26 Nov. 2009
Multi-National Task Force – East is a U.S.-led task force. The Headquarters is the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade from North Dakota. MNTF-E includes nearly 2,200 Soldiers, including Task Force Hellas and Task Force PPOL/UKR (Polish/Ukraine). The charter mission of MNTF-E is maintaining a Safe and Secure Environment and providing Freedom of Movement for the people in Kosovo.
On 14 November 2009, a new U.S.-led Kosovo Forces (KFOR) task force officially took over responsibility of Multi-National Task Force - East (MNTF-E), during a Transfer of Authority ceremony at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo.
At the mid-day event, incoming commander Brig. Gen. Alan S. Dohrmann, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, of the North Dakota National Guard, assumed command of MNTF-E from Brig. Gen. Keith D. Jones, 40th Infantry Division of the California National Guard.
Brig. Gen. Jones and his soldiers have been maintaining safety and security in Kosovo since they arrived in February of 2009. Brig. Gen. Dohrmann said he looks forward to continuing that important mission with the help of multi-national partners from Task Force Hellas (Greece) and Task Force POL/UKR (Poland and the Ukraine), as well as units from Armenia and Romania.
“For me to complete my mission, and to continue on the path to a brighter future, we – the international community, Non-Governmental Organization, the Institutions in Kosovo, Municipal leaders, Religious leaders, other formal and informal leaders, and, most importantly, the people in Kosovo – must work together as a team to build the brighter future that we all want for our children – wherever we call home,” Brig. Gen. Dohrmann said.
The incoming soldiers, under Dohrmann’s command, started arriving in Kosovo in late October.
Brig. Gen. Dohrmann and Jones were joined the event by KFOR commander Lt. Gen. Markus Bentler, and the Adjutants General of North Dakota and California, Maj. Gen. David A. Sprynczynatyk and Maj. Gen. William H. Wade II, respectively.
A large number of special guests of MNTF-E also were in attendance for the ceremony.
Brig. Gen. Dohrmann previously served as Deputy Adjutant General and Land Component Commander of the North Dakota Army National Guard. This is his second deployment to Kosovo, having been Command Judge Advocate for MNTF-E forces in 2004-2005.
“Progress is being made in Kosovo,” Brig. Gen. Dohrmann said. “Since I was last here in 2005, I have seen remarkable improvements in Kosovo. From new construction and improved infrastructure, to multi-ethnic youth events and religious leader meetings, Kosovo is headed toward a brighter future.”
Story and photos by Specialist Chris Erickson, US Army
