CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - Soldiers representing four NATO allies and Kosovo took part in a series of tests on their strength, endurance and military skills, Feb. 12-13, 2016, in Ferizaj and Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo.
The Multinational Soldier Competition, organized by Multinational Battle Group-East, pitted 10 teams of Soldiers from Germany, Hungary, the Kosovo Security Force, Poland and the U.S. Army, against one another in an opportunity to test their skills. With the exception of the local KSF participants, the multinational participants serve within MNBG-E as part of NATO's Kosovo Force peace support mission.
The first day's events, which included an obstacle course and a 7K ruck march, were held at the KSF compound in Ferizaj. The second half of the competition was at Camp Bondsteel and included an evaluation on M16 rifle and M9 pistol qualification and a test on medevac request procedures.
"This is a great time for us to get know our multinational partners, friends and neighbors in other parts of the world, as we get together to work and train," said Command Sgt. Maj. Charlie Sanders, the senior enlisted Soldier for the North Carolina National Guard's 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 252nd Armor Regiment.
The 1-252nd AR headquarters has been serving as MNBG-E's Forward Command Post since June 2015. The 1-252nd AR and most other U.S. Soldiers in Kosovo are scheduled to rotate out of Kosovo next month.
Soldiers who participated in the event echoed Sanders, saying that the competition was a good way for the multinational partners to engage in friendly competition in one of the last training events on this rotation.
"I'm thankful my leaders allowed me to take part in this opportunity," said Spc. Lahareyo Robinson, from the 1-252nd AR's Alpha Company.
"It was good to be cheered on by our multinational partners as my teammate and I finished the ruck march," Robinson said.
"Win or lose, it's an honor just being invited to compete," said Sgt. Michael Webb, also with the 1-252nd AR's Alpha Company.
"Since being in Kosovo, we have trained, worked and conducted patrols with the other multinational coys," Webb said, using a NATO term for company-sized elements. "It's really a great opportunity to compete with them and help to bring the coalition even closer."
One of MNBG-E's top priorities in Kosovo has been building partnerships between forces in Kosovo. All of the forces work and train together as part of their mission to ensure safety, security and freedom of movement for the citizens of Kosovo.
KSF Cpl. Rafet Gashi, a team leader, and Pvt. Linidon Selimi, a rifleman, took first place in the competition, and sid it felt good to achieve such an accomplishment in a multinational event. While the KSF is not a member of NATO's KFOR mission, they do maintain a relationship with KFOR Soldiers through NATO's Liaison and Advisory Team.
"I really do believe that this competition helps improve our international and interethnic relationships," Selimi said.
"Kosovo Security Forces are always getting better," said Command Sgt. Maj. Xhevdet Mataj, the senior enlisted leader at the KSF Training and Doctrine Command. "This competition is a chance for our Soldiers to work together and strengthen our partnership."
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