KFOR CHRONICLE

The KFOR
OR Magazine for KFOR Soldiers January 2017

KFOR Conducts
Patrols Kosovo Wide

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 CONTENT

COM KFOR delivered his Christmas greeting to civilian personal working in Camp Film City

03 CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Italian Children send gifts at
Christmas time.
04 EVENTS OF THE MONTH
Specific events in Kosovo du-
ring the month
VIOLENT EXTREMISM
06 Countering Violent Extremism and
Radicalization
10 WINTER IN KOSOVO
Coldest winter since 1963

12 KFOR HQ
A Visual Overview
14
CSM
Striking Realities at the CSMs
Meeting

15 MNBG W
Italian NGO donates medicins to
Kosovar hospitals
16 UNHCR
Interview with Chief of
Mission, UNHCR in Kosovo

18 HEALTH AND FITNESS

Recovery in your training schedule

20 KFOR EXERCISE
Winter Training

22 PICTURES OF THE MONTH

Your Chance to be a Part of It!
23 PROFILES
Charalampos Papadimitriou
Evangelos Tsikonis

2 KFOR CHRONICLE 01/2017

 CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Italian School Children send gifts at

Christmas time to Italian soldiers
serving in Kosovo
Young Italian Children from
De Amicis Primary school and
Carducci Secondary School, in the
province of Lecce, together with
their Municipality administrators,
have displayed great acts of
kindness by sending gifts to
Italian Soldiers serving in Kosovo
on a peace keeping mission at
Christmas time.
These gifts, drawings and letters
which were sent to the Italian
Soldiers serving in Multi Battle
Group West (MNBG-W) were
graciously received by the KFOR
Italian soldiers serving in Village
Italia.
The Italian soldiers have organised
an exhibition of all the Drawings
to acknowledge their delight of
this very thoughtful act. A gift at
Christmas time is always welcome.

KFOR CHRONICLE 01/2017 3

 WINTER IN KOSOVO

KOSOVO EXPERIENCES ITS COLDEST

WINTER SINCE 1963

During the last few weeks, with their mission despite these and the heavy snow fall experienced
Kosovo has experienced its lowest difficulties. Here in Camp Film City in Camp Film City did not have
temperatures since 1963. There have we were no different from the other any serious effect on Camp routine,
been past winters where greater snow KFOR Camps located throughout this is to a large extent thanks to
fall was experienced, but this year Kosovo. The very low temperatures the Commander and staff of the
temperatures plummeted to a low of
-32 degrees Centigrade, which was
recorded in the Eastern Kosovo city of
Gjilan. During the month of January
it was a common experience for
KFOR soldiers located throughout
Kosovo to conduct their duties in
temperatures close to 20 degrees
Centigrade. When temperatures
fall to these low levels there are
normally consequences. Hazardous
road conditions affecting driving,
logistical challenges, maintenance
problems such as frozen or burst
pipes and many others. However
these challenges had to be overcome
and KFOR soldiers continued

4 KFOR CHRONICLE 01/2017


HSG and ASDA who throughout
this period ensured that all services
where maintained and roads and
footpaths were kept open. (Thank
you from us all!)
WINTER IN KOSOVO
Kosovos Climate
Located in the central part of
the Balkans, Kosovos weather is
influenced by many factors, the
two greatest being the Alpine and
the Mediterranean influences. The
climate is predominantly continental,
resulting in warm summers and cold
winters. The normal yearly range is
between + 30 degrees Centigrade
in the summer and 10 degrees
Centigrade in the winter. December
and January are regarded as the
coldest months. Other factors that
affect Kosovos weather are its
mountainous regions and it height
above sea level. Its average altitude is
800 metres above sea level. (Kosovo
lowest point is 297 metres and its
highest is 2,565 metres). The fact
that most of Kosovo is surrounded
by mountains has also a direct effect
on its climate.
The weather witnessed by KFOR
soldiers over the past few weeks is
just another part of the experiences
of serving overseas and operating in
KFOR CHRONICLE 01/2017
different regions. Different cultures,
customs and climate to mention a
few. One KFOR Soldier was reported
as saying that the last time his home
town experienced snow was when
his father was a child.
So what lies ahead of us over the
next few weeks? Can we expect this
current cold spell to last for much
longer? Well the short term weather
forecast shows an increase in
temperatures in the coming weeks,
which will result in melting snow
and possibly a bit of local flooding
and excess water on road surfaces.
For those drivers out there, continue
to drive with caution. Well-done to
all KFOR personnel for maintaining
a high operational output during the
coldest winter since 1963!
Maj. Eamonn Kenneally
OF-3 IRL-A
5
 VIOLENT EXTREMISM

COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM AND

RADICALIZATION
Introduction: Violent extremism and the fundamental powers of radicalisation have to be considered as one
of the most high risk challenges to democratic societies across the globe today. As soldiers whose primary task
it is to ensure a safe and secure environment in whatever theatre we may be operating in, it is paramount that
all of us have an understanding of what the threat is and what can be done to counter it. First of all, it has to
be acknowledged that the threat is real. For one to assume that the potential capacity for violent extremism
does not exist in any of our home nations or in the countries where we may deploy, is probably being naive to
say the least. So the potential threat is out there! We have to accept that.

It is important to understand that violent extremism is not limited to persons of any particular age, sex, group
or community. In fact it is the younger person who is more vulnerable to the dangers of being recruited by
extremist or terrorist groups.

Definition: Violent extremism refers to the beliefs and actions of people who support or use ideological-
motivated violence to achieve radical ideological, religious or political views.

Violent extremist views can be exhibited along a range of issues, including, politics, religion and gender
relations.

Alternative Definition: Violent Extremism can also be defined as when you do not allow for a different
point of view; when you hold your own views as being quite exclusive, when you dont allow for the possibility
of difference and when you want to impose this view on others using violence if necessary.

Modern challenges:
Many countries today are faced with the challenges of not being able to control their citizens from being
drawn by extremist organisations to travel abroad to take part in the various campaigns that are currently
taking place particularly in the middle east. Many of these foreign fighters are young venerable adults who
have been misguided and influenced along the wrong path. How can these challenges be addressed? And
what should we look out for when trying to understand the early warning signs of some showing tendencies
towards one of these dangerous organisations.

Early warning signs:

Sudden break with family and long-standing friendships.

Sudden drop-out of school and conflicts with school.
Change in behaviour, relating to food, clothing, language and finances.
Changes in attitudes and behaviour towards others; refusal to interact socially, signs of withdrawal
and isolation.
Regular viewing of internet sites and participation in social media networks that condone radical or
extremist views.
Reference to apocalyptic and conspiracy theories.

What causes young people to become involved in extremism and radicalisation?

An independent Public opinion survey, conducted in a particular European city by a legitimate company on

6 KFOR CHRONICLE 01/2017

 VIOLENT EXTREMISM

1000 persons of both sexes, ranging in age from 18 to 55 has produced the undermentioned findings/results:
To why young people get involved in these organisations.
Unemployment
Low level of education
Globalisation
Targeting of a group that is easier to manipulate
The above are the possible reasons for persons becoming involved and the below graph shows some other
reasons or channels where people are led astray.

How do you think people become

radicalized in your Community?
25.0%

18.3% 19.3% 18.1%

20.0%
15.7%
14.9%
15.0%

10.0%
6.2%
5.0% 5.7%
1.9%
0.0%
Through At school/ At religous By atten- By finacial Via the Dont Other
friends university institutions ding mee- compen- Internet know please
tings and sation explain
lectures

(UNDP)

KFOR CHRONICLE 01/2017 7

 VIOLENT EXTREMISM

Other findings of the survey

What is your opinion about extremism?

31%
26%
16%
13%
9%
5%

Significantly Increasing As it was in Decreasing Significantly I dont

increasing the last decreasing know
years

(UNDP)

WHO NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MANAGING THIS PROBLEM

(UNDP)

Strategic Pathway to Countering this International Problem

Further Research
o Research across a multitude of areas requires to be conducted, to ensure a greater understanding of this
problem and also to allow authorities to quantify how far the Web of these organisations spreads.

Improve relations with believers

o Encourage dialog and public debate with all communities.

Government
o Government engagement
o Governmental programmes to target against violent extremism
o Set up resource centres to offer support to families

8 KFOR CHRONICLE 01/2017

 VIOLENT EXTREMISM

Regional and International Co-operation

o Development of channels of communication

Law Enforcement
o Close monitoring of these violent organisations
o Targeting of their financial resources
o Monitor extremists

The role of education in Countering Violent Extremism:

So when considering how to tackle or counter these dangerous organisations, it is important that our schools
and colleges are identified as locations where governmental and non-governmental organisations should focus
their Extremism Awareness Educational Programmes. It is generally accepted in society that teenagers and
young adults are more vulnerable to the enticement of trying out something new or different in their life.

