Yesterday was the last day at the barracks for 175 soldiers of the Bravo company of the 11 Aermobiele Brigade from Assen. At the beginning of October they leave for Bosnia and Herzegovina for six months.
From their home base, the Johan Willem Frisokazerne, the soldiers travel to participate in the international EU peace force euphor Althea. Their task: contributing to stability in a country where there are political tensions and differ between population groups still sleep below the surface.
For the soldiers it means an intensive broadcast of six months. A period in which they are going to walk patrols, can be used quickly in incidents and work closely with the locals and authorities. For their families at home, a different mission starts at the same time: half a year without a partner, parent or child.
The Asser Compagnie lands on Camp Butmir, close to the capital Sarajevo. There, days of a tight rhythm follow: get up early, have breakfast together and then the briefing about the assignments. Sometimes the group stays within the gate, often they pull out. “It looks a lot like a day at the barracks,” says Soldaat Luuk. “Only you are now in a different country and with a different purpose.”
During patrols, the soldiers walk through cities and villages, always visible to the population. With the help of interpreters, they start a conversation with the locals. They listen to worries and try to win trust. “Our presence must show that Eupor is there that someone always looks in the background,” explains Major Bernhard, the commander of the Bravo Company. “This is how we contribute to a sense of safety.”
The Bravo company is not only visible in the streets, but also acts as a so-called Quick Reaction Force. That means that they can take action quickly in the event of an incident. “If something happens, we are ready to support or intervene immediately,” says Soldaat Mike. The work varies from social patrols to crowd controland always in close coordination with the local authorities.
For the soldiers this is exactly what they have trained for months for. They not only followed physical training, but also received education about the complex history of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mike: “It is important that you know what is going on in the country. If you talk to residents, you have to understand what their background is. We are well prepared for that.”
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