KFOR CHRONICLE The KFOR Magazine for KFOR Soldiers July 2014

Transcription

1 KFOR CHRONICLE The KFOR Magazine for KFOR Soldiers July 2014 The Lince/Lynx Armoured Vehicle

2 CONTENT Intercultural Exchange during children s football coaching organised by the German KFOR Contingent. PICTURE: Nicolas Hohn OPENING ADDRESS COS KFOR GATE 1 Unfixing Gate 1 JFC NAPLES Outgoing and incoming Commanders NLAT KSF diving operations at Gazivode lake MNBG - W Reshaping forces at Decane Monastery VISIT OF SACEUR SACEUR 11 VISIT OF D SACEUR Deputy SACEUR HSG Change of Command 16 JRD NORTH Change of Command CAMP NOVO SELO Dancon march 17 MNBG- W Lince armoured vehicle - LYNX NEWS IN BRIEF National days 18 NLAT Maintenance training for KSF personnel at Camp Prizren 20 CSM ACTIVITIES International PROFILES shooting day 22 SUDOKU An activity for the brain VISIT The head of the Swiss Armed Forces Paul Andrew Waters Michael Becher PICTURE OF THE MONTH Your chance to be a part of it! 2 KFOR CHRONICLE 07/2014

3 CHIEF OF STAFF OPENING ADDRESS CHIEF OF STAFF The faces at KFOR may change but our mission continues and more importantly it evolves. I thought I would take this opportunity to address the Force as the new KFOR Chief of Staff. My name is Brigadier General Michael Scholes and I am your new KFOR Chief of Staff. I come to you from Joint Task Force Civil Support, United States Northern Command where I served as the Director of Operations, Training, Readiness and Exercises. I am excited to be here in these changing times to join the KFOR Team. Many challenges lie ahead of us over the next 18 months. Some of them are known and others unforeseen. KFOR is a force that operates in a very dynamic and ever evolving environment. KFOR is charged with contributing a Safe and Secure Environment and the provision of Freedom of Movement for a better future for the people of Kosovo but we cannot do this in a reactive way. As the conditions in Kosovo evolve we must evolve with them. Our KFOR team currently consists of a multinational organization of soldiers from over 31 different countries, all with different traditions, languages and skills. The KFOR HQ has had tremendous accomplishments over the last year since the Pristina-Belgrade Agreement. This has been done professionally by this staff with a strong determination and commitment to all of the actors and international organizations who contribute to peace and stability for Kosovo and the whole region. KOSOVO has run through many changes during the past 15 years. Huge developments and progress were made towards security and safety. We, as the KFOR team, need to continue these actions for a better future for the people of KOSOVO by providing a framework for the Institutions in Kosovo (IiK) and its structures to grow and flourish. KFOR is in constant motion as we must change our approach when the conditions on the ground change. Every soldier is important to that effort, from the LMTs to the patrolling units to the administrative and logistics soldiers supporting the efforts. The efforts of the JRDs and Multi-National Battle groups are our arms and legs and they faithfully execute the KFOR mission. The Headquarters staff works tirelessly behind the scenes to support our Commander in order to ensure that operations are planned, resourced and communicated to the forces in the field. Every operation has a task and purpose which helps develop a mutual understanding of what your colleagues within KFOR are trying to accomplish. Sustain your efforts to increase teamwork across each section because we cannot do this alone. Brigadier General Michael L. Scholes KFOR Chief of Staff KFOR CHRONICLE 07/2014 3

4 KSF KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE DIVING OPERA- TIONS AT GAZIVODE LAKE On 14th July there was a boating accident on Gazivode Lake in the Zubin Potok region of Kosovo. Two people were found deceased and a further two remained missing. Initiated by a request from family members of the two missing people and local Municipal officials, diving teams were sought to carry out a search and recovery operation. The Kosovo Security Force, the civil emergency governmental organisation in Kosovo, provided a team of divers to assist as requested by officials in the North. Over a period of 4 days, in hazardous underwater conditions, the KSF divers completed over 30 underwater search dives, each search comprising 2 divers. The KSF search operation was concluded on the evening of 18th July. This KP/ KSF operation was promoted and authorised by COM KFOR Major General Salvatore Farina and was supported by the NATO Liaison Advisory Team (NLAT) headed by Brigadier General Schnittker (German Army) with valuable assistance from KFOR (JRD N and MNBG-E). This was the first time ever that a KSF team was deployed north of the Ibar. To date one of the 2 missing persons has been recovered, and the other remains missing. PICTURE: Giovanni DELLE CAVE (2) 4 KFOR CHRONICLE 07/2014

