Up the Hill, Down the Valley – Then Fire!

Szöveg: Lieutenant Gábor Horváth | 2018. augusztus 2. 9:10

The troops of the 18th Rotation of the HDF KFOR Contingent (KFOR-18 HUNCON) announced and organised an international biathlon competition as a new development, thereby providing an unparalleled opportunity for the soldiers of the nations participating in the operation to put their strength and perseverance to the test.

Galéria

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The landscape around the Golesh shooting range shows a beautiful picture with its green hills, and spectacular panorama. This however was only noticed later by the soldiers who entered the biathlon competition organised by the KFOR Tactical Reserve Battalion composed of the members of the 18th Hungarian rotation. The idea had already been raised in the preparation period in Hungary – the organisation of a contest, which would unite the international soldiers, but would also pose a demanding challenge.

The task was given: 1000 metres run, three times over, and two rounds of shooting from supine and standing position, of course in boots and uniform. At first it did not sound much, but the soldiers heading up the hill felt in their knees and calves that it won’t be so simple.

The KTRBN soldiers performed the first ’trial’ competition among themselves, only with Hungarian participants. Those performing excellently, could compete a week later with the nations who signed up for the contest. Besides the Hungarians also Danish, Polish, Moldavian, Italian, Austrian, Slovenian and Ukrainian troops registered. Lieutenant Zsolt Kappeller and PFC Dávid Krammer were received with recognition, who finished as the best amongst the Hungarians on both occasions.

Lieutenant Colonel Sándor Horváth, the Commander of the HDF KFOR underlined that the competition combines the most important military virtues: perseverance, team-work and precision. “I hope that we managed to create a tradition, and while it was a good opportunity to compete with our allies, this event provided an extraordinary cohesiveness within KFOR" – he noted.

The mixed team of the Multinational Battle Group West (MNBG West) won the victory in the international tournament, composed of a Slovenian, a Moldavian, an Austrian and an Italian soldier.

The English name of the Biathlon Competition ’Run to The Hills’ was a direct hit, as the competitors had to overcome very serious level differences during the race. The top three finishers received medals and trophies both as individuals and as teams, and all participants who completed the route, could return home with a certificate. The award ceremony of the international competition was graced by the attendance of Brigadier General János Csombók, the KFOR Deputy Commander.