MAY 2014 Volume XVIII, Issue III MNBG-E Monthly Magazine

MNBG-E Monthly magazine MAY 2014 Volume XVIII, Issue III

PG 1 SECTIONS INSIDE

6) Partnership Spotlight: Slovenia 4) Multinational bonds are true badge of Schutzenschnur range

18) Legal: Federal Law Protecting You 8) Kosovo youth educate themselves for future

22) Chaplain: Good Friday: A Day of Reflection 10) Multinational Soldiers participate in DANCON March

23) The Enemy is listening: OPSEC is Key 12) Military K-9s experience medevac training at Camp Bondsteel

24) S.i.K Photos 16) Landing by air, Slovenian soldiers conduct CRC

20) After 10 years, paratroopers soar in Kosovo MNBG-E CMDR Col. Charles Hensley

MNBG-E CSM Service in Kosovo Magazine welcomes commentaries, articles and photos from readers. Submissions Command sgt. maj. should be sent to the editor at [email protected] by the 20th of each month and include details bernardo Serna such as the who, what, when, where and why of the photos. Please include the person’s name, rank and contingent of who took the photos for photo credit. MNBG-E reserves the right to edit any submissions. Public Affairs Officer Maj. Michael Wallace

Cover Photo: Slovenian soldiers form a wall of shields to Executive Editor help protect themselves and the rioters from harm during a Capt. Kevin Sandell training scenario on Camp Novo Selo, March 26. The Slove- nian troops participated in multiple conflicts that all brought Editor unique challenges they had to overcome. (Photo by U.S. Sgt. 1st class Army Sgt. Cody Barber, 11th Public Affairs Detachment) Carlos Burger

Layout Editor Sgt. Cody Barber Service in Kosovo Magazine is produced for personnel of Multinational Battle Group-East and Contributing high school students of Fer- is an authorized publication for members of the izaj further their education, Department of Defense. Contents of Service in Journalists Paratroopers drop from the skies in pg 8. kosovo are not necessarily the official views of Sgt. Rchard Perez Kosovo, pg 20. the U.S. government, the Department of the Army, 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade or MNBG-E. Ardian Nrecaj

PG 2 PG 3 had all fought the Multinational bonds are true badge of Schutzenschnur range same fight. It is the same all over the world, whether working with the German or Afghan armies to the Kosovo or Iraqi police. Work- ing in a NATO or- ganization opened my eyes to the fact that, although it feels lonely on deployments, there are others around the world experi- encing those same hardships. Soldiers should

be highly encour- U.S. and German soldiers fire weapons during the German marksmanship range near Orahovac, Kosovo, April aged to spend time 7. Multinational events like the Schutzenschnur range and the Danish Contingency march gives U.S. Soldiers a with our multina- chance to bond with multinational partners on a personal level. tional counterparts. It adds a dimension to the time knows, you may also make a new given the announcement on whether spent deployed that one can cherish friend as well. or not we qualified for the Schut- and remember for a lifetime. Who At the end of the range, we were zenschnur lanyard. When it was announced that U.S. and German soldiers check targets after firing the MG3 machine gun during the German marksmanship range near Orahovac, Kosovo, April 7. The German army familiarized U.S. forces with the MG3 machine gun and the USP pistol, and served as coaches during the event. I received the Gold medal, the Commentary and photos by Sgt. 1st Class our multinational partners. chine gun and the USP pistol, served Carlos Burger highest class, I 11th Public Affairs Detachment Events like the Schutzenschnur as firing coaches, and even brought range and the Danish Contingency in delicious German food for us at was filled with ’ll never forget the first time (DANCON) march, held on April lunch. great pride in I saw the German Armed 5, gives U.S. Soldiers a chance to I took the opportunity to practice my achieve- Forces Badge of Marksman- bond with our multinational part- some of my limited German with ment. ship, more commonly known ners, while also building relation- the soldiers. They appreciated my Departing asI the Schutzenschnur (pronounced ships on a personal level. poor attempt at their language and back to base, “shoots-zen-snare”). I was a young With language typically being we all shared a laugh. Some U.S. however, I was Private First Class in Baumholder, the most common communication and German soldiers exchanged also filled with Germany during a typical Class A barrier, it is easy for soldiers of all unit patches, while others told sto- a newfound re- inspection. When I saw the badge, I armies to congregate with their own ries about what bases they had en- spect and admi- thought it was awesome and I want- teams, rather than meet someone joyed most in their careers. ration for what ed to obtain it for myself. new. As Americans, it is especially Despite our differences in lan- it meant being When the opportunity finally came difficult for us to venture out of our guages or weapon systems, I real- a member of a ‘multinational’ to participate 14 years later, I didn’t comfort zones and interact with for- ized that our armies are identical U.S. Army Spc. Courtney Gonzalez, a hesitate to jump at the chance. What eigners. -- troops that have a spent over a de- native of Salt Lake City and an aviation battle group, operations specialist with 2nd Battalion, and that’s a I did get, however, was far more From the moment the 19 U.S. Sol- cade fighting for peace somewhere 211th Aviation Regiment, Utah National valuable than a lanyard and a medal; diers got off the bus, the Germans in the world. It was easy to identify Guard, fires at targets with a USP pistol badge of honor during the German marksmanship range I can wear for- it was a better understanding of the treated us as brothers-in-arms. They with them, because at the end of the near Orahovac, Kosovo, April 7. importance of spending time with familiarized us with the MG3 ma- day, in some way, shape or form, we ever. PG 4 PG 5 PARTNER SPOTLIGHT Slovenia Located in south Central Europe in the Julian Alps between Austria and Croatia it has a short coastal strip on the Adriatic, an alpine mountain region adjacent to Italy and Austria, mixed mountains and valleys with numerous rivers to the east. Mediter- ranean climate on the coast, continental climate with mild to hot summers and cold winters in the plateaus and valleys to the east.

