13 Jul 2007
PRISTINA, Kosovo - Having successfully completed six weeks of training in Kosovo, KFOR’s Operational Reserve Force (ORF), consisting of the Italian 9th Alpini regiment from L’Aquila city, is on the way home.
Commander KFOR, Lieutenant General Roland Kather (German Army), stated, ”The Italian ORF battalion have accomplished their mission with utmost professionalism. I commend the men and women who performed so well in our common efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment and also freedom of movement in Kosovo. Italy can be proud of what they have achieved.”
The Battalion has been conducting training in the KFOR area of responsibility, from 31 May to 12 July 2007. This exercise was part of a routine rotation of ORF units with the aim of preparing the Italian ORF Battalion for this challenging theatre of operations. This training will enable them to maintain a high state of readiness and be able to deploy rapidly in response to any request.
The training was conducted as part of Operation “DETERMINED EFFORT 2007” (DE 07), which will continue throughout the year. DE 07’s purpose is to send a renewed clear message of NATO’s and the international community’s strong resolve and commitment to maintain peace and stability in the Balkans region. It also serves to demonstrate NATO’s ability to reinforce in-theatre NATO forces at very short notice.
During the exercise, Italian ORF soldiers put into practice the “walk-and-talk” policy by mixing with the civilians of Kosovo, talking to citizens and asking what concerns them. The ORF battalion, led by Italian Colonel Michele Pellegrino, made a significant contribution to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all. In recognition of his outstanding service Colonel Pellegrino was awarded the Non-Article 5 NATO medal.
