MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE

Transcription

1 MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE Dear all, It`s a pleasure to present to you the 47th edition of Newsletter of Ministry for Kosovo Security Force. The Ministry for Kosovo Security Force periodically informs on developments, successes, achievements and with a special attention realization of its activities. First of all, please, allow me to inform on success of the KSF Cadet Officer, Second-Lieutenant Xhevahir Hasanaj, who extraordinary success completed with Military Royal Academy in,,sandhurst and decorated with medal by the Prime Minister of British state. This is the second time that our Officers- Cadets gained prices in this Academy after the big price of Silver Sabre for the first time gained in the 2015 from ScLt. Ismail Hoxha. Also, shall be mentioned that several meetings with Republic of Croatia, such as meeting with President and Minister of Croatia where was reaffirmed the constant support to the Croatia state. During April month, I have hosted for a meeting a group of EU. Also, Commander of the KSF has hosted Commander of IOWA`s National Guard. A special thing was arranging and holding of the Conference KSF and Partners where have participated diplomatic representative and Attaches of the partner countries and neighboring countries such as; USA, United Kingdom, Germany, Turkey, Hungary, Croatia, Albania, Macedonia, Netherlands etc. In the conference were given some of the cooperation areas where representatives of partner countries offered their capacities in support to the KSF. Also, I consider important cooperation of the KSF with KFOR Forces such as joint exercise, Silver Sabre 2017, in the operation for disposal of explosive ordnance afterwards coordination of activities between teams for military civil cooperation of KFOR and the KSF. It shall be mentioned arranging of the international race The best soldier in which took part members from several armies of the regional countries, Europe and wider as well arrangement of the race for selection of the best soldier of the year in the KSF. The Kosovo Security Force took part in joint exercise with Albanian Army Biza 17, in some humanitarian activities such as Run with the KSF 2017, as well environmental activities arranged in the case of Earth Day and many other activities. 1

2 KSF and KFOR have exploded UXO on International Day of Mine Awareness Pristina, 04th April In the KFOR range in Zatriq of Rahovec on the occasion of marking of the International Day of Mine Awareness is Demining Disposal Operation for UXO which was conducted by the KSF, KFOR, and Kosovo Police and from other NGOs. Attended Dep/Minister of KSF, Muhamet Latifi, BG. Zymer Halimi, Director of Operations Directorate, Dep/Commander of Land Force Command BG. Gëzim Hazrolli, Commander of CPR, Col. Shaip Haziri, Chief of Kosovo Coordination Demining Center, Ahmet Sallova as well representatives of American KFOR Bondsteel, Kosovo Police and NGOs who operates in Kosovo. After the presentation of equipment and activity of the KSF Demining Company, a short meeting was held with media. On this occasion, Dep/Minister of MKSF, Muhamet Latifi said: We are here to mark the International Day of Mine Awareness and to closely see professional preparation and operational capacities of the KSF members We, as Ministry highly appreciating importance of mine clearance areas, a special attention was paid to making capable the KSF members who are giving an excellent contribution in this view. There has been a war that has left huge consequences, where many areas have been mined. Clearance of these areas is very important for us, because besides ensuring the lives of citizens and their free movement, it also affects economic development, because many properties so far have not been able to be used by the citizens." 2

