MINISTRY FOR THE SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 APRIL

MINISTRY FOR THE

Dear friends,

It is my pleasure to introduce you to the 37th edition of the MKSF’s newsletter.

Last month was highlighted with a significant event for our Security Force – a change of command that took place on the 18th of March. I truly appreciate Lieutenant General Kadri Kastrati’s devoted service and leadership and wish all the best in his future endeavours; I warmly welcome Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama and look forward to working together and strengthening our state capabilities.

March was also rich of several important visits. Together with other state senior officials I visited NATO Headquarters in Brussels where I had several fruitful meetings and discussions. I am grateful to US Mission to NATO for making this visit possible and a chance to discuss in depth Kosovo – NATO relationship and possible future engagement.

At the end of the month, accompanied by Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama, I paid a visit to Croatia. The very warm welcome by President Kolinda Grabar- Kitarovic, Defence Minister Ante Kotromanovic and all our Croatian colleagues and counterparts made this visit very special and productive.

About these and other events you can learn more in this edition.

Sincerely Yours, Haki Demolli

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 APRIL

Major General Rrahman Rama Takes Up

Duties As The KSF Commander

On the 18th of March, the Change of Command ceremony for the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) was held at the Land Force Command. The ceremony marked the handover of command between the outgoing Lieutenant General Kadri Kastrati and the incoming General Rrahman Rama, as KSF Commander. Kosovo President, , thanked Lieutenant General

K. Kastrati for his service and dedication in building the KSF. “You are leaving behind you a professional institution, ready to take upon the responsibilities in guaranteeing of national security,” said President A. Jahjaga. The President in her speech pointed out that the new Commander has a long road ahead in further professionalization of the KSF and expressed her

confidence that he will succeed in it and Kosovo will become an equal contributor to the collective security. Based on the decree of the President of the Republic of Kosovo, during the Change of Command Ceremony Commander R. Rama was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General. Lieutenant General R. Rama was born in 1970. Since 2009 he was a Deputy Commander of KSF and Commander of Land Force Command. Lieutenant General R. Rama holds a Bachelor’s degree in International General Management.

2015 APRIL MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER

Minister Haki Demolli Visits NATO Headquarters

From the 3rd to 4th of March, upon the invitation of US Mission to NATO, Minister Haki Demolli along with senior officials of Kosovo visited NATO Headquarters in Brussels, where he had meetings with Ambassador Douglas Lute, Deputy Permanent Representative of the U.S. Mission to NATO, Ambassador Stephen Evans, NATO Assistant Secretary General of Operations,

Ambassador Thrasyvoulos Terry Stamatopoulos, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy,

and other officials. Minister H. Demolli informed NATO officials about KSF’s development process and asked NATO’s further

support for KSF’s capability strengthening. Minister H. Demolli also informed about the need to establish a contractual relationship between Kosovo and NATO. During the two day visit the Kosovo delegation had discussions on NATO’s Strategic Concept, NATO’s role in Kosovo and NATO’s Western Balkan engagement as well as was briefed on U.S. priorities for NATO and US-EU relations. While visiting Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) the Kosovo delegation was briefed on SHAPE and Allied Command operations, ACT training and military education opportunities, and military cooperation issues. The delegation also visited SHAPE’s Comprehensive Crisis and Operations Management Centre.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 APRIL

Croatian Minister of Defence: Our Excellent Bilateral Cooperation Will Be Continued

From the 24th to 25th of March, Minister Haki Demolli and KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama, paid an official visit to the Republic of Croatia where they held a series of meetings with Croatian senior state officials. At a meeting

with the Croatian Defence Minister, Ante Kotromanovic, Minister H. Demolli expressed his satisfaction with the high level of cooperation between the two ministries and thanked for the support that the Croatian Ministry of Defence provides to the Ministry for the Kosovo Security Force (MKSF) and the KSF. The meeting of the two ministers was an opportunity to exchange opinions on reforms in the defence and security sector of both countries. “KSF is in the process of transformation and we are willing to provide the necessary support,” said Minister A. Kotromanovic. The two sides also discussed the intensification of bilateral cooperation, particularly in the field of military education and training. Minister A. Kotromanovic pointed out that he is pleased to continue the excellent bilateral cooperation, especially in the field of education and training, and next year two Kosovo cadets will have the opportunity to study at the Croatian Military Academy “Petar Zrinski”. During the meeting the Bilateral Cooperation Plan for 2015 was signed between the MKSF and the Croatian Ministry of Defence. Minister H. Demolli and KSF Commander, Lieutenant General R. Rama, were also received by the President of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic. President K. Grabar-Kitarovic promised Croatia’s continuous support for Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

