MINISTRY FOR THE SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 OCTOBER

MINISTRY FOR THE

Dear friends,

I am pleased to present you with the 42nd edition of the MKSF’s newsletter.

Europe’s strategic environment, having been affected by emerging risks and threats, has altered our security posture and requirements. In the face of these new challenges, participants of the European Defence Summit came together in September to consider the most efficient ways of enhancing ’s security and defence capabilities, thus strengthening the European defence industry.

Also in September members of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) participated in the annual regional multinational exercise Immediate Response. It was another great opportunity to test the interoperability with our partners and prepare our forces to successfully operate in a joint and multinational environment.

Last month marked another milestone - the 10th anniversary of the University Study Center. Through these years, the Center not only educated and trained future KSF officers but also inspired them to perform their duties and serve their nation in a most exemplary manner.

I hope you enjoy the newsletter.

Sincerely Yours, Haki Demolli

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 OCTOBER

Minister Demolli Meets With The Slovenian

Minister Of Defence

On the 30th of September, Minister Haki Demolli and the KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama, met with the Defence Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Andreja Katic, who paid a one-day visit to Kosovo. Minister Demolli thanked the Slovenian delegation for participation in the NATO-led , as well as for assistance that Slovenia is

providing to the KSF through NATO Advisory Team and NATO Liaison and Advisory Team. The two sides discussed KSF’s education and training needs and the processes involved with the KSF’s transformation into the Kosovo Armed Forces. Minister DemolliMinister expressed Çeku participateshis confidence inthat U.S. the- twoAdriatic ministries Charter will expand Defenc theire Ministerial areas of cooperation, Conference and asked if Slovenia

would consider allowing Kosovo cadets to study at the Officer School in Slovenia. Since January 2000, Slovenia has been a participant in KFOR; currently there are more than 300 Slovenian soldiers deployed in Kosovo. In June 2013, the MKSF and the Slovenian Ministry of Defence signed a cooperation agreement that regulates the support in the fields of education and training.

2015 OCTOBER MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER

Minister Demolli Meets With KFOR Commander

On the 14th of September 2015, Minister Haki Demolli met with KFOR Commander, Major General Guglielmo Luigi Miglietta. During the meeting the security situation in Kosovo as well as the cooperation and the coordination of efforts between KFOR and the KSF were discussed. Minister Demolli expressed gratitude to General Miglietta for KFOR’s commitment in ensuring a safe and secure environment in Kosovo, with the freedom of movement throughout the country. Inter alia, Minister Demolli commended on the constructive cooperation between the KSF and KFOR during search and rescue efforts on the Iber River and the recent bridge construction near the Visoki Decani Monastery. The KFOR Commander pointed out that KFOR’s mission, based on its mandate, will continue to ensure stability for the people of Kosovo and expressed his appreciation for the professionalism of the KSF. This was the first visit of General Miglietta to the MKSF since he was appointed as KFOR Commander.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 OCTOBER

Minister Demolli Attends European Defence Summit

On the 15th and the 16th of September, Minister Haki Demolli attended the second European Defence Summit in Brussels. The summit was organised by the Munich Security Conference and gathered more than 200 decision-makers from politicians, the military, and the business community. They debated the future of European defence in light of the numerous crises and conflicts in the world, including the conflict in Ukraine, the Syrian war, and refugee crisis. This year the conference was focused on three topics: NATO’s current and future orientation; desires for political, military, and economic integration within the defence sector; and the strategic priorities of Europe within the new European Security Strategy.

2015 OCTOBER MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER

KSF COMMANDER TAKES PART AT U.S. - Adriatic Charter Chiefs of Defence Conference

On the 17th of September, the KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama, took part at the U.S. - Adriatic Charter Chiefs of Defence Conference in Ohrid, the Republic of Macedonia. During the meetings General Rama pointed out that Kosovo aspires to be an integral part of regional and global security structures and it seeks membership in Euro-Atlantic structures, as its national security closely relates to the regional and broader Euro-Atlantic security. “Kosovo wishes to be part of regional initiatives and to promote peaceful neighbourly relations in order to enhance stability and confidence among nations in the region.” General Rama also expressed his conviction that all Western Balkan countries should promote mutual cooperation and deepen the cooperation of their forces. Countries involved in the U.S.-Adriatic Charter are , , , the Republic of Macedonia, , and the United States. The Charter has two objectives: to secure an open-door NATO policy and provide a framework for cooperation and mutual support to NATO candidate countries. The Defence Ministerial is held once a year, and during this year’s conference, the participating countries signed a joint statement which reaffirmed their commitment to the founding principles of the U.S.-Adriatic Charter.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 OCTOBER

