02,590 --> 00:19:06,590 Yes, we, we're facing more or less the same thing. 320 00:19:06,670 --> 00:19:11,270 However, however, we will have to be ready for LISCO because of 321 00:19:11,350 --> 00:19:15,150 you know, NATO doctrine, but also the American doctrine and 322 00:19:15,150 --> 00:19:20,230 strategy are getting to that. Basically forecasting those kind 323 00:19:20,230 --> 00:19:24,350 of that kind of scenario but we already it's just a matter of 324 00:19:24,350 --> 00:19:28,190 getting it or of getting us accepted by the the large 325 00:19:28,190 --> 00:19:32,590 formation they have to know how to employ us you know and there 326 00:19:32,590 --> 00:19:36,310 will be they will be satisfied of our final product. 327 00:19:36,980 --> 00:19:41,380 And do you often use large exercises, NATO exercises, to 328 00:19:41,380 --> 00:19:44,820 help educate the rest of the force about the important role 329 00:19:44,820 --> 00:19:48,180 of the human domain, about what CIMIC does to enable the 330 00:19:48,180 --> 00:19:50,860 maneuver commander in conflict? Is that something you've had 331 00:19:50,860 --> 00:19:52,900 success in the past or is that something you're going to do 332 00:19:52,980 --> 00:19:56,660 further down the line? Yes, we participate every year 333 00:19:56,660 --> 00:20:01,500 with an asset to NRF, an asset that is considered a component 334 00:20:01,500 --> 00:20:07,820 even if reduced in number usually between 30 to 100 facts. 335 00:20:07,940 --> 00:20:12,980 We are we are always employed into NRF, so we link with the 336 00:20:13,300 --> 00:20:17,470 with the joint force commands. Naples and Ransom. 337 00:20:17,670 --> 00:20:24,030 So they get to know us and they are also appreciating the way we 338 00:20:24,230 --> 00:20:28,790 operate, but also the way we educate the age use on on the 339 00:20:28,790 --> 00:20:32,390 capabilities and on the ways of interacting between the the 340 00:20:32,390 --> 00:20:35,230 military domain and the civil domain. 341 00:20:35,860 --> 00:20:39,340 That's fantastic, Sir and I I've personally found that while the 342 00:20:39,340 --> 00:20:42,980 role in actual LISCO or large scale combat operations for CA 343 00:20:43,020 --> 00:20:47,500 might not be as large, it is as in competition or cooperation as 344 00:20:47,500 --> 00:20:50,230 we use the. Cooperation, competition and 345 00:20:50,230 --> 00:20:53,950 conflict continuum in the US the work that CIMIC and or Civil 346 00:20:53,950 --> 00:20:58,030 affairs does in the early phases as we generate and build combat 347 00:20:58,030 --> 00:21:01,710 power to be able to execute that is paramount for success, 348 00:21:01,710 --> 00:21:06,070 specifically knowing where our troops and our formations can 349 00:21:06,070 --> 00:21:08,470 go. So exercises to me, here's one 350 00:21:08,470 --> 00:21:11,230 of the most important areas and I think that's very fantastic 351 00:21:11,230 --> 00:21:14,710 Sir, that the MNCG is using that as an educational standpoint to 352 00:21:14,710 --> 00:21:16,830 show the important role of CIMIC in all of that. 353 00:21:16,990 --> 00:21:20,570 Thank you. Do you as the NATO and in the 354 00:21:20,570 --> 00:21:23,890 Italians, do you also use the competition and conflict 355 00:21:23,890 --> 00:21:26,650 spectrum or do you guys have a different view of that in terms 356 00:21:26,650 --> 00:21:28,410 of civics role? Yes. 357 00:21:28,410 --> 00:21:32,250 As far as the civic role is concerned, we don't usually use 358 00:21:32,250 --> 00:21:35,930 the competition. We don't use the counterpart or 359 00:21:35,930 --> 00:21:39,930 the controversial way of dealing because we we tend to be 360 00:21:39,930 --> 00:21:44,410 considered as a facilitators between the local populace and 361 00:21:44,410 --> 00:21:47,090 the the civil dimensions and the military dimensions. 