KFOR CHRONICLE The KFOROR Magazine Magazine for KFOR Soldiers JJanuaryanuary 20172017

KKFORFOR CConductsonducts PPatrolsatrols KKosovoosovo WideWide

hhttp://jfcnaples.nato.int/kforttp://jfcnaples.nato.int/kfor hhttp://www.facebook.com/NATOKFOR/ttp://www.facebook.com/NATOKFOR/ hhttps://ttps://fl iic.kr/ps/39kEDhc.kr/ps/39kEDh ttwitter.com/NATO_KFORwitter.com/NATO_KFOR CONTENT

COM KFOR delivered his Christmas greeting to civilian personal working in Camp Film City

CHRISTMAS GIFTS Italian Children send gift s at EVENTS OF THE MONTH 03 Christmas time. Specific events in du- 04 ring the month VIOLENT EXTREMISM Countering Violent Extremism and WINTER IN KOSOVO 06 Radicalization 10 Coldest winter since 1963 KFOR HQ CSM A Visual Overview Striking Realities at the CSMs 12 14 Meeting MNBG W Italian NGO donates medicins to UNHCR 15 Kosovar hospitals Interview with Chief of 16 Mission, UNHCR in Kosovo HEALTH AND FITNESS Recovery in your training schedule 18 KFOR EXERCISE 20 Winter Training PICTURES OF THE MONTH Your Chance to be a Part of It! PROFILES 22 Charalampos Papadimitriou 23 Evangelos Tsikonis

2 KFOR CHRONICLECHRONICLE 0101/2017/2017 CHRISTMAS GIFTS Italian School Children send gifts at Christmas time to Italian soldiers serving in Kosovo

Young Italian Children from De Amicis Primary school and Carducci Secondary School, in the province of Lecce, together with their Municipality administrators, have displayed great acts of kindness by sending gift s to Italian Soldiers serving in Kosovo on a peace keeping mission at Christmas time. Th ese gift s, drawings and letters which were sent to the Italian Soldiers serving in Multi Battle Group West (MNBG-W) were graciously received by the KFOR Italian soldiers serving in Village Italia. Th e Italian soldiers have organised an exhibition of all the Drawings to acknowledge their delight of this very thoughtful act. A gift at Christmas time is always welcome.

KFORKFOR CHRONICLECHRONICLE 0101/2017/2017 3 WINTER IN KOSOVO KOSOVO EXPERIENCES ITS COLDEST WINTER SINCE 1963

During the last few weeks, with their mission despite these and the heavy snow fall experienced Kosovo has experienced its lowest diffi culties. Here in Camp Film City in “Camp Film City” did not have temperatures since 1963. Th ere have we were no diff erent from the other any serious eff ect on Camp routine, been past winters where greater snow KFOR Camps located throughout this is to a large extent thanks to fall was experienced, but this year Kosovo. Th e very low temperatures the Commander and staff of the temperatures plummeted to a low of -32 degrees Centigrade, which was recorded in the Eastern Kosovo city of . During the month of January it was a common experience for KFOR soldiers located throughout Kosovo to conduct their duties in temperatures close to – 20 degrees Centigrade. When temperatures fall to these low levels there are normally consequences. Hazardous road conditions aff ecting driving, logistical challenges, maintenance problems such as frozen or burst pipes and many others. However these challenges had to be overcome and KFOR soldiers continued

4 KFOR CHRONICLECHRONICLE 0101/2017/2017 WINTER IN KOSOVO

HSG and ASDA who throughout Kosovo’s Climate diff erent regions. Diff erent cultures, this period ensured that all services Located in the central part of customs and climate to mention a where maintained and roads and the Balkans, Kosovo’s weather is few. One KFOR Soldier was reported footpaths were kept open. (Th ank infl uenced by many factors, the as saying that the last time his home you from us all!) two greatest being the Alpine and town experienced snow was when the Mediterranean infl uences. Th e his father was a child. climate is predominantly continental, So what lies ahead of us over the resulting in warm summers and cold next few weeks? Can we expect this winters. Th e normal yearly range is current cold spell to last for much between + 30 degrees Centigrade longer? Well the short term weather in the summer and – 10 degrees forecast shows an increase in Centigrade in the winter. December temperatures in the coming weeks, and January are regarded as the which will result in melting snow coldest months. Other factors that and possibly a bit of local fl ooding aff ect Kosovo’s weather are its and excess water on road surfaces. mountainous regions and it height For those drivers out there, continue above sea level. Its average altitude is to drive with caution. Well-done to 800 metres above sea level. (Kosovo all KFOR personnel for maintaining lowest point is 297 metres and its a high operational output during the highest is 2,565 metres). Th e fact coldest winter since 1963! that most of Kosovo is surrounded by mountains has also a direct eff ect on its climate. Th e weather witnessed by KFOR Maj. Eamonn Kenneally soldiers over the past few weeks is OF-3 IRL-A just another part of the experiences of serving overseas and operating in

