Remembering KFOR's 15 Year Past

July 2014 Volume XVIII, Issue V MNBG-E Monthly magazine

Remembering KFOR’s 15 year Past Page 12 PG 1 SECTIONS INSIDE

6) Partnership Spotlight: Germany 4) Kosovo Security Forces participate in Leadership Reaction Course

10) Legal: Independent Court’s Protect Our Unalienable Rights 7) MNBG-E Soldiers support Kosovo security forces during elections

17) Chaplain: Are We There Yet? 8) MNBG-E’s Liaison Monitoring Teams help secure elections for Kosovo

20) S.i.K Photos 12) 15 Years: Understanding KFOR’s past to shape its future

18) Excellence in Cavalry challenges Phantom Recon troops

22) Day of organized chaos provides lifesaving knowledge to MN- MNBG-E CMDR BG-E Soldiers 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: Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit Executive Editor (MEU) from Lima Battery, 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, patrol the streets of Zegra in order to deter looting, arson and Capt. Kevin Sandell also as a show force, June 28, 1999. The Marines and sailors of the 26th MEU are helping to enforce the implementation of the Editor military technical agreement and to provide peace and stability to Kosovo during the initial phases of Operation Joint Guardian. Sgt. 1st class (Photo by Sgt. Craig J. Shell, USMC) Carlos Burger

Layout Editor Sgt. Cody Barber Service in Kosovo Magazine is produced for personnel of Multinational Battle Group-East and Contributing Understanding KFOR’s past to is an authorized publication for members of the shape its future, pg 12. Department of Defense. Contents of Service in Journalists Excellence in Cavalry challenges kosovo are not necessarily the official views of Sgt. Richard Perez Phantom Recon troops pg 18. the U.S. government, the Department of the Army, 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade or MNBG-E. Ardian Nrecaj

PG 2 PG 3 Kosovo Security Forces participate in Leadership Reaction Course Story and photos by Sgt. Cody Barber, Members of Kosovo Security Force 11th Public Affairs Detachment low crawl under simulated barbed wire while dragging equipment during a embers of the Koso- leadership reaction course at the KSF vo Security Force Training and Doctrine Command com- (KSF), with guid- pound in Ferizaj, Kosovo, May 29. ance from Multina- tionalM Battle Group-East (MNBG- E) Soldiers, participated in their first ever Leadership Reaction Course (LRC) at the KSF Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) compound in Ferizaj, May 29. The course was created when KSF and U.S. Soldiers discussed innova- tive methods to teach KSF leaders on furthering their creativeness and problem solving skills, said Capt. Christopher Robertson, MNBG- E Headquarters and Headquarters Company commander. The course also challenged the troops by A noncommissioned officer in the “We explained what an LRC was confronting them with unique obstacles Kosovo Security Force carries a and how it was designed to test the that forced them to work as a team and wooden two-by-four across a balance beam during a Leadership problem-solving ability of leaders think outside the box, added Arriaza-Leal. Reaction Course at the Kosovo and subordinates alike,” said the na- “The LRC builds interdependence, Security Force Training and Doc- trine Command compound in Fer- tive of Kingsville, Md. “They really risk-taking skills and inspire new ways izaj, Kosovo, May 29. If anything liked the idea, so we got a look at of thinking,” Arriaza-Leal continued. “It touched the ground below, the team would have to restart the their existing obstacle course and provides the KSF with an idea on how to obstacle. we designed the LRC to fit their ob- improve team building and communica- stacle course.” tion skills in their TRADOC environment “We never had a course like this that will assist in developing future confi- before,” added KSF Brig. Gen. dent leaders.” Enver Cikaqi, the TRADOC com- Robertson also said the knowledge of Noncommissioned officers in the Kosovo Security Force climb a net during a Leadership Re- mander. “Since 2009, we’ve only action Course at the Kosovo Security Force Training and Doctrine Command compound in implementing the course into the TRA- held basic training and that has Ferizaj, May 29. The obstacles in the course had members crawling under wires, climbing over DOC curriculum will be beneficial for walls and using plywood to cross over imaginary landmines, all while carrying ammo cans, helped increase the professionalism water, and at one point, a 150-pound dummy. KSF members going through Warrior of our members. It is our interest to Leaders Course and Advanced Leaders advance our programs and gain as point, a 150-pound dummy. leadership ability by affording stu- Course. much experience possible from the Five-member teams went through dents an opportunity to apply the Taking a knee before every obstacle and U.S. Army and their doctrines.” each obstacle with one of them as- lessons learned in his or hers for- planning amongst themselves, the KSF MNBG-E Soldiers went through suming the leadership role, said mal leadership instruction,” said noncommissioned officers conquered the the course beforehand to demon- U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Ar- the San Fernando, Calif., native. “It course and concluded the exercise with an strate how each obstacle worked, riaza-Leal, one of the LRC supervi- also provided leaders with a means after action review. while the KSF troops watched. The sors. The leadership role was a way of making a self-evaluation to more “The training went very well,” said Ar- obstacles in the course had soldiers for one soldier, regardless of rank, accurately determine their leader- riaza-Leal. “Constructive criticism was negotiating under wires, over walls to be in command of his own troops ship ability, and an opportunity to well taken by the KSF at the end of the and using plywood to cross over and be challenged. observe the strengths and weak- course. They are finding ways to improve imaginary landmines all while car- “The primary purpose of the nesses of others during team opera- team building and relationship building rying ammo cans, water and, at one course was to improve the KSF’s tions.” skills.” PG 4 PG 5 MNBG-E Soldiers support Kosovo security forces during elections

