Armed Forces Commander General Joseph Aoun in private interview published by the Army Magazine after one year of his tenure

The journey is ongoing with steady and confidant steps

The Armed Forces Commander: The security situation, the Military Institution and the blood of the martyrs are our precious treasures

Introduction:

He is the son of this land who’s experienced in confronting difficulties and overcoming obstacles. He’s the son of the field that is filled with diverse experiences and arduous missions. Starting with the southern border on the confrontation lines with the Israeli enemy to the high hills of the Eastern mountain chain on the offensive against the terrorists and their evil schemes.

He is the tough leader who leads his men in the battlefield, confirming his confidence in their competence and courage and highlighting his keen interest in the wellbeing of each of his men: “Take good care of yourselves” and obey orders with precision.

They return holding the banner of triumph and the commander shakes their hands to congratulate them one by one. However, the feelings of achievement and joy cannot cover the precious tears such as the tears that he shed involuntarily while bidding farewell to the martyrs who were executed by “ISIS”.

One year has elapsed since The Armed Forces Commander Aoun has been leading the Army and it has been a year filled with crucial stages on the security and institutional levels. What the Armed Forces Commander would like to say concerning the achievements and the ongoing tasks

The Article

Priorities:

At the beginning of the interview he gave to the Army Magazine, General Aoun said while answering a question concerning the vision that he chose to adopt in leading the military institution: The priorities were abundant and I have based my vision on the following priorities.

- First of all, Liberating the eastern border from the terrorists and revealing the fate of the soldiers who were abducted by the terrorist organizations.

- Second, concentrating on dealing with the Institution’s internal affairs, mainly:

- Reviewing the Institution’s internal structure, be it in terms of the formation of military units or in terms of the hierarchy.

- Intensifying training activities in military academies and institutes such as: Fouad Chehab Academy for Staff and Command, the Military Command, the Training Institute, NCOs School, Araman Training camp… especially with regard to the important and pivotal role played by these institutes and academies in training officers, NCOs and soldiers and preparing them to assume higher posts in the future.

- Inflexibility in adopting competence as a sole criteria in appointments and formations.

- Preserving the institution form political gravitations.

- Bolstering the role of women in the Army.

- Fighting the problem of drugs that is ravaging society with a danger that is equal to terrorism.

In the security field we have achieved many feats and the efforts are ongoing

As to the Army feats in terms of security during the past year, General Aoun noted that the Army has managed to achieve several military objectives in a record period of time thanks to the confidence of the Lebanese people and political patronage. He added that the most prominent achievement was in the battle OF “Dawn of the Outskirts” where we succeeded in eradicating the terrorist organizations of “ISIS” and “El-Nusra” in Lebanon. We have reconquered our land, revealed the fate of our kidnapped soldiers in addition to dismantling dozens of terrorist networks and cells during qualitative pre-emptive operations.

General Aoun added: Despite all the previous achievements, especially with the “Dawn of the Outskirts” operation which formed a pivotal stage in the war against terrorism, many more missions still await and the security efforts can never cease since the security challenges are numerous and the future of the country depends first and foremost on the security stability.

In answering a question concerning the secret lying behind the achievement of the “Dawn of the Outskirts” in a record period of time while relying on modest capabilities when more advanced countries have faced difficulties in confronting terrorism, the Armed Forces Commander confirmed that the credit in this achievement is due to several factors, mainly: the strong will and courage of the Lebanese soldier and his strong belief in the sacred right of defending Lebanon against terrorism in addition to taking advantage of all the capabilities at hand with the best means possible and in the frame of a firmly coherent military plan. Moreover, the wide popular support to the Army has deprived the terrorists of any nurturing environment in addition to the official support and patronage that the Army has enjoyed as well as the military assistance provided by friend countries.

General Aoun noted that in parallel with the efforts he’s investing to defend the achievements and consolidating stability in the country he took a series of procedures, mainly: closing all illegal crossing points at the eastern border, showing inflexibility in controlling the border in order to stop the infiltration of militants from Syria to Lebanon or smuggling weapons and illegal substances.

The Directorate of Intelligence has continued its tireless efforts in tracking down terrorist cells and suspicious individuals in light of the pre-emptive security policy. We have followed up the situation in the Syrian and Palestinian refugee camps and intervened swiftly and firmly to put an end to any security breach in addition to halting any aggression against the citizens as well as public and private properties while continuing the fight against organized crime.

