Photo By Sgt. John Montoya | The Kosovo Forces 14 U.S. Contingency made up of infantry soldiers from C. Company...... read more read more
KOSOVO - Riot control training is not frequently conducted for members of the U.S. military. The current worldwide operational environment requires more practice in other skill sets said Maj. Imri Frankó, deputy commander of the Hungarian contingent of Kosovo Forces.
However, here in Kosovo, soldiers with C. Company, 1-200th Infantry, took part in several days of intensive crowd and riot control training with Frankó’s element at the Kosovo Forces compound May 2, 3 and 4.
The Hungarian and Portuguese have been undergoing training there since February to perfect techniques for crowd and riot control using multiple units hailing from many countries.
“Traditionally, riot control is a police-level activity,” said Frankó. “There’s generally only one element active at a time, and all the individuals know the same commands.”
In Kosovo, riot control is taken care of by both the Kosovo Police and KFOR. Because Kosovo Forces’ CRC elements are divided between multiple contingencies, KFOR developed a training program intended to help each unit work cohesively with every other one.
“It is almost impossible to work well as a unit if the first time they rehearse together is during an actual riot,” said Frankó.
Soldiers from C Company spent several days studying and rehearsing together with and under the direction of their Portuguese and Hungarian counterparts. Practical exercises followed quickly on the heels of the classroom portion.
Frankó’s instructors began with the basics, starting with individual techniques, and progressing slowly to squad- and platoon-level movements.
“There are so many limitations to using weapons in a riot control situation,” said Frankó. “We help teach the soldiers how to act non-lethally and avoid harm from rioters.”
Baton use was limited to side strikes, avoiding the head and neck. The soldiers then practiced working in a line and successfully resisting rioters’ strikes and grabs.
The final day, soldiers were put to trial by fire. Instructors burst molotov cocktails at soldiers’ feet to acclimate them to what they may experience while subduing a riot.
“They’re doing well,” said Frankó of the training. “It’s important for individuals, teams and commanders to learn how to minimize the threat and accomplish their tasks.”
| Date Taken: | 05.04.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 05.21.2011 04:28 |
| Story ID: | 70808 |
| Location: | ZZ |
| Web Views: | 32 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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