www.nato.int/kfor The KFOR magazine for KFOR soldiers February 2013 KFOR CHRONICLE

- UKRAINIAN PEACEKEEPERS - GERMAN VIP - CHILDREN’S SAFETY CELEBRATION - VISIT TO KOSOVO - IS A PRIORITY -

CONTENT

UKRAINIAN PEACEKEEPERS CELEBRATIONS 4 3MCAD ADDRESS GERMAN VIP VISIT TO 10KOSOVO CRC EXERCISE 12 MITROVICA NORTH ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE6 CHILDREN`S SAFETY 14IS A PRIORITY LANGUAGE COURSE IN HIGH DEMAND

15 SENIOR MENTOR AND ADVISOR8 MORAL WELFARE 16ACTIVITIES IN KFOR THE NATIONAL 20THEATRE OF KOSOVO PROFILES 23 TRAINING FOR MEDICAL PERSONNEL22

- KFOR Chronicle 02/2013 - MCAD ADDRESS MCAD

MILITARY CIVIL ADVISORY DIVISION ACTIVITIES osovo has just celebrated the fifth Anniver- Ksary of its independence, and the Kosovo Se- curity Force (KSF) has been an integral part of the celebrations, marking its place as an essential element of this young State. The KSF is a lightly armed security force, offi- cially established on the 21st of January 2009 with the task of providing an emergency and a civil protection response force to assist Kosovo civil authorities. Its core capabilities are fire fighting, search and rescue, dealing with hazardous ma- terial, and explosive ordnance disposal. Having reached its Initial Operational Capability in mid- September 2009, the KSF is now awaiting the for- mal endorsement by the North Atlantic Council of its Full Operational Capability (FOC), which is expected to be declared in the coming months. The KSF has already proved its capabilities, not only during the exercises conducted just prior to FOC recommendation, but also in real emergen- cies, such as the relief assistance to Albania after the flood in January 2010, the search and rescue operation in the village of Restelica following the avalanche in February 2012, and in the clearing of Kosovo mined areas, where KSF deminers suf- fered no casualties. KFOR’s Military Civil Advisory Division (MCAD) has accompanied the KSF along this journey, mentoring, advising and training its com- advisory tasks. At the same time, KFOR’s units will con- manders, leaders, trainers and personnel over the tinue to provide support, within means and capabilities, last four years. KFOR’s operational units too have through enhanced cooperation. significantly contributed towards this goal through The commitment of the men and women of KFOR and the Enhanced Cooperation Programme. MCAD will continue unaltered; a self-sustaining KSF is The formal declaration of the FOC will not mark a key step forward towards a safe and secure Kosovo the end of KFOR’s mission with regard to the and the accomplishment of KFOR’s mission. This is a KSF. Much remains to be achieved yet towards goal that we can only achieve continuing to progress a self-sustaining force. A thorough cooperation “FORWARD TOGETHER” with the KSF. plan for 2013 is being developed in coordination with the Ministry of the KSF and the COM KSF, encompassing Enhanced Cooperation, Security Force Assistance programmes, the overcoming of legacy issues, and the transition of vetting activi- ties to Kosovo Institutions. In order to accomplish BRIGADIER GENERAL SALVATORE CARTA DCOS/MILITARY CIVIL ADVISORY DIVISION CHIEF these goals in the upcoming months, the MCAD will face a transformation, focusing mainly on