Story and photos by Sgt. Cody Barber, 11th Public Affairs Detachment PARTNER SPOTLIGHT ultinational Battle Group-East (MN- BG-E) Soldiers with the battle group’s ForwardM Command Post (FCP), Germany performed roving security patrols As Europe’s largest economy and second most populous nation during the Kosovo elections, June (after Russia), Germany is a key member of the continent’s eco- 8, to ensure Kosovo’s citizens were nomic, political, and defense organizations. Located in Central given the opportunity to cast their Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, between the votes in the republic’s parliamen- Netherlands and Poland, south of Denmark. tary elections. U.S. Army Spc. Douglas Teed, a cavalry scout with B Troop, 2nd Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regi- The patrols were a part of MNBG- ment, and a native of Owego, N.Y., sits in a vehicle on the outskirts of Mitrovica during the President: President Joachim Gauck E’s supporting role in keeping a safe Kosovo elections, June 8. They preformed mobile reconnaissance of the polling stations to Independence: 18 January 1871 support the Kosovo security organizations and help maintain a safe and secure environment and secure environment and free- for the people voting in Mitrovica, a city located in the northern part of Kosovo. Capital: Berlin dom of movement for the people Currency: Euro voting in Mitrovica, a city located Cavalry Regiment, and a native of Hahnemann. “They are running ev- Official language: German in the northern part of Kosovo. Huntsville, Alabama. erything, and they are doing all of “Our task was to conduct mobile The troops would only drive by the heavy lifting; we’re just here in Federal Armed Forces (Bundeswehr): Army (Heer); Navy reconnaissance of the polling sta- each polling station making sure support of them. (Deutsche Marine, includes naval air arm); Air Force (Luft- tions to assist the Kosovo security everything was peaceful in the area, As the day came to an end, fire- waffe); Joint Support Services (Streitkraeftebasis, SKB); Cen- organizations in maintaining SASE but the Kosovo Police had every- works lit up the sky as the polls tral Medical Service (Zentraler Sanitaetsdienst, ZSanDstBw) and FOM,” said 1st Lt. Christopher thing under control throughout the closed, and Soldiers with Bravo (2013). 17-23 years of age for male and female voluntary mili- Hahnemann, a platoon leader in B event, said Hahnemann. Troop headed back to Camp Novo tary service; conscription ended 1 July 2011; service obligation Troop, 2nd Squadron, 38th “Every time we drove by, they were Selo knowing they had helped the 8-23 months or 12 years; women have been eligible for volun- out in front and their people of Kosovo have a peaceful tary service in all military branches and positions since 2001. presence was and successful voting period. known,” “Everything was extremely smooth Information taken from CIA Factbook said and calm throughout the day,” said Hahnemann. “There were plenty of people out voting.”