3 Chief of the Coordination Center of the Ministry of KSF, Ahmet Sallova, reflected the overall activities of the KSF Demining Company. He added that the KSF has cleared over 1,745,465 square meters since 2010 and has destroyed 2177 unexploded explosive devices, while EOD teams have intervened in 2136 cases and have demolished 3150 different explosive devices. In the end Mr. Sallova said that despite this major work of demining units so far, there are still 111 areas affected by mines and other unexploded ordnance. He thanked the KSF's demining units and other organizations involved in the demolition of unexploded ordnance, which have created a safe environment in these areas that now enable normal life of development. Commander of the KSF, Rrahman Rama at the Conference for the KSF organized by the RIDEA Institute Pristina, 07th April. At hotel, Swiss Diamond in Pristina there is held conference with subject: Kosovo Security Force Future Prosperity, organized by Research Institute of Development and European Affairs (RIDEA) with attendance of; President of Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Hashim Thaçi, U. S Ambassador, Greg Dellawie, COMKSF Lt. Gen. Rrahman Rama, Accredited Ambassador in Kosovo, Analyst of Balkan Affairs, Mr. Daniel Server, Ministers, Deputies, analysts and journalists. Due to subject which concerned the KSF prosperity present was COMKSF, Lt. Gen Rama along with Col. Fadil Hadergjonaj, Advisor to MKSF Minister, LTC Agron Bajrami, Head of Department for Transformation in MKSF and Minister s Advisor, Rexhep Leci. In the second session of the proceedings, the panelist was Col. Fadil Hadergjonaj. During the debates of this conference, important assessments were made on the path and procedures for the transformation of the KSF into the Armed Forces of Kosovo. 3

4 Dortmund Crafts Chamber and Kosovo Chamber of Commerce have assisted the KSF members Pristina, 07th April. There are certified two KSF who for two months attended a professional training in the auto-mechanic area for 17 months. The training was provided by Dortmund Crafts Chamber supported by Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany in close cooperation with and Kosovo Chamber of Commerce and Professional school Shtjefën Gjeçovi in Pristina. The training started on Nov 2015 and completed on March, 31 st This vocational training with dual practice elements, school-enterprise, has been developed in the field of auto mechanics for maintenance of motorized vehicles and according to German standards of vocational education. In the ceremony of closing of this training took part DCCh, EChoK, KSF, KFOR and the school representatives. The practical and theoretical exam is held under supervision of DCCh, German KFOR representatives and teacher of auto-mechanic section of the school Shtjefën Gjeçovi". Cooperation among DCCh, EChoK, KSF will continue even in the future in order to accomplish projects in the areas with common interest especially for the good of the KSF said Mr. Franc Musolli, representative of DCCh and coordinator of projects of Professional Vocational education and Academy in Kosovo. 4

5 Humanitarian Race in Athletic, Run with the KSF - Mitrovica 2017 Pristina 11th April Kosovo Security Force ( KSF ) in cooperation with Athletic Federation and Mitrovica Municipality in the city of Mitrovica have realized humanitarian race Run with the KSF - Mitrovica 2017" by the young officers of Kosovo Security Force and all these funds will go to vulnerable families of this Municipality. Together with the KSF members, KFOR, NGOs, Kosovo`s citizen part of this 10 km run path was the British Ambassador in Kosovo, Ruairi O Connell along his wife. All runners managed to successfully complete this race whereas the three first places in the male category belong to: the first place (golden medal) won Emin Grajqevci, with No. 770, the second place (silver medal) Tiron Mamusha No. 644 and the third place (bronze medal) Bujar Uka, No In the category of females the first place (golden medal) won Qëndresë Ramadani, No.865, the second place (silver medal) Nebahate Maqasterna, No.646 and the third place (bronze medal) belong to the KSF Officer Lt. Manushaqe Nura, No In the end, the first three places were awarded by the KSF superiors and the deputy mayor of Mitrovica, while to all participants were awarded Certificate of Participation. The humanitarian run Run with the KSF is an activity initiated and arranged by the young officers of the Kosovo Security Force with intention promotion of good health but above all has its human values. Also, this time the KSF proved to be close to its citizens especially those who needs help. 5

6 Kosovo Security Force took part at exercise Biza in Albania Pristina, 11th April A contingent of 12 members from the Kosovo Security Forced set off, today, to Republic of Albania to be part of the exercise Biza 17-01, Post Command exercise assisted by computer. This exercise will be conducted in two periods of times from and at Simulation Center of Armed Forces of Albania in Tirana. The exercise will be of scale of Battle group of infantry. To greet and congratulate the members who will participate in this training were also the Chief of the Land Forces Command Staff (LFC), Colonel Naim Haziri and the Chief of Operations of LFC, Colonel Bashkim Shillova. This exercise, as well as previous exercises are being realized within the framework of bilateral cooperation that the Republic of Kosovo, namely the Kosovo Security Force has with the Republic of Albania and its Armed Forces. Minister Haki Demolli and Commander of KSF, Lt. Gen. Rrahman Rama paid homages in Koshare Pristina, 11 th April On Sunday, , Minister Haki Demoli and Commander of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF), Lt. Gen. Rrahman Rama accompanied by Deputy Minister Muhamet Latifi, participated in the manifestation "Days of Albanian" devoted to the "Brigade" 138 Agim Ramadani "in the KLA battle in Koshare, a manifestation organized under the auspices of the Prime Minister of the Government of Kosovo, Isa Mustafa. 6

7 On this occasion, the minister and commander together with associates paid homage at the martyrs' cemetery at the memorial complex in Koshare. Likewise, they met many family members of martyrs with whom they cordially talked, expressing gratitude for the sublime sacrifice of martyrs fallen on the altars of liberty in the liberation war and respect for their successors and relatives. They praised the fallen in this glorious battle that broke the imposed border, a battle that, together with all the battles of the KLA war, brought freedom to Kosovo. The freedom that we enjoy today in the free and independent Kosovo, which was the dream and message of all the martyrs of the KLA war. Commander Rrahman Rama attended ceremony of the KSF cadet`s graduation in the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst Pristina, 13 th April Second Lieutenant, Xhevahir Hasanaj won the "Best International Cadet" medal at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst. Commander of Kosovo Security Force, Lt. Gen. Rrahman Rama during the official visit to the United Kingdom, today attended the graduation ceremony of cadets-officers at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, where is expected graduation of the KSF undergraduates; Xhevahir Hasanaj and Arlind Bajrami. Prime Minister of United Kingdom, Theresa May is the one who did inspection of cadets on behalf of her majesty, Elisabeth Queen. She awarded a medal to LTC. Xhevahir Hasanaj as well certification for the cadets who completed studies there. 7

8 POn the occasion of awarding medal to the KSF Officer, Xhevahir Hasanajt, the cadet with best results among International Officers- Cadets, Commander of KSF, Lt. Gen.Rrahman Rama said that the excellent result of the KSF Officer has a special importance not only to the KSF but to the whole Kosovo I am privileged to be here, today, as commander, to make honor to this grand event arranged by this famous Academy which always brings out officers who are proud of us with their results, "said General Rama. After 12 months of education at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, Great Britain, today, the Kosovo Security Force officer Xhevahir Hasanaj won the "Best International Cadet" medal. This is the second time that a cadet officer from Kosovo wins the prize as the best international cadet, given that in 2015 Sc.Lt. Ismail Hoxha had won the silver sword. The Security Force, Kosovo Police and KFOR conducted a joint exercise Silver Sabre Pristina, April 14, The "Young Europeans" Barracks of the Civil Protection Regiment in Bardh të Vogël and Camp "Vrellë" in Sllatinë were conducted field exercise operations "Silver Sword (Silver Saber), which was carried out under the leadership of KFOR in cooperation with the units of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF), the Kosovo Police (KP) and the Emergency Management Agency (EMA). In order to closely monitor the exercise 8

9 that was demonstrated by these institutions, present were the Director of the Operations Directorate of the Ministry of Kosovo Security Force, BG. Zymer Halimi, Deputy Commander of Land Forces, BG. Gëzim Hazrolli, Commander of the Doctrine and Training Exercise, BG. Enver Cikaqi, US Ambassador to Kosovo, Greg Delawie, KFOR Deputy Commander, BG. Christian Rainer, and KSF, KFOR and Kosovo Police Officers. Satisfied with the co-operation during this exercise, the Deputy Commander of KFOR, General Rainer expressed adding; "Joint exercises are a unique opportunity to unite all relevant actors and organizations responsible for creating a safe and secure environment in Kosovo, in accordance with their mandate and mission. KFOR has a long-term partnership with almost all international organizations, this is well demonstrated by the presence of EULEX, here, today. This is part of the comprehensive approach of NATO and KFOR through the implementation of energy and information exchange. During this exercise which started on April 7 and ended on April 13th, members who were engaged had the opportunity to demonstrate their professionalism and strength through various exercises and scenarios. 9

