NATO Soldiers face off in Kosovo Security Force competition

CAMP ISTOG, Kosovo- Teams of NATO and Kosovo Security Force Soldiers were pitted against each other in a test of physical and mental toughness during the 2016 Wolf Competition at Camp Istog, Kosovo, May 19.

Organized by the Rapid Reaction Brigade of the Kosovo Security Force, the competition was home to six separate events, which tested the Soldiers military skills and physical prowess. The events included a 3.2 km run, a grenade toss, crossing a mined area, pushing an armored vehicle 25 meters, and an observation test of military equipment from a distance.

On paper, the competition's toughness was easily underestimated as many of the Soldiers came with the mindset of taking home first place. Unfortunately for the participants that was not the case and instead many of the Soldiers went from wanting to win to just wanting to survive the competition.

"When I first came here I was a little nervous, I just wanted to win, but once I got started, I just wanted to successfully complete the mission as one," said Pfc. John Bitterman, an infantryman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. "That is what we did, we worked together as a team and successfully completed our mission as a team for our country."

The only U.S. team to compete came into the event with a "go hard or go home" attitude and was comprised of Bitterman and five other U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 1st Bn., 41st Inf. Reg. The participants were: Staff Sgt. Mark Dalton, Sgt. Genaro Lopez, Cpl. Samuel McCutheon, and Spc. Donte Venable. In the end, the U.S. team placed 7th overall out of 14 teams with the KSF home team taking first place.

Although the KSF-led event was built around competitiveness, the Soldiers said it was about more than just taking home a medal.

"It was a great opportunity to see how the other armies are with their physical training, as well as getting to know and work with them," said Sgt. Genaro Lopez. "It was an overall great experience."

Team Leader, Pvt. Eoml Podrimqaku, team leader with Rapid Reaction Brigade, echoed Lopez's sentiment.

"It was a pleasure to have the other competitive groups, like from U.S. Army and the Slovenian Army. Its good experience to see each other, to do this competition together, it's very beneficial for us," added Podrimqaku.