- KFOR Chronicle 02/2013 - 2 3 UKRAINIAN PEACEKEEPERS CELEBRATIONS

THE 21ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMED FORCES

n December 2012, the Ukrai- In the second part of the festive Inian contingent held a ceremony event, the Ukrainian peacekeepers to mark the 21st anniversary of demonstrated the use of weapons the creation of the Armed Forces during a tactical operations display. of Ukraine. Welcoming the atten- Finally, the guests were treated to a dance of their distinguished guests, highly professional performance of the Commander of the Ukrainian various techniques of hand-to-hand Contingent, Lt Col Illia Fedorenko, fighting that contains elements of commenced the ceremony by out- boxing, karate, aikido, and judo. lining the significance of the event These combat skills bring with and congratulating the contingent them the necessary military, physi- on the occasion of the 21st anniver- cal and psychological qualities re- The commander of the Ukrainian sary of the foundation of the Armed quired of a modern soldier. Contingent in Kosovo, Colonel Illia Forces. This, the final part of the ceremo- Fedorenko believes that he is a very ny, was a spectacular demonstra- fortunate officer to command such tion which was greatly enjoyed by a cohesive and well-trained unit the guests. On completion of the which will remain in theatre un- display, the guests applauded for til April 2013 thus completing one a solid five minutes to mark their year service with KFOR. appreciation for the demonstration To date, after ten months service presented by Ukrainian service- with KFOR, Ukrainian peacekeep- men. Col Storey was deeply im- ers have performed more than 900 pressed and personally expressed different tasks. In particular, they his admiration and gratitude to the have conducted convoy escorts, commander of the Ukrainian con- VIP guard, patrolled enclaves tingent and all the organisers and densely populated by national mi- In reply on behalf of the guests, the executors of this special event. norities and conducted joint patrols Commander of the Multi National Col Storey stated that “In my 30 with the Kosovo border police. In Battle Group East, Col Waymon years of service in army, this has addition, they have completed syn- Storey, thanked the soldiers of the been the most professional and chronized patrols along the admin- Ukrainian contingent for their ex- skillfull demonstration of unarmed istrative boundary lines with units cellent manner in which they con- combat that I have witnessed. I of the Armed Forces of the Repub- ducted their peacekeeping tasks and am honored to command a Battle lic of Serbia, established tempo- also awarded the best soldiers on Group which contains troops with rary check points and observation parade with diplomas. such skills and training ”. posts and guarded KFOR military

STORY and PICTURES: B. SENYK

- KFOR Chronicle 02/2013 - UKRAINIAN PEACEKEEPERS CELEBRATIONS MNBG E

installations. The contigent has personnel who have already experi- The first Ukrainian peacekeep- also participated in all operations enced participation in international ing unit stepped onto the land of and activities conducted by the peacekeeping operations. Ukraine “blackbird” thirteen years ago, in MNBG E. Armed Forces personnel have September 1999. Veterans of Peace- Ukrainian soldiers believe that their peacekeeping experience in Sierra keeping Operations said that in re- participation in peacekeeping mis- Leone, South Lebanon, Liberia, and cent years the situation in Kosovo sions allow them to gain valuable Iraq. Some of their personnel per- has improved immensely. But there experience and improve their skills formed peacekeeping tasks 14 years are still many issues outstanding set. The Ukraine Authorities se- ago in the former Yugoslavia. This which KFOR and the international lect its best personnel and deploys gives proof to the saying: “He who community must address in order to them on peacekeeping missions. will visit the Balkans once – will improve the welfare and safety of The present contigent contains 60 surely come back here again.” local people.

- KFOR Chronicle 02/2013 - 4 5 MITROVICA NORTH ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

CHILDREN’S FUTURE IS AT STAKE

he abbreviation MNAO is own municipal representatives. The discussing the workings of the Tregularly seen and heard in funding for the MNAO is by the MNAO is how driven Mrs. Hodzic KFOR briefings, but what does Institutions in Kosovo (IiK) and is to succeed in her appointment. MNAO stand for and what are its the MNAO has the same status as She is a mother of two young functions and what are the thoughts an elected municipal authority. All children and it is the desire to of its Chief Administrate Officer policy and activities of the MNAO improve their future that makes her (CAO), Mrs. Adrijana Hodzic. are planned and implemented in so determined to make the MNAO The Mitrovica North Administrative direct communication with the a conduit for the development Office (MNAO) was established on citizens of North Mitrovica. MNAO of North Mitrovica. She stated the 23rd of May 2012 in accordance deals exclusively with local issues that there are many problems in with the “Ahtisaari Plan”. The that affect the lives of the ordinary her area of responsibility such as function of the MNOA is to deliver population and does not tolerate security, health facilities, education, all municipal services in a fully political or any other interference. employment, capital investment and transparent, comprehensive and In order to gain an insight into the the provision of sports facilities. direct way in tight cooperation workings of the MNAO, the KFOR Mrs. Hodzic believes that all the with the citizens and according to Chronicle team met with Mrs. citizens of North Mitrovica share a their needs. MNAO will remain in Adrijana Hodzic in her Mitrovica common goal of wanting a better existence until the conditions are North office. life for themselves and their families created for the citizens to elect their The first impression one gets when and this includes the delivery of