President: Borut Pahor Independence: 25 June 1991 Capital: Ljubljana Currency: Euro Official language: Slovenian

Slovenian Armed Forces (Slovenska Vojska, SV): Forces Com- mand (with ground units, naval element, air and air defense brigade); Administration for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief (ACPDR) (2013). 18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2003 (2012)

Information taken from CIA Factbook.

PG 6 PG 7 learned much of his English from “Our KFOR-18 members are structors are educated as well. Kosovo movies. giving opportunities to the youth “With the members of KFOR-18 “But learning more is not just for of Kosovo so that they can have assisting,” said Naim Bajrami a lin- our professional careers,” 17-year- many other opportunities available guist for Northrop Grumman and an youth old Florentina Tahiri added. “There to them and contribute to society,” interpreter for the TOEFL classes are other opportunities for us if we Hensley said. since 2007. “The students not only educate learn more, such as visiting new U.S. Army Sgt. Leif Anderson, a learn the language, but learn about places.” Blackhawk helicopter crew chief the United States from many dif- “There is a difference in under- hasn’t taught classes like this be- ferent viewpoints. But, I’ve learned them- standing the language, and truly fore, but he uses his skills learned that the youth here have dreams and being proficient in it,” 15-year-old as a former deputy sheriff to pose goals like much of the youth world- selves for Dyresa continued. “It’s all those nu- questions to the students. wide, but it is much more difficult to ances to each language that we try “I strive for accuracy,” said Ander- attain these just because these kids to learn when we study, so we can son. “It’s important that the students are in Kosovo.” the future better understand everyone.” know and understand why certain The other instructors agree the Story and photos by Maj. Michael Wallace U.S. Army Col. Charles T. Hens- words in English are pronounced students drive to learn drives us to MNBG-E PAO ley, Multinational Battle Group-East and used the way they are so they teach. The pleasure and privilege The future of Kosovo rests upon commander, believes it is important can better communicate in the they receive from assisting these the shoulders of the children. Un- for members in his command to be world.” young scholars improve make them derstanding this, high school stu- involved with the surrounding com- Although the students are learning better people and the world will be a dents of Ferizaj further their educa- munity and people of Kosovo. English in the classroom, the in- better place because of them. tion by learning the most common international language - English. U.S. Army Sgt. Leif Anderson hands The students devote after school out photos of some hairstyles to students. The students are preparing to hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays give their arguments on whether a to study for the Test of English as a ‘mullet’ hairstyle is good or bad. Foreign Language (TOEFL), which is a timed test that comprises read- ing, listening, speaking and writing sections, where the student must demonstrate a high level of understanding the English language. The test will be given later this year and must be passed to be able to study in the United States—where most of One of the students tries on some equipment during a breakfast at Camp Bondsteel. the students wish to attain their col- lege degrees. Helping Kosovo and its citizens ing to tell me is crucial.” “The dedication of the students is seem to be a standard theme with All the students agree that effec- very high. They understand that the the students. For Diellza and Dyre- tive communication with a thor- future of Kosovo rests upon them, sa Mani, sisters who share the same ough knowledge of the language is and they want to contribute to a high school junior class, the world what they are all pursuing. That is better Kosovo and a better world,” of medicine is their professional why they speak English the whole said U.S. Army Capt. Allen Jones, calling. The Mani sisters agree that time at class. They use dictionaries, a Judge Advocate officer serving as understanding people is an especial- thesauruses and other reference ma- a Legal Assistant and Claims Attor- ly important issue, as they want to terial to insure they use the proper ney at Camp Bondsteel. “Through be doctors. words. their education, they can contribute “I don’t know if I’ll practice medi- “You have to have a deep under- greatly to a better way of life for cine here in Kosovo or abroad,” standing of the language to be able them, their families and the people said 17-year-old Diellza, “but un- to effectively communicate,” said of Kosovo.” derstanding what my patient is try- 17-year-old Besnik Syljemani, who PG 8 PG 9 to break away and do some- Multinational Soldiers participate in DANCON March thing fun.” Over 1,100 participants ruck along uneven terrain and steep hills during the Danish Contingency Usually the march is 25 ki- March at Camp Novo Selo, April 5. Proceeds from lometers but, for this occa- the march went to wounded Danish soldiers and veteran homes. sion, the Danish contingent allowed participants to do an extra lap, and for Gores, that was the perfect excuse to get out of the office. “It’s nice to get outside of camp for once,” said Gores. “I enjoy ruck marching so this it is no problem for me doing the 25km.” At the end of the event, every participant who crossed the finish line in time received a Danish Contingent March Medal and certifi- cate. They plan to do anoth- er march later in the year.

