Peacekeeping operational begin with fire

Photo By Sgt. Tracy R. Myers | Kazakhstani peacekeeping forces learn and practice new crowd riot control techniques from instructors of the Slovenian armed forces during the first day of training at Steppe Eagle 2014, Sept. 29, at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center here. The UN requires peacekeeping troops to be trained on crowd riot control because it is an essential part of public order, security and stability. Kazakhstani peacekeeping troops are training to fulfill the UN’s requirement to potentially provide a surge capability in the case of large-scale civil disturbances. (U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Tracy R. Myers, U.S. Army Central)  

HOHENFELS, GERMANY

09.29.2014

Story by Sgt. Tracy R. Myers 

U.S. Army Central   

HOHENFELS, Germany – Kazakhstani Peacekeeping Battalion soldiers learned new crowd riot control techniques yesterday, the first day of the Steppe Eagle 2014 exercise. They will use these techniques during the culminating training event which will demonstrate their ability to provide United Nations peacekeeping operations support.

“Kazakhstan’s contribution to international peacekeeping is increasing with other international contingent according with the UN requirements,” Kazakhstan Peacekeeping Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Bakhytzhan Zhetpissov. “We are checking our readiness and cooperation with multinational contingents.”

The UN requires peacekeeping troops to be trained on crowd riot control because it is an essential part of public order, security and stability. Kazakhstani peacekeeping troops are training to fulfill the UN requirement to help provide a surge capability in the case of large-scale civil disturbances.

“Whenever we are called for a peacekeeping mission we act in a peaceful manner to get control,” said Kazakhstani Airborne Warrant Officer Ruslan Burkitbay. “There is no need to shoot and kill, because we are there to make peace.”

This is the first Steppe Eagle exercise in 12 years that has taken place outside of Kazakhstan. This year it is being conducted at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center here, which provides realistic training for partner nation units in an international environment.

“This is a high priority,” said Burkitbay “We are doing crowd control because it is important to keep peace everywhere. That is why it is so important to do this training.”

Steppe Eagle 14 prepares partner nations for future peacekeeping and peace support operations in tumultuous areas and fosters greater regional cooperation. The situational training exercise following the tactical skills training will allow the Kazakhstan military to validate its readiness to face realistic modern challenges in peacekeeping scenarios.

“I really enjoy making conversation with people from other countries here, doing training together and making friends,” said Burkitbay. “It’s a good experience improving our training, our relationships and mental capabilities.”

Multinational participation increases interoperability of nations and reaffirms the partner nations commitment to regional security and stability.

“We have come here to show our training, discipline and character,” said Burkitbay.

Steppe Eagle also promotes mutual understanding and interoperability between partner nations and is an opportunity to build relationships and exchange ideas.

“This is a big deal to us who are involved in this training,” said Burkitbay. “We are doing this for our country first of all, and second for ourselves. It was our wish to join the army and do these types of things.”

The Kazakhstan military and other partner nations participating are working to achieve the common goal of contributing to regional and world stability, improving operational readiness and enhancing mutual understanding.

• Date Taken: 09.29.2014
• Date Posted: 09.30.2014 16:36
• Story ID: 143833
• Location: HOHENFELS, DE