MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE

Transcription

1 MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE Dear friends, welcome to the 30th edition of the MKSF s newsletter. July was rich with several high level visits and we were truly glad to host our colleagues and friends from both NATO and the U.S. I used the opportunity to reiterate our willingness to assist the international community in its efforts to solve the numerous conflicts and burning issues. I also repeated our readiness to deploy Kosovo Security Force s capabilities abroad, as participation in peacekeeping operations is a central part of our program to develop, modernize and adapt our force to Western doctrine and tactics. I would like to commend the constructive working relations we are having with KFOR, the NATO Advisory Team and the NATO Liaison and Advisory Team. These relations are based on principles of cooperation, consultations and dialogue, and we highly value NATO s support and assistance in developing the Ministry of the Kosovo Security Force and the KSF. We are happy about the fact that in July five young and well trained officers joined the KSF after graduating from the Centre for the University Studies. I wish them all the best for their future military career! Have a pleasant reading. Sincerely Yours, AGIM ÇEKU

2 Minister Çeku Stresses Kosovo s Euro- Atlantic Aspirations On Jul 15, Minister Agim Çeku had a meeting with General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, with. During the meeting, Minister A. Çeku informed about the current security and political situation in Kosovo. He emphasized that Kosovo shares NATO s vision of a Euro-Atlantic future for the Western Balkans and Kosovo is determined to make this a reality. This work should be done in cooperation with NATO and the Balkan nations, he said. The Minister pointed out that Kosovo wants to take its place in the Euro-Atlantic institutions and be a security provider, not a security consumer. The KSF is ready to help any country in the region where there is a need for our skills and expertise, added Minister A. Çeku. General A. Bradshaw commended the KSF on its progress in developing its capabilities and appreciated Kosovo`s aspiration for Euro-Atlantic integration and its willingness to contribute to peacekeeping missions.

3 Çeku: NATO Aspirations of Western Balkan Nations Should Be Fulfilled On July 21, Minister Çeku met with the outgoing Commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples (JFCN), Admiral Bruce W. Clingan, and his successor, Admiral Mark E. Ferguson III. He thanked Admiral Bruce W. Clingan for his support and cooperation between JFCN and the MKSF. The JFCN delegation was briefed on the implementation of recommendations derived from the Strategic Security Sector Review. Minister A. Çeku stressed that Kosovo wants to continue the refinement of Kosovo s security sector and increase KSF s cooperation with NATO. One of Kosovo s foreign policy objectives is further integration into the EU and NATO. It is important for both NATO and European security that Western Balkan nations fulfill their NATO aspirations. The Minister pointed out that Kosovo s engagement in peacekeeping missions clearly demonstrates our commitment to Western collective security.

4 U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary Of Defense For Russia, Ukraine And Eurasia Visits The MKSF On July October 13, Dr. 8, the Evelyn Chief N. of Farkas, General Deputy Staff of Assistant the Armed Secretary Forces of of Defense Turkey, for General Russia, Ukraine Necdet Ozel, and Eurasia, visited visited the MKSF the MKSF and had and a meeting had a meeting Lieutenant with General Minister Kadri Agim Kastrati Çeku and and KSF other Commander, officials of the Lieutenant Ministry General and the Kadri KSF. Lieutenant Kastrati. Minister General A. Kastrati Çeku thanked Dr. the Turkish Farkas for delegation the US for support Turkey s provided continuous to Kosovo, support the in MKSF, standing up the the KSF. We by offering are grateful training, for the education, tremendous materiel support and during other assistance. our Strategic He Security briefed his Sector Turkish Review colleagues process, on and the your recent country s developments assistance in has the been KSF; crucial its structure, to development tasks and of objectives; Kosovo s security sector, he said. Minister A. Çeku briefed the US delegation on the KSF s development planning process and asked its guidance and support for the future. Dr. Farkas confirmed the US s continued support for the KSF s transformation into the Kosovo Armed Forces.