STORY: J. MURPHY PICTURES: A. HAJRULLAHU

- KFOR Chronicle 02/2013 - MITROVICA NORTH ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE MNAO

all the services that one expects resulting poverty could be elevated. North and stated that no democratic of a modern city. Mrs Hodzic This would offer a prosperous country could countenance such fervently believes that if investment shared future for all citizens in activities. Mrs. Hodzic is a realist from outside Kosovo could be Mitrovica. This is a major focus of and knows that nothing happens attracted together with the regional the MNAO and the development of overnight but she is prepared for Economic Development Strategy an overarching strategy is critical to the long road ahead as she stated and the involvement of the local move Mitrovica North forward to a “it’s my children’s future that is at community through indigenous better future. Mrs. Hodzic was very stake”. companies then the present forceful in her condemnation of the unemployment levels and the violence occurring in Mitrovica

- KFOR Chronicle 02/2013 - 6 7 SENIOR MENTOR AND ADVISOR

2nd BATTALION RAPID REACTION BATTALION ver the past number of months Othe 2nd Rapid Reaction Battalion (RRB) of the Kosovo Security Forces (KSF) has made a lot of progress in the area of training and in its professionalism, thanks to the assistance of the mentors from KFOR RRB Military Advisory Team (MAT). Since arriving in KFOR in July 2012, Lt Col Del Bene (ITA) has overseen an increase in the professionalism and in the direction of 2nd Bn RRB KSF. The introduction of a new training platform in August 2012 gave focus and direction to the Bn while at the same time encouraged coordination and partnership through the mentoring over the past few months from bi- needs analysis using the monthly process. This Training Platform lateral training arrangements with KFOR/RRB Enhanced Cooperation was designed to achieve specific the Turkish Training Teams (TTT). meetings, where training shortfalls training goals through Enhanced The new training platform was and the goals from the RRB yearly Cooperation (EC) between KFOR designed to break down into phases, training plan are discussed. The and the RRB in accordance with periods of training, which would be monthly Enhanced Cooperation the KFOR FRAGO. The Enhanced undertaken by the training partners meetings allow the RRB and Cooperation process has enabled and the 2nd Bn RRB jointly. The Mentors to outline training and the 2nd Bn RRB to conduct training overall objective of the platform activities which can assist the and increase their professional was to support the Bn Commander’s Bn Commander with his overall knowledge under the direction of training goals. training platform. In particular, the KFOR mentors and training teams. The training goals are identified platform outlines four phases of In addition, the Bn has also benefitted by the Bn Commander based on a training: 1. Refreshment phase, where the TTT deliver lectures on the selected topic. The lectures are provided at the 2nd Bn HQ in designated classrooms over a three day period each month. The lectures are primarily for key leaders such as team/squad/platoon leaders. 2. Focus phase, where MNBG W instructors teach and supervise practical activities, matching the TTT lectures. These practical training periods are carried out two days per month. The information gathered during the Focus phase by instructors is passed on to the TTT in order to rectify shortfalls in