KFORKFOR CHRONICLECHRONICLE 0101/2017/2017 5 VIOLENT EXTREMISM COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM AND RADICALIZATION

Introduction: Violent extremism and the fundamental powers of radicalisation have to be considered as one of the most high risk challenges to democratic societies across the globe today. As soldiers whose primary task it is to ensure a safe and secure environment in whatever theatre we may be operating in, it is paramount that all of us have an understanding of what the threat is and what can be done to counter it. First of all, it has to be acknowledged that the threat is real. For one to assume that the potential capacity for violent extremism does not exist in any of our home nations or in the countries where we may deploy, is probably being naive to say the least. So the potential threat is out there! We have to accept that.

It is important to understand that violent extremism is not limited to persons of any particular age, sex, group or community. In fact it is the younger person who is more vulnerable to the dangers of being recruited by extremist or terrorist groups.

Defi nition: Violent extremism refers to the beliefs and actions of people who support or use ideological- motivated violence to achieve radical ideological, religious or political views.

Violent extremist views can be exhibited along a range of issues, including, politics, religion and gender relations.

Alternative Defi nition: Violent Extremism can also be defi ned as “when you do not allow for a diff erent point of view; when you hold your own views as being quite exclusive, when you don’t allow for the possibility of diff erence and when you want to impose this view on others using violence if necessary.

Modern challenges: Many countries today are faced with the challenges of not being able to control their citizen’s from being drawn by extremist organisations to travel abroad to take part in the various campaigns that are currently taking place particularly in the middle east. Many of these “foreign fi ghters” are young venerable adults who have been misguided and infl uenced along the wrong path. How can these challenges be addressed? And what should we look out for when trying to understand the early warning signs of some showing tendencies towards one of these dangerous organisations.

Early warning signs:

• Sudden break with family and long-standing friendships. • Sudden drop-out of school and confl icts with school. • Change in behaviour, relating to food, clothing, language and fi nances. • Changes in attitudes and behaviour towards others; refusal to interact socially, signs of withdrawal and isolation. • Regular viewing of internet sites and participation in social media networks that condone radical or extremist views. • Reference to apocalyptic and conspiracy theories.

What causes young people to become involved in extremism and radicalisation? An independent Public opinion survey, conducted in a particular European city by a legitimate company on

6 KFOR CHRONICLECHRONICLE 0101/2017/2017 VIOLENT EXTREMISM

1000 persons of both sexes, ranging in age from 18 to 55 has produced the undermentioned fi ndings/results: To why young people get involved in these organisations. • Unemployment • Low level of education • Globalisation • Targeting of a group that is easier to manipulate Th e above are the possible reasons for persons becoming involved and the below graph shows some other reasons or channels where people are led astray.

How do you think people become radicalized in your Community?

225.0%5.0%

220.0%0.0% 118.3%8.3% 119.3%9.3% 118.1%8.1% 115.7%5.7% 115.0%5.0% 114.9%4.9%

110.0%0.0% 66.2%.2% 55.0%.0% 55.7%.7% 11.9%.9% 00.0%.0% Through At school/ At religous By atten- By fi nacial Via the Don‘t Other friends university institutions ding mee- compen- Internet know please tings and sation explain lectures

(UNDP)

KFORKFOR CHRONICLECHRONICLE 0101/2017/2017 7 VIOLENT EXTREMISM

Other fi ndings of the survey

What is your opinion about extremism?

