24 Sep 2007
PRISTINA/PRISHTINE, Kosovo--Lieutenant Colonel Joao Carlos Cabral de Almeida Loureiro Magalhaes accepted command of the Kosovo Tactical Reserve Maneuver Battalion in a transfer of authority ceremony on Sept. 22, 2007, attended by Commander Kosovo Force Lieutenant General Xavier de Marnhac.
Colonel Magalhaes most recently served as the commander of the Intervention Brigade's 2nd Infantry Battalion. Prior to that post, he was a teacher at the Superior Military Studies Institute.
As the new commander, Colonel Magalhaes said his main responsibility is to guarantee that his force is always ready to perform the tasks assigned to the tactical reserve.
"We have to assure that the planning and conducting of the training and operations are effective, detailed and complete so that the goal of every assigned mission is achieved," said Colonel Magalhaes. "It is also essential that all the manpower, equipment and financial resources are managed in a way that allows 2nd Infantry Battalion to be ready to perform any task assigned."
Along with a new commander, KTM has a new rotation of Portuguese soldiers.
"The rotation was mainly in personnel," said Colonel Magalhaes. "All assets remained in place. I do not foresee any kind of changes other than those which are necessary to enhance KTM's performance."
Lieutenant Colonel Paulo Emanuel Maia Pereira, the outgoing KTM commander who had departed for Portugal prior to the ceremony, said in his point of view, the departing Portuguese soldiers have accomplished their mission over the last six months.
"What I can assure KFOR is that all of the Portuguese soldiers have given all their effort to accomplish all missions in a positive way," said Colonel Pereira. From KTM, KFOR has received the loyalty, the respect and the best of the Portuguese soldiers' dedication, effort and determination in accomplishing all of the missions."
All of the departing Portuguese soldiers are grateful for the opportunity to have made a difference in Kosovo, said Colonel Pereira.
"KFOR's work in Kosovo is one of the key things that keeps this region peaceful and stable," said Colonel Pereira. "Those who had the opportunity to work within the KFOR family have an understanding of this crucial role this force has in order to give the people of Kosovo the opportunity to have a future they can believe in."
The rotation of the soldiers will be a silent thing, according to Colonel Pereira. He said after he and his soldiers leave, KFOR will continue to carry on the mission in a professional and efficient way.
(Story by Tech. Sgt. Jason Smith)