10 Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania, BG. Dedë Prenga visited the Kosovo Security Force Pristina, April 14th, Director of Operations Directorate in the Ministry of Kosovo Security Force, BG. Zymer Halimi, Deputy Commander of Land Forces, BG. Gëzim Hazrolli and Chief of Operations from the Command of Land Forces, Colonel Bashkim Shillova hosted for a visit, today Deputy Chief of Staff of Albanian Armed Forces, BG. Dedë Prenga. The visit was realized within the framework of military cooperation between the two countries. On this occasion, senior officers from the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania were informed about the achievements of the Kosovo Security Force in all areas of engagement, operational and tactical, transformation process of the KSF and its challenges. In this meeting highly was appreciated bilateral cooperation between the two countries, and the two parties agreed to deepen the future cooperation in all areas, in the interest of advancing regional and global security. Friendly visit has ended with the exchange of gifts as sign of gratitude from the generals in question. 10

11 Minister Haki Demolli had a meeting with European Parliament lawmakers Pristina, 20 April The Minister of Ministry for Kosovo Security Force Mr. Haki Demolli, within the facility of assembly of Republic of Kosovo had a meeting with lawmakers of European parliament Mr. Tonino Picula from Croatia, Mr. Angle Dizhambazki from Bulgaria, Mr. Lars Adaktusson and Mr. Jasenko Selimoviq from Sweden, Mr. Julie ward from United Kingdom, Mr. Igor Soltes from Slovenia accompanied by chief of European Union office Natalia Apostolova. In this joint meeting between minister Demolli and lawmakers from European parliament was discussed about domestic security matters and transformation process of Kosovo security force into armed forces as well as inclusion of minority communities in KSF and gender parity within our institution. Minister Demolli informed European parliament lawmakers abut preparations, discussions and plans of KSF ministry for KSF transformation into KAF, adding that our transformation plan is fully transparent and wellcoordinated with strategic partners. In the end, lawmakers thanked KSF minister Haki Demolli for this fruitful meeting and expressed their exceptional joy for minister and institution. 11

12 Minister Demolli: Partner countries exert great role in advancing the KSF abilities and capacities Pristina, 20 April In the ministry for Kosovo Security Force was held the sixth in a row now, conference KSF and partners, participated by the representatives of MKSF partner countries militaries and from domestic security institutions. in this occasion, in his opening remarks, minister Haki Demolli said that the aim of conference KSF and partners is to increase the cooperation between MKSF/KSF and partners countries and synchronization of activities so that MKSF and KSF have necessary support to become a professional force. Furthermore minister Demolli said that counters, respectively KSF partner militaries play a great role in upgrading the capacities and capabilities of KSF. Mr Demolli added that entire KSF achievements are completed with cooperation with bilateral partners and in daily cooperation with them, in full compliance with NATO standards. KSF minister Mr. Haki Demolli, when speaking of transformation process said that KSF development in near term is of essential importance for republic of Kosovo, for its citizens and communities: we can remain together to support our institutions, achieving our objective to be become a force for the benefit of our country, regional security and peace contributor, and cope with security challenges for a safer world. In the end minister Demolli said that MKSF and KSF are about to unfold the 12

