CSM Ilie Fratoștițeanu
Joined the Romanian Armed Forces in 1996, right after completing his secondary education.
His military career began in 2000 when he graduated from the ‘Basarab I’ Land Forces Warrant Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers Military School, as part of the first class of NCOs trained by U.S. Marine Corps instructors. He then assumed a leadership role as a squad leader in the 26th Infantry Battalion ‘Neagoe Basarab.’ This initial position provided him with a strong foundation in military discipline, operational planning, loyalty, and respect for military traditions.
Over the next 17 years, he advanced through various leadership roles within the battalion, including deputy platoon commander, platoon commander, company first sergeant, and staff NCO in the S3-Operations Branch, where he further honed his skills in leadership, logistics, and operations management.
In April 2017, he was selected to join the newly established Headquarters Multinational Brigade South-East as a staff assistant in the S5-Plans Branch, Future Plans Section. His contributions to the planning and coordination of multinational operations were instrumental. In July 2021, he was reassigned within the same branch as staff assistant in the Coordination and Integration Operations Plans Section, where he continues to play a vital role in harmonizing operational efforts across multinational forces.
During his military career, CSM Fratoștițeanu served on multiple international missions, including four tours in Afghanistan (Enduring Freedom, FP KAF, 2nd Maneuver Battalion, KAF-GDA), three tours in Iraq (Antica Babilonia, UN FP), and one tour in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR Althea). Across these deployments, he held key positions such as deputy platoon commander, company first sergeant, logistic mentor, and operations planner, contributing to the success of NATO, UN, and EU missions.
CSM Fratoștițeanu has completed several national and international training programs, including the NATO Orientation Course at “Carol I” National Defence University, the Principles and Guidelines for UN Peacekeeping Operations course from the Peace Operations Training Institute, the C-IED Course in Hohenfels, Germany, and various leadership courses, all of which enhanced his operational capabilities and strategic acumen.
In recognition of his exemplary service, he has been awarded the National Cross of Faithful Service Medal, Class I, II, and III, awarded by the President of Romania, the General Defence Staff Emblem of Honor, the In Service of Peace Meritorious Emblem, the Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medal, and four NATO Article 5 Medals. His career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to service, leadership, and the defense of national and international peace and security.
He also has an economist bachelor’s degree in finance-banking, earned at the Faculty of Financial Management Accounting, Bucharest.
CSM Fratoștițeanu is married and has one daughter.