Multinational Battle Group-East (MNBG-E) Soldiers with 2nd Squadron, 38th Calvary Regiment, look out over the city of Mitrovica during the Kosovo elections, June 8. Various units with MNBG-E came together to support the Kosovo security organizations and help keep a safe and secure environment for the people voting in Mitrovica. PG 6 PG 7 MNBG-E’s Liaison Monitoring Teams help secure elections for Kosovo local citizens regarding the electoral along with security efforts by all in- has been proven by their abilities in process. volved. handling any problem and keeping Sgt. Brendan Pinkham, a LMT "The peaceful mood in which the the elections as incident free as pos- Soldier in Ferizaj, said the team’s elections were held demonstrates, sible to allow the citizens of Kosovo contributions to promoting a profes- once again, the democratic maturity an open avenue for a free election sional election day led to an equal and sense of civic duty which ani- process,” Hensley said. opportunity for all to vote. mates all the people of Kosovo and Tkac compared the day’s successes “We’re visiting all the polling cen- the high degree of efficiency and to a game of professional baseball, ters, there’s 32 of them, and we’re professionalism of the Kosovo Po- with steps taken to achieve playing just trying to make sure everything lice,” Farina said. “The large partic- in the game’s ultimate champion- is good and all the people are hav- ipation of citizens of different ethnic ship, the World Series. The elections ing an opportunity to get out and held June 8, Tkac said, equated to vote; no one’s trying to stop them a “pennant game” - while still a re- and prevent them from casting a markable achievement, work still vote,” Pinkham said. “We’re needs to be done to clench the going to feel the pulse of victory of holding elections Kosovo and try to get without outside assistance. out there and make “You have a free Koso- sure everyone has vo doing a democratic an opportunity to election, where they’re vote; so we’re go- free to go ahead and ing to be visiting a do it. Where I see lot of polling sites where the “World Se- and basically try- ries” will be, is when ing to get the at- they are able to do mospherics of the their own elections region.” free and democratical- Longstanding eth- ly without any threats nic tensions among to a safe and secure en- Kosovo Albanians, vironment and freedom of Kosovo Serbians and mi- movement, and without the Sgt. Lux Duran (bottom left) and Pfc. Desaree Greene (right), are two Soldiers assigned to the Multinational Battle Group-East Liaison Mentor- nority groups had caused presence of KFOR, the United ing Team in Ferizaj. On election day, the two were assigned to the regional Kosovo Police headquarters in Ferizaj as liaisons between the LMT anxiety in previous electoral States or any other NATO allies,” and the police. votes, so ensuring this year’s par- Tkac said. Story and photo by Capt. Kevin Sandell, over watch and mentorship to the providing security. liamentary elections went smoothly groups “Today is still an accomplish- 11th Public Affairs Detachment Kosovo Police maintaining security “I had to observe the distribution was the key facet for Kosovo Force. and minori- ties are a clear ment, just like winning the pennant ith over 110,000 during the citywide voting. of ballots to all the polling centers Due in large part to the successful manifestation of the democratic is still an accomplishment. It’s not citizens in the mu- For 1st Lt. Andrew Tkac, the lo- which went flawlessly,” Tkac said. security plan laid out by the Kosovo spirit which distinguishes the citi- the World Series. Whatever happens nicipality and 32 cal LMT officer in charge, the path “Every single convoy was escorted Police, KFOR and MNBG-E, the zens of this part of the Balkans." today, as long as it goes peaceful, diverse election enabling the historic vote began by Ferizaj, Kosovo Police to all the region’s voting went off without a Col. Charles Hensley, commander they’ve won the pennant, they’ve pollingW sites, the city of Ferizaj uneasily, but required collaboration polling centers, and we observed major incident, and 43 percent of of Multinational Battle Group-East, done the good thing and they’re al- played a substantial role in Koso- among the institutions in Kosovo, the polling centers making sure the eligible voters participated in the said the battle group’s conviction most there. Once Kosovo has said, vo’s parliamentary elections, June its police division and NATO’s appropriate security measures were elections, according to Kosovo’s in the Kosovo Police was proven ‘We’re secure and we’re able to 8. A small liaison mentoring team Kosovo Force. Tkac and his team in place.” Central Election Commission. throughout the planning process self-sustain and we’re able to con- (LMT) , comprised of 10 U.S. Sol- were ready at 5 a.m. that day to cer- Serving in a dual-hatted role, the The commander of Kosovo Force, and on the official Election Day. tinue our democratic body and gov- diers from Kosovo Force’s Multina- tify the ballots were safely distribut- LMT not only monitored the securi- Italian army Maj. Gen. Salvatore “MNBG-East has the challenge of erning, and don’t need outside help, tional Battle Group-East (MNBG- ed to the city’s various polling sites, ty of Ferizaj’s polling sites, but also Farina, credited the successful vot- remaining vigilant in Kosovo, and that’s when I think they’ll win the E), were charged with providing while also ensuring the police were gained opinions and concerns from ing to citizens’ sense of civic duty our confidence in the Kosovo Police ‘World Series,’” Tkac continued. PG 8 PG 9 LEGAL Independent Court’s Protect he Constitution works international treaties or pay taxes to and has thus far endured the central government. The revo- Our Unalienable because of bona fide in- lutionaries’ magnificent dream of a Rights dependent courts, which great nation that was governed not haveT substantial power to check and by kings or rulers, but by power de- ment, an independent judiciary balance the other branches of gov- rived from the people, seemed to be serves two goals: ernment and are truly free to make fading and was in serious doubt. 1. Keep the other political impartial decisions. As a result, Congress called a con- branches in check; and On July 4, 1776, the founding fa- vention to propose a new constitu- 2. Enable judges to make im- thers of the United States signed the tion in February 1787. Delegates partial decisions. Declaration of Independence—a from seven states met in Philadel- The judiciary restrains the execu- unanimous declaration of the thir- phia on May 25, 1787, and eventu- tive and legislative branches by rul- teen colonies to Great Britain estab- ally 74 delegates from twelve states ing their actions void when they lishing free, independent and sov- participated in the Constitutional violate the Constitution. The judi- ereign states. The Revolutionary Convention. These delegates were ciary’s check of the other branches War began a year earlier and con- considered the best and brightest of preserves the ability of the Consti- tinued until 1783. During that time, their time, and they studied, exam- tution to protect freedoms and order the Continental Congress drafted ined, and scrutinized forms of gov- society by ensuring that unconsti- the Articles of Confederation and ernment, ideas, and philosophies. tutional laws are overturned. Deci- Perpetual Union. This essentially They debated and challenged each sions should be based on what is served as the “first constitution” and other in their search for a form of right, just and fair, not what is pop- sprung from the revolutionaries’ vi- government that would protect the ular at the moment. This indepen- sion of a free and united nation with fact that “all men are created equal, dence is protected by the fact that independent sovereign states. [and] are endowed by their Creator federal judges are appointed for life The Articles of Confederation, with certain unalienable rights.” On and are free from executive branch however, failed to create a central- September 17, 1787, after months of controls. Federal judges cannot be ized government with substance, hard fought and intensive debates, removed from office at the impulse power, or worth. One of the most 38 delegates signed the Constitu- of angry or unsatisfied politicians or significant deficiencies in the- Ar tion and nine of the thirteen States litigants. ticles of Confederation was the ratified the same. History has proven that it is the failure to establish a judiciary. By The Constitution does independence of the judiciary that 1787, the United States could not not grant people rights, it protects our unalienable rights and defend its sovereignty, could not grants and limits the rights prevents a tyranny of the majority. pay its debts, its cur- and authority of the govern- Indeed, history has shown that an rency was worth- ment in a way that protects the independent judiciary is the corner- less, people’s “unalienable rights.” stone of democracy. and It is the courts that enforce Lastly, although the independent the the Constitution, pro- judiciary is one of the most impor- tect the peoples’ rights, tant and significant aspects of the and make the rule of law a Constitution, we must never forget real- ity. Indeed, the judicia- who has the real power over the ry’s independence is the government. The people. “We the states most essential charac- people are the rightful masters of failed teristic of a demo- both Congress and the courts, not t o cratic free society. to overthrow the Constitution but to com- In a constitutional overthrow the men who pervert the ply with system of govern- Constitution.” Abraham Lincoln. PG 10 15 Years Understanding KFOR’s past to shape its future