Educating teenagers and young adults to the realities of these dangerous organisations is the first step. Providing
forums that allow for open debate and providing the opportunity for people to engage in the political processes
and in the same time promoting a culture of peace, tolerance, intercultural and interreligious dialogue.

The Key messages that should be delivered are:

Solidarity: Irrespective of differences in age, gender, nationality or ethnicity and not just solidarity with
people of your immediate community but also with those outside it.

Respect for Diversity: It is important that we acknowledge the intrinsic value of diversity stems from the
recognition of human rights and fundamental freedoms of others.

Human Rights: Human rights are fundamental and universal safeguards. They apply to all human beings
regardless of nationality, place of residence, gender, origin, religion. Language or any other status.

Learning to Live Together: Living in a peaceful society is a long-term goal, which requires an understanding
of others and their history, traditions and spiritual values

To conclude, the purpose of this article is to improve, your general awareness of Violent Extremism and the
challenges to society in countering this global threat. From a security perspective the first step in guarding
against any threat, is being aware that the threat exists. Thus it is incumbent on us all to be vigilant when
operating in new environments. Be cautious when engaging with persons with whom we have no previous
knowledge and always be observant to what is happening in our surroundings.

Maj. Eamonn Kenneally

OF-3 IRL-A

Bibliography:
A Teachers Guide on the Prevention of Violent Extremism (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural
Organization) Printed by UNESCO 2016
Cooperating in Counter Violent Extremism (United Nations Displaced Persons) UNDP, January 2017

KFOR CHRONICLE 01/2017 9

 EVENTS OF THE MONTH

DCOMKFOR, Brigadier General Christian RIENER, spent New Years Eve with the US troops in Camp
Nothing Hill, North of Kosovo, in Leposavic Municipality.

Carabinieri of the Multinational Specialized Unit (MSU) of KFOR, this year have so far conducted a number
of CIMIC activities in support of the Kosovo population. In particular, on 3rd January, they delivered
medical supplies to the Sisters of Divine Love Zagreb clinic at the village of Vitina municipality in the
District of Gjilan of south-eastern Kosovo.

10 KFOR CHRONICLE 01/2017

 EVENTS OF THE MONTH

On 25 JAN 2017. In the town of Mamusha a new KFOR Liaison Monitoring Team (LMT) field house was
officially opened by COMKOR Major General Giovanni Fungo and the Turkish Ambassador to Kosovo,
H.E. Ms. Kivileim Kilic. The ceremony was attended by many dignitaries who included the Mayor of
Mamusha, local politicians, the Turkish Commander of JRD-S and KFOR soldiers.

KFORs Tactical Manoeuvre Battalion (KTM) Medical Branch and the National Blood Transfusion Centre
organised a Blood Donation Clinic in Camp Slim Lines, Pristina on 27th January.

KFOR CHRONICLE 01/2017 11

 A VISUAL OVERVIEW

22 DEC 2016
KFOR Commander,
Major General
Giovanni Fungo,
received at KFOR
Headquarters, the
Chief of the Swiss
Armed Forces,
Lieutenant General
Andr Blattman.
PICTURE: Mercuri (2)

12 JAN 2017
KFOR Commander,
Major General
Giovanni Fungo,
visited Skenderaj
Municipality and
met the Deputy
Mayor, Mr.Dadil
Nura.

12 KFOR CHRONICLE 01/2017

 A VISUAL OVERVIEW

20 JAN 2017
KFOR Commander,
Major General Giovanni
Fungo, received Head
of the Organization for
Security Co-operation
in Europe (OSCE)
Mission in Kosovo H.E.
Ambassador Jan Braathu
of Norway., at Camp
Film City NATO
KFOR HQ in Pristina.
PICTURE: Mercuri (2)

25 JAN 2017
COMKOR Major
General Giovanni Fungo,
the Turkish Ambassador
to Kosovo, H.E. Ms.
Kivileim Kilic and the
Turkish Commander
of JRD-S at an official
ceremony in the town
of Mamusha opened a
New Liaison Monitoring
Team (LMT) house.