Multinational soldiers take off from the starting point of the Danish Contingency March at Camp Novo Selo, April 5. Embarking on a 25 kilometer or 50 kilometer trek, participants had an allotted time - either six hours or 11 hours respectively - to finish their chosen amount of distance. Story and photos by Sgt. Cody Barber The DANCON is a tradition dating always like contributing and giving 11th Public Affairs Detachment back to 1972, and has been carried back,” said Gores. arrying upwards of 22 out in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Although the course was long, pounds, a weapon, and Africa and other locations. This there was one thing that helped sol- for some, their nation’s year, each participant was given a diers keep moving, and that was the flag flying from their choice to march 25 kilometers (15.5 camaraderie. rucksack,C more than 1,100 partici- miles) or 50 kilometers (31 miles) “The march has been a great pants trekked along the country- through the uneven trails, but all for chance to build esprit de corps side of Kosovo during the Danish a good cause. amongst our multinational groups Contingency (DANCON) March at “We give all the surplus funds here,” said U.S. Army Capt. Aaron Camp Novo Selo, April 5. we receive from the march to vet- Lorenson, a physician assistant with This was the first DANCON March eran homes and Danish soldiers that 2-38 Cavalry. “Everybody seems held this year, which was compro- have problems after the war,” said to be having a great time and it has mised of KFOR Soldiers, Kosovo Hillman. “So it’s kind of a march definitely been a challenge, but a lot Police, European Union Rule of with a higher purpose.” of fun.” Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) For U.S. Army Pfc. Christopher It was also a great chance for Lo- personnel and others - all up for the Gores, a human resource specialist renson to bond with his fellow Sol- vigorous challenge. with the 2nd Squadron, 38th Cav- diers and foreign counterparts. “The DANCON March is normal- alry Regiment, 504th Battlefield “Its nothing but pride to be out ly conducted by every Danish unit Surveillance Brigade, that was more here with my men, and it’s some- on deployments,” said Danish army than a reason to participate in the thing that really shows we are all to- Capt. Martin Hillman, contingent march. gether doing something in (Kosovo commander. “It has been conducted “Having lost a brother-in-law in Force) that’s other than working,” in most parts of the world so far.” Afghanistan a couple years ago, I said Lorenson. “It’s a good chance Danish army soldiers cut fruit for participants along the Danish Contingency March at Camp Novo Selo, April 5. Stations were set up along the course to help aid and replenish Soldiers’ physical stamina. PG 10 Military K-9s experience medevac training at Camp Bondsteel Story by Capt. Kevin Sandell military police platoon with the in- The culminating event was the 11th Public Affairs Detachment tricate process for hoisting a dog to airborne hoist training with mede- pc. Katie Lane strapped safety. vac aviators from the 2nd Battalion, herself onto the hoist next “It was kind of an interesting thing 135th Aviation Regiment, Louisiana to a simulated casualty that to do together; to see how [Beny] National Guard. On Camp Bond- would be lifted skyward would do with all of this training steel, Spc. Lane and Staff Sgt. Josh overS 50 feet in the air to a hovering and being around all this noise,” Rose, along with their dogs, Beny helicopter. Fitted with a special pair said Lane, a 26-year-old native of and Bumper respectively, were each of goggles and a muzzle, the four- Franklin, Va. “He’s kind of skittish, secured onto a rescue hoist below a legged ‘casualty’ shook its tail in but he did very well. He just kind hovering UH-60 Black Hawk heli- nervous excitement. of hung there and was along for the copter. Rising more than 50 feet into It would be Lane’s first time ac- ride.” the air, each dog team experienced companying her military working The training event started with an actual rescue hoist operation. dog, Beny, on a hoist mission; the cold-load training, or bringing the The training proved especially in- same type of mission to safely evac- dogs to a grounded helicopter with- valuable for Lane, who said that a uate Beny from a battlefield injury, out its rotor blades spinning. There, crisis situation requires calmness if needed. the teams became familiar with the and straight-thinking by the dog Soldiers with Multinational Battle aircraft and its interior. Then under handlers and their dogs. Group-East completed a weeklong hot-load training, the dog teams “I know in crazy situations, you’re medevac training April 2 at Camp repeated the process, but with the not really thinking straight, so if I Bondsteel. The Soldiers comprised rotor blades spinning, allowing the hadn’t had any of this training, I of elements of Task Force Medical dogs to experience the rotors in ac- would be kind of lost. I wouldn’t and MNBG-E’s Southern Com- tion. Finally, with the helicopter still know what to do, I’d just be kind mand Post, conducted the training grounded, the dogs and their han- of standing there confused,” said to familiarize the dog handlers and dlers practiced using the hoist sys- Lane, a military dog handler with their working dogs from the camp’s tem while being raised about three the100th Military Working Dog feet. Detachment at Miesau, Germany. “I’m brand new to the program, so Contnued on page 14