5 KSF PICTURE: Giovanni DELLE CAVE (2) The Kosovo Security Force has developed a number of capabilities to enable it contribute to Kosovo s security and perform public services in the event of emergencies, ranging from EOD to HAZMAT, Firefighting, and SAR. KSF was declared to have been reached FOC in July 2013 by NAC for Fire Fighting, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Search and Rescue (SAR), and Response to Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT). The KSF divers are part of the KSF Civil Protection Regiment (CPR) based in Pomozatin (near Pristina Airport), and they are with the Search and Rescue Task Force Coy (SAR TF). The Unit has 16 certified divers - 2 are at 3 Star Level (highest level), 6 at 2 Star Level, and 8 at 1 Star Level. The vast majority of their diver training has been carried out in Kosovo and on the coast of Albania by instructors/trainers from the Netherlands as part of a bilateral cooperation programme enabled by MCAD (NLAT s predecessor from which NLAT has been developed as the advising team to KSF) to reach FOC. The higher level trained personnel carry out the additional roles of Dive Supervisors and train the other divers (however they cannot carry out the certification of other divers). With their current SCUBA dive equipment they can operate at a depth of 60m, and have underwater camera equipment that functions to a depth of 50m. Their latest operation was at Gazivode Lake, which, at 105m at its greatest depth, is the deepest Lake in Kosovo. Several of the team are also medical trained to Paramedic Level. This is the 10th water search operation carried out by the KSF Dive Team in Other recent examples are the recovery of a man s body from a river in Kline/a Municipality in May and the extensive search for a missing 8 year old boy in a river in Peje/Pec Region a few days previously. Col. Biasutti NLAT and John Doone NLAT KFOR CHRONICLE 07/2014 5

6 UNFIXING GATE 1 UNFIXING GATE 1 KFOR s posture and disposition in Kosovo has always been assessed and altered to give the best support most appropriate to the conditions and situation at that time. Great progress in increased stability since 1999 has meant a reduction in numbers of KFOR troops, and also a change in KFOR s posture from static barracks and posts, to the more dynamic and mobile force of today. KFOR is now less visible, reacting as the situation requires, and the security institutions in Kosovo gain more responsibility as their competence level increases. One feature of KFOR s changing posture is the unfixing process. KFOR was a primary security force at the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) crossing points and at cultural and religious heritage sites known as the Properties with Designated Special Status (PrDSS). As stability in Kosovo increased and as the Kosovar security institutions reached operational capability, KFOR gradually removed its forces from these static locations and handed responsibility for their security to the Kosovar authorities. KFOR remained poised to support Kosovar security institutions if needed, but the day to day guarding was handed over. KFOR had maintained a Company strength unit at Gate 1 on the ABL, gradually reducing to a platoon as the Kosovo Boarder Police (KBP) and EULEX took primary responsibility for the security of the crossing point. KFOR assessed the security situation in Kosovo and over a long Camp Gate 1 before July Camp Gate 1 after unfixing. period to decide on the future of the post at Gate 1. The security situation in Kosovo has continued to improve. The Brussels agreement of 19 April 2013 reached during Belgrade/ Pristina talks has been supported by both Kosovo and Serbia and by KFOR and the international community. There have been encouraging signs of progress such as the integration of Kosovo Police in the North, the introduction of a customs tax at Gate 1 and FOP 31, local and general elections in which all citizens could freely participate, the reopening of Kosovar airspace to commercial traffic, continued dialogue in Mitrovicë/ Mitrovica with the removal of the barricade and the placement of the landscaped Peace Park, KSF divers operating in Zubin Potok, and a peaceful celebration of St. Vidovdan s Day. In addition to this, the relocation of Gate 1 in Serbia proper does not require KFOR s continuous static presence at Camp Gate 1. KFOR therefore decided that it could unfix itself from Gate 1, removing its static presence and buildings, and change to a more mobile presence there for SASE and FOM monitoring, leaving the KBP and EULEX in situ. Major demolition works were carried out to remove the KFOR constructions there and return the site to a landscaped area, with helilanding pad and access space for KFOR vehicles if needed. The area will continue to be patrolled with troops from Camp Nothing Hill, but KFOR no longer are a fixed asset at Gate 1, marking further progress for Kosovo on the road to peace and prosperity. Lt Cdr Hobbins OF-3 IRL N 6 KFOR CHRONICLE 07/2014

7 MNBG - W RESHAPING FORCES AT DECANE MONASTERY Decane Monastery is the last of the Religious and cultural sites under full-time KFOR guard. Up until 24th July, the Italian Army had a permanent static guard at the Monastery KFOR constantly assesses the conditions in Kosovo and has altered its posture and reshaped its forces accordingly. On the 24th July after 15 years, the Italian Army troops of MNBG-W started reshaping the responsibility for guarding Decane Monastery with their Slovenian and Austrian colleagues also from MNBG-W. This is part of KFOR s move towards a more dynamic and flexible presence and will enable all MNBG-W troops to rotate the guarding duty at the Monastery. After only two days the MNBG- W Command decided to test the combat readiness and the real capability and efficiency of the protection system of the Monastery, in order to verify both the Tactical Operative Centre procedures and effectiveness, and the full integration of forces on the ground, tasked to shield the site in case of any threat to a SASE, after the activation of the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to support the guard according to the contingency plan. The BADGER EXE started at am, when the Tactical Operative Centre activated the Monastery protection plan, and subsequently, other Slovenian and Austrian platoons were called as reinforcements. The guards in Decane immediately operated the emergency procedures that deployed the entire security unit in Camp Sparta to face the demonstrators (OPFOR was an Italian Platoon) while waiting for reinforcements from Camp Villaggio Italia. This exercised the guard s crowd control drills to dissuade and calm the protestors and then adopt a more robust posture as the exercise progressed. The Austrian platoon, which was located inside the base Camp Villaggio Italia accomplishing other secondary tasks, reacted quickly to the intervention request, and deployed to the Monastery - escorted by a Military Police patrol during the tactical movement where, after a short and thorough briefing with the ground force commander, they joined their Slovenian colleagues in protecting the Monastery. After attempting verbal intervention the group then formed a strong defence and were able to prevent any breach of their cordon. In addition to rotating the troops, reshaping the guard has meant additional security cameras on the Monastery, less static guard posts, and an increase in patrols around the Monastery. MNBG-W Commander, Colonel Angelo Minelli - This was a good opportunity to check the operational capabilities and it confirmed high level of professionalism and reliability. Multinational Battle Group West is 4 nations for one Force, and More Together we act every day as an impartial strength, in order to guarantee a safe and security environment and the freedom of movement. OF-1 Mauro Antonio DE CILLIS PICTURE: Mauro Antonio DE CILLIS (2) KFOR CHRONICLE 07/2014 7