331%1% 226%6% 116%6% 113%3% 99%% 55%%

Signifi cantly Increasing As it was in Decreasing Signifi cantly I don‘t increasing the last decreasing know years

(UNDP)

WHO NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MANAGING THIS PROBLEM

(UNDP)

Strategic Pathway to Countering this International Problem

• Further Research o Research across a multitude of areas requires to be conducted, to ensure a greater understanding of this problem and also to allow authorities to quantify how far the Web of these organisations spreads.

• Improve relations with believers o Encourage dialog and public debate with all communities.

• Government o Government engagement o Governmental programmes to target against violent extremism o Set up resource centres to off er support to families

8 KFOR CHRONICLECHRONICLE 0101/2017/2017 VIOLENT EXTREMISM

• Regional and International Co-operation o Development of channels of communication

• Law Enforcement o Close monitoring of these violent organisations o Targeting of their fi nancial resources o Monitor extremists

Th e role of education in Countering Violent Extremism:

So when considering how to tackle or counter these dangerous organisations, it is important that our schools and colleges are identifi ed as locations where governmental and non-governmental organisations should focus their “Extremism Awareness Educational Programmes”. It is generally accepted in society that teenagers and young adults are more vulnerable to the enticement of trying out something new or diff erent in their life.

Educating teenagers and young adults to the realities of these dangerous organisations is the fi rst step. Providing forums that allow for open debate and providing the opportunity for people to engage in the political processes and in the same time promoting a culture of peace, tolerance, intercultural and interreligious dialogue.

Th e Key messages that should be delivered are:

• Solidarity: Irrespective of diff erences in age, gender, nationality or ethnicity and not just solidarity with people of your immediate community but also with those outside it.

• Respect for Diversity: It is important that we acknowledge the intrinsic value of diversity stems from the recognition of human rights and fundamental freedoms of others.

• Human Rights: Human rights are fundamental and universal safeguards. Th ey apply to all human beings regardless of nationality, place of residence, gender, origin, religion. Language or any other status.

• Learning to Live Together: Living in a peaceful society is a long-term goal, which requires “an understanding of others and their history, traditions and spiritual values”

To conclude, the purpose of this article is to improve, your general awareness of “Violent Extremism” and the challenges to society in countering this global threat. From a security perspective the fi rst step in guarding against any threat, is being aware that the threat exists. Th us it is incumbent on us all to be vigilant when operating in new environments. Be cautious when engaging with persons with whom we have no previous knowledge and always be observant to what is happening in our surroundings.

Maj. Eamonn Kenneally OF-3 IRL-A

Bibliography: A Teacher’s Guide on the Prevention of Violent Extremism (United Nations Educational Scientifi c and Cultural Organization) Printed by UNESCO 2016 Cooperating in Counter Violent Extremism (United Nations Displaced Persons) UNDP, January 2017

KFORKFOR CHRONICLECHRONICLE 0101/2017/2017 9 EVENTS OF THE MONTH

DCOMKFOR, Brigadier General Christian RIENER, spent New Year’s Eve with the US troops in Camp Nothing Hill, North of Kosovo, in Leposavic Municipality.

Carabinieri of the Multinational Specialized Unit (MSU) of KFOR, this year have so far conducted a number of CIMIC activities in support of the Kosovo population. In particular, on 3rd January, they delivered medical supplies to the “Sisters of Divine Love Zagreb” clinic at the village of municipality in the District of Gjilan of south-eastern Kosovo.

1010 KFOR CHRONICLECHRONICLE 0101/2017/2017 EVENTS OF THE MONTH

On 25 JAN 2017. In the town of Mamusha a new KFOR Liaison Monitoring Team (LMT) fi eld house was offi cially opened by COMKOR Major General Giovanni Fungo and the Turkish Ambassador to Kosovo, H.E. Ms. Kivileim Kilic. Th e ceremony was attended by many dignitaries who included the Mayor of Mamusha, local politicians, the Turkish Commander of JRD-S and KFOR soldiers.

KFORs Tactical Manoeuvre Battalion (KTM) Medical Branch and the National Blood Transfusion Centre organised a Blood Donation Clinic in Camp Slim Lines, Pristina on 27th January.