Spc. Katie Lane (right), a military dog handler with the 100th Military Working Dog Detach- ment, waits with her dog, Beny, as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter comes in to hover at Camp Bondsteel, April 2. To Lane’s left is Spc. Christopher Sonnier, a flight medic with the 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment, who served as the ground control for the helicopters. (Photo by U.S. Army Capt. Nathan Carl- ton, Task Force Medical) PG 12 PG 13 IVs, bandaging, and even CPR. “We do quarterly training with the vet and there are 34 tasks that we’re required to know about and to per- form on a [military working dog],” said Rose. “A lot of it’s the same as helping an injured human; anything from treating shock to gun- shot wounds.” In an emergency, the handler, often the individual with the most animal handling training, can provide much-needed restraint and canine first-aid knowledge to the medical crew. Rose said on his first deployment to Iraq, his military working dog was evacuated from the- ater due to a sudden illness, Spc. Katie Lane, a military dog handler with the 100th Military Working Dog Detachment at Miesau, Germany, carries military working dog, Beny, off a medevac helicopter after training with the medevac crew at Camp Bondsteel, March 27. (Photo by U.S. Army Capt. Stefanie Keefer, Task and he and the dog were Force Medi cal) back in Germany for further it’s given me a lot of information who may be saving its life, said 700 pounds per square inch in bite medical treatment within on what to do in a situation where Capt. Nathan Carlton, the camp’s force. Additionally, helicopters are eight hours. something does happen to the dog only military veterinarian and offi- often a new and frightening encoun- Photo Above: Spc. Katie Lane (left), and we have to medevac him out.” cer-in-charge of the medevac train- ter for dogs. a military dog handler at Camp Bondsteel, secures a harness on Military working dogs have an im- ing. “Aeromedical evacuation is an her military working dog, Beny, dur- portant job at Camp Bondsteel, serv- “Given that the military work- extremely intense sensory experi- ing medevac training, March 27. To the far right is Capt. Nathan Carlton, ing in a force protection role for the ing dogs in Kosovo have a danger- ence for [military working dogs]. the military veterinarian assigned camp’s residents, workplaces and ous mission, I thought there was a There is a lot of loud noise, new to the Task Force Medical on Camp Bondsteel, and an unidentified avia- equipment yards. They complete chance one of them could be injured smells, wind blowing debris, and a tion crew chief from the Southern daily perimeter and critical infra- in the line of duty,” the native of big, black helicopter the dog must Command Post. (Photo by U.S. Army Capt. Stefanie Keefer, Task Force structure checks, search incoming Tucson, Ariz., added. “If that hap- enter,” Carlton said. “All that can Medical) service trucks and conduct vigilance pens, there will be a lot of people overwhelm a dog, making it react patrols. The dogs and their handlers handling the animal during evacua- unpredictably. We introduced the are in a demanding position. tion.” dogs to gradually increasing levels “On average, (the teams are) get- Carlton explained that by trans- of sensory perception to make sure ting well over 200 hours of utiliza- porting an injured animal in assets they are acclimated to the proce- tion a month,” said Rose, a military designed for people by medevac dure.” dog handler with the 131st Military personnel trained to save human Carlton also taught a Canine Com- Working Dog Detachment, and na- lives, there were several concerns bat Life Saver class, an advanced- U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Josh Rose, a mil- tive of Chesapeake, Va. that needed to be addressed before level first aid class on dog anatomy itary dog handler with the 131st Mili- tary Working Dog Detachment and The dogs’ intense workload means the training. and lifesaving procedures. Military noncommissioned officer-in-charge their possibility of getting injured Wounded dogs are more prone to dog handlers must be certified on of Camp Bondsteel’s dog kennel, is hoisted up to a hovering UH-60 Black on the job remains high. bite than normal due to fear and over 30 first-aid tasks specific to Hawk helicopter with his dog, Bum- An injured animal has unpredict- pain, Carlton continued and stated canines. Using mannequin dogs, per, at Camp Bondsteel, April 2. (Pho- to by U.S. Army Capt. Nathan Carlton, able behavior, even towards those that German Shepherds can produce the handlers were taught intubation, Task Force Mdecial) PG 14 PG 15 “This exercise was something new that challenged me,” said Hazdovac. “This time we arrived in helicopter when we usually come in ground vehicles.” Even though the training was primarily focused for the Slovenian army, U.S. Army Capt. William Fuller, an operations officer with 238th Cav. and a native of Decatur, Georgia, said that Slovenian coy commander Capt. Jurij Roduha, talks to his troops about the he benefited from the train- training event on Camp Novo Selo, ing as well. March 26. The training tested the commanders and soldiers on their ability to “It was valuable training react fast and make the right calls. for Roduha’s COY as well as the staff at the forward command post,” said Fuller. “We hand-in-hand with multinational together during training because learned some things that we could counterparts is essential to mission that’s how we are going to do it if do better in terms of training and success. things actually happen,” said Fuller. readiness.” “It’s always good to have differ- Fuller also stated that working ent multinational elements work