- KFOR Chronicle 02/2013 - KSF

training for the next training period. Shortfalls and results of evaluation are reported to the 2nd Bn CDR and training staff during the Hot Wash Up (HWU)/After Action Review (AAR) which normally takes place after each practical period. It also gives the Bn Commander an opportunity to provide suggestions to KSF higher Command on improvements to KSF guidelines/ SOP/FMs. In addition, the HWU/ AAR is also used for feedback for the Bn and its junior leaders and thus acts as a valuable training tool. 3. Consolidation phase is the third phase and it involves a field activity based on the previous phases of interaction with mentors and covered in training are Crisis training. All 2nd Bn’s activities are partners. The Bn CDR must define a Response and preparation of the Bn conducted in YABLANICA, 10 scenario, Bn staff and Coy CDRs an for Natural Disasters Kosovo wide. km westward of the 2nd Bn HQ. In exercise plan, and assign sub Units In addition to the Crisis Response the consolidation phase, MNBG W (platoon, squad and team) logistical Topics, other areas are covered instructors as well as mentors act and other assets to accomplish in training such as Topography, as Directing Staff and supervise exercise/operations accordingly. NBC, reconnaissance, assisting the the activities performed providing During this phase, the KFOR RRB Kosovo Police at Checkpoints and feedback as well as offering points mentors observe and offer advice foot/vehicle patrols. on assessment/evaluation. and direction only. It is hoped that the efforts made 4. Automatism phase is the last At the end of the initial four months by both the RRB and the KFOR phase and it is used to determine training period, the maneuver Bn Mentors and training partners in if the 2nd Bn members are able Coys change their status and the this Training Platform will increase to plan and execute exercises by training platform is assigned to the RRB’s professionalism as well themselves without any external the next Coy in the Bn. The topics as adding to their overall skill set. The training will also prepare them for upcoming Bde and KSF exercises planned for 2013. We know from our daily interaction with the RRB that they see the tangible progress they have made over the last six months and value the commitment and effort made by KFOR in their overall training. There is no doubt that 2nd Bn RRB has improved during this period and that Enhanced Cooperation between the RRB and KFOR has been a success.

STORY: M. DEL BENE PICTURES: C. LILLO

- KFOR Chronicle 02/2013 - 8 9 GERMAN VIP VISIT TO KOSOVO

CHIEF OF DEFENSE VISITS HIS TROOPS n the 14 Feb 2013, the Chief Oof Defence (CHOD) of the German Bundeswehr, General Volker Wieker, visited his German soldiers in KFOR on a fact-finding mission. Germany is a major troop contributor to KFOR and the KFOR troops have been commanded by a German General for the last four years. Approximately 800 German soldiers are currently serving with KFOR in Kosovo. Germany provides a large number of personnel for the headquarters appointments in Film City, Pristina with the remainder serving in Prizren. Major General Volker Halbauer COM KFOR, welcomed the Inspector General, General Volker Wieker, at Pristina airport. During a briefing in KFOR Headquarters, conducted by COM KFOR for General Wieker, the current situation and the future of KFOR were discussed. On completion of his visit to KFOR HQ, General Wieker travelled by Swiss Air Force helicopter to Prizren. Here, memories of his many previous visits and his time spent in Kosovo came flooding back to the General. In 2001, General Wieker, together with his brigade was deployed to Prizren. During his flight, General Wieker commented that “a lot has changed in the country for the better and yet some things never change”. areas of concern. General Wieker of unit at home in Germany. A central point of the CHOD’s visit stated “KFOR is not a forgotten A sense of self-esteem and a and a heartfelt concern of his, was mission and your concerns deserve feeling of security are essential for the need for the German soldier full attention and recognition.” a good working environment and a to trust in its military leadership. General Wieker discussed the successful mission. The soldiers of While in Prizren and in an informal present reduction in the strength the 34th contingent were grateful for atmosphere the CHOD conducted a of the German Bundeswehr and a sympathetic ear from the CHOD. question and answer session where explored the follow-on concerns of soldiers could raise and discuss personnel in possible reconstruction