2015 APRIL MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER

Nick Gurr Assures UK’s Continuous Support For KSF

On the 18th of March, Minister Haki Demolli held a meeting with Director of International Defence Policy at the UK Ministry of Defence, Nick Gurr. The meeting was also attended by Ambassador of the UK, Ian Cliff, KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama, and other MKSF and UK officials. During the meeting both sides discussed a wide range of bilateral

issues of security cooperation. Minister H. Demolli thanked the UK for its active and very needed support provided to the KSF, especially in the field of leadership education and training. Mr. Gurr expressed the readiness of the UK Defence Ministry to

further assist the KSF in developing its capabilities. UK has been one of the leading strategic partners of the KSF from the very beginning of its establishment. Until now, 9 KSF officers have completed a one year initial officer education course at the Royal

Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS), with 3 currently on the course and a further one starting in May. One Senior Officer is currently attending the world renewed Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) in London. The UK also offers through its

bi-lateral programme support to the KSF Wind Orchestra, medical training and other professional development opportunities in areas, such as fitness and weapon handling. MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 APRIL

KSF Commemorates Victims Of The 1998 – 1999 Armed Conflict

th On the 5 of March, a commemorative ceremony to honour victims of the 1998 – 1999 armed conflict was held at the Land Force Command. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister , members of the Assembly, MKSF and KSF leadership, KSF uniformed members, and families of the martyrs. Prime Minister I. Mustafa in his speech underlined that although the memories of the painful past are not forgotten, Kosovo is very determined to move forward towards realization of its major goals. “Today it is needed to work for a better life in Kosovo, for the realization of the dreams of generations who sacrificed their lives for a free and democratic Kosovo, dreams that were and remain our dreams,” said I. Mustafa. The Prime Minister also pointed out that the Kosovo Armed Forces will be a modern military force, equipped with all necessary means to ensure stability and peace, and to participate in humanitarian and peace support missions. The three-day commemoration is held annually on the 5th, 6th, and 7th of March and marks the death of Kosovo Liberation Army commander Adem Jashari and his family as well as other persons who died in the 1998 – 1999 armed conflict.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 APRIL

Parliamentary Oversight Committee Visits Rapid Reaction Brigade In Istog

On the 10th of March, Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs, Security and Kosovo Security Force Oversight visited the Rapid Reaction Brigade in Istog. The parliamentary delegation, headed by Chair of the Parliamentary Committee, Daut Haradinaj, was received by then Major General Rrahman Rama, KSF Deputy Commander and Land Forces Commander, Colonel Xhevahir Geci, Acting Commander of the Rapid Reaction Brigade, and Lieutenant Colonel Mehmet Lladrovci, Commander of the Second Rapid Reaction Battalion. Members of the Assembly were informed about mission, structure, tasks, training activities and development plans of the Brigade. During the visit the parliamentary delegation could also watch several simulated operations.

2015 APRIL MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER

Federal Defence Forces Of Germany Provides A Seminar On Armed Forces In Democracy

From the 10th to the 12th of March, Leadership Development and Civic Education Center of the Federal Defence Forces of Germany conducted a seminar ”Armed Forces in Democracy”. The seminar, run by Captain Dirk Peddinghaus and Lieutenant Colonel Martin Gerster, was attended by 30 senior civilian officials and command officers from the MKSF and the KSF. During the seminar the following topics were discussed: Concept of Leadership Development and Civic Education; Leadership; Rights and Duties of Military Personnel; Disciplinary Law; Compatibility between Family and Duty; Military Chaplains and the Ethics; Parliamentary Commissioner of German Armed Forces; and Constitutional Integration of German Armed Forces. “The seminar “Armed Forces in Democracy” is very important at this time when we are in the process of transforming the KSF into Armed Forces. It enables our personnel to be better prepared about the future of our institution and contribute to our future mission,” said Faruk Geci, MKSF Director for the Policy and Plans Directorate.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 APRIL

Harris Corporation Representatives Demonstrate Interoperability Of FALCON Command Software

On the 12th of March, regional and local Harris Corporation representatives visited the KSF Land Force Command (LFC) to Inprovide April LieutenantKSF leadership Colonel a tactical Darren communications Doherty, from theproduct UK Ministry capabilities of Defence, demonstration lead a seminarof the interoperabilitywith key personnel of FALCON from the KSFCommand on rese (FC)rve forcesoftware issue and developments radio systems. in the Harris UK. FALCONThe seminar Command initially focusedand Control on the hardware/software history of Army Reserves applications in the are UK. for tacticalDiscussions operations were held at theon battalionhow the forcelevel developedand below. over FC theprovides last century the Commander up to the presentreal time day, status talking updates about and the Situationalgrowth of Awarenessreserve forces (red and force/blue the challenges force that tracking) Armed Forcesof forces face bothtoday. in Lieutenantmobile and Colonel dismounted Doherty environments. provided participants The demonstration with how provided an overview of the interoperability and capability of current systems and new emerging communications technology.

