North Dakota takes over Kosovo mission
Courtesy of the North Dakota National Guard
MNTF-E KFOR 12 commanding general Brig. Gen. Alan S. Dohrmann, Bismarck, and MNTF-E Command Sgt. Major Jack W. Cripe, Dickinson, N.D., unfurl their task force colors during a Transfer-of-Authority Ceremony held at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo Nov. 14, 2009. The unfurling of the colors represents KFOR 12's taking charge of peace-support operations in Kosovo. (Photo courtesy of the North Dakota National Guard)
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hi-res photoCAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - A new U.S.-led KFOR (Kosovo Forces) task force, based out of North Dakota, officially took over responsibility of Multi-National Task Force-East (MNTF-E) Nov. 14, joining units from five other NATO nations, all of which are maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement in Kosovo.
At the mid-day event, Brig. Gen. Alan S. Dohrmann, Bismarck, N.D., 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade of the North Dakota National Guard, and the Soldiers in his task force, accepted responsibility of MNTF-E from Brig. Gen. Keith Jones, 40th Infantry Division (Forward) of the California National Guard and the Soldiers under his command.
"We've trained very hard for this mission, really, for more than18 months now," Dohrmann said. We're all ready for the mission; I know the Soldiers are excited to get things started with the mission, and I'm very excited to get things started too."
More than 1,300 Soldiers comprise Task Force Falcon, the U.S. contingent of MNTF-E, of which, approximately 600 are North Dakota National Guard Soldiers.
In all, 37 states have Soldiers represented in the Task Force. Nearly 2,200 Soldiers from several NATO countries, including the U.S., make up the total MNTF-E force.
Stretching along Kosovo's eastern Administrative Boundary Line, MNTF-E is one of five sectors, where NATO peacekeeping forces conduct patrols and engage with people and institutions.
Jones and the Soldiers of the 40th ID (FWD) have been providing safety and security in Kosovo, since they arrived in February 2009. Brig.
Dohrmann said he looks forward to continuing that important mission with the help of multi-national partners from Task Force Hellas (Greece), Task Force POL/UKR (Poland and Ukraine), as well as units from Armenia and Romania.
"For me to complete my mission and to continue on the path to a brighter future, we - the international community, non-governmental organizations, the Institutions in Kosovo, municipal leaders, religious leaders, other formal and informal leaders, and, most importantly, the people in Kosovo - must work together as a team to build the brighter future that we all want for our children - wherever we call home," Brig. Gen. Dohrmann said.
The incoming Soldiers under Dohrmann's command started arriving in Kosovo in late October.
"They are well-trained, disciplined and prepared to carry out their mission here in Kosovo," Dohrmann said. "The Task Force I lead comprises Soldiers, both National Guard and Reserve, with a wealth of knowledge and experience, both civilian and military. They are all eager to begin what we have trained for months to do -- maintain a Safe and Secure Environment."
Dohrmann and Jones were joined at today's event by KFOR commander German Lt. Gen. Markus Bentler, and the Adjutants General of North Dakota and California, Maj. Gen. David A. Sprynczynatyk and Maj. Gen. William H. Wade II, respectively.
Several other special guests of MNTF-E, including the President of Kosovo, Fatmir Sejdiu, and the U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo, Christopher Dell, also were in attendance for the ceremony.
This is Dohrmann's second deployment to Kosovo, having been command judge advocate for MNTF-E forces in 2004-2005.
"Progress is being made in Kosovo," Dohrmann said. "Since I was last here in 2005, I have seen remarkable improvements in Kosovo. From new construction and improved infrastructure to multi-ethnic youth events and religious leader meetings, Kosovo is headed toward a brighter future."
Dohrmann previously served as deputy adjutant general and Land Component commander of the North Dakota Army National Guard.
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