13 achievements, requests for support in fields we have identified as most important ones and need further advance, a I m very confident, that this time, just as previous times your support will be robust. While on his opening speech, commander of Kosovo security force l t general thanked military attaches of friendly countries, participating in this conference for their perpetual contribution that their countries have given to us and continue so in building, developing and professionalism of KSF. With a welcoming speech proceeded also KFOR commander general Giovani Fungo and director of NATO advising and liaison team in MKSF/KSF general Ditmar Mossman. In the plenary session the presiding guy Lt Colonel Ali Krasniqi, and acting director of department for cooperation and security presented latest KSF achievements in the Feld of cooperation and security, while l t colonel Enver Voca presented a bunch of energumens that KSF had abroad, while attaches of such Albany, Croatia, Germany, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States, colonels Ahmet Leka, Lt colonel Mladen Cernicki, Lt colonel Martin Herrmann, Lt colonel Rusen Abidinoglu, Lt colonel Richard Perry and Lt colonel Brian Delvin presented their proposals offers and supporting capacities which are at disposal for Kosovo security force in In the KSF and partners conference are participating accredited attaches in Kosovo and region,from partner countries such as : Albania, Croatia, Belgium, Slovenia, Czech republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, japan, Macedonia, Netherlands, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States as well as KSF attaches accredited in US, Turkey, Belgium, Albania, Sweden, Germany and Turkey, also representatives from Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ministry for European Integration, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Kosovo Police and Emergency Management Agency. 13

14 Turkish musical band and Kosovo Security Force musical band performed in a joint musical concert Pristina, 21 April In the Adem Jashari barracks in Pristina took place a joint music concert of Turkish armed forces musical band and Kosovo security force musical band To listen to this performance by two music bands were deputy Land Force commander brigade general Gëzim Hazrolli, deputy commander of operation support brigade colonel Avni Raci, chief of LFC G3 Colonel Bashkim Shillova, Turkish contingent commander in Kosovo colonel Mustafa Tavazar along with other KSF and Turkish military officers and NCO. In this occasion general Hazrroli addressed the audience, initially haling all the attendees while for Turkish music band thanked for the initiative and cooperation and added that in terms of building operational capabilities, one of huge importance is also the music band. Pleased with this cooperation was also Turkish contingent commander in Kosovo colonel Mustafa Tavazar Turkish military music band along with KSF music band made us all enjoy great moments, are very pleased with the KSF music band. In the end colonel Tavazar said that KSF has done splendid job, our purpose is to demonstrate respect for Kosovo through cultural Exchange. 14

15 Rapid Reaction Brigade continues to challenge its members through variety of trainings Pristina, 25 April Rapid reaction brigade of Kosovo Security Force in Istog is conducting one of the most challenging trainings called: tactics for small units. For a close look and witness the execution of this and other innumerable RRB activates were the RRB acting commander colonel Xhevahir Geci and RRB chief of staff Lt colonel Ejup Macedonci.. In this occasion, colonel Geci hailed all participants of this training for their commitment and asked them to continue do their outmost, because this training is essential in shaping and forming military professional career. This tactics for small units training which has been organized by American instructors so for, from now on is conducted by RRB instructors, where majority of members are females and able to train is several disciplines. RRB instructors: enabling members in leadership and operation with teams and squads, patrols, recognizance, rope repelling, day and nocturnal land navigation, ambush, contact reaction, tactical and stressful firing, urban operations and other disciplines are of special importance for KSF. Besides this training, Rapid Reaction Brigade, based on the annual plane 2017, is conducting a wide range of activities for professional development of its members. During this period, in the RRB battalions is taking place 4-month training phase within the force regeneration, while in the RRB command are taking place to important seminars; leadership training and military decision making process. One of the RRB priorities is to prepare its members for patrolling eagle activity which will take place in KSF. Activities conducted by Rapid Reaction Brigade have enhance the professional preparation of RRB members in all fields, even though these activities, mainly at tactical level, have been very challenging, and the reediness, zest and willing of RRB members is clearly seen in all RRB units. Therefore now, members are highly prepared physically and tactically and are ready to cope with all duties that they may be assigned. 15