Using UH-60 Blackhawks, Slovenian soldiers respond to a civil disturbance during a training event on Camp Novo Selo, Kosovo March 26. Landing by air, Slovenian soldiers conduct CRC

Story and photos by Sgt. Cody Barber event, March 26. The purpose of the toons accomplished the movement 11th Public Affairs Detachment training was to test the commanders and preparations smoothly but there ithin minutes of re- and soldiers on their ability to react is always room to improve and I’m ceiving a call about fast and make the right calls. sure next time it will be better,” said a protest, Slovenian “Every training is good because Roduha. soldiers geared up you have to be ready for a mission if During the training, the Slovenian andW loaded onto UH-60 Blackhawk this would happen,” said Slovenian troops faced multiple situations helicopters and headed to where the coy commander Capt. Jurij Roduha. they could encounter when dealing event was occurring. “When you do training more and with civil disturbances, which was Upon landing at the location, more, you will establish better tacti- a benefit for the Slovenian soldiers. they dismounted the helicopters cal procedures, techniques and this “There is always something new and formed up in formation, ready will help you.” and different to learn in every ex- to face the crowd of angry rioters. With a mob of approximately 30 ercise and with every exercise you Luckily for the rioters, this was only U.S. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, improve a little,” said Slovenian a training exercise. 38th Cavalry Regiment, yelling, army Lance Cpl. Gregor Hazdovac, On Camp Novo Selo, Kosovo, chanting and overall causing chaos, an armor personnel carrier for CRC. Slovenian troops conducted aerial Roduha said his troops handle the Hazdovac also added that using air quick reaction force crowd riot con- situation very well. assets was also something different Acting as a disgruntled rioter, a Soldier with 2nd Battalion, 38th Cavalry Regiment, throws his body at the shields of Slovenian soldiers during trol operations during a training “I think that today both of the pla- and beneficial for him. a training exercise on Camp Novo Selo, March 26. PG 16 PG 17 LEGAL Federal Law Protecting You The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act he Servicemembers Civil The request must be in writing and and legal defenses to the asserted Relief Act (SCRA) is a explain why the current military claims. The service members must federal law that provides duty materially affects the ability to apply to the court for relief within military members impor- appear. It must also provide a date 90 days of the termination or release tantT protections as they enter active when the service member can ap- from military service. duty and other protections while on pear, and include a letter from the ● Residency for Tax Purposes: active duty. The SCRA protects all commander stating that his or her The SCRA provides that a nonresi- services and components called to duties preclude appearance and that dent member's military income and active duty and, in limited situa- leave is not authorized at the time personal property are not subject to tions, their dependents. of the hearing. Further delays may state taxation if they are present in The Major Protections of the be granted at the discretion of the the state only due to military orders. SCRA: court. The state also is prohibited from us- ● Six Percent Maximum Interest ● Termination of Leases: The ing the military pay of these nonres- Rate: The SCRA provides that no SCRA permits termination of resi- idents to increase the state income obligation or liability incurred by a dential leases by active duty mem- tax of the spouse. service member prior to entry onto bers who subsequently receive If you have any questions con- active duty shall bear interest at an orders for a permanent change of cerning the SCRA, or any questions annual rate in excess of six percent. station or a deployment for a period concerning credit card debt, student This can include interest rates on of 90 days or more. The SCRA also loans, mortgages, court proceed- credit cards, mortgages, and some permits the termination of leases for ings, evictions, divorces, leases, student loans. This provision does motor vehicles leased for personal taxes, etc., please stop by the Legal not apply to any debt incurred af- or business use by SMs and their Assistance office on CBS located in ter entry onto active duty. A lender dependents. Admin. Alley, Bldg. 1330C, Room may get relief from the six percent ● Eviction for Nonpayment of 3N, or call DSN 314-781-4575 for cap, however, by going to court and Rent: The SCRA affords military an appointment. We also travel to showing that the SM’s ability to pay members and their dependents some Film City and Novo Selo to provide the contract interest rate is not mate- protection from eviction, requiring legal assistance and tax services. rially affected by reason of military the landlord to obtain a court order If you are stationed at Film City service. Upon such a showing, the before an eviction. or Novo Selo and need legal as- court may make any order it deems ● Default Judgment Protection: If sistance, please call to schedule an just. a default judgment is entered dur- appointment. The Legal Assistance ● Delay of Court and Adminis- ing active duty service or within 60 office is here to help and to ensure trative Proceedings: The SCRA days thereafter, the SCRA allows that your legal rights are protected. permits those who are unable to service members to reopen that de- appear in a court or administrative fault judgment and set it aside. To proceeding due to their military du- set aside a default judgment, they ties to postpone the proceeding for a must show that he or she was preju- mandatory minimum of ninety days diced by not being able to appear in upon the service member's request. person, and that he or she has good

