CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - Kosovo Force International Military Police soldiers from across Europe were joined by a U.S. Army Reserve MP unit, assigned to Multinational Battle Group-East, to participate in a joint law enforcement mission, Aug. 26 outside Camp Nothing Hill near Leposavic, Kosovo.
The multinational mission was set up as a safety measure for forces under NATO's peace support mission in Kosovo, to make sure they are operating within proper regulations and to build better relationships while supporting stability and force protection in Kosovo.
The 363rd Military Police Company, out of Grafton, West Virginia, took part in setting up traffic control points and performing inspections on military vehicles to ensure soldiers are carrying the proper credentials and following the proper safety procedures while driving in Kosovo during training and peacekeeping missions.
The invitation for the 363rd to participate came out of previous collaborations and outreach between the commanders and provost marshals for the IMPs, as well as leadership from the multinational MP units.
"A lot of the buildup for this mission has been based on the commitment and communication done by leadership for the IMPs and the U.S. forces here," said Sgt. Ryan Sanders, the patrol leader for the squad which took part in the mission. "Throughout the past few months we have had the opportunity to meet with the IMPs and exchange ideas on planning for upcoming missions."
The 363rd, along with most of the U.S. Soldiers currently serving in Kosovo, began their deployment to Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, in late June.
"The joint mission that took place is a progression of the socialization that has developed with the IMPs so far," Sanders said.
The IMP headquarters, located at Camp Film City in Pristina, Kosovo, consists of approximately 25 MPs from Austria and Switzerland.
"The joint mission was reinforced by Slovenian, German and Polish MPs, and took place north of the headquarters where IMP police tasks will be performed," said Austrian Capt. Unterassinger Dieter, the IMP commander in Kosovo. "This is our first time working with U.S. MPs."
"The focus will be to build a relationship with the U.S. MPs and learn what the traffic and vehicle requirements are for U.S. Soldiers working here," Dieter said.
"Overall it was a good experience working the German and Austrian Soldiers during this mission," said Spc. Taylor Taylor, who is part of Sanders' patrol team. "We got a chance to see how other multinational MPs conduct their operations."
The mission for multinational forces in Kosovo is to provide and maintain a safe and secure environment, and the MPs' role includes ensuring NATO's military personnel in Kosovo are following the regulations and standards required while driving during operations. The intent is not only to ensure safety for the multinational forces, but also the safety of Kosovo's citizens as well.
"The MPs working in Kosovo are like family," Dieter said. "We invited the U.S. to show that we can work together with them to build the alliance toward the same goal of ensuring protection measures for our forces."
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