KSF Cadets Take Oath To Become Officers

On the 18th of September, 12 cadets of the 11th graduating class (generation) of the University Study Center at the KSF took a solemn oath to become officers. Minister Haki Demolli in his speech stressed that the KSF is dedicated to building a modern,

professional and well trained force that would be in line with NATO standards. “Wishing and the dedication of members alone are not enough to reach these standards. Professional development and advanced knowledge are required for this, which is achieved through education and training of new personnel,” said Minister Demolli. The KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama, thanked all the partners who are supporting the KSF in the areas of education, schooling, training, and capacity building. “Without your support, the KSF would not be here where it is today.” After the ceremony Minister Demolli and other attendants visited the new facilities of the University Study Center that will now accommodate KSF cadets. The University Study Center was established in 2005 for training and education of young officers. Since then, 78 officers have graduated from the Center. For the first time, this year two cadets from Albania have started their studies at the University Study Center.

2015 OCTOBER MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER

KSF ParticipateS In A MULTINATIONAL EXERCISE “Immediate Response 2015”

From the 9th to the 22nd of September, 12 KSF members along with more than 1400 soldiers from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia, United Kingdom, and the United States participated in

an annual multinational exercise “Immediate Response 2015”. The exercise was organized by the Armed Forces of Slovenia, Croatia and United States Army in Europe and simultaneously took place in Croatia, Germany, and Slovenia. “Immediate Response 2015” was conducted in two parts starting with 6 days of situational training exercises and ending with a four day field training exercise, providing extensive opportunities to exercise mission planning, synchronization, and execution. The brigade- level training event utilized computer-assisted simulations with field training exercises and was designed to provide opportunities to plan and synchronize missions and responsibilities among allied and partnered nations, thus enhancing combat readiness and compatibility in an contemporary operational environment. The Deputy Commander of the Land Force Command, Brigadier General Gezim Hazrolli, attended the final phase of the exercise. While meeting with the KSF contingent, he was informed about the challenges and experiences that KSF members gained during this exercise.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 OCTOBER

The Iowa Army National Guard Provides

Knowledge On The Development Of Non- Commissioned Staff Officers To The KSF

From the 14th to the 18th of September, four subject matter experts from the Iowa Army National Guard delivered a workshop to KSF Staff Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) on the topic “Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Development and Application”. The target audience for this event was Battalion and Brigade level Staff NCOs who are assigned to the Land Forces Command, Operational Support Brigade, and Training and Doctrine Command. Throughout the workshop information on the U.S. Army’s methods and Tactics, techniques, and Procedures in utilizing Staff NCOs in normal staff operations and during field training exercises was exchanged. The workshop was also focused on NCO duty descriptions for Tactical Operations Centre operations, expectations of the Staff NCO in Tactical Operations Centers and Command Posts, preparation and conducting military briefings, and other topics. This was the fourth of a series of NCO focused State Partnership Programme events held in Kosovo this year.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 OCTOBER

The Iowa Army National Guard And U.S. Army Help The KSF With “Eagle IV” Preparations

Major Robert Snow and Chief Warrant Officer Thomas Pittman, a two-man team from the Iowa Army National Guard recently visited Kosovo as part of the Iowa State Partnership Program (SPP). Their mission included technical and tactical support of KSF Communications Exercise that took place from the 16th to the 18th of September. Along with the Iowa SPP team, there was also a three-man U.S. Army team comprised of Major Caleb Landry, Sergeant First Class Sean Willis, and Sergeant First Class Ronnie Butler who were in Kosovo as members of the Security Assistance Training Management Organization (SATMO). Their mission was similar to that of the Iowa SPP team and also included an advisory role at the Land Forces Command level in regards to mission planning and procedures. Unlike the Iowa SPP team, who were only in Kosovo for a week for the Communications Exercise, the U.S. Army SATMO team arrived earlier in September and will remain in Kosovo in support of the KSF Eagle IV Exercise through the end of October. All members of both teams provided effective training and much needed advice to Land Forces Command. They assisted G6 personnel at all levels in preparing for the KSF’s largest Field Training Exercise known this year as “Eagle IV”. This annual event will take place this October. For Major Snow, this was his third visit to Kosovo in support of the KSF Communications and Information Systems (CIS) Company. He commented that he is very impressed with the progress of KSF CIS personnel, and said that “We are here to help further enhance the KSF’s communications tactics, techniques, and procedures and it is very rewarding to see the keenness of our KSF colleagues who are eager to implement the recommendations we make from the advice we offer.” For Sergeant First Class Ronnie Butler, this is his first visit to Kosovo and he praised the warm reception and friendship he has received from people of Kosovo.

