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    Alabama National Guard participates in military exchange with German and UK Soldiers

    Alabama National Guard participates in military exchange with German and UK Soldiers

    Photo By Spc. Bianca Calderon | Brig. Gen. Reynold N. Hoover, commanding general, 167th TSC, welcomes British and...... read more read more

    FORT MCCLELLAN, AL, UNITED STATES

    07.30.2012

    Story by Spc. Bianca Calderon 

    167th Theater Sustainment Command

    FORT MCCLELLAN, Ala. - Participating in major field training exercises during annual training is nothing new for the Alabama Army National Guard’s 167th Theater Sustainment Command. However, having soldiers from NATO allies visit during annual training is a new experience for the TSC.

    The 167th TSC annually supports Vibrant Response, a field training exercise that tests the preparedness of federal emergency response teams during a national emergency incident. This year, three soldiers from abroad are visiting and observing the exercise.

    The exchange soldiers are Sgt. Jason Griffiths from Sheffield, UK, Sgt. Michael Schopper and Staff Sgt. Christopher Ebner from Roding, Germany. Three U.S. soldiers from the 167th TSC will travel overseas in a one-for-one exchange to the UK and Germany.

    The purpose of the exchange program is for soldiers to “familiarize themselves with the structure, organization, equipment, and operational doctrine of the armed forces of the other country and to gain practical experience with regard to opportunities for cooperation” according to the Memorandum of Understanding for the program.

    The duration of exchange duty can range from two to four weeks. In this case, exchange soldiers will spend two weeks in the U.S. traveling to various locations such as Camp Atterbury, Ind., where part of VR13 is taking place, Chicago and the Washington D.C. Exchange soldiers will not only get to learn about military duties here in the U.S. but also the U.S. in general. This is the first time for any of the three foreign soldiers to be in Alabama and to participate in a program such as this.

    When asked about his expectations during this opportunity, Sgt. Griffiths stated that his goal was to get a general feel of how the military operates and learn from it.

    “I want to embrace as much possible,” he stated.

    Staff Sgt. Ebner plans to improve his English, see how the military works and trains, and see the U.S.

    “You don’t have the opportunity to go to the U.S. every day,” he said.

    As for Sgt. Schopper, he is impressed with the treatment of U.S. Army soldiers.

    “Soldiers here are treated with respect,” he stated.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 07.30.2012
    Date Posted: 08.02.2012 13:06
    Story ID: 92579
    Location: FORT MCCLELLAN, AL, US

    Web Views: 257
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN