K5, Galway: Cpt. Damian Murphy, Lt. Shane Quinlan, Pte Noel Ryan, Cpt. Michael Merrigan

On Tuesday morning (4th April) 121 members of the 32nd Infantry Group of the Irish Defence Forces departed from Ireland West Airport Knock for a six month tour of duty in Kosovo.  A second rotation will take place through Ireland West Airport Knock on April 13th 2006.

The 32nd Infantry Group will replace the 31st Infantry Group who have formed part of the multinational force in Kosovo (KFOR) and are completing their tour of duty before returning to their units and families.

The 32nd Infantry Group will be under the command of Lt Col Donal Bracken – a native of Athlone and former OC 1 Cn Cois Galway. The troops are drawn from the units of the Western Brigade. The Group is composed of C Company – the main operational company, HQ Staff, contingent personnel and a logistical support section.  C Company will be under the command of Comdt John Whittaker. The operational element of the Group, the Armoured Personnel Carrier Company, will deploy to a Multi-National Task Force also comprising of Finnish, Swedish, Czech and Slovenian troops.

The Group will be based in Camp Clarke in Kosovo.

Pte. Patrick Egan, Offaly

The Defence Forces Mission in Kosovo is serving under a UN mandate since 1990. KFOR is composed of approx 17,000 troops drawn from 33 countries.  The KFOR mission is to provide a safe and secure environment for all communities in Kosovo. The 32nd Infantry Group have concluded a rigorous period of training which included mission readiness, crowd control, patrolling, cultural awareness and community welfare.

Sgt. Michael Gleeson, Limerick