STORY: A. KUYUMDJAN PICTURES: T. JAKOBS and A. HAJRULLAHU

- KFOR Chronicle 02/2013 - GERMAN VIP VISIT TO KOSOVO DEU Contingent

- KFOR Chronicle 02/2013 - 10 11 CRC

CROWD AND RIOT CONTROL EXERCISE n the 19th of Feb, in Camp Movement (FOM) in Kosovo. The understanding of the role they OBondsteel, a joint Crowd exercise was also an opportunity to played in the overall scheme and and Riot Control (CRC) exercise exercise heavy tracked machinery operational plan. This exercise was conducted by elements of in a tactical role to assist in the and the cross training involved Multinational Battle Group East and removal of obstacles preventing has improved and increased the West. The training objectives of the FOM. KFOR acts as 3rd responder capacity of KFOR troops for exercise were to provide theoretical in Kosovo and the execution of the coordination and conduct of and practical CRC training to all the CRC drills and the response to joint operations between units. participants in order to familiarise the riot scenarios, were within this It also contributed to increasing the participants with current CRC restriction. Training was focused cohesion and to standardise Tactics, procedures and to validate Tactics, and the scenarios created by Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) exercise control were realistic. The between personnel from different in theatre. A primary mission of training objectives were achieved nations operating in Kosovo. KFOR is to ensure Freedom of and each contingent gained a better

STORY: J. MURPHY PICTURES: A. PARADY

- KFOR Chronicle 02/2013 - MSU

AUSTRIAN MEDAL PARADE

n the 30th of Jan 2013, the MSU camp for the last time with Austrian mission with MSU, which OAustrian Contingent attached great dignity and solemnity. is now comprised of Carabinieri to the MSU ended its mission The lowering of the Austrian flag only. in KOSOVO after two years of marked officially the end of the service, during which over 200 Austrian soldiers were deployed. These men and women worked intensely to ensure a Safe and Secure Environment (SASE) and to improve the conditions of peaceful coexistence of all population in this Country. They all served under the ensign of the Multinational Specialised Unit in close cooperation with the Carabinieri Corps. The MSU saluted the Austrian Contingent during the celebration of the Austrian medal parade and the ceremonial lowering of the Austrian flag in the MSU camp. The MSU Commander, Italian Colonel Mario DI IULIO, during the celebration gave an address to the KFOR Military Authorities, Austrian soldiers and Carabinieri who all attended the ceremony. In his address, Col. DI IULIO expressed his gratitude to Austrian soldiers for their constant commitment and for the high quality of their daily work, adding that being their Commander had been a great honour. After Col. DI IULIO’s address the Austrian Senior Representative Col. HOFER, congratulated his troops expressing his pride and gratitude for the accomplishment of the Austrian mission. During the ceremony, Col. DI IULIO and Col. HOFER presented the Austrian soldiers with the NATO “Non-Article 5” medal. Following the medal presentation, the Austrian Flag was lowered in

STORY and PICTURES: S. MARCOCCIA

- KFOR Chronicle 02/2013 - 12 13 CIMIC

CHILDREN`S SAFETY IS A PRIORITY

“Be visible” _ Be safe this was the main objective for the Slovenian LMT/JRD N humanitarian dona- tion on Wednesday, 16 January in aid of “NAIM FRASHERI” Pri- mary School. This donation was made possible with the generous financial support of VIPA CHIPS factory, the Slovenian public agen- cy for traffic safety and with moral support of VUSHTRRI/VUCITRN Municipality. The donation ceremony com- menced with a welcoming address from the JRD N Commander who expressed his delight in attending the event. He welcomed all of the guests and stated the great impor- tance KFOR placed on education in its policies. Education is nowa- days the most important key for the development of any nation and one of the imperative fundamental human rights. Education is of cru- cial importance in raising tolerance between individuals and nations.

As Helen KELLER state “the highest result of education is tolerance”. During the donation ceremony, lo- cal students prepared a short and very enjoyable cultural programme of ballet and traditional dance which greatly impressed all the guests. The main purpose of this event was the donation and distribution of a total of 1,247 pieces of reflective equipment to all first grade school children in order to ensure the safe- ty of young pedestrians while using public roads.

