International Exercises in Kosovo

The objective of the exercise Operation “Stalwart Strike" was to ensure that the American, Polish, Hungarian and German companies assigned to the Forward Command Post of the Multinational Battle Group – East (MNBN-E) coordinate their CRC techniques. Operating as part of the MNBN-E, the forces participating in the exercise jointly executed force protection (FP) and CRC tasks. From the aspect of cooperation, it is very important that they familiarize themselves with the CRC procedures of other units. The Hungarian Charlie Company of the joint Portuguese–Hungarian KFOR Tactical Reserve Maneuver Battalion (KTM) took part in the “FOX II" exercise held in Camp Vrelo.

As part of the KTM, Charlie Company was working together with the Portuguese Bravo Company in manning vehicle checkpoints, conducting patrols, and, if needed, in performing CRC tasks. The purpose of the exercise was to validate the Full Operational Capability (FOC) of Bravo Company. Exercise “FOX II" involved all support elements that the companies must cooperate with during task execution, including military policemen, EOD technicians, Freedom of Movement Detachments (FOMDs) and medical personnel.

At the end of the exercise, KFOR Chief of Staff Brig.-Gen. Janson D. Boyles praised the preparedness of the cooperating forces, saying he respected the KFOR troops for their performance on that day. He noted that it was a complex operation, and congratulated every participant of the exercise. After observing both exercises, Lt.-Col. Ferenc Huszár, contingent commander of the KFOR-14 HUN CON said that “drawn mostly from the personnel of the HDF 5th Bocskai István Infantry Brigade, the Charlie and Delta Companies have demonstrated again that they can successfully perform their CRC tasks if the need arises."