16 General Gëzim Hazrolli hosted the commander of the German KFOR s contingent in Kosovo Prishtina, 25 April Deputy Commander of Land Forces Command (LFC), Brigadier General Gëzim Hazrolli, hosted in the premises of the barracks Adem Jashari, the commander of the German KFOR s contingent in Kosovo, Colonel Jochen Gumprich, whom he announced on the current flows in the Kosovo Security Force, and in particular in the Land Forces Command, as well as the activities that are being carried out and those that are in the planning for the future. Commander of the KSF Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama hosted the Commander of the Ohio Guard Major General John Harris Prishtina, 25 April Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama, hosted today at the work meeting the Commander of the Ohio Guard of the United States of America (USA) Major General John Harris, accompanied by a US military attaché at the US Embassy in Pristina, Col. Jeffery Fischer and other senior officers. General Rama on this occasion thanked General Harris for the contribution that the American Army has been giving within KFOR for 18 years in order to have a safe and secure environment in Kosovo. Also, General Rama expressed his gratitude to the US 16

17 contingent from the Bondsteel military camp for given supporting to the KSF in general and in particular for the development of the training capacities of the KSF Doctrine and Training Command (TRADOC) in Ferizaj. During the meeting, KSF Commander Lt. Gen. Rrahman Rama informed General Harris about the process of transformation of the KSF into the Armed Forces of Kosovo (FAK), the preparations were made, the planning and the procedures that have been developed up to now, such as from the ministry as well as government and state level. On this occasion, he also informed General Harris of the high percentage of minority communities serving in the KSF as well as the concrete activities being undertaken to involve as many new minority members to the minority communities. General Harris was left delighted with the achievements of the KSF especially with the development of its members. It is impressive, he said, that members of the KSF are very successful in international schools and courses where they have been receiving high prizes for excellent performance. Also, General Harris expressed readiness to support the KSF in developing and improving its capacities. Minister Haki Demolli held a meeting with Croatian President Kolinda Grabar- Kitarović Croatia, Split, 27 April Minister of the Kosovo Security Force (MKSF), Mr. Haki Demolli upon the invitation of the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Croatia, Mr. Damir Krsticevic, is staying for an official visit to Croatia to attend the 4th Defense Fair and Adriatic Sea Air Space (ASDA 2017), which is being held in Split. Minister Demolli during his stay there, held a meeting with the President of the Republic of Croatia, Mrs. Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović. At the joint meeting, Minister Demolli and Croatian President Ms.Grabar-Kitarović talked about good relations between both countries, with particular emphasis on the security sector, as well as the excellent cooperation between the Ministry for the Kosovo Security Force and the Ministry of Defense to the Republic of Croatia. 17

18 Officials for Civil-Military Cooperation of the KSF and KFOR held a joint meeting Prishtina, 27 April In the organization by the Department for Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) to the Ministry for the Kosovo Security Force (MKSF), today, in the premises of the Ministry was held in turn meeting of representatives of KFOR, where participants were the teams of Civil- Military (CIMIC), JRD, KFOR LMT and NATO Advisory and Liaison Team for the MKSF/KSF (NALT). Initially, an occation speech was delivered by the Director of the Directorate of Operations, Brigadier General Zymer Halimi and the Director of the Department of CIMIC, Mr. Hajrush Kurtaj. General Halimi during his speech highly appreciated the co-operation and co-ordination of CIMIC s activities to the MKSF and NALT with the CIMIC s teams to the KFOR. He also said that the continuation of this cooperation strengthens the spirit of cooperation with the citizens of Kosovo and for their avail. The purpose of this meeting was to coordinate and coordinate activities between the CIMIC s teams to the MKSF/KSF and CIMIC to the KFOR, for the realization of joint projects in the coming months. 18