8 JOINT FORCE COMMAND NAPLES OUTGOING AND INCOMING COMMANDERS JOINT FORCE COMMAND NAPLES VISIT KFOR Joint Force Naples Commander, Admiral Bruce W. Clingan, and the incoming Joint Force Naples Commander, Admiral Mark E. Ferguson III carried out a 2 day visit to HQ KFOR in Pristina. ADM Clingan took the opportunity to introduce his successor to KFOR Commander General Salvatore Farina. PICTURE: Vittorio SIMONELLI Admiral CLINGAN and Admiral Ferguson III were briefed by COM KFOR and the international HQ Staff on the latest developments in the current security and political situation in Kosovo as well as the wider Balkans region. After the briefing, Admiral Clingan highly complimented the improved overall security situation in Kosovo and the excellent KFOR management of security during the last parliamentary elections held on June 08th, the recent situation in Mitrovica after the removal of the barricade and the building of the Garden of Peace including the handling of KoA demonstration and prevention of interethnic violence, and lastly the St. Vidovdan s Day celebrations on June 28th which were carried out in a peaceful and orderly manner. COM JFC Naples also greeted members of KFOR and he emphasized the importance of KFOR 8 KFOR CHRONICLE 07/2014

9 JOINT FORCE COMMAND NAPLES Meeting with the President of Kosovo Ms. Jahjaga. Briefing with Minister Ceku and General Kastrati. in the delicate and complex context of the Balkans and the need to continue to accomplish the mission promoting progress and dialogue in the region. During the visit Admiral Clingan, Admiral Ferguson III, accompanied by General Farina, had the opportunity to meet with Ms. Atifete Jahjaga, Kosovo President, Mr. Hashim Thaci, Kosovo Prime Minister, Mr Rexhepi, Minister of Interior of Kosovo and Mr Ceku, Minister of Kosovo Security Force (KSF). Local political authorities expressed their gratitude for the significant contribution made to security and stability by KFOR contingent. On completion of their tour to KFOR, the Admirals met the Ambassadors of France, German, Italy, United Kingdom and United States. The visit of Admiral Clingan was also the occasion to introduce his successor, Admiral Mark E. Ferguson III, as the JFC Naples Commander. The ceremony of the change of JFC Naples Commander, between Admiral Clingan and Admiral Ferguson III took place in Naples on 22nd July. Admiral Mark Ferguson III was born in Newfoundland, Canada and raised in Maryland. He graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1978, and completed nuclear power training prior to entering the fleet as a surface warfare officer. Over his career, he has operated in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets in ships ranging from destroyers to aircraft carriers. He held various assignments including command of USS Benfold (DDG 65) and Destroyer Squadron 18. He has served in Europe on SACEUR s staff and his flag assignments include service as the Navy s chief of legislative affairs and chief of naval personnel. From August 2011 until July 2014, he served as the 37th vice chief of naval operations. Lt Cdr Hobbins OF-3 IRL N KFOR CHRONICLE 07/2014 9

10 SACEUR VISIT OF SACEUR Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Philip Breedlove visited HQ KFOR at Camp Film City in Pristina and he met KFOR Commander General Salvatore Farina on 30th July SACEUR s visits NATO mission areas to receive updates on the current situation and issues pertinent to that theatre. He received a brief from the KFOR HQ staff to get operational, intelligence, political and planning updates and also to be briefed on NLAT activities. The briefs covered the KFOR mission and also the situation in the wider Balkan area. After the briefing, SACEUR commented on progress in Kosovo s safe and secure environment and noted that major events in June in particular had taken place in a controlled and successful manner. He expressed his appreciation for the improved overall security situation in Kosovo and the excellent KFOR management of security during the major events Kosovo wide during June General Breedlove also greeted members of KFOR and he emphasized the importance of KFOR in the delicate and complex context of the Balkans and the need to continue to accomplish the mission promoting progress and dialogue in the region. During the visit General Breedlove, accompanied by General Farina, had the opportunity to meet the Quint Ambassadors of France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom and United States and the Representatives of the International Community in Kosovo, namely EU Special Representative, EULEX Head of Mission, Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of UNMIK, and the OSCE Head of Mission. In the afternoon SACEUR and COM KFOR visited Camp Marechal de Lattre de Tassigny, in Novo Selo. France has recently transferred authority of this Camp to NATO and they discussed the importance of keeping this Camp under NATO responsibility as well as the reshaping of KFOR units on the ground in order to have a more flexible security instrument as Novo Selo is an important location for the KFOR mission. I have come away from these engagements today very confident that all of our men and women in KFOR, EULEX and other international groups are fully committed to continuing the progress and many diplomatic improvements that have been so hard won here, General Breedlove said and then concluded AWESOME TEAM MORE TOGETHER! Lt Cdr Hobbins OF-3 IRL N 10 KFOR CHRONICLE 07/2014

