GJILAN, Kosovo- Multinational Battle Group-East assets conduct at least 15 patrols a month, in coordination with the Serbian Armed Forces (SAF), with distances varying anywhere from a three to eight mile route along the Kosovo-Serbia Administrative Boundary Line (ABL).
The patrols along the ABL help to deter illegal activity and help to foster an environment of shared cooperation between Kosovo Force (KFOR) and SAF.
With any patrol there is always a chance of injury, especially when tackling the rigorous terrain. Service members conducting the patrols also face the many hazards that come with deterring illegal activity.
"The TTPs (tactics, techniques and procedures) of illegal perpetrators along the ABL have been known to utilize assault rifles during their operations," said 2nd Lt. Jonathan Paul, deputy officer with the Joint Implementation Commission. "The terrain along the ABL is also very rugged and could lead to significant injuries to patrol members. So, the threat is out there and very real."
Both, KFOR and SAF are trained to deal with the hazards that can occur while on a patrol and today's patrol tested that training.
During the routine patrol, an individual simulated an injury requiring both forces to jump into action to treat the casualty and call for medical support. This simulated injury permitted the Turkish company an opportunity to execute skills recently rehearsed at Camp Bondsteel.
Turkish infantry lieutenant Ali Ihsan Celal Husan, stated that in the Turkish military conducts medevac training, however, every country has a different way of operating and the ABL medevac training provided an opportunity for forces to come together to learn how to work with the U.S. medevac team in Kosovo.
While the training was a great opportunity for Husan and the other Turkish lieutenants, the medical evacuation training was also beneficial for U.S. Forces, who used the training to assess lines of communication.
"The benefit of this operation was to couple the assets of two entities that normally do not take part in these types of operations and marry them into a cohesive synchronized event, that allows for greater lines of communication and cooperation," said Paul. "Moreover, this event allowed the continuation of the training and assessment of KFOR units and their ability to facilitate complex missions."
By the end of the patrol, everyone seemed pleased with the results.
"As a Turkish soldier I am happy to be here and to work with other guys," said Husan.
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