KFOR’s Magazine June 2021
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1 KFOR’s Magazine June 2021 TROOPS OF KFOR
Transcript of KFOR’s Magazine June 2021
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KFOR’s Magazine June 2021
TROOPS OF KFOR
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Letter from the Editor
RC-E Soldier dedicates 2 years to KFOR Mission
KTRBN Powerlifter
Leading through a Pandemic
Interview with COM RC-E
The Silent Work of the Administrative Assistants
Ready Whenever Wherever - JMED 3
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RC-W Soldier - Black Belt 5th Dan of Karate
CONTENT
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Operation Swift Rescue
KFOR‘s 22nd Anniversary
SACEUR visit to KFOR HQ
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Just send your photos to: [email protected] the 20th 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. A the Chronicle T-Shirt is awarded each month to the winning photographer. You will be immortalised in the Chronicle!Is that not something to be proud of?
Sincerely, The Chronicle Team.
Commander KFOR XXVMajor General Franco Federici, Italian Army
Chief Public Affairs Office &COMKFOR SpokespersonLt Col Antonio Minutella, Italian Army
Chief Internal Information & Editor the ChronicleComdt Aidan RyanIrish Defence [email protected]
Design & LayoutMr. Afrim Hajrullahu
PhotographerLazzaro Cutrone OR-4 Italian Army
E-mail and [email protected]://jfcnaples.nato.int/kfor
Printed by “Blendi”Tel.: 044 149 115
The Chronicle is produced and fully funded by HQ KFOR. It is published for KFOR soldiers and civilians 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 are run on a space-available basis. Articles appearing in the Chronicle may be duplicated in official NATO publications subject to KFOR PAO authorisation.
NATO Nations within KFOR Albania, Bulgaria, Canada,Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States. Non-NATO Nations Armenia, Austria, Finland, Ireland, Moldova, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine.
CSM Corner
Snapshots20
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The Youngest SWISSCOY Shooting Talent
Retrospect & Continuity23
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Welcome to this month’s edition of the KFOR Chronicle. This month we are bringing you a really interesting edition of the Chronicle,
we have tried to include as many articles from the troops of KFOR as possible, these are often the soldiers that do the heavy lifting in our mission, but don’t often get the recognition that they deserve. We have included articles from a US soldier who completing an 18 month tour in KFOR, a Hungarian powerlifter, an Italian Karate Champion and a Swiss sharpshooter.
As the KFOR MEDAD completed her tour of duty this month, she has written a fascinating article on the unique strategy taken in order to successfully combat the Covid -19 pandemic throughout the mission.This month we also had the opportunity to sit down and interview COM RC-E, Col Adams and discussed his experience as a commander in KFOR. Col Adams is due to rotate from his appointment in Jul 21, so this was an excellent opportunity to gain insight from him as he was able to reflect on his 9 month tour.
We also bring you an educational piece from Sgt Maj (OR 9) Giuseppe DI BLASI, who explains the role of the Administrative Assistant and the critical role that they play in keeping the headquarters functioning.
There are also loads more articles and information pieces that took place throughout the last month.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the new Latvian contingent, who began their service with the KFOR mission on the 10 Jun 21. From all here at the PAO team, we would like to wish you the best of luck with your tour of duty.
Finally I would like to congratulate OF-3 Eyup Akpinar (TUR-A) on winning the KFOR Backronym competition that was run by the Chronicle earlier this year. His winning entry was that KFOR stands for “Knowledgeable, Facilitator, Objective and Reputable“. The winning submission was selected by COM KFOR.
We really hope you enjoy reading this month’s edition and we look forward to hearing from you in the future.
SincerelyYour KFOR HQ PAO team.
Comdt Aidan RYAN, Chief Internal Information, PAO.
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STORY OF THE MONTH
RC-E Soldier dedicates 2 years to KFOR mission
When 1/Lt Parker Mooney first arrived in KFOR in MAR 2020 for his first deployment with the 41st
Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oregon Army National Guard, he was anxious about the job he would be doing for the next nine months. As the officer in charge of the Kilo 18 Liaison Monitoring Team assigned to RC-E, it would be his responsibility to lead the LMT in building relationships with the people and institutions of three different municipalities.
Now, nearly two years later, he feels completely comfortable with the daily interactions that come with LMT work. As 1/Lt Mooney sipped on his coffee in the square, a civilian greeted him in passing. Without hesitation, he waved and returned a greeting in Albanian.
After his first KFOR rotation, 1/Lt Mooney selflessly decided to stay in KFOR for another year and took on the role of LMT chief at Camp Film City, where he
oversees five international teams comprised of Italian, Slovenian, Hungarian, Swiss and Turkish troops, each assigned to patrol specific communities in Kosovo.
