Photo By Staff Sgt. Alyssa Lisenbe | Louisiana Army National Guard Soldiers with the Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 156th...... read more read more
In the first 100 days of deployment of the NATO-led international peacekeeping mission, Kosovo Force 35 (KFOR) has sharpened its readiness, strengthened partnerships and built resilience across every formation. From long hours on patrol to late nights at the range, soldiers have proven their commitment not only to the mission but to each other.
Each effort not only strengthened operational effectiveness but also reaffirmed KFOR’s commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment.
“I couldn’t be more proud of what our soldiers have accomplished in the first 100 days,” said Lt. Col. Nicholas Acosta, KFOR Regional Command-East deputy commander. “Whether they’re on patrol, at the range or working alongside our multinational partners, our soldiers have constantly shown their dedication, resilience and professionalism.”
Readiness has remained a top priority. In just over three months, soldiers logged approximately 500 hours of training, ranging from live-fire marksmanship to medical evacuation rehearsals. Each event sharpened skills and ensured every soldier remained prepared for the mission ahead.
On the ground, the U.S. contingent of the 3-156th Infantry Combat Team, also known as Task Force Bandit, has conducted more than 400 patrols, securing freedom of movement for all people in Kosovo. These patrols, visible daily in towns and villages, aim to reinforce trust between KFOR and the people it serves.
“Capt. Marx and I couldn’t be more proud of the hard work the men and women of Hard Rock Charlie have done over the last three months,” said 1st Sgt. Christopher Stevenson, senior enlisted of the 3-156th Infantry Combat Team, Charlie Company. “From the end of June until now, our soldiers have shown remarkable dedication to their craft and to the people of Kosovo by providing a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement.”
Over the past 100 days, units executed more than 40 ranges, sending approximately 30,000 rounds downrange. Overhead, Task Force Aviation recorded more than 900 flight hours, providing mobility and rapid response capability.
Alongside routine patrols and training, KFOR 35 has successfully carried out 10 brigade-level named operations. These operations demonstrated the formation’s ability to scale, integrate and adapt across 33 fellow multinational partners.
Together with NATO allies, KFOR 35 continues its aim to build cohesion, trust and interoperability between its forces. Every mission, whether a large-scale operation or a simple engagement with local leaders, has added to the foundation of the force.
“I’ve definitely grown as a soldier and as a person,” said Spc. Ibrahim Syed, S-1 Human Resource Specialist. “This has been the first time I’ve done my job for an extended period and it’s taught me a lot about my work ethic, how I learn from mistakes and humbling myself to do better each day.”
Beyond operations, soldiers have invested in relationships that reach beyond the uniform. From youth center visits to holiday celebrations, KFOR 35 has built bridges of trust with the people of Kosovo.
Their commitment has extended into volunteerism as well, with soldiers contributing more than 500 volunteer hours in the first 100 days. Whether it was contributing to moral events in the camp, mentoring local youth, assisting in community events or supporting local organizations, those hours reflect the heart of the mission.
Just as importantly, soldiers have supported each other, finding balance in morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) events such as sports, run clubs, movie nights, combatives, and karaoke.
These gatherings allow soldiers to recharge, build camaraderie and prioritize their mental health, all key ingredients to staying resilient throughout the deployment.
Central to this effort is the role of the Behavioral Health Officer (BHO), who provides soldiers with a confidential and trusted resource for maintaining mental readiness. Whether it’s counseling a soldier coping with stress, leading small-group sessions or offering tools to improve sleep, the BHO plays a critical role in soldier resilience.
“Behavioral health impacts not only our emotional and psychological well-being but also our physical performance,” said Capt. Dustin Seidler, KFOR 35 Task Force Medical BHO. “If we’re not in a good emotional place, it directly affects how we function physically.”
KFOR 35 stands stronger today than on day one. The first 100 days have shown what determination, grit and unity can achieve, but this is only the beginning. With the momentum built, KFOR 35 is positioned to strengthen partnerships further, maintain readiness and ensure Kosovo remains a safe and secure environment where freedom of movement is protected for all.
| Date Taken: | 09.15.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.06.2025 10:40 |
| Story ID: | 549844 |
| Location: | ZZ |
| Web Views: | 109 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 100 Days of KFOR 35: Readiness, Resilience and Commitment, by SPC Kameron Spencer, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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