A hands on informal technical workshop took place after the formal HARRIS demonstration and briefing to the senior

leadership. This was an opportunity for the LFC communication personnel to ask questions and have some hands-on assistance with this equipment. The following discussions included plans for additional training, implementation and use of Harris Falcon

Command and combat net radio capability in upcoming KSF exercises and operations.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 APRIL

United States European Command Soldiers Provide Explosive Ordnance Disposal Train The Trainer Instructor Course

From the 9th to the 27th of March, a team of four United States European Command (EUCOM) soldiers, lead by Staff Sergeant Dan Henderson, provided Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Level-1 Train-the-Trainer Instructor Course to KSF EOD/demining technicians. The goal of the course was to enhance the KSF EOD and demining training and sustainment

capacities and ensure that KSF EOD technicians are able to provide the same level of training to the remaining KSF EOD/demining technicians. “The course was attended by 15 experienced individuals, who from now will have rights to lead future KSF EOD training events,” said Captain Sejdi Krasniqi, Commander of the KSF EOD Company. Staff Sergeant D. Henderson pointed out that all course attendees were very eager to learn and had a good understanding of EOD concept.

During a graduation ceremony, that took place on the 27th of March, the KSF EOD Company received from the US Government a very valuable EOD/demining equipment, meant for everyday use in the field.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 APRIL

UK STRENGTHENS Relationship With KSF Wind Orchestra

In March, a joint Anglo-Czech training team from the Corps of Army Music (CAMUS) travelled to to work with the KSF Wind Orchestra, as part of UK bilateral engagement. Two members of the team were officers from Armed Forces of the Czech Republic attached to the British Army. Captain Paul Collis-Smith, Director of Music of the Band of the Prince of Wales's Division, led a group of professional military musicians to assist the KSF Wind Orchestra in their professional development. This visit followed a recent training programme conducted by the Royal Engineer Reserve Band, working alongside their KSF colleagues. This time, the training was focused on increasing the repertoire of military music; improving drills, especially the slow march when playing instruments; understanding the role of the Band leadership; and working on musical performance techniques and general military band etiquette. “I thoroughly enjoyed working with the KSF Wind Orchestra. They had bags of enthusiasm and all are good musicians. It is very much hoped that there will be subsequent visits by CAMUS and 160 Brigade personnel, either here in Kosovo or back in the UK,” said Captain Collis-Smith.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 APRIL

MKSF Marks The International Women’s Day

On the 5th of March, the MKSF organized a roundtable to mark the celebration of International Women’s Day. Participants of the roundtable agreed that both genders must have an equal voice and equal involvement in strengthening and maintaining security. On the occasion of International Women’s Day Minister Haki Demolli congratulated all the women, serving in the MKSF and the KSF. “I extend my best wishes and express my gratitude to you for your dedicated service, contributions and efforts spent on developing and advancing the KSF. Your exemplary performance of duties is highly recognized,” said H. Demolli. Minister H. Demolli pointed out that MKSF and KSF women are role models, who are raising awareness and setting an example that women are principal contributors to security. “Leading by personal example, you make a difference not only in the Ministry and the Security Force, but also in the country and beyond,” he said. Currently, 187 uniformed women are serving in the Ministry and the KSF equating to 8.2%.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 APRIL

British Army Football Helps KSF Women’s Team

British Army Football Association and the English Football Association have supported a KSF women’s team with a donation of football shirts. For a while, Second Lieutenant Mimoza Bedeci from the 3rd Battalion of the Rapid Reaction Brigade has had a vision to establish a women’s football team within the KSF. This is an attempt for a new initiative; however, Second Lieutenant M. Bedeci is confident that she has enough interested women within the KSF and initially from her Battalion, to get this project off the ground. With his link with the British Army Football Association, Lieutenant Colonel David Jones, British Adviser to the Commander of KSF, was able to acquire England football shirts and sports coats from the UK to assist with the development of the team. “I hope that the shirts and sports coats will provide a little encouragement to players and managers to establish a women’s football team in the KSF,” said Lieutenant Colonel D. Jones.