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Burger, NATO Council authorized the use of attempt to persuade Milosevic to 11th Public Affairs Detachment air strikes however, at the last mo- stop attacks on the Kosovar Alba- t’s another typical day on ment, Milosevic agreed to further nians or face imminent NATO air Camp Bondsteel. Besides to diplomatic initiatives and the air strikes. Milosevic refused to com- occasional officer rushing to strikes were called off. UN Security ply and on the 23rd, the order was attend a meeting or the roving Council created Resolution 1199, given to commence air strikes. militaryI police patrolman, it’s most- which called for a cease-fire by both Besim Hyseni, a U.S. Army trans- ly quiet. It’s a contrasting scene parties to the conflict. In support of lator for the Forward Command for those who were here when the the resolution, limits were set on the Post, was a civilian who was in the Kosovo conflict first occurred back number of Serbian forces in Kosovo capital city when NATO intervened. in 1999. and on the scope of their operations. “Before [Kosovo Forces] came, June 10 marks the 15th anniver- In addition, UNSCR 1203 en- the situation was very difficult. I sary of the rapid deployment of Op- dorsed the Organization for Se- was in Pristina when the airstrikes eration Joint Guardian, the security curity and Cooperation in Europe started. I was hiding in the city for force mandated by the United Na- to establish a Kosovo Verification a month. After a month, my family tions Security Council and a select Mission that would observe compli- and I left on a refugee train to Mace- few can still recall what life was like ance on the ground and that NATO donia. There, I worked in the camp in Kosovo more than a decade ago. would establish an aerial surveil- as a driver and interpreter for CARE Before the conflict, Kosovo was lance mission. international,” Hyseni said. an autonomous province of Serbia Despite these steps, in 1999, the On the evening of June 9th, NATO and contained a mixed population situation in Kosovo flared up again. and Yugoslav Army commanders with an ethnic Albanian majority. Renewed international efforts were signed a Military-Technical Agree- In 1989, Serbian leader Slobodan made to find a peaceful solution to ment that began the full withdrawal Milosevic altered the status of the the conflict. NATO supported and of Yugoslav forces from Kosovo. As region, removing its autonomy and reinforced international efforts by agreed in the MTA, the deployment bringing it under Belgrade, Serbia’s agreeing on January 30, to use air of the security force – KFOR - was control. strikes, if required, and by issuing a synchronized with the departure of In 1998, open conflict between warning to both sides in the conflict. Serb security forces from Kosovo. Serbians and Kosovo Albanians re- On March 18, Serbian forces After an air campaign lasting sulted in the deaths of over 1,500 Al- breached compliance with the Oc- seventy-seven days, On June 10, banians and forced 400,000 people tober agreement by moving extra 1999, NATO Secretary General Ja- from their homes. The internation- troops and tanks into the region. vier Solana announced that he had al community became concerned Tens of thousands of people began instructed U.S. Army Gen. Wesley about Milosevic's disregard for dip- to flee their homes in the face of this Clark, Supreme Allied Commander lomatic efforts aimed at peacefully systematic offensive. The KVM Europe, temporarily to suspend NA- resolving the crisis. withdrew from the region, hav- TO's air operations against Yugosla- Task Force Sabre soldiers get on a CH-47 Chinook helicopter to fly back On June 12, 1998 the North Atlan- ing faced obstruction from Serbian via. to Camp Bondsteel after a Schutzen- tic Council assessed possible mea- forces to the point that they could The UN Security Council passed schnur range in Orahovac, Kosovo, on Oct. 12, 2001. Eighty American soldiers sures that NATO might take with no longer fulfill their tasks. UNSCR 1244, welcoming the Fed- participated in the German Schutzen- regard to the developing Kosovo US Ambassador Richard Hol- eral Republic of Yugoslavia’s ac- schnur weapons qualification to earn crisis. On 13 October 1998, the the German Marksmanship Badge dur- brooke flew to Belgrade, in a final Continued on next page ing NATO's Operation Joint Guardian. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Vincent PG 12A. King) PG 13 ceptance on a political solution to mission is now widely viewed as the Kosovo crisis, including an im- positive, back then many Soldiers mediate end to violence and a rapid were apprehensive about how to in- withdrawal of its military, police teract with the people. and paramilitary forces. “We really didn’t know what to ex- The first elements of KFOR en- pect. For the most part the Kosovars tered Kosovo June 12th and by June treated us like saviors, but mostly 20th, the Serbian withdrawal was we kept our distance unlike now complete and KFOR was well estab- since we figured out how to go out lished in Kosovo. Following confir- and engage the populace,” Francis mation that Serb security forces had said. vacated Kosovo, the NATO Secre- For the next 15 years, KFOR tary General announced he had for- would provide protection and sta- mally terminated the air campaign. bility to the region, allowing Koso- While this was going on, Hyseni vo to grow and prosper. Hyseni said was offered a chance to come back that for more than a decade the key home and make a difference. mission has remained the same. “Contractors from KFOR came to “[KFOR] is here to provide a safe Early Camp Bondsteel the camp to recruit translators for and secure environment, regardless observation post. (Cour- tesy photo) them so I volunteered and got the of ethnic background,” Hyseni said. job. We came back here from Camp Able Sentry in Macedonia to Camp Bondsteel,” Hyseni said. “I was KFOR looks ahead to the future very proud to help my people and to help the U.S Army and was happy or 15 years, Kosovo ronment and freedom of movement ing your surroundings if you’re in to come back to come to our home- Force (KFOR) has pro- for the institutions here.” constant fear for your life. That’s land and work with KFOR.” vided peace and stability A few members of MNBG-E were the biggest change I’ve seen; the At its full strength, KFOR com- to a region that was un- a part of the initial peacekeeping people have a chance to expand and prised nearly 50,000 personnel. It stableF and on the brink of collapse. force and echo Hensley’s positive improve on their lives,” said Fran- was a multinational force under Now, during the 15th anniversary assessment of Kosovo today. cis. unified command and control with of Operation Joint Guardian, un- “In the past 15 years, a lot of prog- Francis, a member of the Kansas substantial NATO participation. Pvt. William Helton measures and marks wood for the construction of a SEAHUT at Camp der the security force mandated by ress was done. Back then, Kosovo National Guard, was deployed here Dan O’Brien, Interim Director of Bondsteel, Kosovo, on Oct. 5, 1999. Pvt. 2 Helton is from Bravo Company, 94th Engineers the United Nations Security Coun- Force was the police, humanitar- during rotation 2B as an assistant Battalion out of Vilseck, Germany. The SEAHUTs are being constructed in replacement of the Security, Plans and Operations for General Purpose Tents at Camp Bondsteel. They will be used for housing and work spaces. cil Resolution 1244, members of ian, government; pretty much ev- operations officer for 4th Battal- Area Support Team Balkans was a The soldiers are in Kosovo in support of the peace-keeping mission NATO Opertion Joint Multinational Battle Group-East erything. With time, the local in- ion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, squad leader for 92nd Military Po- Guardian. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christina Ann Horne) (MNBG-E) reflect on the changes stitutions took over and KFOR’s and added the JIC’s missions along lice Company during rotation 1B. we were joyful to help our people,” Kosovo and in the ABL valley. We that occurred and also look toward presence reduced. That’s a sign of the Administrative Boundary Line Stationed at nearby Camp Montieth, Hyseni added. did a lot of illumination missions, the future. progress,” said Besim Hyseni, a haven’t evolved in the last decade his role was far different than the Maj. Aaron Francis, Kansas Na- called peace enforcement back U.S. Army Col. Charles Hensley, U.S. Army translator for the For- and a half. role of the MPs here today. tional Guard and deputy chief of then,” Francis said. MNBG-E commander, is respon- ward Command Post, and was one “The JIC hasn’t changed since “When we arrived, we were ini- Multinational Battle Group-East’s Life on the bases was of a higher sible for a large area of Kosovo, and of KFOR’s first translators. 1999. The Military Technical Agree- tially the law enforcement for Koso- Joint Implementation Commission, tempo, Francis added, with constant is also responsible for the northern Maj. Aaron Francis, deputy chief ment between [KFOR] and Serbia is vo. They were still introducing the said combat units here had different 12-hour shifts, and over crowded region, an area many would consid- of MNBG-E’s Joint Implementa- still the same,” he said. Kosovo Police into the system. We tasks as well during his time here living facilities. er Kosovo’s most volatile. Despite tion Commission (JIC) added the What has changed drastically is actually went out and did law en- during rotation 2B as an assistant “From my understanding, Bond- this, his outlook on Kosovo’s stabil- security in Kosovo has noticeably the overall posture and mission of forcement for the entire country,” operations officer for 4th battalion, steel was the biggest deployed base ity is positive. advanced over the past 15 years. KFOR. O’Brien said. 27th Field Artillery Regiment. at the time. We had a north, mid and “The conditions are very good “Kosovo and KFOR have come a “When you think about the begin- “In those days, KFOR was the “Our posture was a lot different south towns. We lived six captains right now in Kosovo,” Hensley said. long way since [1999]. A person’s ning, we had Bradley [fighting ve- only institution. We used to work 15 then. There was still a significant to a room,” Francis continued. “We’ve done a very good job of first need is security. There’s no hicles] and tanks in [the streets] to to hours a day. It was hard work, but amount of violence going on in Although KFOR’s peacekeeping maintaining a safe and secure envi- economic development or improv- Continued on next page PG 14 PG 15 help establish peace,” Hens- ley said. “Now, we’re more Chaplain maintaining the peace so the Are We institutions in Kosovo can the way. At one point the clouds no one should be left to complete develop themselves, and cleared away just enough to see the their climb alone. We sometimes we’re very close to transi- There majestic view of our God’s creation. forget that it’s not about getting tioning from what we are As quickly as it cleared, it clouded to the top of the mountain, but it’s now to a different presence.” over once again, leaving the hikers about the experience along the way. The commander added with the daunting hour-long, ankle- We are made to experience life to- the most jarring change has Yet? twisting task of descending down gether, not remain in an isolated been the visible reduction of By Chaplain (Capt.) Mark L. Hart the path they had just conquered. vacuum. The next time you are forces in the region. or those of us fortunate This experience is a reminder to faced with an apparent unachiev- “When we first came here, enough to have kids, I am each of us that life can be like that able obstacle, remember you don’t there were five battle groups sure you have heard them cloud-covered mountain some- have to get through it on your own. and nearly 50,000 soldiers. say “Are we there yet?” times. Just when you think you The Chaplain Corps’ foundational Now we’re down to two bat- duringF the course of any journey to have conquered an unobtainable competencies are to nurture the liv- tle groups and a few thou- an exciting destination. The antici- obstacle, the clouds break up just ing, care for the wounded and honor sand troops,” He said. “Still, pation of what is to come gets the enough for you to see there is an- the fallen. If you find yourself fac- it’s a visible assurance to best of both kids and adults alike. other obstacle up ahead. The jour- ing a climb that seems unachievable the people of Kosovo that That was the case June 15, 2014, as ney of life can be difficult at times, and feel you have nowhere to turn, NATO and KFOR are still a group of 25 U.S. Soldiers ventured even as battle-hardened Soldiers. always know your chaplain is more here supporting their efforts out to conquer the highest mountain Because our focus is so clouded by than willing to come along side you in becoming an independent peak in Kosovo -- Mount Ljubo- the obstacle right in front of us, we and assist you along life’s journey. country.” ten -- otherwise known as “Mount lose sight of how God can use that They are trained, willing and ready The commander also said Duke.” situation to strengthen us or to help to provide unbiased pastoral care the forces that remain in The gloomy day of clouds and rain another person who may be facing a and counseling to every Soldier Kosovo serve as a third re- would not dampen the spirits of similar obstacle. who has a felt need. sponder in the event of a these 25 Soldiers because they were Just like these 25 Soldiers who set civil disturbance. It’s a mis- determined to climb to the summit out to climb Mount Duke together, For God and Country!!! sion that KFOR has only in hopes of getting just a been called to perform a few glimpse of the beautiful times since 1999. Regard- valley below. As the ascent less, the NATO forces train to the cloud-covered peak and certify their crowd and of Mount Duke continued, riot control skills regularly Sergeant Major