Concerning the prospect of militants infiltrating the Lebanese – Syrian border once again after their subsequent defeats in Iraq and Syria. General Aoun noted that attempts of this kind have taken place but the Army was always watchful.

The security in the south: We are facing two challenges

In terms of his evaluation to the current situation in the couth in light of the aggravated Israeli threats against Lebanon and amidst attempts made by the enemy to build a separation wall over Lebanese territories and taking hold Lebanese oil riches in Bloc 9, General Aoun noted that two challenges are facing the Army in the south. The first challenges lies in the infiltration attempts made by terrorists to enter Lebanese territories from the Syrian side of the border through the region of Chebaa. The second challenge lies in the new Israeli threats and breaches.

General Aoun added: Our stance is firm in this regard and we have informed the UNIFIL which has in turn informed the Israeli enemy and we have insisted in our stance on our objection against building the wall in Lebanese territories. While drawing the Blue Line, 13 points remained disputed since we consider these areas as part of the Lebanese territories and the Military Council has stressed Lebanon’s right to defend its land by land and sea and the Army’s preparedness to assume the responsibility of this mission on the field. We are ready to deter any Israeli aggression and to defend the sovereignty of the Lebanese State. And just as I have mentioned before, army forces deployed south of the Litani River were reinforced following the office end of “Dawn of the Outskirts” operation and we have established a new and exemplary unit assigned with the charge of defending this region assisted by the support of other units. We are committed to the decisions of the Cabinet with regard to the latest developments and we will implement these decisions with precision.

In related matters, General Aoun noted that the security situation in the south is stable and the region is subject to resolution 1701 and that the relation joining the Lebanese Army and the UNIFIL is excellent. He noted that cooperation and coordination on this level is on daily basis in order to address the Israeli enemy violations in addition to conducting joint drills and patrols with the aim of reaching a common concept vis-à-vis operations. General Aoun mentioned once again that the Army has opened an office for the Directorate of Civil – Military Cooperation in Marjeyoun thanks to funding provided by the UNIFIL.

As for Internal missions, he noted that the Army’s main mission is border protection in order to protect Lebanon’s sovereignty. However, it is performing its security preserving mission on the inside in cooperation with security bureaus with the assignment of the Prime Minister. He said ”We are looking forward to the day where security forces become completely ready to take over the security of the inside and the army would be fully available to protect the borders.”

Security of elections and local and international trust

The Armed Forces Commander also stated: “this confidence is a boost to the LAF and a base that strengthens it.

As for the international confidence, it emanates from the army’s performance and from the belief that any aid offered to the LAF is a successful investment: “this trust was enrooted thanks to the outstanding accomplishments achieved by the LAF in the face of terrorism and with modest capabilities, in addition to other accomplishments in fighting drugs, criminal gangs and security cooperation with the international society. Here, I state that stability in Lebanon is an international need and not only a local one.”

Commenting on the threats of the Syrian refugee camps and Palestinian camps, General Aoun confirmed that the LAF regards these threats with major seriousness and it is committed to taking further security measures in order to prevent these threats from being realized. General Aoun also clarified that Palestinian camps are controlled to the maximum thanks to the existence of joint committees and the deployment of the LAF around them.

Balance between the military role and the humanitarian role

In regard to the balance of the military role with the humanitarian role during the execution of raids of Syrian refugee camps, the LAF Commander stated that there are strict instructions to the soldiers to respect the Humanitarian International Law and Human Rights to the furthest extent, despite the fact that some people who are being arrested might be armed with explosive belts and hand grenades and often use civilians as human shields.

He added: “the army has created the international human law directorate as a result of its commitment to this law. Due to our commitment, we are facing numerous difficulties, for our soldiers are being obliged sacrifice themselves in fear of hurting any civilian that terrorists are using as human shields. In all cases, when army troops commit any trespass, an internal investigation takes place and those who violate instructions are punished.

Enforcing the army’s capabilities

General Aoun confirmed that several friend states have assisted the army through qualitative aid that has contributed to boosting its capabilities, such as: the USA (arms and training), the UK (boosting the capabilities of the land border regiment), Germany (boosting the capabilities of the Naval Forces) in addition to other states such as, France, Canada, China, UAE and Jordan. General Aoun stated: “this aid is not sufficient to fulfill all the needs of the army. However, we are seeking to provide further military support I the future and we are continuing out communication with friend states.” “the plan to arm the LAf is running smoothly and work is ongoing to boost the level of skills and professionalism through qualitative training in a way to ensure providing the basic necessities in order to perform the missions we are assigned to.

