KFOR combines MNBG East and Center, improves capabilities

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Jordan Werme | German army Maj. Gen. Erhard Buhler (left), commander, Kosovo Force, looks on as U.S. Army Col. Francisco J. Neuman, Ponce, Puerto Rico, commander, Multinational Battle Group East, addresses members of the local media following the official Transfer of Authority for response missions within the MNBG Center Area of Responsibility to Col. Neuman and MNBG E, Sept. 30.  

CAMP VILLE, KOSOVO

10.02.2010

Courtesy Story

130th Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP VILLE, Kosovo – In line with its continuing mission to provide a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all the people in Kosovo, and to provide for increased capability to accomplish this mission, Kosovo Forces have combined two of the Multinational Battle Groups within Kosovo.

In a ceremony held today, U.S. Army Col. Francisco J. Neuman, commander of Multi-National Battle Group East officially assumed command of the combined Battle Group. The combining of MNBG East with MNBG Center is part of the Commander of Kosovo Forces, German Army Maj. Gen. Erhard Bühler’s plan to restructure KFOR into a more flexible ground and air mobile force capable of reaching any trouble spots in Kosovo as required.

The realignment of the KFOR mission reflects NATO’s confidence in the steadily improving security situation in Kosovo, and the Institutions in Kosovo’s ability to take responsibility of their own security tasks.

“The reorganization, the adaptation of the structure, gives me the necessary flexibility to react to any security challenge, whenever and wherever. This adaptation of KFOR military presence is a natural process to the improved security situation,” said Bühler. “If required, KFOR can also rely on reserve forces from outside the region. They are very well trained, poised to deploy quickly and decisively and can be employed in all scenarios if required.”

“We are becoming a more flexible force able to deploy quickly and decisively whenever and wherever necessary,” said Neuman. “The people in Kosovo may rest assured that MNBG E will retain the same capabilities needed to deal with any situation which might threaten safe and secure environment and freedom of movement.”

“The improved situation in Kosovo has let us take the first step towards the new structure of KFOR. As part of KFOR, my Battle Group and the previous MNTF-C has made this possible,” said Finnish Army Col. Markku Aherto, commander, MNBG Center. “We have been the pilot in unfixing of Gazemistan monument and Gracanica monastery. We have proved the next step can be taken.”

MNBG E will continue to provide the same level of support throughout its newly expanded area of responsibility and will retain the flexibility needed to provide Quick Reaction Force and Crowd and Riot Control support throughout Kosovo. KFOR soldiers will provide security, and will closely cooperate with Kosovo and European Rule of Law Mission Police.

Please contact the MNBG E Public Affairs office at the above phone numbers/e-mail for media engagements or to follow-up on this information.

• Date Taken: 10.02.2010
• Date Posted: 10.02.2010 05:45
• Story ID: 57368
• Location: CAMP VILLE, ZZ