STORY and PICTURES: Y. BENALI

- KFOR Chronicle 02/2013 - MNBG W

LANGUAGE COURSE IN HIGH DEMAND

he Multinational Battle Group TWest (MNBG W) is composed of Austrians, Slovenians and Ital- ians, with a total strength of ap- proximately 600. As in every NATO mission, Eng- lish is the official language and is the medium for all the coordina- tion of joint and combined opera- tions between different nations par- ticipating in KFOR. English often turns out to be an important tool for social interaction and daily life. Among the many activities organ- ised for the soldiers of the MNBG W and an activity highly appreci- ated, regardless of nationality, are OF-2 Roland SIEGL (AUT), and language courses. by OR-2 David HORSWELL The first language course organised (AUT). It is important to underline in MNBG W was an English course. that all these instructors are “Non This course had the largest number Native English Speaking Teach- of applicants, resulting in the organ- ers” (NNEST), but have excellent isers having to divide the students English skills, and therefore they into different classes according to can impart their knowledge to the their level of proficiency: elemen- students. tary, pre-intermediate and interme- Lessons last one hour and take diate. place twice a week for each class for a total of about 150 students. more language courses, in Ger- The instruction was provided man and Italian, were commenced by OF-3 Natasa TROHA (SVN), Due to the enthusiasm shown by personnel from MNBG W, two in December, involving about 80 OF-4 Thomas FRONEK (AUT), students. The instructors are OR-7 Lukas BITTER (AUT) and OF-2 Marta MEAZZINI (ITA). It must be em- phasized that the instructors partici- pate in these classes on a voluntary basis in the evenings, sacrificing their free time in order to help to create a productive and enjoy- able experience for themselves and for their KFOR comrades, underlining the KFOR motto: Forward Together!

STORY and PICTURES: R. COSTA

- KFOR Chronicle 02/2013 - 14 15 KFOR ACTIVITIES

MWA IS A SELF-SUSTAINED ORGANIZATION

oral Welfare Activities M(MWA) is part of Headquar- ters Support Group (HSG). The section is responsible for promoting Morale and Welfare Activities for KFOR HQ soldiers, in Film City, Kosovo. The mission of the MWA programme is to provide a variety of activities and services to soldiers serving in theatre in order to en- hance the quality of life during their deployment. MWA seeks to contin- ually improve recreational, social, educational, and personal services, including the following: internet, TV connection and service, gymna- of MWA is constantly expanding City, contribute to MWA and some sium, library, trips inside and out- their activities in order to take all events are self-financing. Financial side of Kosovo, language classes, the interest of KFOR personnel into income is also generated from the sports classes, cultural classes and consideration and is open to repre- provision of internet services to community events. As can be seen sentation from KFOR members in personnel of Film City. MWA in- from the regular MWA posters dis- regards to future activities. MWA is vites all KFOR members to get in- played in Film City, the branch of- self-financing under the control of volved in their activities and enjoy fers a multitude of trips and adven- the HSG Commander. All Conces- their free time. tures to KFOR personnel. The staff sions, operating within Camp Film

STORY: A. DAUTI PICTURES: A. HAJRULLAHU

- KFOR Chronicle 02/2013 - KFOR ACTIVITIES MWA

- KFOR Chronicle 02/2013 - 16 17 CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY

MILITARY CIVIL ADVISORY DIVISION CHIEF

n January 2nd 2013, in Camp The Change of Command was su- the Slovenian Ministry of Defense OFilm City (Pristina), the Cer- pervised by COS KFOR, Brigadier Medal for Multinational Coopera- emony for the Change of Command General Steven W. Duff, also pres- tion 1st grade by the DCOM KFOR in the Military Civil Advisory Divi- ent were DCOM KFOR, Brigadier for his outstanding contributions sion (MCAD) took place. Brigadier General Bojan Pograjc, KFOR Task and support to the members of the General Salvatore Carta, former Force Commanders and many se- Slovenian contingent, raising the DCOM of the Italian Army Engi- nior members of KFOR Staff. reputation of Slovenian Armed neering Command, took over from The KSF Commander, Lieutenant Forces in a multinational environ- his predecessor Brigadier General General Kadri Kastrati, attended the ment. Michele Cittadella. ceremony as a special guest accom- Brigadier General Cittadella has The MCAD is the KFOR Division panied by a delegation of the senior been appointed as Commander of responsible for assisting the Kosovo KSF Generals. the Support Brigade of the NATO Security Force (KSF) in its way for- During the ceremony, Brigadier Rapid Deployable Corps – Italy ward to Full Operational Capability General Cittadella was awarded (NRDC-ITA), upon his return home (FOC) through training and moni- the NATO non-article 5 medal by from Kosovo. toring activities developed at all lev- the COS KFOR. Brigadier General els of the KSF chain of command. Cittadella was also conferred with