11 D SACEUR VISIT OF D SACEUR KFOR HQ received Deputy Supreme Allied Command Europe (DSACEUR), General Sir Adrian Bradshaw in Camp Film City in Pristina from July. He was welcomed by Deputy COM KFOR, General Anton Wessely. Based in SHAPE HQ, D SACEUR visits NATO missions to be updated on progress in Kosovo and discuss elements of the mission. General Bradshaw was briefed by the international HQ Staff on the latest development in the current security and political situation in Kosovo as well as the wider Balkans region. The main topics of the meeting were the improvement of the overall security situation in Kosovo, and the main security operations which took place in June. The improvement in security was noted by General Bradshaw and seen as evidence of the steady progress since the Pristina/Belgrade talks which resulted in the Brussels agreement of April Also during his visit, General Bradshaw had a meeting with the Kosovo Security Force where he spoke with Minister Ceku, Minister of Kosovo Security Force, and the Kosovo Security Force Commander, Lieutenant General Kastrati. After this, General Bradshaw toured Kosovo to visit KFOR installations and to get briefed by the commanders on the ground. He visited the Units operating in the North including Camp Cabra, Gate 1, Camp Nothing Hill and Operation Post 31, where he attended a briefing on the current operational situation. He also visited Multinational Battle Group West, Pec Patriarchate, and the Decane monastery where he met the Abbot of the Decane orthodox monastery, Father Sava Janjic. General Bradshaw also met the Ambassadors of France, German, Italy, United Kingdom and United States in Camp Film City to conclude his visit to Kosovo. Lt Cdr Hobbins OF-3 IRL N KFOR CHRONICLE 07/

12 HSG HEADQUARTER SUPPORT GROUP CHANGE OF COMMAND The position of KFOR HQ Headquarter Support Group (HSG) Commander was held from July 2013 to July 2014 by Irish Army Colonel William Harrington. On 28th of July, he handed over Command of HSG to another Irish Army officer, Colonel William O Dwyer. The ceremony in Camp Film City was presided over by COM KFOR Major General Salvatore Farina. During the transfer of responsibility ceremony Major General Farina, praised Colonel Harrington s ability to perform his duties in a complex and demanding environment. I personally thank you for your outstanding professionalism, your exceptional leadership and your ability to shape a cohesive military staff and civilian personnel, during your tenure as Commander, your supervision and management ensured the highest real life support standards, I want to sincerely thank you for your enthusiastic involvement your charming character and genuine commitment in supporting KFOR s mandate said COM KFOR. The role is demanding and the HSG is a unit composed of soldiers of 15 different contributing nations, responsible for supporting Camp Film City, the KFOR mission HQ. This includes areas such as vital services, maintaining barrack security, improving infrastructures and the coordination of all emergency response procedures. The music for the ceremony was the Irish marching tune Fáinne Geal an Lae which means The Dawning of the Day to mark the end of Colonel Harrington s Command, and the beginning of the new Command of Colonel O Dwyer. Colonel Harrington thanked all the HSG Headquarter staff including the Greek Guard and praised all the staff for their dedication and work to keep Camp Film City regulated and functioning safely and well. Colonel Harrington said it was an honour and a privilege for him to serve in KFOR with the clear leadership of COM KFOR and enthusiasm of HSG staff that defined his experience of KFOR. He went on to say that HSG would be in good hands for the next 12 months as he knows Colonel O Dwyer as a colleague, a classmate, and a friend, and knows that Colonel O Dwyer s military experience to date will serve him well as HSG Commander. The ceremony was attended by a large crowd, indicating both the breadth of responsibilities and importance of the HSG Commander, but also notable was the amount of people who wished to be associated with Colonel Harrington s Change of Command on a personal level from across KFOR and the international community in Kosovo. Lt Cdr Hobbins OF-3 IRL N 12 KFOR CHRONICLE 07/2014

