On the morning of October 6, KFOR initiated Operation DETERMINED COMMITMENT 2004. The beginning of this operation was marked by the airdrop of French paratroopers. The airdrop was carried out from 7 aircraft carrying 361 paratroopers and their commanding officer Colonel Brousse. This event was covered by more then 30 international and local journalists.
Under a clear blue sky, 361 parachute canopies safely delivered the French soldiers into Kosovo in 4 minutes.

This was no simple sport parachute jump from 200 meters; this was a military operation with all the normal mission requirements: landing, securing the area, deploying to an assembly point, etc.

During its mission in Kosovo, the French paratroopers joined other KFOR soldiers in ongoing peacekeeping operations, and to validate new operational concepts. Units in the field familiarized themselves with the terrain and environment. The presence of this force is a clear message that NATO and the international community are committed to maintain peace and stability in Kosovo.

Troops are completely autonomous and operational, and have integrated under the command structure of KFOR, fulfilling their duties with KFOR troops in wide missions including searches, patrolling and other routine missions.

11th Paratroopers Brigade

All paratroopers who took part in operation belong to the 11th Paratroopers Brigade (PB) which in France is commanded by Brigadier General Lechevalier, the new MNB (NE) commander since October 5, 2004. The 11th Paratroopers Brigade, the only paratrooper brigade in France, is headquartered in Toulouse, southeast of France. The "PB" (BP-Belle P) consists of 8,000 soldiers.

The "PB" is composed of eight regiments. Three regiments participated in this operation:

• The 1st Command and Control unit,
• The 1st Airborne Support unit
• The 8th Airborne Marine Infantry Regiment (RPIMa)