KFORKFOR CHRONICLECHRONICLE 0101/2017/2017 11 A VISUAL OVERVIEW

22 DEC 2016 KFOR Commander, Major General Giovanni Fungo, received at KFOR Headquarters, the Chief of the Swiss Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Andrè Blattman. PICTURE: (2) Mercuri

12 JAN 2017 KFOR Commander, Major General Giovanni Fungo, visited Municipality and met the Deputy Mayor, Mr.Dadil Nura.

1212 KFOR CHRONICLECHRONICLE 0101/2017/2017 A VISUAL OVERVIEW

20 JAN 2017 KFOR Commander, Major General Giovanni Fungo, received Head of the Organization for Security Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Mission in Kosovo H.E. Ambassador Jan Braathu of Norway., at Camp “Film City” NATO KFOR HQ in Pristina. PICTURE: (2) Mercuri

25 JAN 2017 COMKOR Major General Giovanni Fungo, the Turkish Ambassador to Kosovo, H.E. Ms. Kivileim Kilic and the Turkish Commander of JRD-S at an offi cial ceremony in the town of Mamusha opened a New Liaison Monitoring Team (LMT) house.

KFORKFOR CHRONICLECHRONICLE 0101/2017/2017 1313 CSM

STRIKING REALITIES AT THE CSMS MEETING IN CAMP SLIM LINES

Th e fourth and fi nal CSMs meeting situation in Kosovo. Immediately as relevant as ever. Concurrently, it of the year took place at the Camp following the war in 1999, 10.36 km2 remains important for EOD teams Slim Lines, home of the KTM were identifi ed in the form of 130 to keep track of where unexploded (KFOR Tactical Reserve Manoeuvre danger zones. During the NATO-led ordinances (UXOs) are found in Battalion). Aft er a short introduction air off ensive, 1392 cluster munitions their area of operation. Th e most and a coff ee, the commander of the were deployed in our current mission impacted areas are the border KTM, Lieutenant Colonel António area containing an estimated 289,536 regions to Albania and FYROM, as DA SILVA CARDOSO, addressed bomblets. NATO estimates a dud well as areas around the Dulje Pass, the CSMs in attendance. In his rate (non-explosion rate) of 10%, which will likely remain dangerous opening remarks, he emphasised which equates to 33,000 unexploded for decades to come. Because of this how important the work and support pieces of cluster ordinance. stark reality, it is essential to consult of the Command Sergeant Major is Moreover, NATO estimates that the Kosovo Dangerous Area Map for a commander and the troops. approximately 1,000,000 mines were wherever appropriate. Within this In the fi rst part of the meeting, laid during the war. For around map one can fi nd areas of continued the KTM was presented in great 200,000 of those there is no mapping danger clearly marked in detail. detail. Within this unit, Portuguese data or positioning information. In addition though, one needs to and Hungarian elements work very Many have been cleared by EOD assume a general heightened risk closely together. As important as the teams and, because of this action, in areas of former frontlines, even smooth cooperation within the unit, much of Kosovo is now considered today. superior logistics are essential for the to be free of mines. Nonetheless, At the conclusion of the meeting, successful work of the KTM. Because there are still areas where there is the new members of the CSM of this fact, the logistical work is seen the very real danger of mines. Th is community from their respective as of equal importance to the work is evidenced by the number of mine nations and units were welcomed of the tactical elements themselves, victims since the end of the war: 454 and wished a good start to their which happen to be dependent on a wounded and 115 dead. Th e last work, as well as an accident-free well maintained unit infrastructure. deadly mine encounter occurred mission. Moving into the second part of the in 2014. Keeping this in mind, it CSMs meeting, focus was shift ed to becomes clear that the use of the CSM Stalder Franziska the issue of the past and current mine so-called “four messages” remains OR-7 CHA-A

14 KFOR CHRONICLECHRONICLE 0101/2017/2017 MNBG W ITALIAN NGO DONATES MEDICINS TO KOSOVARIAN HOSPITALS THANKS TO THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE ITALIAN MILITARY CONTINGENT.

