Photo By Staff Sgt. Jemssy Alvarez | U.S. Marines with Security Cooperation Task Force Africa Partnership Station 2012...... read more read more
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USS FORT MCHENRY – Marines and sailors with Security Cooperation Task Force Africa Partnership Station 2012 partnered with the Albanian Armed Forces over the course of two days, conducting field training in Zall-herr, Albania, as well as visiting the AAF Thomson Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, in Durres, Albania, Oct. 28.
During the field training portion of the exercise the Marines and Albanians took part in four stations consisting of classes on Combat Life Saving, the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, small unit leadership and Military Operations on Urban Terrain, detailing both fire-team and squad level tactics.
"It was good," said Cpl. Tyler Tischner, with SCTF APS-12. "A little difficult communication-wise, obviously there was a language barrier, but other than that it, went well. We used pretty similar tactics. To me I think there was a lot of similarity actually."
During the first day of training, the MOUT station delved into basic room entry, building clearing and urban patrolling tactics.
"The Albanians seemed to be solid and a well trained unit," said Staff Sgt. Craig Atkins, with SCTF APS-12. "The training went well for the short amount of time that the engagement was and they seemed very motivated and eager to learn from the Marines."
The second day of the training built on the basics learned at each of the stations during the first day and then went into further detail while practicing the techniques and tactics already covered.
"The MCMAP was my favorite part of the training," said Tischner. "It's always good to learn new and different types of martial arts techniques from other countries. It lets us see some of our similarities in our fighting styles and helps us build camaraderie with one another. In my group the Albanians really seemed to enjoy it as well."
As the partnered training was conducted in the field, several of SCTF APS-12's senior leadership received a guided tour of the facilities at Thomson Academy, where they shared their knowledge and experience with the Albanian Armed Forces during a tour of the academy's facilities.
"I was very impressed with the academy," said 1st Lt. Ronald Ebersole, a prior enlisted Marine who took part in the tour of the academy. "The training was extensive."
The tour began with a sit down and overview of the first day's events, which consisted of two classroom observations, a tour of the language facility, a PowerPoint brief of the simulation facility as well as the history and mission of the academy.
"My people have learned from you," said Lt. Col. Arben Toska, Thomson Academy commander. "Even I have learned from you, for that I am happy to have had you here. I really appreciate you and everything you have done for us."
The Marines also had a chance, during the tour, to sit down with the academy's Training Doctrine Commander, Brig. Gen. Bardhyl Hoxha, and speak about their views on the importance of NCO's.
"I'm very happy you were able to visit the NCO academy," said Hoxha. "I appreciate your coming and thank you for your thoughts on how to improve our NCO corps, because I believe the NCO corps is very important."
| Date Taken: | 10.31.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 11.15.2012 14:57 |
| Story ID: | 97861 |
| Location: | DURRES, AL |
| Web Views: | 676 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, APS-12: Marines train alongside Albanian Armed Forces, by Cpl Joshua Hines, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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