KFOR CHRONICLE 01/2017 13


STRIKING REALITIES AT THE CSMS
MEETING IN CAMP SLIM LINES
The fourth and final CSMs meeting
of the year took place at the Camp
Slim Lines, home of the KTM
(KFOR Tactical Reserve Manoeuvre
Battalion). After a short introduction
and a coffee, the commander of the
KTM, Lieutenant Colonel Antnio
DA SILVA CARDOSO, addressed
the CSMs in attendance. In his
opening remarks, he emphasised
how important the work and support
of the Command Sergeant Major is
for a commander and the troops.
In the first part of the meeting,
the KTM was presented in great
detail. Within this unit, Portuguese
and Hungarian elements work very
closely together. As important as the
smooth cooperation within the unit,
superior logistics are essential for the
successful work of the KTM. Because
of this fact, the logistical work is seen
as of equal importance to the work
of the tactical elements themselves,
which happen to be dependent on a
well maintained unit infrastructure.
Moving into the second part of the
CSMs meeting, focus was shifted to
the issue of the past and current mine
14
CSM
situation in Kosovo. Immediately
following the war in 1999, 10.36 km2
were identified in the form of 130
danger zones. During the NATO-led
air offensive, 1392 cluster munitions
were deployed in our current mission
area containing an estimated 289,536
bomblets. NATO estimates a dud
rate (non-explosion rate) of 10%,
which equates to 33,000 unexploded
pieces of cluster ordinance.
Moreover, NATO estimates that
approximately 1,000,000 mines were
laid during the war. For around
200,000 of those there is no mapping
data or positioning information.
Many have been cleared by EOD
teams and, because of this action,
much of Kosovo is now considered
to be free of mines. Nonetheless,
there are still areas where there is
the very real danger of mines. This
is evidenced by the number of mine
victims since the end of the war: 454
wounded and 115 dead. The last
deadly mine encounter occurred
in 2014. Keeping this in mind, it
becomes clear that the use of the
so-called four messages remains
KFOR CHRONICLE 01/2017
as relevant as ever. Concurrently, it
remains important for EOD teams
to keep track of where unexploded
ordinances (UXOs) are found in
their area of operation. The most
impacted areas are the border
regions to Albania and FYROM, as
well as areas around the Dulje Pass,
which will likely remain dangerous
for decades to come. Because of this
stark reality, it is essential to consult
the Kosovo Dangerous Area Map
wherever appropriate. Within this
map one can find areas of continued
danger clearly marked in detail.
In addition though, one needs to
assume a general heightened risk
in areas of former frontlines, even
today.
At the conclusion of the meeting,
the new members of the CSM
community from their respective
nations and units were welcomed
and wished a good start to their
work, as well as an accident-free
mission.
CSM Stalder Franziska
OR-7 CHA-A
 MNBG W

ITALIAN NGO DONATES MEDICINS TO

KOSOVARIAN HOSPITALS THANKS TO THE
CONTRIBUTION OF THE ITALIAN MILITARY
CONTINGENT.
On 29th December 2016, the
final phase of a series of contacts
between Italian KFOR soldiers,
hospitals pharmacy of Kosovo
and Italian NGO Perigeo, that
provides post conflicts support,
took place in Pristina, where Onlus
Perigeo donated 2800 packages
of daivonex medications, which
in Kosovo hospitals are highly
requested.
These medicines have been
delivered to miss Arijeta Stanovci,
coordinator of hospitals
pharmacy in Kosovo, who will
provide the distribution to
Pristina, Gjakova, Peja, Prizren resolution 1244, and has a specific Imperia, commander of 32nd
and Mitrovica hospitals. civilian military cooperation tank regiment from Tauriano, that
This good result has been realized asset that support local represents the framework of the
thanks to the great effort and population with projects referring headquarter and the Manoeuvre
coordination between Onlus to health, school, infrastructure, unit.
Perigeo, the joint operative administrative, protection of
command of the Italian chief of ethnic and religious minorities.
defence staff (that provided the At the moment, MNBG-W is
international transportation with commanded by Colonel Stefano
c-130j air force aircrafts) and
the Italian contingent of KFOR
Multinational Battle Group
West (MNBG-W), who has
delivered the medicine to Kosovo
institutions.
Onlus Perigeo is an NGO from
Civitanova Marche, nearby
Macerata, that is engaged in
the safeguard of mankind/
environment relations and the
safeguard of cultural heritage of
native populations, intervening
in post conflicts areas promoting
culture as a peacebuilding mean.
MNBG-W is a multinational
military unit lead by Italians, that
operates in Kosovo as NATO
force in accordance with the
united nations security council

