U.S. KFOR Soldiers conduct exercise with Kosovo Police

Photo By Chris Erickson | Soldiers of Bravo Company test the riot control line while acting as "demonstrators" during a joint exercise with the Kosovo police.  

CAMP MONTEITH, KOSOVO

06.18.2010

Story by Spc. Chris Erickson 

116th Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP MONTEITH, Kosovo – Multinational Battle Group East’s Bravo Company worked with the Kosovo Police from Gjilan/Gnjilane, June 16, in a joint exercise that highlighted proper Crowd Riot Control techniques.

Elements from Bravo Company served as “demonstrators” while other Bravo Company Soldiers stood by to back up the KP if necessary.

The exercise began with a simulated protest by the Bravo Company “demonstrators.” After a brief discussion with the KP to air complaints about power outages, the “demonstrators” marched past the first line of KP officers, where they were met by more police in riot control gear.

When the Soldiers and the CRC equipped KP met, it was only a short time before the KP had successfully detained a few of the more aggressive “demonstrators.” After receiving some water and pats on the back, the demonstrators were released back to their formation, allowing the exercise to progress.

Maj. Shayne Simon, MNBG E exercise planner, said the day went very well.

“Communication between KFOR and KP really made this joint exercise successful,” Simon said. “The KP showed that they are CRC capable in tough situations and that their leadership has a good command of its officers. The cooperation between KFOR and Kosovo police during the exercise showed the ability of both units to react to the worst possible situation and to quickly regain control of a hostile crowd."

After the exercise was complete, members of Bravo Company demonstrated the use of some of their non-lethal weapons such as paintballs, non-lethal shotgun shells and “Spongebobs,” foam-tipped M203 rounds.

The day concluded with another demonstration, this time from Camp Bondsteel’s K9 team. During this demonstration, the K9 handlers showed how their four-legged partners could sniff out contraband, take down perpetrators and guard them until they could be properly detained.

Brig. Gen. Al Dohrmann, commanding general of MNGB E, said the coordination between KFOR and KP was outstanding.

“The cooperation between the Kosovo police and KFOR was incredible,” Dohrmann said. “Exercises like the one today not only prove the capabilities of the KP, but also prove the capabilities of KFOR as a third responder.”

• Date Taken: 06.18.2010
• Date Posted: 06.18.2010 11:46
• Story ID: 51616
• Location: CAMP MONTEITH, ZZ