Canadian soldiers find mine cache

Camp Maple Leaf - Soldiers from the First Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (1 PPCLI) of the Canadian Battle Group found a mine cache of about 100 anti-tank mines Oct. 19 while conducting normal framework operations. The discovery of this weapons cache is significant due to the large quantity found.

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Monitoring the parties

Camp Butmir - The recent case of the ORAO factory (see SFOR Informer No 150, dated Oct. 24) has put the spotlight on the Office of the Joint Military Affairs (JMA). The JMA serves as the central body for the Armed Forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to ensure compliance with the General Framework Agreement for Peace.

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Finnish Soldiers help refurbishing a School

Novi Grad - In Novi Grad, Odzak municipality, refurbishment of the Primary School is now finished, thanks to a joint effort of Finnish and Dutch Governments, co-ordinated through the divisional Finnish CIMIC (Civil-Military Co-operation) from Multinational Division North. People who used to live in Novi Grad before the war have now another reason to come back.

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MNAAvBn disbanded in Ploce

Ploce - A beautiful city on the Dalmatian coast has been the home of airmen and helicopters since 1995. First as UNPROFOR, then IFOR and now SFOR the Army Aviation airmen have been stationed there, accomplishing numerous missions. Lt. Col. (French Army) Hubert Figeat was the last commander of the 'Salamandre' Battalion.

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Emerald Expedition

Novi Travnik - On Oct. 12, around 300 SFOR soldiers took part in Emerald Expedition organised by the Netherlands Battle Group. The Expedition is a 35 kilometre military march along SFOR route Emerald between camps in Bugojno and Novi Travnik. The competitors came from all parts of SFOR and most participated as a unit.

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RED check and repair Doboj Bridge

Doboj - 'Doboj III' Bridge is the longest 'Maybe & Johnson' (M&J) bridge built in Bosnia and Herzegovina by SFOR. This 155 metre long bridge provides a very important crossing over the Bosna River, New Jersey and is a main supply route. The bridge was closed on Oct. 23 following an inspection mission.

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SFOR Slovenian Airways

Archer Base, Sarajevo - On a rainy and cloudy day, thick fog covered the whole Sarajevo valley. But there was no problem flying, only winter weather. Slovenians are used to flying in such weather conditions. Ten years ago, just like Bosnia and Herzegovina, their country was part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, but now they contribute to SFOR.

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The last of the Illyrians

Rajlovac - The 67 soldiers of the Albanian Peacekeeping Company, part of the Commando Brigade, carry out the mission of security in Camp Carreau, Rajlovac. They have to control who and what goes in and out at the camp. The Albanians work closely with the Germans, a relationship that began here in 1997.

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MATT: Welcome to Mine School!

Sokoliste - The war might be over but there are still far too many casualties. On Oct. 15, Multinational Division South West's Mine Awareness Training Team (MATT) visited a satellite school in Sokoliste, a small town near Prijedor. Their mission was to teach the children about the very real dangers of land-mines and unexploded ordnance.

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Unrecognised but essential mission

Bugojno - The Netherlands Battle Group (NLBG) based in Bugojno looked forward to the end of October. The arrival of a new contingent and departure of the previous one took place. This kind of exchange requires some organisation, the help of a Romanian Platoon… and a good sense of humour!

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Italians seize weapons and ammunition

Brezje - On Oct. 22 the 22nd Alpine Company from the Italian Battle Group conducted Operation 'Brave Poa' in Brezje, a spot near Rogatica (Republika Srpska). During this operation, a cache of illegal weapons and ammunition was found. In line with SFOR's mandate, this type of find is a step towards a safe and secure environment.

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Soldier in the spotlight

Travelling is good for youth, as are military missions. Cpl. Jan-Willem Koopman is a good example. Only 21 years old, and with three years in the Dutch army, he makes a great advertisement for military recruitment. With a big smile, he just said: "I prefer my job here. My job in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a great job!"

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