KFOR CHRONICLE 01/2017 15


INTERVIEW WITH N.L. NARASIMHA RAO,
CHIEF OF MISSION, UNHCR IN KOSOVO
References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of Security
Council Resolution 1244 (1999).
1. What is the role of UNHCR in
Kosovo?
The mandate of UNHCR, the UN
Refugee Agency, is to provide
protection and seek durable
solutions for displaced persons. The
Agency established its presence in
Kosovo in 1992. After the conflict in
1999, UNHCR has been mandated
by the UN Security Council
Resolution 1244 (1999) to supervise
free returns to Kosovo of all refugees
and persons displaced by the 1999
conflict. Since 1999, UNHCR has
assisted 27,081 individuals to return
to Kosovo in safety and dignity
and to integrate locally, which was
possible through UNHCR support,
assistance and advocacy on their
behalf. In addition, in the recent
years UNHCR has been working
16
UNHCR
with Kosovo authorities to build an
asylum legal framework, enhance
local capacity for protection of
refugees and asylum seekers,
prevent statelessness, and provide
support for return and reintegration
of displaced persons.
2. How did your mission change
since the first beginning of your
presence in the region?
UNHCR has been present in
the region for last forty years. It
provided assistance to refugees from
third countries until the violent
dissolution of former Yugoslavia,
when the mass exodus of refugees
and displaced persons took place.
UNHCRs work is humanitarian and
non-political, to serve the people
in need. Throughout the years, the
organisation helped many displaced
KFOR CHRONICLE 01/2017
persons to voluntary return to their
place of origin through working
with authorities on reintegration
programmes, including income-
generation projects, restoration
of infrastructure and provision
of other assistance of those that
preferred to stay in the place of
displacement.
In Kosovo, among other activities,
UNHCR is involved in supporting
returnees from neighbouring
countries and some 16,657 displaced
individuals within Kosovo towards
finding a durable solution. Of the
latter group, some 468 reside in 29
temporary collective shelters.
UNHCR continued to provide
support to individual community
members to obtain personal

