Dancon March tests KFOR soldiers
Related Topics (16)
More related topics
CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - More than 730 multinational service members from all across Kosovo gathered Nov. 7, at Camp Grand Danois, the Danish camp inside Camp Novo Selo, Mitrovica/Mitrovice, for the second of three Dancon Marches scheduled to be held this Autumn.
More than 50 U.S. service members joined their Danish hosts and participants from Armenia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Portugal, Italy, Poland, Sweden and others, as well as members of the Kosovo Police and European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo for the grueling journey through the Kosovo countryside.
The Dancon March is a tradition for Danish soldiers wherever they are stationed, and has been held every year since 1972. The march consists of approximately 26 kilometers (about 16 miles) of trail, the terrain varying based on the area in which the march is held. Dancon Marches have been held in Kosovo since Danish soldiers became involved in KFOR in 1999, and are held in other theaters as well.
Each participant is required to carry a minimum load of 10 kilos (about 22 pounds) for the entire march, and has a maximum of eight hours in which to complete the course. Some iterations of the Dancon March involve distances of up to 100 kilometers (62 miles).
"You are not competing with each other," said Danish army Lt. Col. Jens Peder Nyrup commander of the Danish KFOR contingent, "It is a competition against yourself. You are the only person that can stop you from finishing. It is a chance for you to enjoy the benefits of exercise with soldiers from all over the world."
"The march invites foreign troops, allied with Denmark," said Danish Master Sgt. Torben Christensen, welfare officer, "to participate in the 25 or 100 kilometer march. Marches have taken place in Cyprus, Croatia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan."
The first two members of Multinational Battle Group East to cross the finish line were Sgt. Jerry Boffen, public affairs sergeant, Task Force Falcon and Spc. Drew R. Peterson, aviation mechanic, Task Force Aviation both with a time of four hours and twenty minutes.
"The hills are terrible," said Peterson, Boone, Iowa. "The terrain and the fatigue from the pace I was setting were the most difficult parts. I did everything I could to just keep my focus and drive on."
The event, despite its hardship, was a morale builder and an exciting event for those that partook in it.
"Events like these are great morale boosters," said Capt. Alex Mercado-Quinones, San Diego, battle captain, MNBG E. "It's a unique experience not many people get to take part in, and its good exercise. It's challenging and a test of your own endurance."
"It was definitely a challenge," said Peterson. "But I am already signed up for the next one."
Everyone that participates and completes the course in less than eight hours will receive the Danish Contingent March Medal, a bronze-colored, circular medal with red and white-striped ribbon.
There is one more Dancon March scheduled in Kosovo on Nov. 21. This is expected to be the final Dancon event in Kosovo, as the Danish contingent of KFOR is scheduled to withdraw from the region in the near future.
Find more articles tagged with:
- KFOR
- Camp Grand Danois
- Mitrovica/Mitrovice
- Camp Novo Selo
- Kosovo
- Kosovo Force
- Dancon March
- Multinational Battle Group East
- Denmark
-
Multinational partnership and interoperability: Rapid Trident 2012 begins in Ukraine
An opening ceremony was held at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center, July 16, officially marking the beginning of Exercise Rapid Trident 2012.Find more articles tagged with:
-
International Distinguished Visitors Attend BALTOPS 2012 Training Scenario
Maritime forces participating in Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2012, the largest multinational maritime exercise this year in the Baltic Sea, demonstrated a land, sea and air amphibious operation for international distinguished visitors here, June 11.Find more articles tagged with:
-
Exercise Saber Strike 2012 demonstrates international cooperation in action
Saber Strike is a U.S. Army Europe-led, multi-national exercise scheduled for June 10- 22 at multiple training areas in Estonia and Latvia. The exercise promotes regional stability and security, strengthens international military partnering and fosters trust while improving interoperability between participating nations.Find more articles tagged with:
-
This Week in EUCOM History: February 13-19, 2008
The Republic of Kosovo declared independenceFind more articles tagged with:
-
32nd CSA/AUSA president notes ‘people’ as key to Army success: European command adds unique value to nation
Retired Army Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan, the president and chief operating officer of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) and the 32nd Chief of Staff of the Army observed Kosovo Force training on Nov. 16 in Europe, after mentoring Noncommissioned Officers and Officers at leadership development discussions on Grafenwoehr and the Hohenfels Training Area.Find more articles tagged with:
-
KFOR medics help to open airways in Kosovo
Local medical professionals and students joined United States medical personnel from Multinational Battle Group East, KFOR, for a Grand Rounds event Jan. 31 at the hospital in Ferizaj/Urosevic. The medical community was invited to participate in a discussion and hands-on demonstration of intubation.Find more articles tagged with:
-
KFOR gives UXO class to local children
In a land that has seen many wars and conflicts, Unexploded Ordnance is a real concern. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit Soldiers from Poland and the United States held a class in Kamenice/Kamenica, Jan. 18, to inform the local children of the potential dangers they face.Find more articles tagged with:
-
U.S. Soldiers validate quick reaction skills
U.S. Soldiers from Multinational Battle Group East were tested on their Quick Reaction Force skills during a validation exercise, Jan. 7.Find more articles tagged with:
-
Deployment brings family together
While deployments often separate families for a year and sometimes longer, there are rare occasions where family members are deployed together and it helps in creating a stronger bond.Find more articles tagged with:
-
MNBG E Soldier continues triathlon, mountain bike training at Camp Bondsteel
Being deployed presents many challenges for Soldiers. One Soldier from Multinational Battle Group East has found a way to continue to enjoy one of his favorite activities, even while deployed to Kosovo as part of the NATO-led peacekeeping mission here.Find more articles tagged with:
Comments: 0