Cross training strengthens KFOR multinational partnerships

Photo By Chris Erickson | Spc. Shane Spieker, a Soldier with Multinational Battle Group-East's Bravo Company from West Fargo, N.D., instructs his Hungarian army counterpart on the proper use of the M 204B machine gun during training at the Small Arms Virtual Trainer.  

CAMP BONDSTEEL, KOSOVO

04.09.2010

Story by Spc. Chris Erickson 

116th Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo — Multinational cooperation was in full effect April 6-7, as Hungarian Soldiers from Multinational Battle Group-West trained at Camp Bondsteel with their counterparts from Multinational Battle Group-East.

The focus of the joint effort was to provide the MNBG-W Soldiers with an orientation on the MNBG-E mission and its area of operation. More than 100 Soldiers from the Hungarian army received training on hot/cold aircraft loading, K9 tactics and marksmanship using the Small Arms Virtual Trainer.

Maj. Shayne Simon, an MNBG-E exercise planner from Alexandria, Minn., said the overall purpose of the two-day visit was to familiarize the MNBG-W Soldiers with a new area of operation, which helps KFOR in its commitment to respond anywhere throughout Kosovo.

"Right now it's individual and platoon-level training," Simon said. "This is being done so any battle group can do an operation any place, any time."

K9 training provided a venue for Camp Bondsteel's dog handlers to showcase their specific talents. During the cross training, the team described and then demonstrated how their dogs search vehicles and guard suspects.

Sgt. 1st Class Dean Myers, platoon sergeant for 2nd platoon, Bravo Company from Cooperstown, N.D., helped oversee weapons familiarization in the Small Arms Virtual Trainer. He said that although he would have liked more time with the groups that came through, the training was good for both Hungarian and U.S. service members.

"It's good training for our guys, too; they learn a lot of malfunctions checks," he said.

In the hot/cold airlift training, the MNBG-W Soldiers learned how to properly load and unload a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter. This training helped the Soldiers to learn about MNBG-E's airlift capabilities and allowed the Soldiers and the MNBG-E aircrews to get to know each other.

Sgt. Christopher Coombs, another Bravo Company Soldier from Moorhead, Minn., said he thought the training went well.

"I think it's worthwhile," he said. "It's all great for familiarization to have other nations to come train with us."

On the second day of cross training, the MNBG-E troops took their MNBG-W counterparts on patrol throughout the MNBG-E area of operation, teaching them the routes to Gjilan/Gnjilane and Shtrpce/Strpce in Kosovo.

"Multinational partners are the key to our success in the overall KFOR mission," said Brig. Gen. Al Dohrmann, MNBG-E commander. "It's essential that we continue to work together so that we can complete our missions and accomplish our goal of maintaining a safe and secure environment in Kosovo."

• Date Taken: 04.09.2010
• Date Posted: 04.09.2010 01:46
• Story ID: 47869
• Location: CAMP BONDSTEEL, ZZ