Kosovo Security Force Officer Rilind Idrizi Wins International Award
Two young officers from the Kosovo Security Force have been commissioned from the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force.
Two young officers from the Kosovo Security Force have been commissioned for the first time from the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force College, Cranwell.
Officer Cadet Rilind Idrizi of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) has been awarded the prize for being the international cadet with the best overall results in military, academic and practical studies of his intake at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell. On 20 July 2017, Idrizi was presented with the prize during the Queen’s Squadron Graduation Parade by the reviewing officer, Air Vice-Marshal Steve Rochelle. Commander of the Kosovo Security Force, Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama and Kosovo’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Mr Lirim Greiçevci were present at the parade.
Officer Cadet Rilind Idrizi graduated alongside another Kosovan cadet, Officer Cadet Feti Pronaj. Together they are the first KSF cadets to complete the seven month Royal Air Force initial officer training course. Pronaj is the first KSF non-commissioned officer to be commissioned from a United Kingdom military academy. They now join the fifteen young KSF officers that have graduated from the British Army’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Another young KSF officer is currently training at RAF College Cranwell and will graduate in October 2017. Two others started the 44 week Army initial officer course at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in May and will graduate in April 2018. Further KSF members will be educated in UK in 2018.
The Deputy Head of Mission, Tom Adams, said:
Congratulations to Officer Cadet Rilind Idrizi. As the first Kosovo Security Force officer to graduate from the Royal Air Force Cranwell it is a significant achievement to win this prize of which he, and Kosovo, should be proud. The United Kingdom is committed to the development of the Kosovo Security Force and its support to Kosovo and all of its population. This is a sign of what can be accomplished when working in partnership.
The UK’s Defence Attaché for Kosovo, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Parry said:
This is a great achievement for both Rilind but also for Feti Pronaj as the first non-commissioned officer to graduate from a British military academy. Together they have continued to contribute to the high reputation of KSF personnel undertaking British education and training courses. We look forward to welcoming more KSF personnel on British courses and continuing our partnership with the Kosovo Security Force.
Commander of the Kosovo Security Force, Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama said:
I am very pleased by both Idrizi and Pronaj’s performance as the first Kosovo Security Force members to graduate from the Royal Air Force College Cranwell. They have maintained the very high standards of young KSF officers educated and trained in United Kingdom. I am delighted at Idrizi’s award but also Pronaj as our first non-commissioned officer to complete initial officer training in an overseas officer academy. The Kosovo Security Force highly values the training opportunities offered by the United Kingdom and other international partners. We are committed to serving the interests of Kosovo and its entire people. These young officers return to Kosovo with the highest level of training and high values and standards.
Officer Cadet Rilind Idrizi said:
This has been an immensely fulfilling and rewarding journey for me. I have learned invaluable lessons and skills which have helped me tremendously towards my personal and professional development. I am proud for my achievements on this course and for the possibility to represent my country and KSF in a positive light. I aim to bring this experience back in KSF and apply it to the best of my abilities.
Officer Cadet Feti Pronaj said:
It was incredibly good and positive training also being enjoyable. I had ample opportunity to learn and develop my skills. The course provided the perfect environment to foster friendship and proffesional relationship between Junior Officers both International and UK Air Forces which will continue well into the future.
Notes for editors
Royal Air Force College Cranwell is the renowned officer training academy for Britain’s Royal Air Force. It has a long and distinguished history dating back to its foundation as a Royal Navy training establishment in 1916. It selects and trains officers and airmen aircrew to become the leaders of tomorrow. The 24 week initial officer training course develops leadership in cadets by expanding their intellect, character and professional competences to a level demanded of an RAF Officer on first appointment. The course is accredited by various academic and professional institutions. The course must be successfully completed by all RAF officers before they receive their commission. It is usually followed by further training courses specific to the nature of future employment such as pilot, navigator, engineer, logistics, physical training or catering officer. To date two young KSF officers have graduated from Cranwell with another in training there. Fifteen KSF officers have graduated from Sandhurst including 3 females: another 2 officers are currently training there.