“After about six to seven months, I was like, “ okay“ , now I feel I really understand the history and culture here,“ 1/Lt Mooney said, “and I wanted to continue to do the job. I thought being an LMT before was like a once in a lifetime opportunity, and now having this new role is truly unique.”
1/Lt Mooney said he has always been interested in international diplomacy and the inner workings of developing countries. While earning his degree in International Relations at Ohio State University, he studied also in Kazakhstan. His degree and experience make him uniquely qualified for his role in Kosovo.
“It’s interesting because I definitely saw a lot of similarities that you see in a rapidly developing country,” 1/Lt Mooney said, “You know, you have the tractors rolling through the middle of very urban cities and quirks like that.”
That simple human connection is what helps 1/Lt Mooney and his teams build trust with people, even when they’re not subject matter experts on certain topics.
Managing five teams that come from a diverse set of cultures and speak different languages doesn’t come without its challenges. He compared their working relationship to a “cloud computing machine”, with all the computers linked together to share the brain power. He continually works to share the constant flow of information with his team commanders and encourages cross-communication. In turn, he leans on them to help him manage his busy schedule.
Even in the relatively short period of time he spent in KFOR, he has had the opportunity to see his teams’ efforts make an impact and feels proud to have contributed.
Tawny SCHMITOR-6 US-A
RC-E PAO
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RC-W Soldier - Black Belt 5th Dan of Karate “Shotokan”
Grenadiers Officer, Capt Luigi Lenco, by his sheer presence has increased the level of security in-
side KFOR Camp Villaggio Italia base. That‘s correct, as the Italian Officer in question is a professional mar-tial arts athlete who has won two gold medals at the Italian Army Championships; he tells us about his ex-perience in this fascinating world:
“I started practicing Karate in 1982, at the age of 6, and have not stopped since then. This sport, which for me is more definable as a “lifestyle“, has taught me not only the art of fighting but much more; in fact, with the tea-chings I received, I learned discipline, self-control and respect for others. I must say that as far as military life is concerned, there is a great affinity between the two worlds, as these principles also mirror the values in the military.“
“Not only that, but the practice of this sport was of great help to me also, because respect for the hierarchy was instilled in me from an early age, represented by the color of the belt, and the great sacrifices that must be made to progress within it, in some sense this also hap-pens in the military.“
Aside from the similarities with military life, what would be the advantages of practicing this type of martial art in today‘s society?“The reasons may be different, there are the advantages deriving from the normal benefits of doing a healthy physical activity, including training as a group and be-longing to a team, up to the wonderful experience of ap-proaching cultures different from ours, an aspect linked to ceremony and traditions. These aspects are linked to the social and psychophysical traits of life. Training has an even greater resonance if you practice martial arts as a child, showing great benefits in the development and learning phase. Moreover, unlike what one might think, the awareness of being able to cause damage, trains the practitioner in correctly addressing his / her Master, a self-control over himself and a great respect for others ”.
At what age should someone start practicing this kind of sport?“This is one of the most beautiful aspects of this disci-pline, it can be practiced at any age, it’s positive for all, men, women and children. This also includes the elderly, if they have the capacity for physical training.“
Giorgio ALBAOF-4 ITA ARC-W PIO
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KTRBN Powerlifter
OR-5 Norbert Gáli has served in the Hungarian Defence Forces (HDF) since 2011, where he
started his military career as a BTR-80 gunner. In the HDF he serves as a member of the 25th Klapka György Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Battalion as an Infantry NCO. In 2020, he participated in a 9 month training course in the HDF NCO Academy, after which he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In KFOR he is presently serving in A Coy in the KTRBN.
Not only is he a professional soldier, but he is also an accomplished sports star in the field of Powerlifting.
When speaking about his sports career, 32 year old Sergeant Gali states that ’My sport career began in 2014 in the gym with powerlifting, and nowadays it‘s one of the most important parts of my life. It‘s my favorite hobby, it makes me calm and fit, and keeps me healthy. I have won more than 6 championships in Hungary in different types of Powerlifting. I am very proud of my 5th place in the International Powerlifting Championship, but most notably in the 2018 World Championship with my 17th place finish (270 kgs deadlift and 180 bench press).’
Sergeant Gali also likes hiking and travelling when he has time, ’sometimes this can cause hard moments in the gym the next day, but in that case I push further and
train my body harder. It‘s the perfect medicine for me!’
Sergeant GALI is also referee in Powerlifting, when his unit organises a championship, and in the future he wants to develop his skillset in an official Fitness School.
Linda SZÖKEOF-1 HUN AKTRBN PAO
STORY OF THE MONTH
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STORY OF THE MONTH
The Youngest SWISSCOY Shooting Talent
Shooting is a traditional sport in Switzerland. The Swiss Shooting Sports Federation has around
130,000 members in over 2,500 shooting associations. At the Swiss Shooting Fest, which takes place every five years, tens of thousands of shooters compete against each other in various disciplines.