PG 18 PG 19 After 10 years, paratroopers soar in Kosovo Story and photos by Sgt. Cody Barber 11th Public Affairs Detachment nding what has been over a decade-long absence, Multinational Battle Group-East paratroopers tookE to the skies in Kosovo, April 15. Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 38th Walking to a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, Paratroopers with 2nd Squadron, Cavalry Regiment, 504th Battlefield 38th Cavalry Regiment, 504th Battle- Surveillance Brigade, conducted field Surveillance Brigade, are ready to make the first airborne jump in Kosovo airborne jumps to maintain jumper since 2004 on Camp Bondsteel, April proficiency, said U.S. Army Lt. Col. 15. The jump was a way for the Soldiers to maintain proficiency in airborne ex- John Cogbill, commander of 2-38 ercises. Cavalry Squadron and MNBG-E’s Forward Command Post. “Conducting airborne operations and watched his troops make the hearsals and got everyone on par as got in on the action as well. is an inherently high risk mission,” jumps. He was glad to see his troops far as what everyone needs to know “We are always looking for op- the native of Richmond, Va., add- learning and training. and came out here to execute the portunities to train,” said U.S. Army ed. “It’s one of those things where “We just took this opportunity to jump.” Lt. Col. George Barton, SCP com- practice makes perfect and the more bring our jumpmasters down here, The troopers weren't the only mander, and a native of West Jor- repetitions we can get, the better we set up the drop zone and survey it,” ones who received training for the dan, Utah. “When the Forward become.” said Hutson, a native of Pearland, day. Aviation crews from the battle Command Post suggested that we The exercise started at daybreak Texas. “We ran through some re- group’s Southern Command Post start doing paratrooper drops, we where Soldiers checked their gear, were excited to do it because tightened straps and prepared them- it’s a common mission for us to selves before conducting multiple do as Black Hawk pilots.” jumps via static line out of a UH- Although the unit conducts 60 Black Hawk helicopter into the intelligence, surveillance, and brisk morning air at Camp Bond- reconnaissance operations ac- steel. cording to U.S. Army doctrine The paratroopers enjoyed the in support of III Corps, it’s im- chance to stay proficient in their air- portant to keep the parachuting borne skills while being deployed. skills sharp, even though this is Cogbill was one of the first para- a peacekeeping mission, added troopers putting his knees in the Cogbill. breeze at the drop zone, and he said At least once a month the Cav- it was a very successful jump for alry unit plans on conducting After a successful static line airborne jump from a UH-60 Black Hawk, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. him and his troops. Daniel Cisneros, a paratrooper with 2nd Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, 504th Battlefield airborne exercises in Kosovo to “We threw a couple streamers Surveillance Brigade and a native of Round Rock, Texas, gathers his parachute at Camp Bond- maintain their airborne status. out to make sure we had the spot steel, April 15. This is the first airborne jump that has happened in Kosovo in a decade. right and then we went for it,” said city to Camp Bondsteel. He said we were invited to attend the event Cogbill. “We hit the drop zone and watching the jump was a great ex- where the U.S. Soldiers demonstrat- walked away from it, so we are hap- perience for him. ed their military skills and abilities.” Airborne Soldiers with 2nd Squadron, py.” “It’s very exciting for us to see U.S. Army 1st Sgt. William Hut- 38th Cavalry Regiment, 504th Battle- field