19 KSF Minister Haki Demolli met with Croatia's Defense Minister Damir Krsticevic Prishtina, 28 April Minister of the Ministry for the Kosovo Security Force (MKSF), Mr. Haki Demolli met in Split with the Croatian Defense Minister, Mr. Damir Krsticevic. Initially, Minister Demolli thanked Minister Damir Krsticevic for the invitation and for all his personal commitment and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Croatia in terms of advancing the friendly relations between the Ministry of KSF and the Ministry of Defense of Croatia. On his side, Minister Demolli also said; that Croatia s role as a NATO member, especially the role of the Defense Ministry and the Croatian Armed Forces, is extremely important along with other strategic partners for the establishment, advancement and membership of the Republic of Kosovo in initiatives and bodies at regional level and wider to the security. Also, Minister Demolli said that the Ministry for the Kosovo Security Force and the Kosovo Security Force as two institutions for which the Republic of Kosovo have been committing to advance in mandate and duties, and since the transformation of the KSF into Armed Forces, in addition to internal will, there is need for transparency of the process as well as support from the strategic partners of the Republic of Kosovo and countries such as Croatia which has supported the KSF since its establishment and continues to be one of the countries that offer too much boost. On his side, Croatia s Defense Minister, Mr. Damir Krsticevic thanked Minister Demolli for the visit and expressed the readiness that the good bilateral relations between both institutions and both states will advance further with even greater dedication in the future. During his visit to Croatia, KSF Minister Mr.Haki Demolli met with two KSF s non-commissioners (NCOs) who are there for education: Sergeant Major of Command Xhevdet Mataj and Sergeant Major Rexhep Bytyqi. 19

20 The KSF with numerous activities marked the International Earth Day Prishtina, 24 April The Ministry for the Kosovo Security Force (MKSF) and the KSF, in coordination with the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, on April 22, 2017, on the occasion of the International Earth Day, organized numerous activities in cleaning of the environment, planting seedlings - decorative flowers and flowers in many cities of Kosovo. The action for marking of the International Earth Day was also marked in all the barracks of the KSF. The main activity was held at the barracks Adem Jashari in Prishtina, where the members of the KSF distinguished themselves with the cleaning of the barracks and the planting of the saplings of ornamental trees, pines and flowers. Also, within this cooperation, the KSF has been comitted with technical tools and personnel in supporting of the MESP, with trucks and excavators in many cities in Kosovo such as: Prishtina, Ferizaj, Istog, Fushë Kosovë, etc., On behalf of the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, the Minister Ferat Shala has awarded gratitude to KSF for the supporting of the MESP. Coordinator for all activities between MKSF/LFC and MESP, Lieutenant Colonel Afrim Veseli-Department of the CIMIC to the MKSF, expressed very grateful for the cooperation and for the realization of the general activities of the KSF, not only in marking of the International Earth Day, but also in approaching the help to citizens with logistic tools in many of Kosovo s cities. 20

21 KSF s Corporal Rafet Gashi won the international competition Best Soldier of the year 2017 Prishtina, 28 April In the barracks Adem Jashari to the Kosovo Security Force (KSF), in a ceremony was announced the results of the KSF s competition and the international competition Best Soldier of the year The international competition Best Soldier of the eyar 2017 was won by the member of the KSF, Corporal Rafet Gashi, member of the First Battalion to the Rapid Battalion Brigade, second place, the soldier from Croatia, Ivo Vasić, and the third place also the member of the KSF, soldier Besnik Nebihu, member of the Civil Protection Regimment to the KSF. During this ceremony were announced the results of the KSF s competition: The best soldier of the year 2017, where the first place belonged to Corporal Binak Podrimqaku, second place to Elvis Hasanaj and third place to soldier Mehdi Bajraktari, all of them are the members of the Second Battalion to the Rapid Reaction Brigade of the KSF. On this occasion, KSF commander, Lt. Gen. Rrahman Rama said that the KSF s best 21