documentation and resolve civil
status issues. During 2016, 442
individuals have been assisted
by UNHCR in obtaining civil
documentation.
UNHCR continues to provide
assistance to refugees and asylum
seekers. While in Kosovo the
number of refugees and migrants
was modest in 2015-2016, the
region has seen movements of
a large number of refugees and
migrants. In the region, but also
elsewhere in the world, UNHCR
provides life-saving emergency
assistance in the form of clean water
and sanitation utilities, health care,
as well as shelter and other relief
items, such as blankets, sleeping
mats, household goods and other
items.
3. What were your main
achievements and in which fields do
you face the main challenges?
One of the great achievements
of UNHCR was to build good
relationships with all communities
in Kosovo. While working
together, we help them to solve
any obstacles that they may have
while re-integrating in the place of
return or local integration. We are
successful in assisting them simply
because we talk to them openly
and we genuinely try to understand
their needs. I like to think that we
are close to the people and this is
our great strength. We also work
with local authorities in building
their capacities in the area of
civil documentation, asylum and
durable solutions. We work closely
with them on the development and
implementation of a protection
framework, which can meet
international and regional human
rights standards.
I am really proud that UNHCR
UNHCR
achieved to assist many voluntary
returns of displaced people
belonging to various Kosovo
communities. However, I also
realise that there is still a lot of
work to be done to make sure that
everyone who wishes to voluntarily
return has the possibility to do so.
In this regard, they are still facing
some obstacles, such as property
issues, security concerns, lack of
housing projects, lack of land and
hesitation by municipalities to
allocate land for those displaced.
Especially the latter three obstacles
concern returns of Kosovo Roma,
Ashkali and Egyptian displaced
families that are landless. Most of
those families are now displaced in
Montenegro and Serbia.
We also face challenges in the
context of sustainable reintegration.
Kosovo has a large unemployment
rate and this issue is particularly
worrisome for returnees and
internally displaced persons. Due to
difficulties in finding employment,
many people, including returnees
and internally displaced, have
been deciding to leave Kosovo.
It is true that in some locations,
return programs were not entirely
sustainable and this happened for
several reasons, including access
to education and healthcare,
security issues, property issues,
and obstacles to obtain personal
documentation. During our
monitoring of returnees needs and
protection situation, sometimes
we see that local authorities have
not addressed them properly. That
is why, UNHCR is also actively
supporting central and local Kosovo
authorities to find the best solution
to overcome mentioned obstacles
and enable returnees to reintegrate
successfully.
KFOR CHRONICLE 01/2017
4. Since the beginning of
UNHCR operation in Kosovo, the
organisation kept close liaison with
KFOR. Can you explain the terms
of this cooperation?
UNHCR has long and close
working relations with KFOR. This
is also because UNHCR, similarly
to KFOR, promotes confidence-
building and peaceful co-existence
through forums involving
communities representatives,
stakeholders and civil society.
On many occasions, our staff
worked together with Liaison
Monitoring Teams and other
KFORs Units. We regularly meet in
the field, in official meetings and we
coordinate our work closely. Those
activities include primarily the
enhancing welfare of communities
and assisting most vulnerable
individuals. In various situations,
UNHCR joined KFOR in delivering
aid for those accommodated in
temporary collective shelters. I
believe that this cooperation started
as both of our organisations simply
wanted to respond to needs of
Kosovo people.
5. What is your opinion on the work
so far carried out by KFOR?
Since the beginning of its operations
in Kosovo, KFOR contributed to a
safe and secure environment here.
I have an impression that KFORs
contribution is highly respected by
communities also in supporting
the freedom of movement.
Safety in Kosovo is an important
aspect, in particular for minority
communities. The great value of
KFOR is the readiness of its staff to
reach everyone in every situation,
and provide safety. In my opinion,
Kosovo people appreciate it a lot.
Col. Max Andr Barbacini
OF-5 ITA-A
17
 HEALTH AND FITNESS

RECOVERY IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF

YOUR WEEKLY
TRAINING SCHEDULE!
Welcome to Januarys edition of
the KFOR Chronicle Health and
Fitness section. Now that the festive
season is over we have entered a
new year, it is time to think about
our physical training again and
maybe if you are like me and took
a rest for a few weeks, its time to
make new training plans or even
new year resolutions and set your
physical training goals for 2017.
One of the important principles
about making out a new training
plan or modifying your current
plan is to include Rest Days. The
danger with a new or modified
training plan is that you set yourself
unrealistic goals or targets and allow
yourself a short period in which to
achieve them. So firstly be realistic,
set yourself achievable targets and
if after a few weeks you find your
training is too easy, well it is simple
to modify it by increasing one of the
following components: Frequency,
Intensity, Time or Type (FITT).
However if you start too big, you
risk the possibility of picking up an
injury or developing burn out.

ACTIVE RECOVERY

Active Recovery This statement

seems contradictory (paradoxical),
recovery normally implies taking
time off, having a rest day, which of
course is vital to any proper training
plan. Rest is an important part of
improving ones fitness. This is the
period where the body recovers,
builds new muscle fibres and grows.
This applies also to our Cardio
Vascular system. Active recovery
allows you to work and rest at the
same time. You can rest the muscle
group you targeted yesterday while
targeting a different muscle group
today. Remember in the November
issue we discussed how the Heart
is like any other muscle and it
becomes fitter with proper exercise.
Now lets look at what we mean
by Active Recovery. Fitness
misinformation has generally
promoted the concept that activity
and rest (recovery) are mutually
exclusive, however if conducted
correctly they are not.
Active recovery may be defined as
a day when you train easier (Less
Intensity) than the rest of the week.
This may include doing a type of
training that is less intense and
has less volume. In simple terms
if your main training activity is
running, your active recovery day
may involve a brisk walk, an easy
cycle or even a relaxing swim. Try
to work at only 40 to 60 percent of
your maximal heart rate.

