The never ending transformation of the Kosovo Army

Premtim Shaqiri, one of the cadets, says he has always dreamt to become a military. When he learned about the academy, he never had any doubt about his future career.

Their commander and also Kosovo’s President, Hashim Thaci, has started an initiative for transforming the KSF into a proper army, but representatives from NATO and international community were not very positive. Kosovo needs to receive approval from the Serbian parties in Kosovo, first.

The academy prepares each year students who have the right to continue their studies in Kosovo and abroad, and who have to serve their country in given circumstances.

But the military monopoly in Kosovo belongs to NATO, who signed the war-ending agreement. Vice lieutenant Zoran Stajic, campaigns to recruit new Serbs under the Kosovo uniform in Lipjan.

Good payment and the promise of a same job push many Serbs try they luck. They say at first it was hard for them, they even had been provoked several times. But now their interest his higher for their career, despite Belgrade’s opposition.

“They learn Albanian and English. I don’t know Albanian very well, but my colleagues are trying hard. I can only say positive words for my commander and major”, says Vice Lieutenant Stajic.

The Kosovo Security Forces have 2500 professional members. By the end of the transformation process, there should be 5000 regular soldiers and 3000 reserves. But this transformation is a political process. Until then, the new cadets will have to wait.

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