One of them is Private (OR-1) Max Zöpfel. At just 20 years of age, he is on his first military deployment abroad. He is a member of the pioneer platoon. He comes from Eastern Switzerland and is a trained metal caster and is also a great shot!
In conversation he seems reserved, almost a little shy, but as soon as you talk to him about shooting, Private Zöpfel starts talking with verve; “My cousin was the one who took me shooting when I was twelve. I liked it right away.“ The first pistols he shot with were air pistols at the age of 14, from there he started shooting small calibers (.22 rimfire).
Shooting sports are about absolute control of the mind and body. Private Zöpfel describes what’s important before firing a shot, “First you have to build up tension in your body, then breathe into your stomach, hold the grip tightly and be very calm. These sequences are practised over and over again. The goal is to get into a flow.“ Contrary to others who like tactical shooting, Max prefers precision. For him it’s the ultimate challenge and the core attraction of shooting.
This consistent level of training has paid off, at the age of 18 he was runner-up at the Federal Shooting Festival and later Swiss Champion in his age category in the rapid fire event. Until now, all the weapons he used in competitions have belonged to the shooting club; but this won’t remain for much longer, upon his return from KFOR, he wants to buy his first match pistol and hopefully goes on to compete successfully with it.
Michelle STEINEMANNOF-2 CHE A
SWISSCOY PIO
Private ZÖPFEL in the air pistol competition at the Swiss Championships. Air pistols are shot one-handed.
Private Zöpfel achieves first place at the Eastern Switzerland Championship (2019).
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Leading through a Pandemic
‘Cooperative and persistent work brings results’, as is often quoted by COM KFOR, Maj Gen Franco Federici: As one we progress!
I would like to write to you as I depart the position that I have held for the last six months, as CJMED/
MEDAD in KFOR HQ and to discuss with you briefly my experiences in the role, during this challenging time.Serving with KFOR was always going to be a great challenge for me. For instance, the role is the highest position of any medical officer from the Croatian Armed Forces in any foreign mission, therefore you will definitely agree when I tell you the enormous amount of personal and professional respect that I approached this mission and task with.It was here in KFOR, on my first day, that I could understand that the COVID-19 pandemic was only beginning to take hold. And then it happened; we were living through the third wave of the pandemic in the KFOR mission, but also simultaneously in Kosovo, in Europe, and the world. We moved out of 2020, a year marked by the introduction of the Covid-19 pandemic with many of the KFOR camps already designated ‘RED’ zones, or were entering from ‘AMBER’ into ‘RED’. Our DFACs were closed, our
gyms were closed; the uncertainty of the moment of attack from our invisible enemy was unknown to us. It’s human nature to wish for something better, something different; it’s human nature to wish to meet with our friends and close colleagues, and for a more relaxed atmosphere, but our invisible enemy, COVID-19 was waiting for those moments of comfort to attack. Upon my arrival in the KFOR mission I was full of zest and ‘fighting spirit’, and decided immediately, with a firm and decisive attitude, that the strategy of ‘defence’ had to be changed, that we had to apply the ‘comprehensive approach’. We would have to focus on the ‘enemy’ at its gravitational point. As always, I received full support from COM KFOR, which greatly impacted the situation, and which showed itself to be a key decision that compiled the basis of our COA.
We joined forces and through the use of an analytical approach we made critical and key decisions on a weekly basis that were presented to the COS and COM GROUP. The advisory group was compiled of JMED (Prev Med, Ops/Plns, PECC dispatchers), the JOC Director as the Head of OPG COVID-19, the HSG COM, IMP, ROLE 1 and ROLE 2B. Accordingly, one of the first and most important decisions made was to open the DFAC in CFC whilst adhering to preventive measures (hand hygiene, disinfection, social distancing, ventilation, and regular testing of employees). We also increased the surveillance of NSE spaces and worked closely with the SNRs to encourage maximum responsibility from the TCNs. We implemented strict adherence to anti-epidemic measures, we opened the gym under the strict measures, and we included the IMP in critical periods as surveillance and to report on possible oversights. Importantly, we utilised the full capacities of the PCR laboratory in CFC and tested everyone following the criteria as prescribed by the SOP on COVID-19; in addition to this we set up a precise tracking of close contacts of positive cases and maintained the spaces of ISOLATION and QUARANTINE under constant surveillance from the medical staff and the HSG. We insisted on timely and reliable reporting of COVID-19 POSITIVE cases and continuously tracked the state of the pandemic in Kosovo. It was also essential to work continuously on informing our members, and finding the solution, whilst always following the principle of
FROM THE FIELD
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‘common sense’.Unfortunately, we also had to be prepared to send some very ill members home, which the SNRs managed successfully through the STRATEVAC capability.
