KFOR Becomes New Deputy Commander

The NATO-led Kosovo force has a new deputy commander. Today Brigadier General from Austria Gwenther Schoepf took second position in KFOR hierarchy by Swiss Brigadier General Laurent Michaud, who served for 13 months in Kosovo.

An official ceremony was held at KFOR headquarters, led by Major General Michele Ries, commander of the Kosovo Force.

In his farewell address, General Michaud stressed his advisory role towards the Commander and emphasised his frequent contacts with KFOR soldiers. “To shape, motivate and listen to our wives and husbands are three things that time devotion is essential, since first of all it is those who transform our decisions into actions,” he declared.

General Schoepf also took over from his predecessor management of the 2020-2021 Silver Equipment, the traditional KFOR training in response to emergency situations where, for the first time, institutions in Kosovo have a major role in planning and carrying out activities.

KFOR consists of 3,500 soldiers from 26 NATO nations and partners and is committed to contributing to a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all citizens in Kosovo, in line with the 1999 UN Resolution 1244.