5 The MKSF Hosts A Meeting With Defense Attachés On July 2, was held a regular meeting with defense attachés, accredited to the Republic of Kosovo. KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Kadri Kastrati, thanked defense attachés and their countries for their valuable support to the KSF. Your constant support with training, education, and equipment has undoubtedly contributed to the remarkable development of the KSF, and its noticeable progress is our joined achievement, said LTG Kastrati. Defense attachés were informed about the latest developments in the MKSF and the KSF; the implementation process of the Strategic Security Sector Review s recommendations; concept of the Regional Center of Excellence for Search and Rescue; bilateral trainings and KSF s training needs for the future. Participants of the meeting were informed about the KSF s search and rescue operation at Kosovo's power plant KEK on the 6 th of June, when a hydrogen tank exploded causing the death of two people; participants also discussed the post action analysis of the KSF s response.

6 The KSF Honors Defense Attaché Kott For His Contribution To Kosovo On July 23, the MKSF organized a ceremony to honor the retirement of the U.S. Defense Attaché, Colonel James Kott. During the ceremony, Minister Agim Çeku presented Colonel Kott with the Kosovo Medal of Merit for his outstanding service. Relationships between nations are built on relationships between people; Colonel Kott has been an exemplary and distinguished representative of his country and its people. Thank you for being that wonderful person who always was willing to extend a helping hand. We have walked a long way together, and together we have accomplished may things. The Minister pointed out that Colonel Kott s leadership was pivotal in helping to conduct the Strategic Security Sector Review and to lay the groundwork for preparing the KSF for new tasks and missions. Colonel Kott said: I am very sad to be leaving the great country of Kosovo and very sad to be giving up the mission of supporting the development of the KSF. I am very proud of the progress we have made together in developing your vision of the future armed forces through the Strategic Security Sector Review. Every time the KSF has been asked to accomplish a mission, you have answered the call with professionalism and technical understanding.

7 EUCOM And Defense Threat Reduction Agency Host A Training For KSF HAZMAT Specialists In July, U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and U.S. European Command (EUCOM) hosted a 15 day training event for KSF members who are responsible for handling hazardous materials (HAZMAT) for the KSF. 25 KSF members participated in this event. The EUCOM/DTRA team presented information on HAZMAT technical and emergency decontamination, mass contamination and casualty challenges, and incident management. The event included practical exercises on specific equipment, self contained breathing apparatus/ Level A suits, and various HAZMAT operations. This was the 2 nd event that DTRA and EUCOM have hosted this year.

8 2C Company Of The 2 nd Battalion Of The Rapid Reaction Brigade Tests Its Capabilities From 8 to 10 July, 2C Company of the 2 nd Battalion of the Rapid Reaction Brigade conducted a field training exercise In Determined April Lieutenant Force 2. Colonel During Darren the exercise, Doherty, 2C from Company the UK members Ministry demonstrated of Defence, lead their a professionalism seminar with key in personnel military operations from the KSF including on reserve patrolling, force ambush, issue developments search and in cordon, the UK. patrol The bases, seminar reconnaissance, initially focused response the in history contact of with Army enemy, Reserves platoon in the level UK. Discussions assault, contact were disruption, held how and the checkpoint force developed security. over 2C the members last century were up challenged to the present physically day, with talking nighttime about the and growth daytime of reserve patrols, forces land navigation and the challenges and walking that through Armed rough Forces terrain face today. with heavy Lieutenant vegetation. Colonel The exercise Doherty was provided assessed participants by the Training with how and the Doctrine UK is Command planning to and go the through NATO a period Liaison of Advisory management Team. change The unit with proved the introduction that is has the of capacity the Future to execute Reserves operations 2020 strategy. as an The independent seminar field also provided unit for supporting a good forum the mission for participants of the Battalion to question Commander. the British Officer on the new UK approach to reserves. Brigadier General Hazrolli, Deputy Commander Land Force Command, pointed out that the seminar was very informative on the recent developments with UK Reserve Forces No doubt there are opportunities for the KSF to learn from the British