STORY and PICTURES: A. KUYUMDJAN

- KFOR Chronicle 02/2013 - CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY MCAD

- KFOR Chronicle 02/2013 - 18 19 THE NATIONAL THEATRE OF KOSOVO

THE FIRST THEATRICAL INSTITUTION IN KOSOVO

he National Theatre of Kosovo to Kosovo’s capital city, Pristina. Until 1989, this theatre produced T(previously known as the The first plays in this theatre were over 400 premieres with around Regional Popular Theatre and staged mainly by amateur artists, 10,000 performances, which were afterwards Provincial Popular enthusiasts and talented idealists, attended by 3,200,000 spectators Theatre) was established in October assisted by professional artists from Kosovo and other regions of the 1946 in Prizren. This was the first from other regions of the former former Yugoslavia. The repertoire professional institution in Kosovo Yugoslavia. Meanwhile, during the of this theatre was built on many after World War II. A few months ‘60s the Theatre staffs were enriched screenplays from national, former later, this institution was transferred with new professional performers. Yugoslavian and international play

STORY: K. SHEEHAN PICTURES: J. MISKOLZI and A. KUYUMDJAN

- KFOR Chronicle 02/2013 - CULTURE

writers. The plays of this theatre, and the number of productions Currently in rehearsals, in the which were presented in various decreased drastically. In 1999, after repertoire of the National Theatre, festivals on a national, former the end of the conflict in Kosovo, the are a number of plays including Yugoslavian and international theatre was renamed the National “Twelfth Night” by William level, were highly praised by the Theatre of Kosovo and the theatre SHAKESPEARE, “Crashes” by critics and were honored with many again staged many plays from Ekrem KRYEZIU and “House for artistic prizes. For example, in 1967 national and international theatres. Sale” by Fadil HYSAJ. All of these the “Erveheja” play, directed by The National Theatre of Kosovo plays come highly recommended Muharrem QENA, won the award is a state theatre and as such it is by the Director of the National for Best Directed Play in the Drama financed by the Ministry for Culture, Theatre, Mr Emin Z. EMINI. Festival of Yugoslavia “Sterijino Youth and Sports of the Republic The Director of the National Pozorje.” Along with plays in the of Kosovo. During the years after Theatre invites all members of Albanian language, this theatre the conflict, the National Theatre KFOR to experience the unique also produced plays in the Serbian of Kosovo has organised each year event of a night at the theatre. To language. From 1981 until the fall a public competition called the this end, MWA is investigating the of the former communist Yugoslav “Katarina Josipi” competition for possibilities of a MWA “night at the regime, this theatre worked under the best original national drama theatre” with the Director. political pressure. From 1981 until and presents three awards for the 1999 the theatre was in decline winning dramas.