of the Army Robert E. Hall talks with soldiers at at the chow hall on Camp Bondsteel, one false summit after an- with events like “Silver Sa- Kosovo, on October 29, 1999. Hall stopped at Camp Able Sentry on his tour of the U.S. sector of Kosovo. other gave the group hope (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Tyler Long) ber,” which was held last and excitement in their month. accomplishment. Yet the “The value of [exercises like] Sil- “There’s a positive feeling toward seni agreed, and added this would constant urge was always ver Saber is everybody gets to see KFOR and a very positive feeling be done as Kosovo’s infrastructure there to say “Are we there how each other’s countries contrib- toward U.S. Soldiers. I’ve had only improved. yet?” ute to crowd and riot control. It al- positive interactions with the popu- “A great deal of progress was done With each summit behind lows us to employ something we lace. I’ve never gone anywhere and here with the help of NATO, Euro- the group, the sense of hav- haven’t had to do in several years,” not feel welcomed in Kosovo,” he pean countries and the U.S. govern- ing conquered the 8,200- he continued. said. ment, but eventually this help will foot ascent grew with much One the most telling signs of The commander concluded that decrease and it will be gone,” Hyse- anticipation. In just over KFOR success, Hensley said, is the over the next several years, as the ni said. “I think it’s going to be done two hours the entire team great appreciation on the part of the capabilities of the Kosovar institu- with progress. As Kosovo develops, conquered what seemed Kosovar people for the contributions stand up, the need for KFOR’s NATO will give over more respon- to be nearly an impossible tions of NATO and the U.S. continued presence will reduce. Hy- sibly back.” task at several points along PG 16 PG 17 Excellence in Cavalry challenges Phantom Recon troops event. “It’s a honor to do it and to be cho- sen to do it. It’s great training and it’s good to get back to the roots of a scout,” said Teed. “The goal is to always succeed, that’s what we are going for.” McLaughlin said the Excellence in Cavalry award could only be earned if a Soldier earns a ‘go’ in all assigned tasks. He also added the event is a chance for Soldiers to set Sgt. Stephen Triplett, a Sol- themselves apart from their peers, dier with 2nd Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment and a na- and for senior leaders to distinguish tive of New Braunfels, Texas, those capable of increased leader- pulls security during the Excellence in Cavalry event ship duties. at Camp Bondsteel, June “By the end of the course, [most 11. Soldiers had to move through the woods quietly to participants] will probably have a maintain noise discipline. 7-10 percent ‘go’ rate. It just lets the Soldiers see if they have what it takes to excel amongst their peers,” Cpl. Lawrence Wheeler, a cavalry scout with 2nd Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment and native of Palm Coast, Fla., checks a land navigation point to see if his bearings are correct during the said McLaughlin. “If they don’t suc- Excellence in Cavalry competition at Camp Bondsteel, June 10. To receive a “go” in the event, ceed in getting the EIC, they know Soldiers had to find eight of ten points during a timed land navigation course. Story and photos by Sgt. Cody Barber, Alpha Troop. “It also measures their copter landing zone and conducted that they pushed themselves for the I’m capable of doing my duties to ished their final tasks, but only two 11th Public Affairs Detachment physical fitness, shooting capabili- a MEDEVAC. past three days and bettered their the standard, and it makes you look Soldiers received the coveted EIC oise was their enemy ties and their basic cavalry knowl- For the final day of the event, Sol- knowledge for next time.” good in the eyes of your supervi- award, proving the event’s difficul- and silence was their edge.” diers threw on a 35-pound ruck for Teed couldn’t agree more. sors,” said Teed. ty. Teed was one of the awardees, ally as Soldiers tested On the first day, Soldiers from the a 12-mile march, which required “It’s important for me to get it When the competition concluded, and said even though the mission during the Excellence Phantom Recon squadron took an completion in less than three hours. because its shows leadership that 27 Phantom Recon troops had fin- in Kosovo is peacekeeping, it is al- inN Cavalry (EIC) competition held Army Physical Fitness Test and had That was followed by exercises in ways good to stay profi- at Camp Bondsteel, which tested to achieve the 90th percentile in each calling for simulated artillery fire, cient in his skills no mat- them on their knowledge of their event to qualify for the EIC. They tactical vehicle identification, estab- ter what, because they are cavalry occupational specialty, June also completed a timed land navi- lishing a listening/observation post easily forgotten. 10-12. gation course and performed basic and an EIC knowledge board. “This is our job and we The three-day event had Soldiers maintenance and function checks of Spc. Douglas Teed, a 2-38 Cavalry have a set of skills we from 2nd Squadron, 38th Cavalry multiple crew-served weapons. scout and a competition participant, need to perform our job, Regiment, running steep hills, call- “They were tested on the .50-Cali- said every event tested his knowl- and we need to stay sharp ing for simulated artillery fire, and ber and 240B machine guns, M4 ri- edge and physical skills, but he was on them,” said Teed. using camouflage to blend into the fle, 40mm grenade launcher and the able to push through each obstacle. surrounding vegetation, as they test- long-range advanced scout surveil- “Physically it’s been challenged their proficiency in cavalry scout lance system,” said McLaughlin, a ing, and when you are physically A Soldier with 2nd Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, fires the skills. Nogales, Ariz. native. challenged you’re a little tired, so M4 rifle during the Excellence “[The purpose is] to evaluate their The Soldiers started the second it makes it mentally challenging as in Cavalry competition at Camp Bondsteel, June 11. The three- [basic] skill level reconnaissance day with a four-mile run, which they well,” said Teed. day event had Soldiers running tasks and to make sure they have had to finish in less than 36 minutes. The Owego, N.Y. native added the up and down steep hills, calling for simulated artillery fire and maintained those skills,” said 1st They also completed dismounted entire event was quite the experi- using camouflage face paint to Sgt. Lanny McLaughlin, senior en- movement techniques, qualified at ence, and said there was only one blend into the surrounding vegetation to test their proficiency listed advisor for 2-38 Cav. Regt.’s a M4 rifle range, established a heli- goal on his mind throughout the on cavalry scout skills. PG 18 PG 19 S i K . .Service in Kosovo Photos Like taking photos? Want to see them in this magazine?