2015 OCTOBER MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER

KFOR Provides Training On Field Sanitation To KSF Medical Personnel

On the 18th of September, U.S. Army soldiers from the 345th Combat Support Hospital from Jacksonville, Florida, currently assigned to Multinational Battle Group-East, held a first-ever Field sanitation Team Class for 15 medical personnel from the KSF. “We did basic training on general sanitation in the field environment, and general sanitation levels you have to do before a training event, to prevent cold-weather injuries, hot-weather injuries, and proper disposal of human waste. We teach this class to lower the risk of having soldiers drop out of training, for reasons other than battle injuries,” explained U.S. Army Sergeant Tyrell Mays, a preventive medicine non-commissioned officer, who was one of the instructors. The training was coordinated through the NATO Liaison and Advisory Team (NLAT). Colonel Matti Lehesjoki, the NLAT’s medical advisor, emphasized the importance of the training and that this is one of the key factors in maintaining force protection sustainability, for the commander and the forces. “Preventive medicine, food control, hygiene, and prevention of waterborne illnesses are the essential key tasks for a preventive medicine team on a deployment,” Lehesjoki said. KSF Lieutenant Zenel Bajraktari, a medic with 3rd Battalion, Rapid Reaction Brigade, pointed out that the goal of this class was to train the trainer. The participants are now certified, and they will take this knowledge back to their units and train others to be aware of preventive sanitation practices in the field.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 OCTOBER

Civil Protection Regiment Combats A Forest Fire In Dragash Municipality

On the 5th of September, eight members of the KSF Civil Protection Regiment (CPR) deployed with two fire-fighting trucks to assist civil authorities combating a forest fire in Dragash Municipality. In cooperation with the KSF Crisis Liaison Response Team the CPR fire-fighters rallied alongside local fire fighters and agencies, , and KFOR in protecting the local population. All performed their duties courageously under dangerous circumstances, and the fires were eventually brought under control. The next day CPR fire-fighters safely returned to their base in Pomozatin, with their mission being completed.

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

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 OCTOBER

Students Of Frang Bardhi Gymnasium Learn About The KSF

On the 29th of September, the MKSF CIMIC Department along with representatives from Kosovo Police, Municipal Governments, and several non-governmental organisations visited Frang Bardhi Gymnasium in Mitrovica to meet with students of the school and to demonstrate the ways in which these organizations work to benefit the youth and Kosovo as a whole. Lieutenant Colonel Afrim Veseli from the MKSF CIMIC Department introduced students to the duties and tasks of the KSF, with special attention to humanitarian assistance and CIMIC projects provided to all ethnic communities living in the country. “This is a wonderful event! I love the KSF uniform and I always feel excited when I see KSF members on the street, it gives me good feeling. Personally for me, one of this year’s landmarks was a volleyball game with the KSF,” said student Ardita Jashari. The event was supported by the US Embassy Civil Military Support Element, Kosovo Police Inspectorate, Kosovo Police Community Policing Department, Mitrovica Community Safety Action Team, the IPKO Foundation, Justice and the People, International Criminal and Investigative Training Program, the US Embassy Department of Justice Office, and the US Embassy Public Diplomacy Office. The Municipal Government of Mitrovica and the management and staff of the Frang Bardhi Gymnasium were also instrumental in supporting the program. The first event of its kind occurred on November 2014 in Hani- i-Elezit, followed by meetings with students in Ferizaj, Gjilan, and now in Mitrovica.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 OCTOBER

Welsh Guards Celebrate 100th Year History In Kosovo

The famous British Army Regiment, the Welsh Guards, celebrate their centenary in 2015. On the 12th of September, as part of the anniversary, 12 members of the Welsh Guards and KSF participated in a mountain march in Kosovo, starting from the Batlava Lake and finishing in City Centre. On the completion of the 45 km march, participants were welcomed to the centre of Pristina by British Ambassador Ruairi O’Connell and Brigadier General Gezim Hazrolli, Deputy Commander of Land Forces Command. Major Andrew Dunlop, Officer Commanding Support Company Welsh Guards, said: “We received a very warm welcome from Kosovo and its people. The whole event was excellent throughout and well planned. The Kosovo scenery was spectacular and we have made new friends with our KSF colleagues.” After the march Lieutenant Colonel David Jones, Adviser to KSF Commander, pointed out that it was great to host members of the Welsh Guards to Kosovo, especially during this special year. In 2015, The Welsh Guards are also participating in various challenges all over the world, retracing the steps of their forbearers, who have served in operations in every corner of the globe from France in World War I to recently in Afghanistan. The Regiment also served in Kosovo after the war in 1998/1999, supporting the rebuilding efforts in Kosovo.