On 29th December 2016, the final phase of a series of contacts between Italian KFOR soldiers, hospital’s pharmacy of Kosovo and Italian NGO Perigeo, that provides post conflicts support, took place in Pristina, where Onlus Perigeo donated 2800 packages of daivonex medications, which in Kosovo hospitals are highly requested. These medicines have been delivered to miss Arijeta Stanovci, coordinator of hospitals’ pharmacy in Kosovo, who will provide the distribution to Pristina, , , resolution 1244, and has a specific Imperia, commander of 32nd and Mitrovica hospitals. ‘civilian military cooperation’ tank regiment from Tauriano, that This good result has been realized asset that support local represents the framework of the thanks to the great effort and population with projects referring headquarter and the Manoeuvre coordination between Onlus to health, school, infrastructure, unit. Perigeo, the joint operative administrative, protection of command of the Italian chief of ethnic and religious minorities. defence staff (that provided the At the moment, MNBG-W is international transportation with commanded by Colonel Stefano c-130j air force aircrafts) and the Italian contingent of ‘KFOR Multinational Battle Group West (MNBG-W), who has delivered the medicine to Kosovo institutions. Onlus Perigeo is an NGO from Civitanova Marche, nearby Macerata, that is engaged in the safeguard of mankind/ environment relations and the safeguard of cultural heritage of native populations, intervening in post conflicts areas promoting culture as a peacebuilding mean. MNBG-W is a multinational military unit lead by Italians, that operates in Kosovo as NATO force in accordance with the united nations security council

KFORKFOR CHRONICLECHRONICLE 0101/2017/2017 1515 UNHCR INTERVIEW WITH N.L. NARASIMHA RAO, CHIEF OF MISSION, UNHCR IN KOSOVO References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).

1. What is the role of UNHCR in with Kosovo authorities to build an persons to voluntary return to their Kosovo? asylum legal framework, enhance place of origin through working Th e mandate of UNHCR, the UN local capacity for protection of with authorities on reintegration Refugee Agency, is to provide refugees and asylum seekers, programmes, including income- protection and seek durable prevent statelessness, and provide generation projects, restoration solutions for displaced persons. Th e support for return and reintegration of infrastructure and provision Agency established its presence in of displaced persons. of other assistance of those that Kosovo in 1992. Aft er the confl ict in 2. How did your mission change preferred to stay in the place of 1999, UNHCR has been mandated since the fi rst beginning of your displacement. by the UN Security Council presence in the region? In Kosovo, among other activities, Resolution 1244 (1999) to supervise UNHCR has been present in UNHCR is involved in supporting free returns to Kosovo of all refugees the region for last forty years. It returnees from neighbouring and persons displaced by the 1999 provided assistance to refugees from countries and some 16,657 displaced confl ict. Since 1999, UNHCR has third countries until the violent individuals within Kosovo towards assisted 27,081 individuals to return dissolution of former Yugoslavia, fi nding a durable solution. Of the to Kosovo in safety and dignity when the mass exodus of refugees latter group, some 468 reside in 29 and to integrate locally, which was and displaced persons took place. temporary collective shelters. possible through UNHCR support, UNHCR’s work is humanitarian and assistance and advocacy on their non-political, to serve the people UNHCR continued to provide behalf. In addition, in the recent in need. Th roughout the years, the support to individual community years UNHCR has been working organisation helped many displaced members to obtain personal

