September - ACO - NATO

Story by OF-1 Wout Putseys, Belgian ArmyPhotos by Belgian KFORSince 1999, the Belgian Army has been part of KFOR.Whereas BELKOS 1 still counted more then 1,000 men,the current contingent BELKOS 31 is composed of 179soldiers. Nevertheless, due to the variety in specializedpersonnel and equipment, the Belgian contingent has beenable to keep up the standard of flexibility, versatility andhigh performance. Currently, the company islocated in BELVEDERE, MITROVICA and is underoperational command of French Battalion. The BELKOS30 and BELKOS 31 Transfer of Authority took place on28 August.Three platoons originate from the 2nd Field ArtilleryRegiment; first, Artillerymen with parachutistqualifications form the core of the company. Their maintask is tokeep the area of MITROVICA safe and secure, amongother things by patrolling inside the area of responsibilityand by supporting EULEX if necessary. If Crowd and RiotControl (CRC) is the main emphasis, the Belgian companyis fully equipped and trained to conduct such operations.Nevertheless, a quick transition back to conventionalinfantry tactics is not a problem, when needed. Both ofthese methods of operating are possible in almost everykind of terrain, due to the diversity of the availablevehicles: light or armored jeeps, wheeled personnel carriertrucks or tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicles.The sniper team plays a significant role in the execution ofthe main tasks. They provide tactical support that cannotbe valued too high. Primarily, their job is passingintelligence reports continuously to the company.Secondarily, in case of direct threat, they can take outappropriate targets with precision. Again, these tasks canbe fulfilled both in CRC as in26KFOR Chronicle, September, 2009