13 SWISS ARMED FORCES JOINT REGIONAL DETACHMENT NORTH CHANGE OF COMMAND JRD-N has its headquarters at Camp Marechal de Lattre de Tassigny, Novo Selo. The Commander of JRD North held his change of command ceremony there on 10 th July 2014, presided over by COM KFOR Major-General Salvatore FARINA. Outgoing commander Colonel Gauchat relinquished command of the Unit with the ceremonial handover of the colours to COM KFOR who passed command then to the new commander, Colonel Steiner. The ceremony was attended by representatives of international organisations and a wide range of local civilian and religious authorities of many ethnic groups, of particular importance was the presence of the four Northern Mayors, and the Mayor of Mitrovica South brought together for the occasion under the KFOR umbrella of achieving more together. The JRD-N multinational unit is led by a Swiss Commander and is made up of military personnel from Switzerland, Greece and Slovenia. JRD-N operates in the Northern part of Kosovo, with non-kinetic assets, the Liaison Monitoring Teams. They are KFORs link to the community and spend their time out meeting people of all ages, backgrounds and all parts of Kosovar society. They relay their findings to KFOR from liaising with the local population, and are also an important link for the people of Kosovo who can find out about KFOR from the Liaison Monitoring Teams. The intense activity of Key Leader Engagement with political and religious authorities and the representatives of several ethnic groups enabled the achievement of KFOR Mission. These activities contributed significantly to improve the relationships between the Serbian and Albanian communities. Colonel Gauchat was awarded the KFOR NATO non-article five Peace Mission Medal by COM KFOR who praised Colonel Gauchat s high professionalism, and his exceptional and outstanding performance as JRD-N Commander in one of the most sensitive areas of Kosovo. COM KFOR also underlined that JRD-N with its LMTs, under the command of Colonel Gauchat oversaw the introduction of the tax system at the border between Serbia and Kosovo, oversaw 4 municipal elections and the Kosovo Wide Parliamentary elections, Liaison and Monitoring Teams were on the scene through many crisis incidents in the North to ensure they did not escalate into inter-ethnic violence ensuring good international cooperation. I want to express my appreciation for your service and professionalism, COM KFOR said, referring to Colonel GAUCHAT and your fellow soldiers for the excellent manner in which they supported KFOR and each other in order to achieve More Together. COM KFOR then welcomed the new JRD-N Commander Colonel Christian STEINER and wished him well with his new command. Lt Cdr Hobbins OF-3 IRL N KFOR CHRONICLE 07/

14 MNBG W LINCE ARMOURED VEHICLE - LYNX LMV (Light Multi-role armoured Vehicle) Lynx was designed and built by Iveco Defence Vehicles in Bolzano, in order to meet the stringent demands of military operations requirements and to provide a good level of driving and crew comfort. The LMV stems from the idea of creating a tactical vehicle with a high off-road mobility and the protection of an armoured vehicle, with modern engineering. The LMV s superb mobility, reliability and anti-mine shield have been demonstrated several times in the different missions in which the vehicle has been deployed especially in Afghanistan, where it played a fundamental role in saving passengers lives during Improvised Explosive Devices attacks, earning on the ground the nickname of Saint Lynx. In fact, every effort has been made to protect the interior of the cabin and to maximise crew safety with a sturdy anti-mine structure, against possible anti-personnel mines, anti-tank mines, or roadside bombs explosions. The entire cab framework is designed to absorb and dissipate energy, and even the seats incorporate special damping systems. Independent suspension for the different axles, permanent fourwheel drive and excellent weight distribution guarantee maximum mobility. The vehicle can travel at up to 130 kilometres per hour, overcome gradients of 60% and wade in waters up to one and a half metres deep. Focusing more on the technical details, the LMV Lynx uses modular armour packs (Light Protection Kit or Heavy Protection Kit) to adjust its level of protection to its mission requirements. In order to properly answer to mine protection s requirements, the vehicle s height from the ground has been increased to 493 mm without augmenting the overall height (less than 2 meters); it also uses suspended seats of aeronautical derivation, v-hull under body, and a collapsible sandwich structure in the floor to deflect and absorb mine blasts. Its exhaust is piped through its C-pillars, and its turbocharger is located underneath the engine to reduce its thermal signature. Mobility is helped by a run-flat system, allowing the vehicle to move even with completely deflated PICTURE: Mauro Antonio DE CILLIS (2) 14 KFOR CHRONICLE 07/2014

15 MNBG W PICTURE: Mauro Antonio DE CILLIS (2) tires. The almost 7 tons vehicle is capable of carrying up to five soldiers and can be fitted with a remote controlled weapon system (RCWS), which can be equipped with 7.62 and 12.7mm-calibre weapons and large weapons systems such as airdefence missiles and mortars. These capabilities of the Lynx, with its modern technological interface, made it suitable for deployment in June 2014 in Kosovo where the vehicle bridge class is not a restriction. Here, the impact on local population was minimal due mainly to the novelty of a new vehicle in theatre; in fact, the vehicle seems to be more a SUV than an armoured vehicle. Width: 2390 mm Height: 2262 mm Length: 5145 mm Weight: 7 tons Towing Weight: 2000 kg (in case of emergency it can tow an equal vehicle) Fuel Distance: 500 km Max Speed: 300 km/h The Lynx/Lince vehicles have already been deployed for the St. Vodovdan s Day operation and are operating in patrols and check points in the North of Kosovo. OF-1 Mauro Antonio DE CILLIS KFOR CHRONICLE 07/