1616 KFOR CHRONICLECHRONICLE 0101/2017/2017 UNHCR documentation and resolve civil achieved to assist many voluntary 4. Since the beginning of status issues. During 2016, 442 returns of displaced people UNHCR operation in Kosovo, the individuals have been assisted belonging to various Kosovo organisation kept close liaison with by UNHCR in obtaining civil communities. However, I also KFOR. Can you explain the terms documentation. realise that there is still a lot of of this cooperation? work to be done to make sure that UNHCR has long and close UNHCR continues to provide everyone who wishes to voluntarily working relations with KFOR. Th is assistance to refugees and asylum return has the possibility to do so. is also because UNHCR, similarly seekers. While in Kosovo the In this regard, they are still facing to KFOR, promotes confi dence- number of refugees and migrants some obstacles, such as property building and peaceful co-existence was modest in 2015-2016, the issues, security concerns, lack of through forums involving region has seen movements of housing projects, lack of land and communities’ representatives, a large number of refugees and hesitation by municipalities to stakeholders and civil society. migrants. In the region, but also allocate land for those displaced. On many occasions, our staff elsewhere in the world, UNHCR Especially the latter three obstacles worked together with Liaison provides life-saving emergency concern returns of Kosovo Roma, Monitoring Teams and other assistance in the form of clean water Ashkali and Egyptian displaced KFOR’s Units. We regularly meet in and sanitation utilities, health care, families that are landless. Most of the fi eld, in offi cial meetings and we as well as shelter and other relief those families are now displaced in coordinate our work closely. Th ose items, such as blankets, sleeping Montenegro and . activities include primarily the mats, household goods and other enhancing welfare of communities items. We also face challenges in the and assisting most vulnerable context of sustainable reintegration. individuals. In various situations, 3. What were your main Kosovo has a large unemployment UNHCR joined KFOR in delivering achievements and in which fi elds do rate and this issue is particularly aid for those accommodated in you face the main challenges? worrisome for returnees and temporary collective shelters. I One of the great achievements internally displaced persons. Due to believe that this cooperation started of UNHCR was to build good diffi culties in fi nding employment, as both of our organisations simply relationships with all communities many people, including returnees wanted to respond to needs of in Kosovo. While working and internally displaced, have Kosovo people. together, we help them to solve been deciding to leave Kosovo. any obstacles that they may have It is true that in some locations, 5. What is your opinion on the work while re-integrating in the place of return programs were not entirely so far carried out by KFOR? return or local integration. We are sustainable and this happened for Since the beginning of its operations successful in assisting them simply several reasons, including access in Kosovo, KFOR contributed to a because we talk to them openly to education and healthcare, safe and secure environment here. and we genuinely try to understand security issues, property issues, I have an impression that KFOR’s their needs. I like to think that we and obstacles to obtain personal contribution is highly respected by are close to the people and this is documentation. During our communities also in supporting our great strength. We also work monitoring of returnee’s needs and the freedom of movement. with local authorities in building protection situation, sometimes Safety in Kosovo is an important their capacities in the area of we see that local authorities have aspect, in particular for minority civil documentation, asylum and not addressed them properly. Th at communities. Th e great value of durable solutions. We work closely is why, UNHCR is also actively KFOR is the readiness of its staff to with them on the development and supporting central and local Kosovo reach everyone in every situation, implementation of a protection authorities to fi nd the best solution and provide safety. In my opinion, framework, which can meet to overcome mentioned obstacles Kosovo people appreciate it a lot. international and regional human and enable returnees to reintegrate rights standards. successfully. Col. Max André Barbacini I am really proud that UNHCR OF-5 ITA-A

KFORKFOR CHRONICLECHRONICLE 0101/2017/2017 1717 HEALTH AND FITNESS RECOVERY IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR WEEKLY TRAINING SCHEDULE!

Welcome to Januarys edition of the KFOR Chronicle Health and Fitness section. Now that the festive season is over we have entered a new year, it is time to think about our physical training again and maybe if you are like me and took a rest for a few weeks, it’s time to make new training plans or even new year resolutions and set your physical training goals for 2017. One of the important principles about making out a new training plan or modifying your current plan is to include Rest Days. The danger with a new or modified training plan is that you set yourself unrealistic goals or targets and allow yourself a short period in which to achieve them. So firstly be realistic, set yourself achievable targets and if after a few weeks you find your training is too easy, well it is simple to modify it by increasing one of the following components: Frequency, Intensity, Time or Type (FITT). However if you start too big, you risk the possibility of picking up an injury or developing burn out.

ACTIVE RECOVERY

Active Recovery – This statement seems contradictory (paradoxical), recovery normally implies taking today. Remember in the November Active recovery may be defined as time off, having a rest day, which of issue we discussed how the Heart a day when you train easier (Less course is vital to any proper training is like any other muscle and it Intensity) than the rest of the week. plan. Rest is an important part of becomes fitter with proper exercise. This may include doing a type of improving ones fitness. This is the training that is less intense and period where the body recovers, Now let’s look at what we mean has less volume. In simple terms builds new muscle fibres and grows. by Active Recovery. Fitness if your main training activity is This applies also to our Cardio misinformation has generally running, your active recovery day Vascular system. Active recovery promoted the concept that activity may involve a brisk walk, an easy allows you to work and rest at the and rest (recovery) are mutually cycle or even a relaxing swim. Try same time. You can rest the muscle exclusive, however if conducted to work at only 40 to 60 percent of group you targeted yesterday while correctly they are not. your maximal heart rate. targeting a different muscle group

