Validation Exercises Completed

After a brief in-theatre training period, the Hungarian-led KFOR Tactical Reserve Battalion (KTRBN) demonstrated its existing operational capabilities. The peacekeepers showed how they can professionally handle the events that may probably occur during a crowd and riot control (CRC) task. Under the scenario, a crowd of protesters first verbally expressed dissatisfaction, and then, when the situation started escalating, the rioters attacked the soldiers called out to the scene. They threw Molotov cocktails and set up roadblocks to interfere with the peacekeepers doing their job. The task of the soldiers of a Freedom of Movement Detachment (FOMD) was to remove these roadblocks.

The exercise was also witnessed by DCOM KFOR Brig.-Gen. Christian Riener. The KTRBN, which reached full operational capability (FOC), demonstrated its ability to fulfil its tasks across the full spectrum of the mission and ensure freedom of movement in all territories of Kosovo.

In the near future, the Hungarian unit is going to prepare for interoperability and combined exercises with other nations.

Photo: SFC Szilveszter Szabados