Good companions at close-quarters
by 2Lt Lionel Hannoun
First published in SFOR Informer #14, July 9, 1997
Nevesinje
- For French Lt. Pascal Lafontaine, Nevesinje camp is a fine place to
live. The French Engineering Fire Support Platoon and the Spanish Engineering
Platoon are both part of the Multinational Engineering Battalion, which
belongs to of Multinational Division South-East (MND-SE). The Spanish
Engineers are currently working on a road near Luka, while the French
engineers are working close to the camp on another road project.
"This is the first time we have lived together in the same place, and things are
going really well," said Lafontaine. Spanish 2Lt. Jose Risco went further, stating,
"We have never been so close."
Soldiers from both platoons say they like the arrangements. "We share
everything," said SSgt. Luis Royo of Spain, adding, "every other day we
alternate the cooking team. The same applies to food supply and security patrols, but
things go further than that"
French Cpl. David Vannier explained, "at the beginning, it was difficult to
communicate, but we (the French) try to learn a little Spanish and they a little French.
We have been here three weeks, and the group gets along well."
As if additional proof of the success of the arrangement was needed, the platoons based
in this camp on Nevesinjes football field often play football with mixed nationality
teams.
After a common dinner, members of the Multinational Engineering Brigade generally meet
at the club-tent. "Usually we choose the Eurosport channel," said
Vannier. "We receive it by satellite in English and German, so everyone can
understand a few words, and the action speaks for itself. Sport is a universal language,
like music."
[French soldier]
[Spanish soldier]
[SFOR at work]
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