16 DANCON MARCH DANCON MARCH Wherever the Danish troops serve all over the world, there will be a DANCON march. The standard DANCON march is 25km with the option of choosing the ultra-dancon and completing 50km. Participants register in advance and pay a fee of 20 to cover the cost of the medal and certificates for those who complete the march and to help with the provision of water and food along the route. Any surplus is donated to different organisations who work with Danish veterans or relatives of soldiers, for example; - Wounded veterans - Veteran homes - Families who lost a soldier - Private organisations that help out with assisting veterans. All participants must carry 10kg of kit on the march. Any food or water they bring for personal consumption must not be included in this 10kg. On the day of the march there was a variety of kit carried including backpack and bergens, body armour, weapons, and even a crucifix carried by a member of the Portuguese contingent. This kit is weighed and marked prior to the start, and weighed again on completion of the march. The Danish organisers changed the route from the march carried out in April to give variety to the repeat participants. Those who went on the march were treated to beautiful Kosovar countryside through farms and wheat fields. The scenery helped make up for the harder parts of the route which the organisers say they tried to make more difficult than the last march. The route had a series of hills for most of the march so participants were constantly either climbing or descending after about 5km on both tarmac roads and dirt-tracks. There was good camaraderie en route and participants mixed freely as they marched or ran. Cpl Michael Becher of the Danish Army explained We are 29 Danish soldiers and 8 Danish fire and rescue personnel in the camp, and everybody helped out on march day. We have had a lot of positive feedback on the march, and many soldiers who did the march in April were participating again. We changed the route a little, and this route was tougher than the one in April. This route was level until the 5km mark and then rose until around the 20 km point. There were some steep descents in between climbs which were difficult for tired legs and participants should take particular care when descending. There was water, juice, and fruit available at the 5, 10, 15, 20 km points (with chocolate also at the 15 km point). The organisers gave the following advice for participants; People should train before if possible. Get someone experienced to adjust your kit so the weight is on your hips and not your shoulders. Build up distance slowly and make the kit comfortable. Use comfortable boots that are robust enough for the off-road but light enough for tarmac. You should be well used to wearing them and they should not be new. Wear tight socks that won t move when walking. If the weather is sunny, remember sun block and a hat. Drink lots of water, eat sugar and salt, and stretch out after the march. Participants must register also on the morning so the certificates can be prepared. The queues will be long and arranged by your ticket number so get there early (1 hour in advance of the start time at least) and make your way to the right queue for your ticket number. Participants have 11 hours to finish both distances (25 and 50km). The DANCON March is normally held 2 times a year in each mission, but here in Kosovo it may be held 3 times if it can be arranged. There were 1100 participants from 20 different nations (including 40 from Kosovo security force). The event is not a race as such and completion is the goal. Those who do not complete it are usually due to ankle or feet injuries caused by incorrect footwear. There is a healthy competitive spirit for the few who do want to try and come first and below are the first three for both distances. 25KM 1. Anatoliy Syemenko from Ukraine 2. Lukasz Ciszek from Poland 3. Stephen Quigley from Ireland 50KM 1. Neto Guilherme Portugal 2. Dinis Faustino from Portugal 3. Kamil Gesich from Poland He came in together with Leslie Campbell (4th place) from USA Cpl Michael Becher 16 KFOR CHRONICLE 07/2014

17 KFOR CHRONICLE NEwS IN BRIEF CANADA NATIONAL DAY 01 July The Canadian contingent in Film City hosted an event to celebrate Canada Day on July. Their national day commemorates the 1867 British North Americas Act which created the Dominion of Canada as a federation of four provinces. This event is known as the confederation of Canada. Although a small contingent, the Canadians hosted a large event with Canadian themes and refreshments, well attended by their colleagues in Film City. US NATIONAL DAY 04 July The 4th of July American national day associated with the signing of the Declaration of Independence was celebrated by US troops and counterparts. There was a large military parade in Bondsteel and in Film City, the American contingent organised a sporting event. This consisted of two main events, a 5 Km run around the inside perimeter of CFC and a Strength competition. This was contested by 18 4-person teams from over 11 Nations competing for the fastest time to complete the course of strength tests. Additionally, the event featured a live band from the Iowa National Guard, a live DJ, and fresh BBQ, with push up and sit up contests included. FRENCH NATIONAL DAY 14 July This year, the French national day was a sad day for French soldiers in KFOR because two days prior the last 18 soldiers of the French Contingent flew back to France ending15 years of French presence in the northern part of Kosovo. 10 French soldiers remain, all in Film city (except CMLT CDR). Two events took place for the French national day. Firstly, a small parade at Pristina cemetery to honour the French soldiers buried there during the first world war. Secondly, a reception at Casa Italia with D COM KFOR during which the French SNR welcomed the commanders, the SNRs and others distinguished guests. He gave a short history of this event, and invited them to appreciate French champagne. Story: Lt Cdr Thomas Hobbins KFOR CHRONICLE 07/

