October - ACO - NATO

KFOR CHRONICLE- "Mission ready in theater" within 4 days after alert;- Full independent mobility, including organic loadingcapacity and logistical independence for 5 days;- Logistical re-supply by NSE with support ofKFOR/EUFOR/JFC;- Ability to conduct every mission from PK to WFoperations.4Text and photos 1st LT Maksym Nedria, Ukrainian ArmyOct. 31, 2005German ORF battalion took part inscheduled operational rehearsallevel 2 in Kosovo. The purpose of thisrehearsal was to ensure NATOtroops and the Reserve ForcesHeadquarters remain prepared torespond to any crisis in the Balkans.The rehearsal was planned sincesummer 2004, and constituted thelast phase of a series of operationalrehearsals nicknamed DETER-MINED EFFORT 2005, which startedin March.The rehearsal sends a clear messageof NATO's and the internationalcommunity's strong resolve and commitmentto maintain peace and stabilityin the Balkans region. It alsodemonstrates NATO's ability to reinforcein-theatre NATO-led forces in avery short period of time with Overthe Horizon Forces (OTHF). Thesereserves are designed to be amobile, versatile force to augment intheatreforces in order to deal withany military contingency.The deployment of German ORFBattalion in Kosovo was fromSeptember 15 to 19. During thisphase the battalion was tasked toachieve full operational capabilitywithin four days. Due to a very highreadiness status the well-trained battalionwas able to report missionready in theatre before the deadline.The ORF battalion was integratedinto the command and control structuresof KFOR. While performing theduties, the German soldiers faced avariety of demanding missions, workingin close cooperation with thein-theatre troops from four differentAORs. The most challengingissue for the 200 soldiers was tobecome familiar with the assignedAOR in lack-time operational conditions.Nevertheless, the highly motivatedand professional soldiersassumed authority of their respectiveAOR within less then one day.The sequence of KFOR - GermanORF battalion cooperation was:20-23 SEP, German ORF battalion ina close cooperation with MNB (NE)units conducted operation Harmonywith the following results:www.nato.int/kfor