362 00:21:47,250 --> 00:21:51,570 So we always try to be. Be to stay on the path of non 363 00:21:51,570 --> 00:21:54,210 confrontational, let's say deals. 364 00:21:54,490 --> 00:21:59,730 So we usually are very cooperative, very involving the 365 00:21:59,730 --> 00:22:04,010 local populace, the local authorities into our also our 366 00:22:04,570 --> 00:22:08,330 decision making process in our semi decision making process. 367 00:22:09,010 --> 00:22:11,170 That's fantastic, Sir. And I will ask you one last 368 00:22:11,170 --> 00:22:13,450 question as we start closing it out before closing comments is 369 00:22:13,450 --> 00:22:15,410 there's a, what is the relationship, there's another 370 00:22:15,410 --> 00:22:17,650 school CIMIC Center of Excellence. 371 00:22:17,650 --> 00:22:20,410 What is the relationship between multinational Semi group and the 372 00:22:20,410 --> 00:22:22,810 CIMIC Center of Excellence because some of our listeners 373 00:22:22,810 --> 00:22:25,490 might have taken a course at the CIMIC Center of Excellence. 374 00:22:25,530 --> 00:22:27,090 Are you guys, do you guys work together? 375 00:22:27,090 --> 00:22:28,410 Are you part of the same headquarters? 376 00:22:28,410 --> 00:22:30,810 Could you explain that relationship between those two 377 00:22:30,810 --> 00:22:33,370 entities? Yes, they are stationed in the 378 00:22:33,370 --> 00:22:36,930 Netherlands, so far away from our home station. 379 00:22:36,970 --> 00:22:38,890 They are a Simic, a Cimic center. 380 00:22:39,010 --> 00:22:43,370 Excellence so basically an academic body who teaches CIMIC 381 00:22:43,610 --> 00:22:49,490 with adoption point of view we are we got authorized by NATO by 382 00:22:49,490 --> 00:22:54,210 semi central excellence to organize twice a year our NATO 383 00:22:54,210 --> 00:22:59,410 courses in which we. Add some practical experiences 384 00:22:59,410 --> 00:23:03,010 gained on the field. That is what we can do. 385 00:23:03,090 --> 00:23:07,570 In addition to their courses, we bring our experiences and we 386 00:23:07,570 --> 00:23:11,970 give to the students the the real taste of a semi related 387 00:23:11,970 --> 00:23:14,130 operation. And of course you have the 388 00:23:14,490 --> 00:23:17,170 operational difference that they do not have operational forces 389 00:23:17,170 --> 00:23:18,810 deploying. So that experience is very 390 00:23:18,810 --> 00:23:21,830 important to what? The MNCG brings. 391 00:23:21,830 --> 00:23:24,310 So Sir. Thank you so much for joining us 392 00:23:24,310 --> 00:23:26,510 today. Do you have any other comments 393 00:23:26,510 --> 00:23:29,790 or anything else to add? I will make sure that the link 394 00:23:29,790 --> 00:23:32,790 for the school is posted in the podcast. 395 00:23:32,910 --> 00:23:36,070 So listeners, if you are a Civil Affairs Officer and interested 396 00:23:36,070 --> 00:23:39,110 in attending one of the fantastic courses that the MNCG 397 00:23:39,110 --> 00:23:41,070 has to offer, please follow that link. 398 00:23:41,070 --> 00:23:44,990 But Sir, any closing comments? Yes, you know that as I said 399 00:23:44,990 --> 00:23:49,190 before, we are trying to expand our multinationality and the 400 00:23:49,750 --> 00:23:52,630 participation to multinational semi group. 401 00:23:53,410 --> 00:23:58,090 Of the United States of America would be of dramatic impact for 402 00:23:58,090 --> 00:24:00,730 us. We are you know we are dealing 403 00:24:00,730 --> 00:24:04,090 with the talks between the armies General Staff. 