CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo – National Guard Soldiers assigned to the NATO-led Kosovo Force mission recently conducted a series of joint training exercises with Kosovo Search and Rescue Association (KSRA) members to strengthen mutual capabilities and enhance interoperability.
KSRA personnel visited the KFOR Regional Command-East headquarters at Camp Bondsteel from April 26-27. During the 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 received hands-on time with fire rescue equipment and became familiar 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 May 2-4 at the Arxhena Ski Resort. Building on the previous sessions, the KFOR 34 medical team delivered additional classes focused on specific medical challenges that are likely to occur in the region where they operate, including high-altitude illnesses and hypothermia that are 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,” Rrahmina said. “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 commanded by Oregon Army National Guard’s 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, highlighted the competence and skill of the team with which he trained.
“They all have a lot of knowledge and are willing to share,” Van Horn said. “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.”
Since 1999, U.S. Soldiers have maintained a presence in Kosovo and have played a vital role in supporting the safety, security and stability of the people and communities in 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 Rule of Law Mission 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 KSRA.
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.
“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,” Bentley said. “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 relies on unity and teamwork to achieve its long-term objective: fostering a safe and secure environment for all people and communities throughout Kosovo.