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Soldiers with KFOR Multinational Battle Group-East, celebrated the U.S. Army's 239th birthday, June A U.S. soldier, part of a NATO 14, at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo. peace force, places barbed wire Events at Camp Bondsteel in- on his Humvee during a protest cluded a traditional cake-cutting in the ethnically divided town of ceremony with the battle group's Mitrovica, June 22, 2014. (Photo oldest and youngest Soldiers cut- courtesy of Hazir Reka/Reuters) ting the cake. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Burger)

U.S. Army Sgt. Ryan Bendall and Sgt. Vladimir Vega, Sol- diers with KFOR Multinational Battle Group-East, received their United States citizen- A Black Hawk helicopter hovers ap- ship through naturalization proximately 10 feet above the ground on Camp Bondsteel, June 12. waiting for Troopers with 2nd Squad- Naturalization is the process ron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, Hammer by which U.S. citizenship is Troop, to hook up a re-supply bundle granted to a foreign citizen or at Camp Novo Selo, June 17. Air Re- national after he or she fulfills Supply is a critical element of peace the requirements established support and combat operations, by Congress in the Immigra- and expert level proficiency is only tion and Nationality Act (INA). achieved during hours of darkness. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Cody (Photo by Pfc. An Nyguen) Barber) Day of organized chaos provides lifesaving knowledge to MNBG-E Soldiers event was part of the test, and that Just as fast as the patients arrived, to effectively lead patrols.” Camp Bondsteel firefighters treat and watch over the various simulated all of the events were emplaced to they were treated, and Woods attrib- Her responsibility during the train- wounded personnel at a casualty col- put increased tension on the Kosovo uted that to the communication being was serving as the extra eyes lection point during a force protection exercise, June 17. Multiple entities had Force responders. tween the medical personnel. and ears for Love, and she believes to work together and overcome chal- “A diverse range of expertise is “The communication was out- training is an excellent way to stay lenges during the training. needed to effectively mitigate haz- standing compared to our last mass proficient in her skills. ards that might threaten human lives casualty exercise,” said Woods. “The skills Soldiers learn are per- and mission requirements,” Love “The turnaround [of patients] was a ishable and everyone can become added. lot faster because we knew exactly complacent,” said Henley. “The At the base hospital, the influx what we were doing.” training provides insight to areas of simulated casualties seemed to One of the trainees during the our Soldiers should focus on to en- come in like a conveyor belt as pa- event, U.S. Army Sgt. Ronunda sure they know their role.” tients filled up beds and hallways. Henley, a patrol supervisor with the Love said there are several limi- Spc. Megan Woods, a combat medic Camp Bondsteel Military Police tations that prevent groups from with Task Force Medical and a na- platoon and native of Birmingham, mastering all skills required for ef- tive of Mesa. Ariz., was one of the Ala., said the training was an eye- fective emergency management. He personnel on scene treating the ca- opening experience. felt the training was essential to ev- sualties, and said it shined new light “This event tested my ability to eryone involved in the events. upon her job. perform under a stressful environ- “In a deployed environment, train- “It gave me a different perspec- ment while having to maintain a ing is essential to defeat physical tive, especially since we had the level head during the unfolding of threats to safety and welfare and [simulated] shooter on one of the these events,” said Henley. “It also [to] honor [Soldiers’] commitments beds in the emergency room,” said tested my patrols’ capability to per- to support and defend,” said Love. Woods. “It was a good learning ex- form tasks according to the standard perience.” operating procedures and my ability