404 00:24:04,370 --> 00:24:11,210 But my first objective for 2021 and 22 is to host here, to 405 00:24:11,210 --> 00:24:15,490 welcome here the stars and stripes and Stripes flag as of 406 00:24:15,530 --> 00:24:19,970 of the United States of America as a participating nation that 407 00:24:19,970 --> 00:24:21,730 would be, that would be my dream. 408 00:24:22,450 --> 00:24:24,850 Sir, and I think you have some important ears. 409 00:24:24,850 --> 00:24:27,490 I might be listening to that from both our reserve and active 410 00:24:27,490 --> 00:24:29,570 side. And as someone who has tended 411 00:24:29,570 --> 00:24:31,890 the course there, there's definitely a lot of value in 412 00:24:31,890 --> 00:24:35,370 having civil affairs soldiers working alongside our civic 413 00:24:35,530 --> 00:24:38,570 brethren as we develop this important NATO capability that 414 00:24:38,570 --> 00:24:40,170 is going to be needed in the future. 415 00:24:40,750 --> 00:24:42,470 Sure. Thank you so much again for 416 00:24:42,470 --> 00:24:44,830 joining us today. It is an absolute honor to have 417 00:24:44,830 --> 00:24:48,150 you here once again. We were talking to Colonel Zusi 418 00:24:48,270 --> 00:24:51,590 who is the Commander of the Multinational Semi Group in Moto 419 00:24:51,590 --> 00:24:54,270 de la Venza Italy. Multinational Semi Group once 420 00:24:54,270 --> 00:24:57,110 again has a two-part approach to their app hook. 421 00:24:57,110 --> 00:24:59,710 They have education and operations and if anybody would 422 00:24:59,710 --> 00:25:01,790 like to attend one of their courses please. 423 00:25:01,870 --> 00:25:04,710 You heard the Colonel during the podcast, come reach out, have 424 00:25:04,710 --> 00:25:07,710 your training outreach folks reach out, get that connection 425 00:25:07,750 --> 00:25:10,670 and they're looking for greater US involvement as they continue. 426 00:25:10,750 --> 00:25:13,510 And their operations around the world, Sir, thank you very much. 427 00:25:13,630 --> 00:25:16,070 And on behalf of Civil Affairs Association, it's been an 428 00:25:16,230 --> 00:25:17,750 absolute honor to have you on the podcast. 429 00:25:18,270 --> 00:25:22,190 Thank you. The You Know Me Journal is 430 00:25:22,190 --> 00:25:26,510 expanding its content to reach a broader audience and engagement 431 00:25:26,750 --> 00:25:30,390 across defense and governments to include other partners in 432 00:25:30,430 --> 00:25:33,830 allied countries. New sections in the Warrior 433 00:25:33,830 --> 00:25:38,550 Scholar Corner and the Team Room aimed to deliver content useful 434 00:25:38,670 --> 00:25:42,300 to our members. Check out the Unomia Journal at 435 00:25:42,300 --> 00:25:48,780 www.unomiajournal.com. Thank you for spending. 436 00:25:48,780 --> 00:25:51,420 Some time with us. Please subscribe and come back 437 00:25:51,420 --> 00:25:54,660 for another installment 1CA until then. 438 00:25:54,780 --> 00:25:59,190 Be safe and secure the victory. In civil affairs, your success 439 00:25:59,190 --> 00:26:01,910 depends on getting the right information to the right people 440 00:26:01,910 --> 00:26:04,270 at the right time. Whether it's foundational 441 00:26:04,270 --> 00:26:07,190 information for a team about to head out on a mission or putting 442 00:26:07,190 --> 00:26:10,310 together a map or other data visualization to brief a general 443 00:26:10,310 --> 00:26:13,230 or an ambassador, Tesla Government Solutions and Staff 444 00:26:13,230 --> 00:26:15,030 can help. With Tesla Government's 445 00:26:15,030 --> 00:26:17,510 knowledge management Solutions, you're adding a strategic 446 00:26:17,510 --> 00:26:20,670 partner that helps unleash the full power and potential of your 447 00:26:20,670 --> 00:26:23,190 information. Let us unpack your data and put 448 00:26:23,190 --> 00:26:27,030 your knowledge to work. Learn more at teslagov.com.