1818 KFOR CHRONICLECHRONICLE 0101/2017/2017 HEALTH AND FITNESS

Does Active Recovery Work: Active their correct body composition resume training that muscle again recovery, as opposed to total rest (relationship between total body after 48 hours of rest. (John Berardi, (passive recovery) may have several muscle compared to total body fat). Ph.D.) advantages if used correctly? • Nutrition and Recovery For: Arguments to those in favour HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE - Regardless of the type of exercise of this concept are that active FOR MUSCLES TO RECOVER? you do and how hard you do it, recovery helps prime your body’s muscle recovery time is strongly metabolic pathways of recovery. Working your muscles is the influenced by how and when you only way to make them stronger fuel those muscles. Against: Others argue that light (greater endurance and or strength Recovery is also influenced by four workouts do not stimulate an added depending on the type of training factors; benefit to recovery. you are doing). However it is NOT - Fluid and electrolyte status. during the workout that your - Muscle glycogen Regardless of the mechanism muscles grow. As we know the - Reducing muscle stress involved many have experienced workout breaks down the muscle. - Rebuilding muscle protein the benefits of using active recovery It’s the recovery period between in their fitness programmes. For workouts that our muscles grow Taking fluids and Carbohydrates some, the psychological benefits of and get stronger. Without adequate both during and immediately after active recovery are very apparent. recovery between training sessions, a workout is very important to Surveys have shown that people your fitness plan will become speedy recovery. feel better when they exercise stagnate (will stop). You should eat a high-protein meal daily. Exercise has the capability as soon as possible after exercise in to elevate ones mood and other SOME FACTS ABOUT MUSCLES order to ensure a rapid rebuilding positive benefits. • How long your muscles take to of muscle tissue. recover depends on the type and Another benefit of active recovery intensity of the workout. EFFECTS OF SLEEP is some people find it easier to • A Muscle will not fully recover stick to their daily diets when they until 7 to 14 days after a hard Sleep is an important part of your are active, which contributes to weights workout. However, you can recovery. Science has proven the amount of sleep you get and the quality of your sleep affects how quickly you recover from a hard workout. The main reason we all train is to improve our overall fitness and to remain healthy. A vital factor in achieving this fitness state and maintaining it is to ensure that your weekly training schedule involves at least one (1) planned rest day, a proper diet and Sleep. This as stated above may include an active rest day or a total day off. Whichever suits you?

Enjoy your training

Maj. Eamonn Kenneally OF-3 IRL-A

KFORKFOR CHRONICLECHRONICLE 0101/2017/2017 1919 KFOR EXERCISE KFOR UNITS CONDUCT WINTER TRAINING AND EXERCISES THROUGHOUT KOSOVO

Unit Training is a signifi cant factor that is the reality of being a soldier. Control and Communications. in a commander’s yearly plan. We train for all possible scenarios. Th roughout the month of January in Training is the primary means For the commander to validate that temperatures as low as -20 degrees by which the commander can the training being conducted is centigrade and embracing the assess his/her unit’s capability. To adequate, she/he conducts exercises, challenges of the current weather be ready to respond at any time which test our soldiers and leaders and in accordance with their ongoing Day or Night, for an operational at all levels in operational real life in theatre training all KFOR units deployment in any environment, scenarios and in the 3 Cs, Command, validated operational readiness, by conducting training and exercises. Military SOPs, Tactics, Techniques and Procedures were tested at all levels from section up to and including Company level. Junior and Senior commanders and KFOR soldiers’ achieved high standards in their performances by embracing the challenges of diffi cult weather and diff erent terrain and enjoyed the new situations the exercise coordinators placed before them.