18 KFOR CHRONICLE 01/2017


Does Active Recovery Work: Active
recovery, as opposed to total rest
(passive recovery) may have several
advantages if used correctly?
For: Arguments to those in favour
of this concept are that active
recovery helps prime your bodys
metabolic pathways of recovery.
Against: Others argue that light
workouts do not stimulate an added
benefit to recovery.
Regardless of the mechanism
involved many have experienced
the benefits of using active recovery
in their fitness programmes. For
some, the psychological benefits of
active recovery are very apparent.
Surveys have shown that people
feel better when they exercise
daily. Exercise has the capability
to elevate ones mood and other
positive benefits.
Another benefit of active recovery
is some people find it easier to
stick to their daily diets when they
are active, which contributes to
HEALTH AND FITNESS
their correct body composition
(relationship between total body
muscle compared to total body fat).
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE
FOR MUSCLES TO RECOVER?
Working your muscles is the
only way to make them stronger
(greater endurance and or strength
depending on the type of training
you are doing). However it is NOT
during the workout that your
muscles grow. As we know the
workout breaks down the muscle.
Its the recovery period between
workouts that our muscles grow
and get stronger. Without adequate
recovery between training sessions,
your fitness plan will become
stagnate (will stop).
SOME FACTS ABOUT MUSCLES
How long your muscles take to
recover depends on the type and
intensity of the workout.
A Muscle will not fully recover
until 7 to 14 days after a hard
weights workout. However, you can
KFOR CHRONICLE 01/2017
resume training that muscle again
after 48 hours of rest. (John Berardi,
Ph.D.)
Nutrition and Recovery
- Regardless of the type of exercise
you do and how hard you do it,
muscle recovery time is strongly
influenced by how and when you
fuel those muscles.
Recovery is also influenced by four
factors;
- Fluid and electrolyte status.
- Muscle glycogen
- Reducing muscle stress
- Rebuilding muscle protein
Taking fluids and Carbohydrates
both during and immediately after
a workout is very important to
speedy recovery.
You should eat a high-protein meal
as soon as possible after exercise in
order to ensure a rapid rebuilding
of muscle tissue.
EFFECTS OF SLEEP
Sleep is an important part of your
recovery. Science has proven the
amount of sleep you get and the
quality of your sleep affects how
quickly you recover from a hard
workout.
The main reason we all train is to
improve our overall fitness and
to remain healthy. A vital factor
in achieving this fitness state and
maintaining it is to ensure that your
weekly training schedule involves
at least one (1) planned rest day, a
proper diet and Sleep. This as stated
above may include an active rest
day or a total day off. Whichever
suits you?
Enjoy your training
Maj. Eamonn Kenneally
OF-3 IRL-A
19

KFOR UNITS CONDUCT WINTER TRAINING
AND EXERCISES THROUGHOUT KOSOVO
Unit Training is a significant factor
in a commanders yearly plan.
Training is the primary means
by which the commander can
assess his/her units capability. To
be ready to respond at any time
Day or Night, for an operational
deployment in any environment,
20
KFOR EXERCISE
that is the reality of being a soldier.
We train for all possible scenarios.
For the commander to validate that
the training being conducted is
adequate, she/he conducts exercises,
which test our soldiers and leaders
at all levels in operational real life
scenarios and in the 3 Cs, Command,
KFOR CHRONICLE 01/2017
Control and Communications.
Throughout the month of January in
temperatures as low as -20 degrees
centigrade and embracing the
challenges of the current weather
and in accordance with their ongoing
in theatre training all KFOR units
validated operational readiness, by
conducting training and exercises.
Military SOPs, Tactics, Techniques
and Procedures were tested at
all levels from section up to and
including Company level.
Junior and Senior commanders
and KFOR soldiers achieved high
standards in their performances by
embracing the challenges of difficult
weather and different terrain and
enjoyed the new situations the
exercise coordinators placed before
them.
Maj. Eamonn Kenneally
OF-3 IRL-A
KFOR CHRONICLE 01/2017 21
 PICTURE OF THE MONTH

Commander KFOR XXI

Major General PICTURE OF THE MONTH
Giovanni Fungo,
Italian Army Jan
nuary 2017
Chief Public Affairs Office &
COMKFOR Spokesman
Col. Max Andr Barbacini,
Italian Army

Chief Internal Information &

Editor KFOR Chronicle
Maj. Eamonn Kenneally,
Irish Defence Forces
Kenneallye@hq.kfor.nato.int

Design & Photographer:

Mr. Afrim Hajrullahu

Cover Photo:
Sgt. Korosoglou Emmanouil
Greek Army

E-mail and Web

kforchronicle@hq.kfor.nato.int
www.nato.int/kfor

Printed by Blendi
Tel.: 044 149 115

NATO Nations within KFOR

Albania, Bulgaria, Canada,
Croatia, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania,
Luxembourg,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Slovenia,
Turkey, United Kingdom, United
States.
Non-NATO Nations within
KFOR The front window
Armenia, Austria, Finland, Ireland,
Moldova, Sweden, Switzerland, Contribute to the Equipment Used:
Olympus OMD EM 5
Ukraine. Lens: M.Zuiko Digital 14-150mm

The KFOR Chronicle is produced

and fully funded by HQ KFOR. It is
published for KFOR soldiers in the
area of responsibility. The contents
are not necessarily the official views
of, or endorsed by, the coalition
governments defence departments.
Editorial content is edited, prepared
and provided by the Internal Infor-
mation Section of HQ KFORs Pub-
lic Affairs Office (PAO) in Pristina,
Kosovo. PAO HQ KFOR reserves
the right to edit content to conform
to style and space requirements.
Articles are run on a space-availa-
ble basis.
KFORChronicle! Naim Shala
Just send your photos to:
kforchronicle@hq.kfor.nato.int by the 25th
of the month explaining where you took the
photo and what equipment you used. We will
then select one of the submitted images and
publish it in the next edition of the Chronicle.
You will be immortalised in the KFOR
Chronicle!
Is that not something to be proud of?
Sincerely
The Chronicle Team

22 KFOR CHRONICLE 01/2017

 PROFILES

Military Education: : I joined the Hellenic Army on 18 February 2004 in

Athens infantry center. I have trained for 3 months in light Weapons and
another 3 months as a driver. After I completed my initial training in 2004, I
transferred to the island of Symi and worked on a subject that I had trained
for 3 years. Later I got transferred to Litohoro Pierias as a driver and served
there until 2016.

About the Mission: This is my third mission in Kosovo. My first was in

2009 in Mitrovica for 6 months. The HQ KFOR Guard Forces are to deter
any threat against CFC by maintaining comprehensive physical security
measures at the entrances and within/around the site. My daily work
involves the security of HQs.

Family Reaction: My family is in Greece and lives in Litohoro of Pieria. I am

Name: Charalampos a husband, and father of 2 children. My son is 8 years old and my daughter
6 years old.
Papadimitriou Hobbies: My free time I enjoy working out on gym. My other hobbies are
basketball and fishing (surf casting).
Rank: OR-5
Nationality: Greek

Military Education: I joined the Hellenic Non-Commissioned Officers School

(September 2011- July 2013). I graduated in July 2013 as a Sergeant Technician
in the Hellenic Battle Tanks. I attended to all three Basic and Advanced Training
Courses of the Hellenic Tanks Engineering Educational Units in Greece. After one
year of Basic and Advanced Training Units, my first transfer in the Hellenic army
was in the North-East of Greece, a small city called Orestiada which is parallel to
Evros River. I worked for three years in 221 Battle Tanks Battalion as a Battle Tanks
Engineer and after I attended this KFOR mission of NATO from September 2016
until March 2017 Camp Film City, Kosovo so this is my first deployment abroad.

About the Mission: My duty is in Main Gate in Film City Camp in Pristina. I am
the Main Gate Guards Supervisor. I am responsible for the safety of the Film City
Camp via Main Gate and also for the proper and safe movement (entrance or exit)
of the vehicles and the people (military individuals or Civilians who work or run a
Name: Evangelos Tsikonis task in the Camp) for eight hours per day. The Guards in Main Gate are also asked
Rank: OR-5 to perform security checks in the vehicles or the people that enter or leave Film
City Camp.
Nationality: Greek Family Reaction: My familys reaction is normal enough because now that I am
abroad doesnt make a difference to them because even when I was in my home
Unit: Main Gate country, Greece, my work place was about the same distance from my home town.
Although, they seem very supportive, we talk very often and they try to keep me
Guards Supervisor going until the time passes to return back to them. They are very proud of me going
abroad and attending a NATO mission and they cant wait of my return.

Hobbies:I spend a big amount of my free time daily in the gym. I love training,
running and weight lifting. My other my free time hobbies are football, volleyball,
swimming and fishing.

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www.nato.int/kfor

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