We managed to fight back against our COVID-19 enemy; we made the right decisions and picked the winning strategy. Therefore, we were in the position to make certain positive steps by opening our restaurants and bars, of course while adhering to very strict measures that were proven to work and bring the results that we wanted. This dedication and focus shown by all allowed us to celebrate Christmas in a more festive manner, we could also celebrate New Year’s Eve 2020 and into 2021. We had hoped that the worst that 2020 had to offer, was long behind us. But, the enemy was not staying still! It decided to attack with a new type of ‘weapon’, a strain which was now easier to transmit than before, the Alpha Variant. It succeeded, as this resulted in a new wave of COVID-19, the fourth in total in KFOR. Still, our strategy was of joint focus on the pandemic, with an increased supervision for adhering to all anti-
epidemic principles, and with increased testing of all who were exposed, or using military jargon, ‘in range’ of the enemies’ new weapon. This resulted in great success, we weren’t forced to close down again, and we kept everything open under control and under supervision. We increased testing, which allowed us to celebrate some events safely due to the reduced rate of newly infected personnel. As the vaccination programme progresses we will hopefully continue to see an improvement in relation to the pandemic.As my tour of duty comes to an end, all of our camps are in ‘GREEN’ and I cannot express my amazement enough, knowing that we achieved this by using an effective strategy!
Remaining victorious and in high spirits, I wish to thank you all on your contribution and wish you all the best!
Ruzica PAVIC-KEVRICOF-5 HRV-A
Chief JMED/MEDAD
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Usually in this magazine, we are rightly accustomed to reading about the operational activities that are
conducted by all units to ensure the main task of the KFOR mission, which is to maintain a safe and secure environment in Kosovo and ensure the freedom of movement for all communities.
However, other staff silently continue to “carry the water” each day. I am referring in particular to the Administrative Assistants.
Administrative Assistants are responsible for a wide range of duties — jobs well suited to those with general backgrounds.
In short, they manage the office in a way that enables their boss to make decisions. We coordinate staff efforts across the Branch, similar to a “Chief of Staff”. The Administrative Assistant’s role is broad and varied – correspondence, preparing presentations and briefs, calendar management, travel bookings, administrative tasks to contribute to the overall mission in service commitment and they are employed in offices in almost every operational sector.
Most positions are available to those with a high school diploma and good communication and computer skills, but some Administrative Assistants are requested to have specialised knowledge related
to the Division/Branch they’re working in.
Administrative Assistants are enablers, and, if you’re doing the job well, it will often look effortless! Wins are quiet – getting documents cleared the first time, keeping timely correspondence, meeting deadlines for submissions, maintaining calendar de-confliction, finding a free conference room, minimising last-minute calendar changes and taskings, and acquitting travel. It’s about the grind, not the glory, we leave any ego at home and just get the job done. Tasks late in the day, often after 1700h on a Saturday, are key moments in an Administrative Assistant’s life. And we embrace them!
Our job is to have your boss at the right place, prepared for meetings, and therefore able to make decisions. They attend many senior committees where the topics are wide and varied. The committee schedule informs the battle rhythm and staff are constantly producing briefs and talking points. We anticipate what is required and work with our Branch for pre-briefing requirements so that the staff can provide their insights. Short notice tasks always occur and we de-conflict problems, because everyone is busy. We develop good working relationships with the ACOSs and Branch Chiefs so that we can work through challenges together. We work closely with the ACOSs and Branch Chiefs and often pass messages from
The Silent Work of the Administrative AssistantsFROM THE FIELD
COM Admin Assistant, OR-9 Giuseppe DI BLASI
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The Silent Work of the Administrative Assistantsthe Commanders on their behalf. We are put in uncomfortable situations, so we take time to consider how to respond, finding the best solution to help the staff maintain alignment with the General’s intent. Making life easier for the entire staff, it will make your life easier too.
Relationships with our superiors develop over time, as we build trust. Part of our responsibility is professional judgement and discretion – we keep personal information and comments private and practice the “need to know” principle. We establish a battle rhythm and anticipate when our superior should speak with their subordinates, when they need space to think and when it is appropriate to initiate a conversation on the many things you need them to sign or make a decision on. We learn our bosses’ priorities to help with calendar management and make time each day to briefly talk through the next day’s requirements. Even though we make mistakes, being an Administrative Assistant means working at a consistent pace, often with incomplete and changing information. Keeping a sense of humour allow us to enjoy our job much more.
So, let me express an appreciation for all the silent Administrative Assistant’s work in KFOR and the demanding fidelity with which we carry it out.
As one we progress!
Giuseppe DI BLASI(OR-9) ITA Army
Chief Admin to COM KFOR
DCOM Admin Assistant, OR-6 Patrick GEYER.
COS Admin Assistant, OR-5 Jacob LUX
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Col. Adams is an exceptionally experienced commander and soldier. In 2007/2008 Col. Adams
served in KFOR as S3 in a Maneuver Battalion, in what was then Multinational Task Force East. This period was an important period for Kosovo as elections took place in his time here. He describes that time as “that year of experience here in KFOR really informed me as a commander this time around, in terms of how I knew we needed to train, and gave me a good idea of what Kosovo was going to be like, before we got here.”