- KFOR Chronicle 02/2013 - 20 21 Commander KFOR Major General Volker R. Halbauer, German Army CASUALTY EVACUATION

Chief Public Affairs Office & KFOR Spokesman TRAINING FOR MEDICAL PERSONAL Lieutenant Colonel Uwe Nowitzki, German Army ll soldiers going Aon operational Chief Internal Information & duties are comforted Editor KFOR Chronicle by the knowledge Major James Murphy, that the medical Irish Defence Forces support for them is [email protected] first class. KFOR is no exception and Photographer & Design therefore on the 21st Mr. Afrim Hajrullahu of Feb a joint training Master Sergeant Anica Kuyumdjan, exercise between the German Army American helicopter [email protected] personnel from Camp Bondsteel and the Cover Photo staff of the Medical B. Senyk Centre from KFOR HQ Film City took E-mail and Web place. The American [email protected] personnel gave their www.nato.int/kfor German, Austrian, Swiss and Swedish Printed by RASTER comrades a brief on Tel.: 038 601 606 helicopters drills and conducted training NATO Nations within KFOR in the transfer of injured personnel from the helicopter. During the Albania, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, exercise medical personnel practiced patient transfer and helicopter Czech Republic, Denmark, drills. It is important to train staff regularly to ensure that the rescue Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, sequence occurs smoothly and each individual member of staff Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, knows his/her job. The international medical team from HQ KFOR Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, gained valuable experience from this exercise and were very appre- Slovenia, Turkey, United Kingdom, ciative of the training they received from their American comrades. United States This combined training will continue over the coming months in order to maintain the train-up of the medical personnel during planned Non-NATO Nations within rotations. KFOR Armenia, Austria, Finland, Ireland, Marocco, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine

The KFOR Chronicle is produced and fully funded by HQ KFOR. It is published for KFOR soldiers in the area of responsi- bility. The contents are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the coali- tion governments’ defence departments. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Internal Information Sec- tion of HQ KFOR’s Public Affairs Of- fice (PAO) in Pristina, Kosovo. PAO HQ KFOR reserves the right to edit content to STORY : A. KUYUMDJAN PICTURES: R. SCHROTT conform to style and space requirements. Articles run on a space-available basis. - KFOR Chronicle 02/2013 - PROFILES

MILITARY EDUCATION: I joined the Italian Army in 2008. Af- ter basic training I was deployed to the 121st Anti- Aircraft Artillery Regiment in Bologna, where I have been working as radio operator and driver. In 2011 I have been given the opportunity to join my Regi- ment for deployment in Kosovo. ABOUT THE MISSION: I am very proud to serve my country abroad. This is my first mission overseas, so I am excited and deter- mined at the same time. I considered this mission as a logical forma- tive experience for a soldier, because it allows you to operate with different armies and learn from their procedures. My duties are basi- cally logistic, but I have the opportunity to go out on duty and get in touch with the people of this country. This pushes me to give my best every day. Name: Maria Rosa Pizzimenti FAMILY REACTION: My family have always supported me since I Rank: OR-4 made my choice to join the Army five years ago. Despite the distance, my family is very much present in my life. Nationality: Italy HOBBIES: I like swimming, cooking and… being an aunt! I`m the last of five children in my family, so I have many nieces and nephews! Unit in KFOR: MNBG W I miss them and love them very much. Carrying out CIMIC activities with local children reminds me of them.

MILITARY EDUCATION: My military education includes career and functional courses within the Non-Commissioned Officer Edu- cation system of the Slovenian Armed Forces and also some other courses i. e. US Army Sergeants Major Course, NATO Senior NCO Orientation Course, which have assisted me to better perform my staff and leadership assignments during my military career. ABOUT THE MISSION: This is my second mission in Kosovo and every day is something special. Being part of DCOM Group meeting people and learning from them, I have had the opportunity to share experiences in an international environment. I have been exposed to a variety of perspectives and processes, all of which makes every day unique. I have enjoyed the first six months of my mission and I’m sure the following six months will be the same. NAME: Marjan Horvat FAMILY REACTION: My family understands that deployment is part of my military career. They are not too happy about it because of RANK: OR-9 the separation and distance but they accept it and for sure I have their NATIONALITY: Slovenian understanding and full support. HOBBIES: I like running, playing volleyball and working on com- UNIT KFOR: CG DCOM puters.

STORY : A. KUYUMDJAN PICTURES: R. SCHROTT

- KFOR Chronicle 02/2013 - 22 23 PICTURE: A. HAJRULLAHU PICTURE:

- KFOR Chronicle 02/2013 -