On the 17th of September 2024, C (TAMANDU) Company (Coy) The Second Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles (2 RGR) flew to Kosovo on a peace-keeping mission as part of the NATO Kosovo Force, otherwise known as KFOR. KFOR was established in 1999 after NATO’s 78-day air campaign against Milosevic’s regime which sort to put an end to the violence in Kosovo. Mandated by the United Nation Security Council, KFOR continues to maintain a permanent presence in Kosovo to protect the safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all people and communities in Kosovo.
Based in the KFOR operational headquarters in Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, C Coy deployed for almost two months on the yearly rehearsal for the Strategic Reserve Force on Op ELGIN. Attached to 1 Royal YORKS battlegroup, the Company conducted patrols along the administrative boundary line (ABL), observation points (OPs) and helped combat illegal smuggling into Kosovo.
Under the command of Officer Commanding C Coy, Major Niall Pollinger, the Coy maintained an operational footprint of two callsigns on the ground and an organic Quick Reaction Force (QRF) at 30-minutes notice to move throughout the operating window. The scale of our AOR demanded extended deployments, with both vehicle and US aviation support essential for operating in the difficult terrain.
During the initial reconnaissance phase, we sought to understand the physical terrain, identify key human terrain factors, and assess logistics requirements such as medical support and communications. In the second phase, ground patrols inserted by vehicle allowed us to reach forward positions along the ABL. Moving on foot through difficult-to-access areas, we monitored suspicious activity closely, deterring illegal crossings, and establishing our presence in hard-to-reach areas. The final phase involved monitoring, informing, and intercepting of organised crime groups (OCG) activities within our AOR. Establishing OPs to survey key areas and support snap vehicle checkpoints, the platoon conducted coordinated police actions in order to intercept OCG activity. This phase saw successful seizures of contraband and the apprehension of individuals engaged in unlawful activities.
While not on task in Kosovo, Camp Bondsteel remained an active location, and our free time was filled with both sporting and social events. Our American partners put on both a 10 mile and a 5km race, in which 2 RGR dominated the rankings and attendance. The boys were able to demonstrate not only their fitness, but also their determination taking gold at both the BAWF and Hyrox competitions.
Dashain and Tihar both fell during our deployment, and in true Gurkha fashion, both integral religious festivals were celebrated with the means available. Dashain included video calls from Colonel The Royal Gurkha Rifles, Commanding Officer and Gurkha Major, followed by a fiercely contested volleyball tournament and finally an evening of well-deserved messing with guests from 1 Royal YORKS. The deployment’s close was marked by a parade during which the US Brigade Commander of Regional Command East (RC-E), presented TAMANDU Coy an award as ‘the standout sub-unit in the Brigade, for the operational effect achieved and the highest level of integration with all nations within RC-E’. Colour Sergeant Sunil Galami, the Coy’s Company Quartermaster Sergeant, was also awarded a presentation for his work in building relationships and liaison with partner nations, highlighting the unfaltering hard work Service Personnel put in throughout the deployment.
NATO’s presence in Kosovo is one greeted with smiles and thanks, and it was an honour to be a part of that. Kosovo proved to be both an educational and enjoyable adventure for all those deployed. The two months bonded the Coy and formed friendships and memories that will last for many years to come.