Col. Adams describes his time here as COM RC-E as being excellent, he feels that all of his staff have developed and gained more experience during this time, utilising the time available to improve their profession. He’s very happy with this stating, “from the staff on down to the squad members in the Maneuver Battalion, I think we’re going to redeploy with better soldiers than we deployed with, they’ve all improved in some way from doing their jobs.” He goes on to describe how this experience can be utilised by everyone in order to better themselves and become
better leaders, “Even I’ve improved, I’ve become a better commander from this experience. And I think working with our partners and allies really is a unique experience that we don’t often get a chance to do.”
The fact that Col. Adams has lots of experience in KFOR still meant that his role as COM RC-E came with a number of different challenges. One of these challenges included the different reporting requirements from COM KFOR to US commands in Europe and back in the states. This can be difficult, “So that’s been a unique challenge at times, and I’m sure at times I’ve forgotten to tell a boss something that he wished he knew and I’ve learned from that.”
As a member of the National Guard, Col. Adams also brings additional skill sets to his present position. He has a Doctorate in Pharmacy and in the US he works as the Associate Chief of Pharmacy Operations at the US Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Iowa City, Iowa. This skill set has been immensely beneficial when commanding troops during a global pandemic. Col. Adams is in the unique position whereby his education has allowed him to view the pandemic through a different lens when trying to deal with Covid-19 outbreaks and keep a unit operational. He explains, “My background as a pharmacist allows me to fully understand viral infections, infectious diseases, symptoms, signs, immunology, and how long it takes to recover from illness. It really, really helped my understanding of the vaccine and it helped me educate other leaders and soldiers in RC-E regarding the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine because I understand those areas. I just had to do a little bit of reading on it and learn about this particular vaccine. But once I did that, then I spoke about medical topics from an informed position. I think that was probably one of the factors that led to RC-E having a very high percentage of opt-in for the vaccine.” As he comes to the end of his tour of duty Col. Adams is exceptionally proud of all of his troops in his command and the challenges they have
INTERVIEW WITH COM RC-ETROOPS OF KFOR
As Col. Derek Adams prepares to hand over his command in RC-E, after a challenging but rewarding nine months in the position, the PAO team had the opportunity to discuss and reflect on his thoughts from this period as a commander in KFOR.
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INTERVIEW WITH COM RC-Eovercame, “I’m really proud of the soldiers of RC- E in how well they’ve maintained good order and discipline. Sometimes soldiers can become complacent, but these soldiers have really done an outstanding job. They’ve been mission focused, but when they’re not performing the mission, they’re doing things that are productive. A lot of soldiers have really improved their physical fitness.” He goes on to state, “overcoming COVID is probably another thing that I’m very proud of. It certainly has presented its challenges, but the fact that we’ve overcome it, and that now we’ve got almost everyone vaccinated we’re able now to relax some of the restrictions which we’ve all been wanting to do for a long period of time”.
Although there have been challenges along the way, Col. Adams has definitely enjoyed his time as COM RC-E, he explains what he has enjoyed, “We need to take advantage of this opportunity to work with allies and partners, because I think this is the most rewarding, educational and influential part of this mission, this is the opportunity to work with NATO allies and KFOR partners. This is because it’s such an awesome opportunity to develop relationships, make friends, and learn from one another.” Col. Adams doesn’t limit this opportunity to himself but expands it to his whole unit “that applies from me on down to the newest private in the RC”.
Finally in relation to his own leadership style and command Col. Adams had the following to offer, “Maintaining a positive and proactive command climate, where all soldiers are treated with dignity and respect, and where there’s mutual trust between everyone, between individuals and between echelons is really the way I try to command and it is important to me.” His answer here was in keeping with how the interview went, putting his troops first and keeping a positive mindset consistently.
All the members of the PAO team would like to thank Col. Adams for giving up his time to facilitate this interview, but in particular for the candor and honesty that he provided throughout. As he moves on to his next challenge, handing over command in July, we would like to take this opportunity to wish him and all of his troops all the best in the future.
Aidan RYANOF-3, IRL-A
Chief Internal Information
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As the Chief of Operations and Plans for the Joint Medical Branch, I am responsible for creating
policies and procedures for the eight Medical Treatment Facilities within Kosovo Forces (KFOR).
Our objective is to integrate every nation in the planning in the event of any medical situation that we may face, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, Mass Casualty events, Medical Evacuation and providing medical support for routine combat maneuvering. Planning is necessary for any event, especially when the medical world is a fast paced and mobile environment. Without a plan, we are shooting ourselves in the foot, being unprepared is not acceptable in our line of work. We owe it to our fellow soldiers, airmen, comrades and other team mates to be the best that they can be. To be the best, training and planning must be part of our routine. As an American Airman and a medical professional, I have a couple of key principles that I must follow; first, to ensure the success of the mission, second, to ensure that we take care of the soldiers so we can return them to the fight and finally, we have to make it a priority that we will return the soldiers back to their country and family intact.
