MITROVICA, Kosovo -- Change of Command in MNB(NE) between Brig. Gen. Alain Bidard and Brig. Gen. Michel Klein took place in Mitrovica Gymnasium, January 28, 2003. After four and one half months in Kosovo, Brig. Gen. A.Bidard will return to France having finished his duty here.
The ceremony included troop inspections, with soldiers representing all nations of the brigade.
In his speech, COMKFOR Lt. Gen. Fabio Mini said,
"General A.Bidard, together with his soldiers sacrificed a lot coming here." He added that the time they had spent was very efficient; Mitrovica bypass is one of the latest examples of their contribution for people in northern region of Kosovo.

Before the beginning of lunch, Brig. Gen. A.Bidard expressed his gratitude to all those he has worked with during the last four and a half months. Responding to COMKFOR's statements about the contributions in establishing a safe and secure environment in MNB(NE) Brig. Gen ABidard took this opportunity to thank his troops, "You have collaborated well with local people, gained their friendship and confidence. In my point of view this is a true success story. 'Help them so they can help themselves', it was one of my favorite mottos."

27th Mountain infantry brigade, commanded by BG Klein counts approximately 6000 soldiers and is located in the Alps region, south-eastern France where its units can perform its training in mountainous or snow-covered areas. Once a year approximately, all or part of the units leaves to Norway for a one month of winter warfare.

The 27th Mountain brigade is the heir of the French mountain troops that were founded in 1888 with the primary aim to protect the France - Italy borderline that lies through the Alps. Since that time until nowadays mountainous operations have become a brigade's trademark.

During the First World War, parts of the mountain units were committed in the Balkans quite successfully. After the end of war, the next significant event of mountain troops history happened in 1924 when instructors of brigade's Training Centre suggested using skis for tactical purposes. The idea was implemented, and became a part of the daily training process.

Unfortunately, the beginning and middle of the 20st century are marked and easily recognizable by World Wars. Many of us are counting years as "before" or "after" the First and the Second World Wars. Especially describing military unit's history. The same happens in this case. From the beginning of the WWII until the year of 1940, the Alps region was the only one undefeated. The reason was very simple - the 27th Mountainous Infantry Brigade was in charge of the region. The only reason they ultimately retreated was due to an order from French high military authorities.

Nevertheless, combat continued in other parts of Europe, for instance in Northern Norway where the mountain soldiers won the great battle of Narvik in 1940.

The war was over, and ever since soldiers of the brigade have been taking part to various operations throughout the world: Algeria, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Lebanon and now Kosovo, just to name a few of the deployments
To become a soldier of the brigade is a great honour and a great deal of work. In addition to traditional military training, the soldiers from the 27th mountain brigade are to pass at least the basic mountain soldier certifications for both summer and winter seasons, which require skills in ski and climbing, resistance and stamina. Once you pass these certifications, you really deserve to wear the large alpine beret, the oldest traditional beret of the French forces. It was initially, like the Basque one, and was adopted because it helps to protect your face from wind, rain and solar rays. Our ancestors also used it to keep their feet warm when they spent the night in the mountains.