January - ACO - NATO

Story and photos by Lieutenant Georgios Athanasiou,Hellenic Army“It is always the scorer”, as the saying goes, “who getsthe credit, the accolades and fame, and attracts thelight of publicity in the game”. However, it’s theteam-force behind, which deserves the same credit andhas an equally important role to play. It’s been almostone month since the mandate for a 6-month tour of the507th Battalion began in Ferijai/Urosevac. Thetechnical preparations for the unit deployment and thetask at hand for the maintenance platoon cast a specialburden on its shoulders. Already since last August,back in Greece, the operation has been in full swing.Preperation for checks, controls, periodical inspetionsand services of light vehicles, light armored combatvehicles, trucks, radios and weapons, in compliancewith technical manuals, bulletins and instructions,standing technical orders or manufacturer’sspecifications, were a daily ritual and the experiencedand professional staff of the platoon were tasked withaccomplishing the mission as successfully as possible.Electricians and engineers, weapon andtelecommunication engineers worked zealously, inconjunction with other elements of the Battalion, inorder to technically prepare all vehicles, radios andweapons, for the transportation of troops and their gearto Kosovo. Lieutenant Colonel Andreadis Panagiotis’orders, Battalion Commander, were strict and specific;one could feel the urgency surrounding him and themaintenance platoon personnel. Everything had to bein order in the right time. Due to the proximity ofGreece, making the trip from Greece to Kosovo by caris a relatively small journey; however, making this tripin an orderly convoy by tens of loaded army trucks,light terrain vehicles and jeeps, is a different story!Everybody is deeply aware that everything has to beperfect for this trip and maintenance platoon staff didits best to prove its worth and capabilities to the14 KFOR Chronicle, January 2011