This is where the role of planning goes a long way, especially with two scenarios of the highest possibility, such as Mass Casualty and Medical Evacuations (MEDEVAC). Mass Casualty can be easily defined as multiple patients or when we have utilised all our resources to a single patient. Why do we plan for this? It’s simple, because it’s an inherit risk that we are facing daily while we wear the military uniform and support the KFOR mission. Our environment is full of unknown risk. Kosovo is similar to any country around the globe, where danger is always lurking. Our enemies can be manmade or a natural disaster, this will challenge our capabilities of taking care of one another. Like any emergency, we do not know when it will strike. We are not privy to this information when it will hit us, hence we must maintain our prepared state at any given time.
MEDEVAC can be described as single or multiple patients needing a higher level of medical care where the immediate medical facilities cannot provide the necessary care needed to ensure that an individual will survive. These types of patients will need to be taken by an ambulance or a MEDEVAC air asset to a higher level of care in a medical facility that is fully capable of taking care of the patient.
The survival rate of the patient diminishes every second the patient is not being provided for at the right level of care. We must provide the medical response within the “golden hour”. It’s a standard measurement for a patient to be brought from
Ready Whenever Wherever - JMEDTROOPS OF KFOR
Maj RODA calling in a 9 Liner during a recent MedEvac exercise coordinatinated by the office of JMED.
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Ready Whenever Wherever - JMED
the point of injury to the highest level of care possible to ensure survivability. A great example of integration and planning is our MEDEVAC team at Camp Bondsteel. The team at Camp Bondsteel is continuously training their crews and constantly providing training opportunities to other nations to enable integration within our NATO partners.
These are a few reasons why we exercise this scenario continuously. Like a knife, we have to ensure that we sharpen it constantly and regularly. Our skills can get dull when we become complacent and pretend that we are in a safe place. It is also imperative that we must train together as a team, meaning collaborating with other nations within NATO as we’ll all be responsible
for taking care of one another when an emergency happens. We cannot rely on someone’s capability all the time when we know we have 27 other nations that can assist. The final question I have for everyone is, “are you ready to take lead when an emergency happens?”
Czar Joseph RODAOF-3 US AF
JMED Deputy Chief
JMED conducting a joint MedEvac Exercise utilising Heli platforms to train TTPs across different nationalities and forms of Medivac Assets.
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KFOR NEWS
On the 12 Jun 21 a ceremony took place in KFOR HQ to mark the 22nd Anniversary of KFOR, as
such it’s important to look back at how far the KFOR mission has come from this point.
UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1244 was adopted on the 10 Jun 1999 and on 12 Jun 1999, the first elements of the NATO-led Kosovo Force, or KFOR, entered Kosovo.
KFOR was initially composed of 50,000 men and women from NATO member countries, this was made up of 1 US DIV and 4 BDEs from Italy, UK, France and Germany. By early 2002, KFOR was reduced to around 39,000 troops. The improved security environment enabled NATO to reduce KFOR troop levels to 26,000 by June 2003, then to 17,500 by the end of 2003 and today, down to around 3,500.
The operating environment has changed significantly in the past 22 years and will continue to do so in the future, with new challenges, but also new opportunities. KFOR has constantly adapted its role and its structure in order to improve all these issues.
In 2006 the transition from four Multinational Brigades to five Multinational Task Forces was completed.
During 2010, the five Multinational Task Forces became five Multinational Battle Groups. By 2011, the ongoing progress with the enhanced ability of the Kosovo Police (KP) to intervene as 1st Responder and working with EULEX as 2nd Responder allowed KFOR to further re-orientate its composition and posture. In 2015 , the KFOR area of operations was divided in 3 Joint Regional Detachments (JRDs) – with their respective embedded Liaison Monitoring Teams (LMTs) – supported by two Multinational Battle Groups (East and West). Today, the structure reflects the ongoing approach to move to a more non-kinetic approach, while still maintaining the ability to respond, if required. A new change of structure was introduced on the 15 August 2019, which involved the two Multinational Battlegroups and the 3 Joint Regional Detachments merge into two new Regional Commands, namely Regional Command East and Regional Command West. This new structure simplifies the command and control structure of the mission.
KFOR,s 22nd Anniversary
COM KFOR during the ceremony for the 22nd Anniversary of KFOR.
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KFOR,s 22nd AnniversaryThe most recent challenge for the mission has been the effort to keep it operationally effective during the Covid-19 pandemic. This has been achieved through the Comprehensive Approach, utilising all assets available in order to prevent outbreaks and reduce case numbers. So far this approach has been successful and all camps are in status ‘Green’. In addition, during the pandemic KFOR supported local institutions and the local population through the delivery of medical equipment and supplies.