9 The MKSF Informs About THE Integration PROCESS Of Minority Communities Into The KSF On July 9, Azemina Culum, Head of the ministry s Office of Community Affairs, detailed the progress being made on integrating minority communities into the KSF. Attendees were provided the results of interviews conducted with Serbian members highlighting their reasons for joining the KSF, an analysis of their economic and social situation, their views on the transformation of the KSF to the Kosovo Armed Forces, and their thoughts on their future career opportunities. Numbers alone are not proof of successful integration, it is also important to assess their rights, their work environment, and equal opportunities for career development, said A. Culum. Significant progress has been achieved in the integration of minority communities (Ashkali, Bosniaks, Croats, Egyptians, Romani, Serbs, and Turks) into the KSF. In 2009, when the KSF was established, only six members were from minority communities. Today there are 200 minority members comprised of officers, non-commissioned officers and enlisted within the KSF.

10 Five Cadets Graduate From The Centre For The University Studies On July 4, a ceremony at the Training and Doctrine Command was held in honor of five cadets who graduated from the Centre for the University Studies. Atifete Jahjaga, the President of the Republic of Kosovo, sent a letter congratulating the young officers who will serve their country and provide for its security. KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Kadri Kastrati, stressed that he feels both happy and proud that five young, educated and professionally trained officers are joining the officers core. I expect you to set the example during your service and be fully devoted to your duty and mission, said Commander K. Kastrati. The Land Forces Commander, Major General Rrahman Rama, awarded the prize of Best Cadet of 2014 Generation to Second Lieutenant Ismail Hoxha.

11 KSF Personnel Successfully Complete THE ARDUOUS Dancon March On June 12, 40 KSF members successfully completed the arduous Dancon March, starting and finishing at Camp Marechal De Lattre de Tassigny, south of Mitrovica. The Dancon March is short for Danish Contingent which has been a Danish Defense tradition since 1972 when the Royal Danish Army was deployed to Cyprus. The Danes invite foreign troops to participate to demonstrate the physical preparedness of the army and provide a social event. This year s march attracted participants from over 20 countries deployed to Kosovo. The course was a challenging one with very undulating ground across open land, however the weather was perfect for the march and the KSF personnel should be proud of their efforts, said Lieutenant Colonel David Jones, Adviser to Commander KSF.

12 KSF Is Selecting An Officer For Studies At The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst On July 30 and 31, five young Second Lieutenants, who recently graduated from the Centre for the University Studies, participated in a tough selection for the world famous Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS). Over two days at KSF Training and Doctrine Command the KSF officers competed against one another for one place on the January 2015, British Army Commissioning Course at Sandhurst. The assessments included the British Army standard fitness test; a case study requiring a group solution; an essay on a given topic that would be assessed for the quality of its English, structure and analysis; a forced march carrying 15 kg over the hilly Ferizaj training area; and finally a board interview used to assess further suitability. Lieutenant Colonel David Jones, who organized the selection, said: I was really pleased with the quality of the candidates, and the board in the end had a pretty difficult job to select the individual, who will represent Kosovo at Sandhurst. There was more than one individual on the selection that would be more than able to represent the KSF at RMAS. It was also great to think that the KSF is continuing to grow some real young officer talent for the future.

13 BRITISH ARMY OFFICER HELPS CHILDREN S CHARITY Lieutenant Colonel David Jones, Adviser to Commander KSF, has been raising money for a local Kosovar children s charity. Lieutenant Colonel D. Jones raised much needed funds for the One to One Children s Fund Kosovo, who works with 500 disabled children and young people on a daily basis. The money was raised by selling raffle tickets to provide the opportunity for individuals to win a signed 6 Nations Scotland Rugby shirt and ball, which was donated by a friend of Lieutenant Colonel D. Jones who works for the Scottish Rugby Union. Some of the services the donation will help to support include the four day care centers opened daily in Peja, Prizen, Ferizaj, and Gjilan. These centers provide a secure environment for children to have both fun and learn essential skills, they also offer psychosocial support to children and their families and a space to socialize in a safe environment. There are approximately children in Kosovo with disabilities and other special needs, and these individuals are at the highest risk of social exclusion and most vulnerable. So it is essential that these children receive specialized support and care to help them reach their potential and enable them to lead more fulfilled lives.