Ministry for the Kosovo Security Force Newsletter 2015 October
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MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 OCTOBER MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE 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 Europe’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 Kosovo Force, 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 Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, 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