18 TRAINING FOR KSF MAINTENANCE TRAINING FOR KSF PERSONNEL AT CAMP PRIZREN The German Contingent in Prizren is making great strides in maturing the maintenance capability of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF). Having donated half of the current rolling stock for the Force, the Contingent recognized that the KSF could not fully capitalize on the potential of the donation since the maintenance community did not have sufficient knowledge of the predominantly Mercedes fleet to optimally sustain and repair the equipment, assuring maximum operational readiness and equipment life cycle. The German solution, developed in close coordination with the NATO Liaison and Advisory Team (NLAT), was three phases of instruction based on category of equipment, developed under the leadership of CPT (OF-2) Axel Rasehorn, current Chief of Logistics Operations Centre for the German National Element, and instructed by Master Sergeant (OR-8) Jürgen Gerlinger, a Reservist with the 7th Logistics Battalion and a veteran maintainer with over 33 years of active service. The concept was small-group train-the-trainer classes to train instructors. The KSF nominated five Soldiers to attend the training ranging in rank from Private (OR-1) to Staff Sergeant (OR-6) with varying experience in maintenance. The first phase, four weeks of instruction on the Mercedes light- tactical vehicle, using a KSF vehicle that was not running, the class assessed, disassembled, and assembled each principal component, assuring thorough understanding of every part of the vehicle. The products of instruction were not only student proficiency, but a fully-operational vehicle that returned to the donating duty location under its own power. Using existing resources, 5 cutaway models were constructed in house to demonstrate the inner workings to the students. Phase II of the instruction started April 22nd with the same five students at the Prizren Maintenance Shop. The medium for instruction was a KSF Mercedes 5T driven to Prizren. This phase included instruction in KFSF s own workshops as the students were trained with the facilities in which they would eventually work. Staff Sergeant Gerlinger related how the instruction to date was already helping the KSF. In between courses, he was in Pristina working with KSF personnel. A Soldier made a mistake and his peer, a student of the instruction, identified that the Germans had taught the proper way and corrected him. This showed an immediate impact of his instruction and the true value of this training not only to those attending the courses, but their colleagues at the disparate maintenance locations. Phase III of the instruction, focused on medium-lift vehicles, is tentatively scheduled in the October-November timeframe and will involve the same five KSF students. Completion of this phase will not end the commitment to KSF maintenance proficiency, but is an initial step. The NLAT, whose mission is, in part, to support the ongoing development of the KSF through advice and guidance on logistics, training and force development, has monitored the progress of the program. Building on the momentum of the German instruction, the NLAT is synchronizing other resources on maintenance including, but not limited to, utilizing the NATO Trust fund to renovate and add an addition to the Pristina maintenance facility and engaging with the Land Forces Component to update their Maintenance Standard Operating Procedures. Harmonizing NATO and bilateral resources in this manner minimizes expense through elimination of redundancy while maximizing impact through concerted objectives aimed at improving performance in areas critical to the evolution of an independent and professional KSF. LEON B. ALTMAN OF-4 US Army PICTURE: AFRIM HAJRULLAHU 18 KFOR CHRONICLE 07/2014

19 SWISS ARMED FORCES VISIT OF THE HEAD OF THE SwISS ARMED FORCES SWISSCOY On Friday, July 4th, 2014, a delegation from Switzerland, led by the Swiss Chief of Defence (CHOD), Head of Swiss Armed Forces, Lieutenant General (OF-8) André Blattmann, visited the Swiss contingent within KFOR. Before Switzerland s Chief of Defence boarded the plane that brought him and his guests back to Switzerland by the end of the day taking home a very good impression about the Swiss KFOR contingent the delegation was facing a tight daily schedule. We want to look back at the itinerary of Switzerland s highest ranked soldier during his visit at Swiss KFOR troops. I am a person who likes to have a look at things with my own eyes. I am deeply impressed with everything that I have seen today. Those were the words of Isaac Reber, reigning president of the cantonal government and security director of the Canton of Basel-Landschaft (northwestern Switzerland), when addressing the gathered soldiers and leaders of Swiss NSE (National Support Element) at Field Camp Prizren on Friday, July 4th, Isaac Reber was part of the delegation of Lieutenant General André Blattmann, Head of Swiss Armed Forces, who visited the Swiss troops within KFOR Theatre during a whole day. Accompanied by his scientific adviser on security policy issues and his command sergeant major as well as by his assistant and a journalist, Lieutenant General Blattman visited various Swiss locations in Kosovo and the different Swiss units, which make the SWISSCOY so diverse. Along with a trip to northern Kosovo and JRD-N (then commanded by Col Gauchat now Col Steiner as of 10th July), Swiss CHOD made a stopover in Pristina at headquarters of Kosovo Force. At Swiss Compound in Film City, Lieutenant General Blattmann spoke to SWISSCOY NCC Colonel (GS) Laurent Husson and his staff. What I was allowed to see and experience today, makes me happy, Blattmann said, I thank you for your commitment personally and on behalf of the Swiss Army. After lunch at Swiss House, together with COM KFOR, Major General Salvatore Farina, and an office call at KFOR HQ, the delegation went to the southern part of Kosovo by a Swiss KFOR Cougar. In the south the biggest part of SWISSCOY is stationed at Camp Prizren. Final stopover before returning to Switzerland: City of Prizren itself, area of responsibility of one of the 4 SWISSCOY LMTs (Liaison and Monitoring Teams) in Kosovo. A walk to the fort ruins Kalaja on the top of Prizren offered the delegation of Swiss CHOD a good overview over the AOR of Captain Adrian Wenger and his team, Prizren is the second largest and regionally very important city of Kosovo in the southern tip of the country. SPEC OF (OF-2) Christian GRABER, PIO SWISSCOY Contingent 30 KFOR CHRONICLE 07/