22 soldier of the year is already traditional and it is a challenge with which members of the KSF are familiar and through it they are showing successes both within the KSF and international competitions. At the end of his speech, General Rama said that the KSF is proving every day that it is a professional, disciplined, motivated and ready force to be part of the contributing security states in the region and beyond. Meanwhile, First Sergeant Major of the KSF, Genc Metaj, during his speech on this occasion said that the competition for the soldier of the year was an excellent opportunity for our soldiers to exchange their military experiences and skills with their peers from the participating countries, and most importantly, added Sergeant Major Metaj, from this activity is that there are created the bridges of cooperation and friendly relations between members, participants in the competition. Activities such as this competition are a good way to increase interaction, physical readiness, efficiency, motivation and overall development of soldiers and NCOs, but also accuracy in some important areas, he added. We point out that thecompetition Best Soldier of the year 2017 started on 24 April and continued until April 27, with soldiers and NCOs from all KSF s units and participating partner countries competing together and showed high dedication and professionalism during the execution of all the tasks were put forwarded. In this competition, 21 of contestants from the KSF who competed for the best KSF s soldier and 16 of contestants who competed for the best international soldier. Apart from Kosovo, part of the international competition were also Albania, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Macedonia, Turkey and Great Britain, which they were competed with two members. The competition took place in these disciplines: Physical test, gun shooting, land navigation, obstacle course, grenade launch, dangerous zone passage, first aid, field observation, fast march with load and written test of the military knowledge (written test was only for the KSF s. 22

23 A narrative story for himself by second lieutenant Xhevahir Hasanaj, winner of Sword of Honor in Sandhurst Ever since I was a little kid, I always wanted to serve my country, and by growing up in a country which witnessed a big war, this desire kept growing even more. Therefore as a young man a began looking for a military occupation. In 2010 I found out about education provided in university study center and then commenced to entirely commit myself to preparation, in order to enroll in this school. I started school in 2011 with huge zest and extremely delighted that my dream finally came true. Because I dreamt about this occupation, I soon began to adapt with this life. As a great challenge was also pursuing studies in two universities, in USC and in American university in Kosovo. I managed to somehow easily overcome them, thanks to a high spirit and desire to carry on KSF uniform. I went to England in March Initially I pursued a preparatory course until May 8 where I actually started school in Sandhurst. In order to get to this, I previously went through selection stage in Kosovo, in Training and Doctrine Command, where 11 second lieutenants competed and only two got selected for further education in England. The selection committee comprised of General Gezim Hazrolli, a colonel from British forces and a colonel from American forces. The section process was fully similar to selection process for English cadets. Academy lasted for 11 months and we were mainly tested in infantry. This award is of huge importance for me personally and for Kosovo Security Force as well. It is a pleasure and privilege to represent your country and get awarded with such a price. Frankly I did not expect to win this price, considering the tough competition. Honestly, I demonstrated a great leadership performance since beginning, skills that I have obtained from USC, and I also I kept displaying high physical and professional preparation, thus proving that I deserved this price. I went through a bunch of extremely tough tasks such as squad commander, 23

24 platoon commander, company sergeant major all the way to company commander. All these duties were carried out in best manner possible, in addition to great results reaped from physical and academic field, thus making me suitable receiver of best international cadet price. Frankly it was a great privilege and honor for me to receive such a prices personally from a person of such importance for that country like Mrs. Theresa May. It was a moment of pride to walk on that range as a best international cadet. It is worth mentioning the words said by Mrs. May after ceremony, where she addressed me by saying how delighted she is to see our force at this level of professionalism. She also highly evaluated the work our force is doing, high work spirit and sacrifices this force has gone through since KLA, then KPC up till now. Mrs. May said she is ready to closely work with our force in a near future as a NATO ally. All skills obtained in London academy will pass to our force along with my platoon and my unit, in order to have a professional force and highly prepared. My main aim is to be fully committed to military and have a long military career, and to use my ability and power for the benefit of this force, and make this force enviable. KSF privates, cadets and NCO keep working with highest commitment and motive, because only this way our force will be at adequate level. You are the most important and meritorious that KSF is a professional force, well prepared with inexorable successes. 24