KFOR  /  Media Center  /  Archive  /  News  /  2020  /  BRIGADIER GENERAL GUENTER SCHOEPF IS THE NEW DEPUTY COMMANDER OF KFOR

PRISTINA - The NATO-led Kosovo Force has a new Deputy Commander. On Saturday, 10 October, Austrian Brigadier General Guenter Schoepf took over the second position in KFOR’s hierarchy from Swiss Brigadier General Laurent Michaud, who served for 13 months in Kosovo.

A formal ceremony was held at the Headquarters of KFOR, presided by Major General Michele Risi, the Commander of the Kosovo Force.

In his farewell speech General Michaud highlighted his advising role to the Commander, and pointed out his frequent contacts with KFOR soldiers. “To shape, to motivate and to listen to our women and men are three things for which taking time is essential, since it is first and foremost them who transform our decisions into actions”, he stated.

General Schoepf took over from his predecessor also the management of ‘Silver Sabre 2020-2021’, the traditional KFOR emergency response exercise that for the first time will see the Institutions in Kosovo having a major role in planning and conducting the activities.

KFOR consists of 3,500 Soldiers from 26 NATO and Partner Nations and is committed to contribute to a safe and secure environment and to freedom of movement for all citizens in Kosovo, in accordance with the UNSCR 1244 of 1999.