Irish Defence Forces to head Kosovo peacekeeping mission

[DeV]

KFOR used to consist of a number of Multi-National Brigades it now consists of Multi-National Task Forces.

Fair enough civvy reporters may get things wrong, by the Minister (unless be said the following):

“Never before has Ireland acted in overall command of a multinational task force IN KOSOVO and it is testament to the professionalism and dedication of our Defence Forces.”

as opposed to what he is quoted as saying:

“Never before has Ireland acted in overall command of a multinational task force and it is testament to the professionalism and dedication of our Defence Forces.”

[Goldie fish]

Could also be that the Irish would deploy the headquarters element of the multi national brigade. Some non military would assume that that would mean we were in charge

[apod]

I think some reporter has got their facts wrong .What they meant to say was that Ireland is gonna take over control of multi-national brigade central(mnb-c) NOT the overall force.All the countries mentioned are within that brigade .Their are many many more countries involved in KFOR.KFOR is a nato led un backed mission.All the FORCE commanders have been from nato countries.

[DeV]

Their is no mention of this on DOD or KFOR websites (and the DF website is down)

The Defence Forces will be responsible for co-ordination of the Nato-led international task force in the Balkan state, commanding, controlling and directing operations.

They must be changing KFOR from a NATO run mission cause I find it hard to believe NATO is prepared to let a non-NATO nation command a NATO mission.

“Never before has Ireland acted in overall command of a multinational task force and it is testament to the professionalism and dedication of our Defence Forces.”

Not true - A number of Irish officers served as Force Commanders, even in our first peacekeeping/enforcement mission - ONUC in the Congo.

Five other nations are involved in a task force of 15,000 troops; Czech Republic, Slovakia, Sweden, Finland and Latvia.

KFOR currently consists of troops from a total of 35 countries, can't find how many are deployed in KFOR.


It is more likely IMHO that Ireland assume lead nation command of Multi-National Task Force Centre. As the Minister was suggesting before.

MNTF(C) consists of troops from Sweden, Czech Republic, Finland, Ireland, Lativa and Slovakia.

Sweden - 430
Ireland - c250
Czech Republic - c500
Finland - c700

No where near 15,000 troops.

[The Blue Max]

Ireland to head Kosovo peacekeeping mission
19/09/2006 - 17:47:28



Ireland is to take control of the peacekeeping mission in Kosovo from next year, it emerged today.

The Defence Forces will be responsible for co-ordination of the Nato-led international task force in the Balkan state, commanding, controlling and directing operations.

Willie O’Dea, Defence Minister, said it was a hugely significant day for the country’s troops.

“This is a hugely significant day in the history of the Defence Forces,” he said.

“Never before has Ireland acted in overall command of a multinational task force and it is testament to the professionalism and dedication of our Defence Forces.”

It will be the first time an Irish officer has held the post of Force Commander in Kosovo and most of the key planning and logistics posts will be filled by Irish officers.

Ireland will take control of operations from August next year until July 2008.


Mr O’Dea said the reputation and profile of Ireland’s Defence Forces would be greatly enhanced by the role. Some 80 more Irish troops will be deployed in the region, on top of the 213 soldiers already serving there.

Five other nations are involved in a task force of 15,000 troops; Czech Republic, Slovakia, Sweden, Finland and Latvia.

Mr O’Dea said the peacekeeping mission in Kosovo had helped restore confidence in the troubled region.

“We are proud of the role that we have played in helping the people of Kosovo to move from war, mayhem, misery and fear towards a stable, secure and peaceful future,” the Minister said.

“I have visited our troops serving there twice over the past two years where I saw the tremendous work they are doing and how vital Ireland’s participation is in this mission. Today is a very proud day for the Defence Forces.”


News Extract From Breakingnews.ie
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