The embassy said the battalion, which has trained alongside the New Jersey National Guard under a partnership spanning more than 25 years, demonstrated that its tactical proficiency and interoperability meet NATO’s exacting standards.

Evaluators scrutinized maneuver, fire discipline, command and control, and sustainment under real operational tempo.

President Bajram Begaj and Defence Minister Ermal Nufi also attended the exercise.

The U.S. Embassy highlighted the importance of continued cooperation between the Albanian Armed Forces and the New Jersey National Guard under their long-standing partnership.

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Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of students at the Armed Forces Academy, attended by President Bajram Begaj, Vengu said the military Albania seeks to build depends primarily on human capital.

Addressing the new recruits, Defense Minister said they had moved from being individual names in formation to becoming part of a unified body, bound by shared responsibility and commitment.

“Today you are part of the living forces of this nation, part of a broader community that believes security, stability and the country’s future are safeguarded by your dedication,” he said, describing the armed forces as a body built on trust, discipline and responsibility.

Vengu praised the recruits for joining voluntarily at a time of heightened security challenges in Europe and the region, noting that several countries have reinstated compulsory military service.

Military strength is not measured solely by technology or equipment, Vengu said, but above all by human capital, including character, discipline and the ability to act under pressure.

He said Albania’s strategic “Defense 2030” programme rests on two pillars: human capital and critical infrastructure. Investments in the Armed Forces Academy, training centres, laboratories, firing ranges and modern training systems were a necessity, not a luxury, he added.

Vengu said the academy had become one of the country’s most serious higher education institutions, stressing that reforms succeed only through the people who implement them.

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“The call for recruitments in Armed Forces launched,” PM Rama announced, adding that March 31 is the deadline for any applicants to submit the required documents.

With the Armed Forces becoming increasingly professional and strongly committed to delivering on the country’s defense and NATO obligations, the Ministry of Defense notes that recruiting high-profile troops is essential.

The government head encouraged young Albanians to sign up, promising an exciting opportunity for those interested in serving their country.

Recruitment in the Armed Forces offers a chance for young people to join as professional soldiers and sailors with some of the best pay and benefits the military has ever offered.

With the country seeking to strengthen its military, this new drive comes at a perfect time for those looking to make a difference, offering a stable career and the chance to serve Albania’s future.

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According to Defence Minister, out of 1642 women and girls, 687 of them contribute with their professionalism to the civilian administration, while 955 have joined Armed Forces to defend the homeland through their commitment and courage.

“Proud of their irreplaceable role in guaranteeing the country’s defence and security,” Vengu wrote.

First Albanian women and girls joined the army 55 years ago and they continue contributing to the country’s armed forces since then.

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Defence Minister Pirro Vengu said in a social media post that the Commando Course has become way more special this time, as three  young women are participating for the first time, facing the same challenges as their male colleagues.

Human capital remains a top priority for the Armed Forces, investing in well-trained and well-paid soldiers, as well as modern working conditions with equipment and weaponry that meet the highest standards.

“Honor and respect for all those who choose to challenge themselves and proudly serve under the red and black flag,” Defence Minister said in his message.

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The Minister of Defence Pirro Vengu, accompanied by the Director General of the Central State Archive, Ardit Bido, visited the Central Archive of the Armed Forces on Sunday to closely inspect the ongoing work processes and the challenges to digitize the Central Archive.

The Central Archive’s fund best show how the effort to create, strengthen and maintain the Armed Forces has been a challenge that has accompanied all phases of our nation-building. This Archive has been enriched over the decades by several important funds.

Integrating the Armed Forces archive into the State Central Archive is a good opportunity to improve accessibility, digitization and even wider openness for security researchers and experts.

Work also continues on processing several linear kilometers of archival material, not yet processed by the existing funds. The Albanian government will finance the construction of a building dedicated to this precious national asset, near the archival complex, with contemporary conditions for the next 100 years.

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Albanian Armed Forces personnel will serve for a three-year term on a 365-day rotation mission in the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei area, which lies along the border of Sudan and South Sudan.

Status of Albanian Armed Forces personnel as part of this UN mission is determined under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the United Nations Organizations and the government of the Republic of South Sudan signed in 2012.

The primary objective of UNISFA is to monitor the border between north and south Sudan and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. UNISFA is also authorized to use force in protecting civilians and humanitarian workers in Abyei.

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The Minister of Defence Niko Peleshi said Saturday that Albania’s participation in this NATO-led mission is a clear indicator of the country’s determination to defend and contribute to peace in the region.

“Fully aware of paramount importance of KFOR for Kosovo and the Western Balkans, our Armed Forces are ready to serve along their international colleagues, confirming our role as exporters to global peace and security,” Defence Minister said.

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The exercise took place in Wales, Great Britain, with participation of elite troops from 160 countries, the Minister of Defence Niko Peleshi said on Tuesday, describing the Albanian army’s performance as an excellent accomplishment.

Peleshi noted that the team of the Special Operations Regiment participated in a challenging and very tough exercise that highlighted leadership values, team work and high physical capabilities in accomplishing the mission.

“The team were trained amid extremely tough weather and psychological conditions in an unknown and rugged terrain,” Peleshi added.

The Special Operations Regiment is the newest and most elite structure of the Albanian Armed Forces. The regiment was created after the merging of the Special Forces Battalion and the Commando Battalion.

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“The Armed Forces, fire and rescue service and the forest service have been engaged on the ground, to make it possible to bring the blaze under control. In the village of Munella, due to strong wind, the fire has been reactivated and spread across the village of Domgjon “, the Ministry announced.

“The fire in the village of Patalej, in Mirdita, is also active,” Ministry of Defense added.

The Ministry of Defense emphasized that, the fire situation is improving in the area of Krushova in Voskopoja, while intensive work is being done in the active blaze in Gjonomadh.

Another blaze has been reported in the hills near the village of Leshnjë as well as in Korça. //a.i/