Surveillance Brigade, jump from a Also attending the airborne ex- these kind of events that we don’t son, top noncommissioned officer UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Camp ercise was Muharrem Svarqa, the usually get a chance to see,” said for Company C, 2nd Sqdn., 38th Bondsteel, April 15. The airborne exercise was the first airborne jump in mayor of Ferizaj, the closest major Svarqa. “I’m very thankful that Cav. Regt., was on the drop zone Kosovo in over a decade. PG 20 PG 21 was certainly no ordinary day. Normally, a Good Friday service The Enemy is listening: OPSEC is Key would be done inside the parish, but By 2nd Lt. Isaac Moscoso, on this occasion, the group trudged MNBG-E Operational Security Officer Chaplain through the deep snow and dense Loose lips sink ships” -- a phrase first used on trip to Stubla, Kosovo, for approxi- fog as Father Albert, Father Ma- U.S. propaganda posters during World War II, it Good Friday: mately 200 Kosovo Force soldiers jorek and myself offered prayers in still rings true for today's military, where society and local civilians, April 18. St. their respective languages at each thrives through the use of social media. Social me- A Day of Josefi’s Parish and other beautiful of the 14 stations. Due to the poor dia“ allows users worldwide to connect, communicate, send, marble monuments of the Stations weather conditions, it was a perfect and receive information immediately; and there is no limit Reflection of the Cross are placed strategically way of reflecting and participating to the information accessible online. All in all, it is now more By Chaplain 1st Lt. Charles Musula along a picturesque mountainside in in the suffering, crucifixion and than ever a "loose keys break knees" society -- even a small MNBG-E Chaplain Stubla. death of Christ. information leak can cause a lot of damage. he free exercise of reli- Father Don Albert, a local priest, The trip concluded with a special Today’s military has emplaced many information protect- gion within the United co-hosted the event with support service inside St. Josefi’s Parish ing mechanisms; however, protections for the “Sensitive but States military has been from Polish Priest Capt. Artur Ma- where once again, Majorek and I Unclassified” category are lacking. This type of information a long-standing consti- jorek and myself. celebrated Mass with all those pres- classification is typically for information that is for official use tutionalT right and privilege for U.S. Around the world, Good Friday ent. Many of those attending com- only, and the Army’s way to protect this information is through service members. is a day for Christians to reflect on mented how profound this spiritual Operations Security. OPSEC emplaces guidelines handling sen- In keeping with the spirit of reli- Jesus Christ’s sacrifice over 2000 event was to them, and would wel- sitive information, while mitigating its collection by potential gious freedom, the Multinational years ago. However, for those par- come the opportunity to participate adversaries. Battle Group-East Chaplain, Maj. ticipating in the trip to Stubla to train a future event. The Army has a few do’s and don’ts for protecting its sensitive information: Thomas Gorrell, sponsored a unique verse the Stations of the Cross, this Do Not: • Post sensitive information on social media sites, such as, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc. • Post sensitive information on public websites • Place sensitive information in trash cans or recycle bins • Leave sensitive information in vacated offices • Leave sensitive information unattended • Allow access to those individuals without a “need to know” • Place sensitive information on shared drives, unless it is password-protected