We are aware that the Israeli enemy owns an army that is considered one of the biggest armies of the region and owns developed weaponry. Therefore, military balance with its is difficult but we will perform our duty despite our modest capabilities, armed with the people’s support towards the LAF and with the support of political forces and the resolution of the cabinet which gives the Lebanese people the right resist any Israeli enemy.”

Concerning Rome’s convention, General Aoun confirmed that this convention forms a valuable opportunity to the LAF in order to get international support, mainly that the LAF is an active partner in facing terrorism.

A look on the inside

During his meeting with cadet officers who succeeded in the entrance contest to the Military Academy, the LAF Commander spoke to them, saying: “be proud of yourselves because you have succeeded with your capability and competence.” Moreover, General Aoun confirmed that “the message is clear, we want to bestow upon the following generations a strong coherent army because those who enroll in the military academy are the leaders of the future including the person who will be the Armed Forces Commander. It is also a message to every Lebanese youngster aiming to enroll in the military academy that his competence is the only standard. I also have a message to whom it may concern, that the LAF does not allow anyone to intervene in its affairs. We have succeeded in preventing any intervention and we have found a positive feedback from political figures and I hope the rest of security bureaus take the army’s example in this issue.”

The Commander and Humans

Regarding the personal experience of the LAF Commander in the field, particularly that he was transferred in between several brigades and military posts as well as southern and eastern borders, reaching the army command, General Aoun stated that his military journey which he has spent in operational units has helped him in learning the art of combat and command. For instance, serving in the 9th Infantry Brigade in the South has gained him experience to understand the nature of the land and the situation at the borders as well as the relation with the UNIFIL and how to develop it in addition to boosting the level of the army’s preparedness in the South. As for the command of the same brigade in Ersal, it helped him be critically aware of the field situation, thus contributing to planning the “Dawn of the Jurds” operation and taking the suitable decisions to eradicate terrorism.

Those who were close to General Aoun during the honoring ceremony of the martyrs in Yarzeh following the “Dawn of the Jurds” operation have witnessed tears flowing from his eyes several times. General Aoun added: “the most emotional moment is when we stand before martyrdom. I felt sorrow and bitterness in the farewell ceremony of the martyrs in Yarzeh. Meeting the disabled and the injured of the war as well as the families and children of martyrs also had a special impact in me.

General Aoun added: “it is the fate of every soldier to be a possible martyr for the sake of the nation and martyrdom is a medal with which we are decorated. We bow before the sacrifices of martyrs and we are ashamed of any misbehavior regarding the rights of their family members. Our loyalty to them lies in continuing to carry the flame of the cause that they martyred for and in pursuing all parties that have assaulted them.”

Women in the army

In regard to women’s role in the army, General Aoun confirmed that women have always had an efficient role in the army over the ages. They also have a main role in national defense, they are on duty in administrative, logistic, medical, military police and intelligence fields. Experience has proven women’s success in achieving major accomplishments. “we are looking forward to boosting this role until reaching a time where women participate in combat units.”

Precious treasure

General Aoun ended by reassuring the Lebanese citizens despite the blazing fires in the region by saying “this army which you have given your trust is up to this precious treasure and will spare no way in providing security and tranquility and national dignity just as it always has and it is now stronger than ever.”

To the youth, I say in specific: “hold on to your love towards your nation and remain far from narcotics and terrorist mentalities. Hold on to the national values. Lebanon is our nation and you too are called upon to defend it.”

As for the troops in the institution, I say: “the army’s strength is in your firm belief in your nation and duty and in your professionalism and distance from politics and religious affiliations and in constantly preserving the honor of your military uniform. The institution is your only choice in defending Lebanon.”

In the end, General Aoun addressed the martyrs, injured and family members of the institution saying: “we vow to you that the LAF will allow its national accomplishments, realized thanks to your blood and sacrifices, to go in vain. It will remain the key to the nation’s unity, security and stability and will spare no way to hit with an iron fist every side that attempts to take advantage of the political conflict currently facing the country in order to sabotage national peace or endanger national unity.

The blood that blessed the nation’s land will not go to waste. It is a treasure that was entrusted to us and it is our strong motivation to continue in this journey with trusting steps.”