DANCON March

Used to doing it on a daily basis to accomplish their mission, they are acting the same way today. They are there, in Olaf Rye Camp, the Danish Contingent Headquarters, to challenge the so-called DANCON March.

The criteria are very clear, 25 kilometers and no less than 10 kilograms, plus weapon, food and water.

At 8:30 a.m., it's time to start after registration and weight check. After the last recommendations given by Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Pedersen, DANCON Chief of Staff, and a speech from Colonel Per Hinrichsen, DANCON commander, the walk starts. The long procession streches along the road like a huge caterpillar. Leaving roads after several kilometers starts the hardest part of the trip; a muddy and stoned path trough the highest hills in the vicinity of Mitrovica/Mitrovice. Each participant is facing himself and his limits. The best are encouraging and helping those in difficulty-that is military spirit.

But talking about the DANCON March is not the main point. The spirit of this challenge is very specific. For instance, Swiss soldiers ring bells along the way to encourage the competitors and French contingent members offer a typical French picnic on the highest point of the itinerary in a traditional mountain troopers gesture. And don't forget the warm welcome of the Kosovo population and particularly, the children all along the way.

After several hours walking, participants came back, more or less tired, but all with good remembrance gathered during the whole day.

Thanks to the Danish contingent!

(Story by By Capt. Frederic Scherrer)