KFOR has demonstrated an ability over the years to adapt to prevailing situations, in order to meet and overcome all challenges successfully. It will continue to adapt to maintain it’s operational capability in the future, as it has done so successfully in the past.
Aidan RYANOF-3, IRL-A
Chief Internal Information
The 1st edition of the Chronicle Sept 1999
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KFOR NEWS
Several KFOR units converged at the Gjakova/Gjakovë Airfield on the 10 Jun 21 to execute and
observe Operation Swift Rescue, the most complex multinational field training exercise conducted recently in KFOR.The exercise was spread out across the field training area and the main square, where an Italian Army Liaison Monitoring Team (LMT) was being held hostage by role playing demonstrators. In keeping with protocols laid out in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1244, several organisations responded to the disturbance accordingly as the training scenario escalated.Maj. Ryan Lett, an Iowa Army National Guard plans officer with KFOR’s RC-E helped coordinate several aspects of the exercise, “We had up to 13 nations represented in some capacity, either taking part as role players, opposing forces, Crowd Riot Control (CRC), you name it,” said Maj. Lett. “You’re going to have some communication issues trying to synchronise all of that. But jumping over those language and logistical barriers is the nature of pulling off a multinational, KFOR-wide operation like this.”Maj. Lett worked closely with Lt. Szilard Surjan from the Hungarian Defense Forces, who works as a concept of operations training officer for KFOR HQ.Lt Surjan said the exercise is the culmination of at least four months’ worth of planning and coordination. He was tasked with the job during his transition into the KFOR mission and is grateful to have had help from his colleagues to tackle such a large logistical task.“In a multi-ethnic environment, it’s really nice to work with several different countries that have different perspectives about the same thing,” said Surjan. “I always worked with professionals, especially out of RC-E.”
The dedication and professionalism of the rest of the stakeholders spoke for itself as the scenario unfolded. Slovenian Armed Forces troops role played as rioters and spared no effort in using their extensive CRC knowledge to make the training realistic – they used water bottles to mimic Molotov cocktails, threw smoke grenades, simulated burning tires and constructed additional barriers during the scenario to keep the CRC responders on their toes.As the responders continued to push back against the demonstrators, troops were also chosen at random to role play casualties, adding another layer of realism to the scenario. U.S. Soldiers stationed at Camp Bondsteel were in charge of a notional casualty collection point, where the CRC elements ran through their medical evacuation protocols to treat patients.Nearby, U.S. KFOR aircraft arrived with Turkish Armed Forces troops who were tasked with infiltrating the square and extracting the LMTs being held hostage.Going forward, Maj. Lett and Lt Surjan said that KFOR plans on conducting joint exercises like this one approximately once every three months to continue building interoperability, and units will rotate acting as CRC units and role players to experience the full spectrum of training.
Tawny SCHMITOR-6 US-A
RC-E PAO
KFOR conducts Operation Swift Rescue
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SACEUR, General Walters visited KFOR HQ on the 22 Jun 21. After flying into Pristina APOD he
was met by COM KFOR, Major General Federici and was transferred to KFOR HQ via heli, provided by RC-E. Following his arrival at KFOR HQ, his morning sessions began with a comprehensive brief by the international HQ Staff on the latest developments in relation to the current security and political situation in Kosovo, including the Western Balkans region. General Walters stated that “KFORs contribution in relation to freedom of movement for all citizens in Kosovo and for the facilitation of the Euro-Euro-Atlantic integration in the region over the past twenty-two years has been outstanding, and has helped to transform Kosovo into a safer community.”
Following this brief General Walters attended a working lunch in KFOR HQ, hosted by COM KFOR, with numerous dignitaries and VIPs in attendance. This gave General Walters an opportunity to engage openly with those in attendance and gain a greater understanding of the critical work being carried out by the KFOR Mission.
In the afternoon General Walters met with all of the
SNRs that provide troops to the KFOR mission. He had the opportunity here to meet each SNR individually and spoke with them collectively as a group. He thanked them for the hard work that their troops are doing in KFOR presently.
Prior to his departure a capability display was provided for General Walters by the main elements that constitute KFOR. These elements were provided by RC-E, RC-W, KTR BN, ISR BN, HSG and MSU. The focus here was to demonstrate to General Walters at a practical level the excellent capabilities that exist in KFOR in order to allow it to carry out its mission on a daily basis. The display also allowed General Walters to engage with soldiers who carry out the hard work implementing UNSCR 1244 in Kosovo.
Finally General Walters departed KFOR HQ, and again was transferred to Pristina APOD via KFOR heli assets.
