Photo By Sgt. Grace Wajler | U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Regional Command-East of the NATO-led Kosovo Force 34...... read more read more
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Since 1999, U.S. Soldiers have maintained a presence in Kosovo as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force mission. Over the years, KFOR has played a vital role in supporting safety, security, and stability for the people and communities of Kosovo.
As the region continues to evolve, so does the mission of KFOR. Now working in close coordination with the Kosovo Police and the European Union Mission on Rule of Law in Kosovo (EULEX) in their respective roles as security responders, KFOR also remains deeply involved in the community, offering humanitarian assistance, conducting joint training exercises, and maintaining strong relationships with local organizations.
One such ongoing partnership is with the Kosovo Search and Rescue Association KSRA, a collaboration that continues to benefit both groups. Recently, Soldiers from KFOR Regional Command - East conducted a series of joint training exercises with KSRA members to strengthen mutual capabilities and enhance interoperability.
On Apr. 26-27, 2025, KSRA personnel visited Camp Bondsteel, where the Regional Command - East headquarters is located. During the Camp Bondsteel visit, KFOR 34 Soldiers and the Camp Bondsteel Fire Department conducted training on medical care, emergency management, and security responses. KFOR Regional Command - East’s Task Force Medical Team led instruction on Combat Lifesaver techniques, the Task Force Military Police covered security protocols, and the Camp Bondsteel Fire Department provided hands-on training focusing on emergency scenarios.
During the medical portion, medics demonstrated critical lifesaving procedures used in combat environments. Training included the application of tourniquets, wound dressing, insertion of nasopharyngeal airways, and the use of occlusive chest seals for treating thoracic injuries. The KFOR medical personnel brought extensive real-world experience to the training, giving KSRA members both theoretical instruction and practical insights.
The Military Police team demonstrated security cordon techniques, which are valuable for emergency response teams in controlling unauthorized access to an incident site, thereby protecting both those involved and nearby bystanders.
The Camp Bondsteel Fire Department provided practical training that pertains to the KSRA mission. They got hands-on time with fire rescue equipment and were familiarized with rescue procedures. This training prepares the rescue team to work alongside fire departments in fire rescue emergencies.
In return, KSRA invited KFOR Soldiers to participate in training at the Arxhena Ski Resort May 2-4, 2025. Building on the previous sessions, the KFOR 34 medical team delivered additional classes focused on specific medical challenges that would likely occur in the region in which they operate, including high-altitude illnesses and hypothermia—skills particularly relevant to Kosovo’s mountainous terrain.
One of the search and rescue team’s newest members, Albina Rrahmina, expressed her appreciation for KFOR’s cooperation.
“This group of people have a passion for helping others. With the help of your military and your training, our members have improved their skills and knowledge,” said Rramina. “We’re not just learning from the books-we’re learning from each others’ experiences.”
KSRA then led KFOR 34 Soldiers through advanced search and rescue training, including rappelling, ski lift recovery, diving, and ATV operations. These skills are essential in broadening the Soldiers’ operational readiness and enhancing their effectiveness in diverse emergency response scenarios.
U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Mychal Van Horn, a medic assigned to KFOR RC-E, currently commanded by Oregon Army National Guard’s 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, highlighted the competence and skill of the team that he shared training with.
“They all have a lot of knowledge and are willing to share,” said Van Horn. “I have taught a lot of classes and I’ve never had a group as motivated as them. They are a great group of people and I’m honored to have worked with them.”
The partnership between KFOR and KSRA continues to exemplify the importance of joint training and cooperation. By fostering collaboration and mutual understanding, both organizations are better prepared to respond to potential crises across Kosovo.
The KFOR RC-E Civil-Military Cooperation Chief, U.S. Army National Guard 1st Lt. Ellen Bentley, helped lead the coordination of the training event and expressed the importance of these opportunities to both entities involved.
“When I see the Soldiers training with their counterparts in the KSRA, I feel proud that we’ve been able to execute these really great training opportunities and develop these relationships with each other,” said Bentley. “So, in case of an emergency, we have the pre-existing relationship that if we needed to collaborate, we could.”
Partnership and interoperability are cornerstones of the KFOR mission. Comprising troops from numerous contributing nations, KFOR depends on unity and teamwork to fulfill its long-term objective: supporting a safe and secure environment for all people and communities throughout Kosovo.
| Date Taken: | 05.04.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.02.2025 08:52 |
| Story ID: | 498905 |
| Location: | ARXHENA, ZZ |
| Web Views: | 88 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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