MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER
2014 OCTOBER
MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE
Dear friends, welcome to the 32nd edition of the MKSF’s
newsletter.
Trust is something you earn and not something you are
granted, and individuals trust over time because it is about
knowing that you can rely on someone.
The Kosovo Security Force (KSF) executes CIMIC projects
for all ethnic communities, and several of them have been
implemented in Serb-inhabited municipalities. Previous
examples include reconstruction of a road in Dragolevac,
reconstruction of two footbridges at the Decani Monastery,
removal of razor wire and gravel barriers in the compound
of Holy Archangels Monastery, medical assistance to citizens
of Istog municipality and others. In September the Engineer
Battalion accomplished another project for the Serb
community, a road construction in Bllogache village.
I am personally pleased with the fact that Serb-inhabited
municipalities more and more often address the KSF and ask
for its support; and it is very rewarding to know that the
Serbian community is spreading the good word about the
KSF.
Through the end of October the KSF is conducting a
recruitment campaign for the Active Component. Our goal
is to recruit new members from minority communities
therefore the KSF encourages applicants from all ethnic
communities to apply. We want to ensure that the KSF is a
multi-ethnic institution and an attractive career for all
communities living in our country.
Have a pleasant reading.
Sincerely Yours,
AGIM ÇEKU
MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER
2014 OCTOBER
The MKSF Honours COMKFOR Major General
Salvatore Farina
On September 1, the MKSF held a ceremony to honour the Commander of KFOR, Major General Salvatore Farina, on the
occasion of the end of his mission in Kosovo. Minister Agim Çeku pointed out that Major General Farina’s contribution to
KFOR significantly contributed to the success of the NATO mission in Kosovo. Minister A. Çeku also thanked all the
nations that have contributed their troops to KFOR mission. “As the KFOR Commander, your cooperation significantly
facilitated the successful implementation of several projects and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of many Kosovar
people. It truly has been a pleasure to work together on the reconstruction of the Decani bridge, Kruscevo bridge and Novo
Brdo road. These infrastructure projects are in high demand and the people of Kosovo are very appreciative of KFOR’s
assistance,” he said. During the ceremony, Minister A. Çeku presented Major General Salvatore Farina with the Kosovo
Medal of Merit for his outstanding service.
MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER
2014 OCTOBER
Camp Bondsteel Trains KSF Future Trainers For
Emergency Management Of Battlefield Injuries
In September, 12 KSF medical personnel, consisting of 2 doctors and 10 nurses, from the KSF Medical Company, Rapid
Reaction Brigade and Operational Support Brigade attended a seven day train the trainer Medic Course for treatment of
battlefield injuries. The course was held at Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and was organised by US medical staff
from Camp Bondsteel. The aim of the course was to train future trainers and pass along skills and knowledge to their colleagues
on how to effectively manage emergency diagnosis and treatment of battlefield injuries. “This was a perfect course. Now we
will not need to go abroad to be able to teach our colleagues on how to treat battlefield injuries; from now we will do it
ourselves,” said Major Genc Shala, one of the course attendees. In 2013, Camp Bondsteel medical personnel conducted First
Respondent Course, and in 2015 it is planned to provide KSF medics with Battlefield Advanced Trauma Life Support Course.
At a certification ceremony Brigadier General Enver Cikaqi, Commander of TRADOC, thanked the American colleagues and
pointed out that for five years and a half TRADOC has conducted numerous joint trainings with the United States Army, and
results of those trainings can be seen everywhere throughout all KSF units.
MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER
2014 OCTOBER
KSF Young Officers Participate In Exercise
“Albanian Dagger 14”
In September, 10 young officers from the KSF, including all 9 officers who have graduated from the Royal Military Academy
Sandhurst (RMAS), made history by participating in exercise “Albanian Dagger 14”. This exercise is the third annual joint
deployment between the British Response Force Task Group and the Albanian Armed Forces. The British force included 600
Royal Marines and 1 500 Royal Navy, 4 Royal Navy ships including helicopter carrier HMS Ocean, and Hawk fast jets. KSF
young officers, who were working alongside their Royal Marines colleagues in the scenario, learned about Royal Marines tactics
in defence, reviewed the 7 question estimate at Battalion level and learned how to live in the field. It was arduous period for
the KSF representatives but one that will remember for the rest of their military careers. Brigadier Charlie Stickland,
Commander 3 Commando Brigade, said: “It was great to have the KSF officers on the exercise, in what was a complex and
demanding environment to operate in. They performed exceptionally well, alongside my Marines, and I thank them for their
professionalism, skills and enthusiasm.”
MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER
2014 OCTOBER
The New Cadets Take Oath
On September 10, 13 cadets, including two females, who were selected from among 400 applicants, took their oath to
become officers. During the ceremony KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Kadri Kastrati, said that the KSF is dedicated to
building a modern, professional and well trained security force. “To reach this standard, it is not enough to have the will and
dedication of members only, instead a professional development and advanced knowledge are required, which can only be
achieved through education and training of the new staff,” said Lieutenant General K. Kastrati. Whereas Minister Agim Çeku
pointed out that the cadets had chosen the profession which is very noble, but it also requires discipline, faithfulness and great
sense of responsibility. “You are educated to be worthy for yourself, your family and above all to be worthy for your country,”
stressed the Minister. Saranda Zekolli, a female cadet, admitted that to her it was a special feeling when she saw KSF cadets for
the first time on television. “I was inspired right away to become a KSF cadet. Last year I missed the application deadline, and
so I enrolled in the Law Faculty, but my mind was on the KSF. I applied in time this year and so now I am a cadet at the KSF
University Study Center,” she said. Arelena Shala, another female cadet, for over a year was preparing for the testing therefore
did not find it very challenging; now she feels happy that her dream to become a KSF cadet has come to truth.
MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER
2014 OCTOBER
KSF Engineer Battalion Assists The Serbian
Community In Bllogache
In September, KSF engineers worked in Bllogache village, Istog municipality, where they widened, leveled, installed trench
drains and laid gravel on a road that connects the village with Pristina – Peja highway. Five members of the KSF Engineer
Battalion took two weeks to complete the road construction project which was about 2 km long. Now at least 35 five families
will have much easier access to the highway, especially during the rainy or snow season. “The incoming requests for CIMIC
projects are a visible evidence of the qualification and competence of KSF engineers. It proves that both state institutions and
municipalities are aware of KSF professionalism and good performance and count on its support. I am personally glad of the fact
that Kosovo’s Serbs are spreading the good word about KSF’s provided support; it is a wonderful motivation to work even
better,” said Minister Agim Çeku.
MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER
2014 OCTOBER
KSF COMMANDER MEETS Representatives Of The Bosniak
Community In The KSF
On September 26, KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Kadri Kastrati, held a meeting with Bosniaks, Privates Jasmina
Sabanovic, Aladin Kojic and Jasmin Zvrko from the Rapid Reaction Brigade. The meeting was also attended by Xhezair Murati,
Advisor to the Prime Minister’s Office, and Usmen Balkdzi, Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology.
Lieutenant General K. Kastrati stressed that the KSF is a multiethnic force and that he personally is focused on increasing the
number of KSF members who come from non-majority ethnic communities. The KSF Commander pointed out that during the
next recruitment campaign for KSF active component youth from non-majority communities will be especially encouraged to
join the KSF. The KSF Commander also pointed out that currently 5 Bosniaks are studying at the Military Academy of the
Republic of Macedonia and after completion of their studies will join the KSF’s officer corps. X. Murati said that Kosovo’s
Bosniak community is pleased with KSF’s efforts aimed at ensuring that the KSF is multi-ethnic. “We, Bosniaks, contributed to
the independence of Kosovo, and we will do our outmost to contribute to its security and defence,” pointed out X. Murati.
MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER
2014 OCTOBER
Head of MKSF Office for Community Affairs
Informs About Bosniaks In The KSF
On September 29, Azemina Culum, Head of MKSF Office for Community Affairs, took part at round table discussions which
were organised by the Office of the Prime Minister on the occasion of marking the Bosnian National Day. A. Culum pointed out
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MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER
2014 OCTOBER
Lieutenant Colonel Sefer Isufi Graduates From
The Turkish Army War College
After three years of studies Lieutenant Colonel Sefer Isufi graduated from the Turkish Army War College, becoming the first
KSF officer, who successfully completed studies at this highest academic institution within the Turkish Armed Forces. After
completion of studies Lieutenant Colonel Sefer Isufi obtained a title Senior Career Officer of the General Headquarters and
simultaneously completed his Masters degree studies with high score in the profile: National and International Security Strategy
Management and Leadership Art, with the topic: ''Impact study of Kosovo’s membership to NATO on peace, stability and
security in the Balkans”. This study was valued highly by the College academic personnel. The War College, established in
1848, has been completed by many renowned military and political dignitaries from Turkey and other countries, among them
was also the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. This year 176 Turkish officers and 56 officers from
foreign countries completed their studies at the College.
MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER
2014 OCTOBER
KSF senior non-commissioned officer makes history
Command Sergeant Major Xhafer Preteni, KSF Operational Support Brigade, joined Major Vellazerim Qerimi from the Land
Force Command on the three months British Military English Course (Army) at United Kingdom (UK) Defence Language
School in Shrivenham, England. This is the first time a senior non-commissioned officer from any country in the world has ever
attended this course, as the training is normally for Majors and Lieutenant Colonels. The aim of the course is to help students
improve their English and provide an opportunity to introduce individuals to British culture and history. Running alongside this
the training also provides an insight into the organisation and workings of the British Armed Forces, which is an important
aspect of the course. At the same time, Second Lieutenant Ismail Hoxha arrived at UK Language School to attend the English
Language course for overseas cadets attending Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Second Lieutenant I. Hoxha was selected to
attend the UK Commissioning Course, starting January 2015, and this English training will help him to prepare for the
challenging Sandhurst course.
MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER
2014 OCTOBER
Major Genc Shala: It Is So Rewarding to See How
people Recover
Major Genc Shala is a Deputy Commander of the KSF Medical Company and serves in the KSF since the very beginning of its
establishment. “When I was at secondary school I loved biology and especially genetics. I was fascinated by how the human body
functions. Consequently I chose to study Internal Medicine at the University of Pristina,” explains G. Shala. Right now under his
command are 26 people who provide medical care to all the units, located at the Adem Jasahari Barracks in Pristina. In addition,
the KSF Medical Company provides KSF members with Advanced First Aid Training. “Our medics are very experienced and
well trained. Many of them have undergone training abroad; they have been deployed to Albania during floods in 2010 and
2011; in winter 2012, we were in Restelice when an avalanche hit the village, and I personally held in my hands the
miraculously rescued five-year-old girl; this summer, after an explosion at the Kosovo Energy Corporation power plant, our
team was immediately sent there,” says G. Shala. In 2013 and 2014, KSF’s medics took part at multinational exercises “Shared
Resilience 13” and “Immediate Response 14”. After the exercises G. Shala proudly concluded that the KSF medical personnel
are at the same level compared to other regional countries. G. Shala is a father of two children - daughter (8) and son (1). “Most
of my free time I devote to my kids, I love to play with them and I also help my daughter with homework,” smiles G. Shala.
MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER
2014 OCTOBER
KSF Football Team Plays Against
Montenegro Armed Forces
On September 4, a KSF representative football team travelled to Montenegro to play against the Montenegro Armed Forces in
an inaugural futsal challenge match. This was the first time that the KSF team has played a representative football match against
the Montenegrins and also a game in the futsal format (futsal is a variant of association football that is played on a smaller field
and played indoors, with a smaller heavier ball). Military of Montenegro have a strong history in this form of football and are
one of best, if not the best, military futsal sides in the region, being runners up in the Balkan championship last year and winners
in 2012. Following excellent hospitality from the Montenegrins, the game was held in the excellent sports facilities of the
Montenegro Police Academy. With a big home support, a very confident Montenegro team took control of the game early on
but this was short lived, as the KSF team found their feet quickly and became a very competitive opposition. The Montenegrins
were extremely surprised how good the KSF team was, and this put them on the back foot and kept the home support quiet.
Throughout, the game was very close with only the odd goal separating the teams, at any one time, with the KSF leading on
more than one occasion. The final score was a tight 5 - 4 win for Montenegro that even saw KSF missing a penalty kick in the
last minute of the game that would have brought the game level. “This was a great event and also the first occasion that the KSF
played representative football outside Kosovo,” said Lieutenant Colonel Dave Jones, KSF Team Manager.
MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER
2014 OCTOBER
British Army Officer Helps A School
Lieutenant Colonel David Jones, Adviser to Commander of the KSF, has raised money to purchase toys and learning materials
for a junior school in one of the most deprived areas of Kosovo. On Election Day at this year’s Kosovo General Election,
Lieutenant Colonel Jones was acting as an election observer in the Drenica area, and spent the majority of his time in various
school buildings observing the election process. On a visit to Fehmi Rama Elementary School Lieutenant Colonel Jones
engaged with Arben Kadri, director of the school, who proudly spoke about his school, students and new initiatives. During the
school tour A. Kadri explained how the school had expanded in recent times, and stressed the demand for the pre-school class.
Lieutenant Colonel Jones felt he could help and promised to raise money to buy toys and learning materials for the class. Over
the next couple of months Lieutenant Colonel Jones got around family and friends to raise the necessary money, and during a
recent visit to the school he presented the toys and learning materials to the children and teachers of the pre-school class.