DO: • Encrypt e-mail when sending sensitive information • Review information for sensitivity prior to posting on social networking sites • Review information for sensitivity prior to posting on public websites • Look at information before throwing it in the recycle or trash bins • Ensure only unclassified non-sensitive information is discarded in trash and recycle bins • Conduct an annual clean out each year • Ensure you have enough supplies (burn/shred bags) on hand to discard sensitive information • Look behind desk drawers and under desks for information that may have fallen • Passwords protect information placed on shared drives and apply the “need to know” principle

Think of how you would personally go about handling your home address. You would not post your address on non-secure sites, or social media. You would not release to the public the exact grid location of your home, and you definitely would not release your home address to anyone that isn’t trusted or doesn’t have a need to know. The measures you take to handle your home address are OPSEC, and should also be applied to handle to your work information as well. Contact your unit’s OPSEC Officer to learn more about what information your unit deems “Sensitive but Unclas- U.S. Soldiers with Multinational Battle Group-East take a moment after the long trek up Mount Josephi, to get a photo at the final destination of the Stations of the Cross, April 18. (Photo by U.S. Army Maj. Mike Wallace, MNBG-E Public Affairs) sified,” and what measures you can take to better prevent collection of your information by adversaries. PG 22 PG 23 S i K . .Service in Kosovo Photos Like taking photos? Want to see them in this magazine?

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Ukrainian soldiers re- U.S. Army Sgt 1st Class Carlos Arri- ceive the NATO Non- azaleal watches German Army 1st Sgt. Article 5 Medal for their Carsten Hartmann as he shoots the hard work and dedication U.S. Army M4 rifle, at Camp Bondsteel to the KFOR mission in Kosovo, April 24. Before this event, Kosovo on Camp Bond- U.S. Army Soldiers qualified on Ger- steel, April 17. (Photo by man weapons at the beginning of April. U.S. Army Sgt. Cody Bar- (Photo by Ardian Nrecaj, MNBG-E PAO) ber, 11th Public Affairs Detachment)

Multinational Battle Group- East soldiers carry a simulated casualty to an evacuation point during a Combat Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 38th Livesaver Course at Camp Calvary Regiment, get ready to Bondsteel, April 25. (Photo hook up a Sling Load during a train- by U.S. Army Sgt. Cody Bar- ing exercise at Camp Novo Selo, ber, 11th Public Affairs De- April 24. (Courtesy Photo) tachment) LasT Look U.S. Army Pfc. Tyler Tantillo, a Fire Support Specialist with 2nd Squzadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, focuses on the path ahead during the Danish Contingency March at Camp Novo Selo, April 5. Participants were given a choice to march 25km or 50km and were required to carry a minimum weight of 10kg (22 lbs.) during the ruck march. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Cody Barber, 11th Public Af- fairs Detachment)