Story and photos by Sgt. Cody Barber, “The intent of the recent training ties. This ultimately led to the final 11th Public Affairs Detachment event was to stress force protection training event for the Kosovo Force he day was like a Hol- systems by modifying the challeng- Soldiers, which was a mass casualty lywood horror movie -- es responders must address,” said exercise. pouring rain, cracks of U.S. Army Capt. Branson Love, “The exercises were developed thunder, and a killer on MNBG-E Provost Marshall and a to accomplish multiple objectives theT loose. For the security forces Clinton, Mo., native. “This exer- [such as the] functional evalua- at Camp Bondsteel however, this cise emphasized the lattermost op- tion of a mass notification system, wasn’t a movie, but rather a chal- tion as evidenced by an increase of challenging emergency responders' lenging, simulated exercise. incidents, spatial regions affected, tactical capabilities, and evaluating Multinational Battle Group-East notional casualties and communica- Camp Bondsteel Emergency Man- (MNBG-E) Soldiers participated in tion requirements.” agement synchronization,” said a camp-wide force protection train- The event started in the morning Love. ing scenario, June 17. The training with a simulated car bomb detonat- Love functioned as the incident tested troops on their ability to react ing near the main gate and injuring commander during scenarios. He Multinational Battle Group-East (MNBG- E) Soldiers load simulated patients onto to possible security events, while numerous security guards. Shortly assumed operational control of the a MEDEVAC helicopter during force working together with different thereafter, shots rang out inside one incident sites, directed respond- protection training on Camp Bondsteel, June 17. The events tested troops on agencies on the camp, such as the of the gyms located on base, where ers and resources, and coordinated their ability to react to possible real-life fire department and DynCorp secu- a simulated active shooter began his the activities of responding agen- events as well as coordinating with dif- rity. rampage, causing multiple casual- cies. He said the sheer scale of the ferent agencies to work together. PG 22 PG 23 LasT Look

Junior officers with Multinational Battle Group-East, load a helicopter with ROTC cadets who were visiting Camp Bondsteel to experience a day-in-the-life of a Soldier, June 8. (Photo by U.S. Army Capt. Kevin Sandell)