Maj. Eamonn Kenneally OF-3 IRL-A

20 KFOR CHRONICLECHRONICLE 0101/2017/2017 KFORKFOR CHRONICLECHRONICLE 0101/2017/2017 21 PICTURE OF THE MONTH

Commander KFOR XXI Major General PICTURE OF THE MONTH Giovanni Fungo, Italian Army January 2017 Chief Public Affairs Office & COMKFOR Spokesman Col. Max André Barbacini, Italian Army

Chief Internal Information & Editor KFOR Chronicle Maj. Eamonn Kenneally, Irish Defence Forces [email protected]

Design & Photographer: Mr. Afrim Hajrullahu

Cover Photo: Sgt. Korosoglou Emmanouil Greek Army

E-mail and Web [email protected] www.nato.int/kfor

Printed by “Blendi” Tel.: 044 149 115 NATO Nations within KFOR Albania, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States. Non-NATO Nations within KFOR “The front window” Armenia, Austria, Finland, Ireland, Moldova, Sweden, Switzerland, Contribute to the Equipment Used: Ukraine. Olympus OMD EM 5 KFORChronicle! Lens: M.Zuiko Digital 14-150mm The KFOR Chronicle is produced Just send your photos to: Naim Shala and fully funded by HQ KFOR. It is published for KFOR soldiers in the [email protected] by the 25th area of responsibility. The contents of the month explaining where you took the are not necessarily the official views photo and what equipment you used. We will of, or endorsed by, the coalition then select one of the submitted images and governments’ defence departments. publish it in the next edition of the Chronicle. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Internal Infor- mation Section of HQ KFOR’s Pub- You will be immortalised in the KFOR lic Affairs Office (PAO) in Pristina, Chronicle! Kosovo. PAO HQ KFOR reserves Is that not something to be proud of? the right to edit content to conform to style and space requirements. Sincerely Articles are run on a space-availa- The Chronicle Team ble basis.

22 KFOR CHRONICLECHRONICLE 0101/2017/2017 PROFILES

Military Education: : I joined the Hellenic Army on 18 February 2004 in Athens infantry center. I have trained for 3 months in light Weapons and another 3 months as a driver. After I completed my initial training in 2004, I transferred to the island of Symi and worked on a subject that I had trained for 3 years. Later I got transferred to Litohoro Pierias as a driver and served there until 2016.

About the Mission: This is my third mission in Kosovo. My first was in 2009 in Mitrovica for 6 months. The HQ KFOR Guard Forces are to deter any threat against CFC by maintaining comprehensive physical security measures at the entrances and within/around the site. My daily work involves the security of HQs.

Family Reaction: My family is in Greece and lives in Litohoro of Pieria. I am Name: Charalampos a husband, and father of 2 children. My son is 8 years old and my daughter 6 years old. Papadimitriou Hobbies: My free time I enjoy working out on gym. My other hobbies are basketball and fishing (surf casting). Rank: OR-5 Nationality: Greek

Military Education: I joined the Hellenic Non-Commissioned Officers School (September 2011- July 2013). I graduated in July 2013 as a Sergeant Technician in the Hellenic Battle Tanks. I attended to all three Basic and Advanced Training Courses of the Hellenic Tanks Engineering Educational Units in Greece. After one year of Basic and Advanced Training Units, my first transfer in the Hellenic army was in the North-East of Greece, a small city called Orestiada which is parallel to Evros River. I worked for three years in 221 Battle Tanks Battalion as a Battle Tanks Engineer and after I attended this KFOR mission of NATO from September 2016 until March 2017 Camp Film City, Kosovo so this is my first deployment abroad.

About the Mission: My duty is in Main Gate in Film City Camp in Pristina. I am the Main Gate Guards Supervisor. I am responsible for the safety of the Film City Camp via Main Gate and also for the proper and safe movement (entrance or exit) of the vehicles and the people (military individuals or Civilians who work or run a Name: Evangelos Tsikonis task in the Camp) for eight hours per day. The Guards in Main Gate are also asked Rank: OR-5 to perform security checks in the vehicles or the people that enter or leave Film City Camp. Nationality: Greek Family Reaction: My family’s reaction is normal enough because now that I am abroad doesn’t make a difference to them because even when I was in my home Unit: Main Gate country, Greece, my work place was about the same distance from my home town. Although, they seem very supportive, we talk very often and they try to keep me Guards Supervisor going until the time passes to return back to them. They are very proud of me going abroad and attending a NATO mission and they can’t wait of my return.

Hobbies:I spend a big amount of my free time daily in the gym. I love training, running and weight lifting. My other my free time hobbies are football, volleyball, swimming and fishing.

KFORKFOR CHRONICLECHRONICCHRONICLE 01/20001/20171/2017 23 wwww.nato.int/kforww.nato.int/kfor

24 KFOR CHRONICLE 01/2017