The “Best Soldier 2025” competition, held from April 21–25, officially concluded today at the “Skënderbeu” barracks in Ferizaj. This international contest brought together 44 participants 23 of whom were from partner countries, while 21 were members of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF/FSK).
After rigorous competition across multiple disciplines, evaluation teams announced the winners of the prestigious event.
🥇 KSF Winners:
1st Place & “Best FSK/KSF Soldier 2025”: OR2 Endrit Shatrolli, 1st Infantry Regiment (R1K)
2nd Place: OR2 Arbnor Istrefi, 3rd Infantry Regiment (R3K)
3rd Place: OR3 Aurent Hodaj, 2nd Infantry Regiment (R2K)
🌍 International Winners:
1st Place & “Best International Soldier 2025”: E4 Jan Vajncer, Republic of Croatia
2nd Place: Hil Mala, Republic of Albania
3rd Place: SSG Lucas Peterson, Iowa National Guard, USA
The closing ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Acting Deputy Minister of Defense Shemsi Syla, FSK Deputy Commander Major General Enver Cikaqi, Commander of the Doctrine and Training Command Brigadier General Jeton Dreshaj, senior NCOs of the FSK and partner countries, and numerous officers and NCOs from the region.
In his address, Mr. Syla praised the organizers and partners for their dedication and highlighted the importance of shared commitment:
“Your cooperation should inspire us to work harder in fulfilling our common goals.”
General Cikaqi, speaking on behalf of the FSK Commander Lieutenant General Bashkim Jashari, emphasized the long-standing tradition and purpose of the event:
“Since 2014, this event has embodied interoperability with our partners and the will to act together.”
The competition was organized by senior sergeants from various KSF commands, led by Sergeant Major Bedri Zuka. He underscored the event’s value in strengthening cooperation and building new friendships.
🔍 Competition Disciplines Included:
Physical fitness test
Rifle and pistol marksmanship
Land navigation
Confidence course
Grenade throwing
First aid
Terrain observation
Tactical march
Participants hailed from Kosovo, USA, Albania, Croatia, Turkey, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. The event continues to serve as a platform for advancing military cooperation, mutual training, and peaceful missions, reflecting the high level of professionalism, discipline, and dedication within the FSK and its allies.