Aidan RyanOF-3, IRL-A
Chief Internal Information
SACEUR visit to KFOR HQ
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SNAPSHOTS
Or-5 Horvath GABOR KTRBN, was awarded the title of Soldier of the Month in Jun 21, in recognition of his outstanding performance and excellent military bearing displayed while serving as a Squad Leader in the KTRBN. “Your leadership and professionalism are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service’’ MG FEDERICI said.
Photo by: PAO Staff
HSG COM, Col STAUNTON debriefs Armenian Guard troops tasked with securing the APOD, following an exercise conducted in the location on the 24 May 21. The purpose of the exercise was to rehearse the KFOR APOD Emergency Plan. The HSG APOD Guard, reinforced by a heli inserted QRF from CFC coordinated with and integrated Pristina International Airport Fire and Medical Service assets in addressing a range of complex simulated security incidents.
Photo by: Cpl DELANEY (HSG)
The Austrian Minister of Defence, HE Klaudia Tanner met with COM KFOR, MG FEDERICI on the 23 Jun 21. COM KFOR briefed HE Klaudia Tanner on the operational and security situation in Kosovo, underlining the positive and close collaboration that KFOR maintains with local institutions and stressing the support provided to all local communities.
Photo by PAO Staff
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On the 28 May 21 the United Kingdom Regional Transformation Advisor, Brig Gen BOWRON DSO OBE, along with the Defence attaché of the British Embassy in North Macedonia, Lt Col WALKER, visited KFOR HQ to discuss regional issues with UK staff and KFOR Chief of Staff. Seen in the picture is COS KFOR Brig Gen HENRY, Brig Gen BOWRON and Lt Col WILLIAMS (SNR).
COM KFOR, MG FEDERICI, presided over the Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Battalion Change of Command ceremony, where outgoing Commander, Lt Col lCUCCO, handed over the command of ISR BN to his colleague Lt Col SIRIANNI.
Members of the MSU with the MSU COM, Col FEDELE on parade for the visit of SACEUR, Gen WALTERS to KFOR HQ on the 22 May 21. The MSU also provided a capability demonstration for Gen WALTERS.
Photo by PAO Staff
Photo by PAO Staff
Photo by PAO Staff
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CSM CORNER
Resilience is probably the most useful resource available to humans. It allows us to face,
deal with, and react to negative events without succumbing to the stress deriving from it. This concept is more realistic for a soldier deployed overseas. It’s an essential element for the success of an operation, and it represents the additional inner strength on which a soldier relies upon when things go badly. In addition to the stress that comes with the operational requirements, soldiers downrange may face challenges back home; sometimes these are unresolved family issues, financial struggles, strains in social relationships, etc. Team KFOR, I believe that there’s no magic trick to build resilience. The reality is that it’s easy to be positive and motivated when everything goes well, but we all know that in our line of work, it is rarely the case. So how do we tap into that inner strength when things are going South? There’s extensive research about positive psychology and resilience. I am also aware that several Armed
Forces around the world have adopted programs of instructions specifically aimed to build and enhance resilience in their ranks. I encourage you to get familiar with them if you feel inclined, but as I am no psychologist, my intent is to invite you to reflect on switching your mindset from “fixing what is broken” to “improving and enhancing what is working properly”. COM KFOR continuously inspires us to have a proactive approach in our daily activities, and I believe we should apply the same approach to strengthen our resilience. Nothing that is worth achieving is gained without some struggle and pain, and as much as it may sound harsh, the only way to grow and thrive is by facing the fire and going through it! Shoulder to shoulder AOWP!
Andrea TorreOR-9, ITA-A
CSM
RESILIENCE…BY FIRE
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In this month’s Retrospect and Continuity piece we
look back to the Jun 2007 edition of the Chronicle, which featured Italian Alpini Troops. As the Italian Alpini Troops from RC-W prepare to finish their tour of duty in JUL 21, it’s important to look back to a time when Alpini Troops were also deployed to KFOR.The Italian Alpini Troops at the time formed part of the Italian Operational Reserve Force and the article outlined the great work that they were conducting amongst the local community at that time. Central to this was their patrolling amongst the local communities which allowed them to be more than a visible presence, but also a friendly face to the children. These children would later go on to become adults in Kosovo today. This strategy of positive engagement at the time has gone on to pay dividends as KFOR continues to receive a welcoming reception from the local community.Although a lot has changed with the KFOR mission since this article in 2007, the relationship with the local population and KFOR’s willingness to engage with the community at any opportunity has not. These core principles has ensured that the trusting relationship between KFOR and the local population has remained throughout.Everyone that has served in KFOR in the past has made a meaningful contribution to the stability that is enjoyed by KFOR and the communities today.
Aidan RyanOF-3, IRL-A
Chief Internal Information
KFOR‘s PrinciplesRETROSPECT & CONTINUITY
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Photo: Dena DIETZLEROF-4 US A
COM MA 2
Camp Film City
Photo of the Month
