“Tigers” Croatian Army training to start for Kosovo under KFOR

Members of the 1st Mechanised Battalion “Tigras” of the Croatian Army have completed the second phase of the pre-dislocation exercise for NATO's peacekeeping mission, KFOR, in Kosovo, where in May they will assume duties from the 44th Croatian contingent, Croatia's Defence Ministry announced.

As part of the preparations, the unit conducted an intensive 72-hour training cycle in the “Colonel Predrag Matanović” in Petrinje. The exercise was carried out constantly, day and night, with the aim of testing and increasing readiness for stabilisation operations in the international operational environment.

The commander of the motorised company, Captain Vladimir Cordiić, said the exercise has been conceived “as more realistic as possible”, simulated real operating conditions through the rotation of units and the continued carrying out of tasks.

Entrance security, patrols, motion control, interaction with the civilian population and response to security incidents were exercised during the exercise. Special emphasis was placed on command, decisionmaking, and internal coordination.

Military authorities estimated that the preparation cycle confirmed the battalion's high level of training and readiness. Turnout in KFOR is considered the continuation of Croatia's contribution to international security and stability.