Photo By Sgt. Grace Wajler | U.S. Army Soldiers, assigned to Regional Command East, Kosovo Force 34, host an M4...... read more read more
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CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo—U.S. Army Soldiers with Oregon Army National Guard’s 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, assigned to the 34th rotation of the NATO-led Kosovo Force, also known as KFOR 34, hosted a weapons familiarization and qualification training event for Polish and German KFOR soldiers, Jan. 8-9, 2025.
This training is part of a mutual effort to maintain strong partnerships within KFOR 34 by fostering the exchange of knowledge, shared experiences, and camaraderie among the multinational soldiers.
The senior enlisted soldier of the range event, Oregon Army National Guard 1st Sgt. Matthew McCreery, emphasized the importance of joint training with the multinational contingents of KFOR 34 to build bonds and promote teamwork.
“Working alongside our international partners allows us to develop a common understanding on how one another operate,” said McCreery. “The cohesion that we build through training events like multinational ranges unites us at the Soldier level.”
On Jan. 8, 2025, the multinational soldiers participated in weapon familiarization training at the Engagement Skills Trainer, or EST, on Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo. The EST is a laser-based virtual trainer that allows soldiers to practice weapons handling and proficiency in a controlled environment before going out to a live range. This training gave soldiers who are unfamiliar with the M4, the U.S. Army’s standard service rifle, an opportunity to build some confidence before the qualification.
On the following day, Jan. 9, the soldiers joined together at the Camp Bondsteel range to conduct the M4 qualification event. The U.S. Army Soldiers, serving as range safeties, assisted the participants in zeroing their weapons before moving on to the qualification table.
Participants worked in pairs, with one soldier acting as a coach, while the other soldier served as the shooter. The coach called out the shots, simulating pop-up targets, and the shooter engaged the corresponding targets as they were called. Once the shooter’s score was recorded, the roles were reversed, allowing both soldiers of the two-man team to complete the qualification.
The soldiers who qualified, according to the U.S. Army M4 Qualification standards, receive the marksmanship badge. The badge is awarded in three different levels according to the level of proficiency on the weapon system: Marksman, Sharpshooter, Expert; with Expert being the highest level of the badge.
A German medical soldier, OR-5 Ennis Mbadi, shared his thoughts on the experience, highlighting his appreciation for the opportunity to familiarize himself with the M4 and engage with fellow soldiers.
“As soldiers, we improve cooperation and build new friendships with those of ally nations,” said Mbadi. “It’s nice to meet in such a setting.”
The multinational forces within KFOR frequently organize joint training events to enhance interoperability and foster strong relationships.
“The thought that we would ever fight international challenges alone is inconceivable,” said McCreery. “The relationships that we build with our international partners reinforce a foundation of shared values, experiences and vision. KFOR’s ability to continue to help maintain a safe and secure environment depends on those relationships.”
| Date Taken: | 01.16.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 01.17.2025 10:14 |
| Story ID: | 489192 |
| Location: | CAMP BONDSTEEL, ZZ |
| Web Views: | 37 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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