20 Commander KFOR XVIII Major General Salvatore Farina, Italian Army Chief Public Affairs Office & KFOR Spokesman Colonel Angelo Morcella, Italian Army Chief Internal Information & Editor KFOR Chronicle Lieutenant Commander Thomas Hobbins, Irish Defence Forces CSMS FRAMEWORK ACTIVITIES CSMS INTERNATIONAL SHOOTING DAY CAMP BONDSTEEL RIFLE RANGE On the 7th of July an international shooting day was organised. The event was a success and the majority of CSMs from the different Units in Kosovo took part. Photographer & Design Mr. Afrim Hajrullahu hajrullahua@hq.kfor.nato.int Cover Photo Mauro Antonio DE CILLIS and Web kforchronicle@hq.kfor.nato.int Printed by RASTER Tel.: NATO Nations within KFOR Albania, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States. Non-NATO Nations within KFOR Armenia, Austria, Finland, Ireland, Moldova, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine. The KFOR Chronicle is produced and fully funded by HQ KFOR. It is published for KFOR soldiers in the area of responsibility. The contents are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the coalition governments defence departments. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Internal Information Section of HQ KFOR s Public Affairs Office (PAO) in Pristina, Kosovo. PAO HQ KFOR reserves the right to edit content to conform to style and space requirements. Articles run on a space-available basis. The international shooting activity was held at the Camp Bondsteel Rifle Range. Despite the hot day, I can say that it didn t affect the spirit of the participants and I can say the event ran smoothly with great accomplishment. It was great to see all the CMSs enjoying the day More Together. The activity started with the illustrations of the different rifles used by the Nations: the Austrian Steyr Aug 88, the German HK G36, the American M4, the Slovenian FN 2000, the Moldavian AK 47 and the new Italian rifle, Beretta ARX 160. After the illustration, everyone present was able to shoot with the different rifles. Transportation was provided by a KFOR Motor pool bus and a Slovenian Mini Van. Special thanks are addressed to the MNBG-E Contingent who so kindly contributed by organizing the event. My special thanks go to 1LT. HANNA, responsible for the safe running of the activity and to CSM William SANDERS, MNBG-E OPS SGM for the great cooperation and contribution. My thanks go also to all the CSMs and soldiers taking part in the activity. The cooperative spirit and remarkable behaviour have contributed to yet another wonderful More Together day. Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working More Together is success. KFOR CSM Francesco CASCELLA PICTURE: Vittorio SIMONELLI (2) 20 KFOR CHRONICLE 07/2014

21 PROFILES MILITARY EDUCATION: My enlisted education includes Basic Training, Advanced Infantry Training (11B), the Primary Leadership Development Course and the Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course. My Officer Education includes the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the U. S. Army Combined Arms & Services Staff School (CAS3) and the Command General Staff College. I have also attended the US Army Air Assault course, Air Operations Course and am a qualified U.S. Army Strategist. Name: Paul Andrew Waters Rank: OF-4 Nationality: American KFOR Unit: Military Assistant II to COM KFOR ABOUT THE MISSION: My primary mission as COM MA II is to ensure that COM KFORs mission and intent is communicated to the force in an intelligent and coherent manner. As COM is a highly qualified and focused leader, this part of my job is easy. I also assist the command group in any way necessary to manage the complex and diverse chaos that is the schedule for COM. COM s time is valuable and his schedule is tight and demanding. FAMILY REACTIONS: This is my third overseas tour and while my wife and children understand we are helping the people of Kosovo, they are sad that I am gone again. I promised my children a new puppy when I get home to help make up for the time we missed. HOBBIES: I read a lot and spend time in the gym. I also spend a lot of time communicating on the phone and internet with family and friends back in the United States. *The Chronicle team want to take this opportunity to thank LCol Waters for his monthly assistance with the magazine. Name: Rank: Nationality: KFOR Unit: Michael Becher Cpl Danish Danish Contingent CMLT MILITARY EDUCATION: My background is in artillery and I specialised in field artillery. I completed all artillery courses required and will go on to do some intel courses. ABOUT THE MISSION: This is my 8th mission abroad having served in Kosovo, Bosnia, Lebanon, Afghanistan. While here I organized the DAN- CON march with my colleagues in the Danish Contingent. It was a great success and very satisfying to do. FAMILY REACTION: My wife is used to me going away by now and my children are grown up which helps. However it is always difficult to go away no matter how many times you do it. HOBBIES: I like to watch and play soccer. I also enjoy fly fishing. KFOR CHRONICLE 07/

22 SUDOKU slightly medium difficult very difficult Rules: The standard consists of a grid Sudoku field with 3 3 blocks, which are each divided into 3 3 fields, a total of 81 fields in 9 rows and 9 columns. In some of these fields at the beginning digits 1 to 9 are registered ( targets ). The task is to fill in the blanks of the puzzle so that in each of nine rows, columns and blocks of each digit from 1 to 9 appears only once. The three areas (row, column, block) are equally units or groups. Solutions June SLIGHTLY DIFFICULT MEDIUM VERY DIFFICULT 22 KFOR CHRONICLE 07/2014

23 PICTURE OF THE MONTH PICTURE OF THE MONTH july 2014 July 2014 Contribute to the KFORChronicle! Last night on alert. KTM C coy from Novo Selo Equipment used: FUJIFILM FinePix A820 f/4.7 1/240s ISO 100 Széni, András Gábor OR - 4 HUN Just send your photos to kforchronicle@hq.kfor.nato.int by the 25th of the month explaining where you took the photo and what equipment you used. We will then select one of the submitted images and publish it in the next edition of the Chronicle. You will be immortalised in the KFOR Chronicle! Is that not something to be proud of? Sincerely The Chronicle Team KFOR CHRONICLE 07/

24 24 KFOR CHRONICLE 07/2014