Photo By Staff Sgt. Shejal Pulivarti | Royal Army Reserve Colour Sergeant David Seabuhr assigned to Army Training Unit (West...... read more read more
FORT KNOX, Ky. – Since the 1940s, the United States and the United Kingdom have forged a special relationship. The two nations, which are undoubtedly bound together by shared history, developed exceptionally close political, diplomatic, cultural, economic, military and historic relations during World War II. Their special relationship is unparalleled among major powers, and this alliance is just as strong today.
Royal Army Colour Sergeant David Seabuhr assigned to the Army Training Unit (West Midlands), spent two weeks with U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers supporting Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky. Seabuhr’s visit is part of an ongoing annual exchange program established by the two nations’ Army Reserve components that allows the allied militaries to continuously learn from each other.
During his visit to CST, Seabuhr was paired up with a USAR noncommissioned officer—Staff Sgt. Bruce Wadleigh, assigned to the Basic Rifle Marksmanship Committee, Task Force Wolf.
Together, they observed the various training exercises facilitated by USAR Soldiers and exchanged best practices.
“Since we’ve been at CST, we have observed all the different lanes. It’s allowed us to see how we train and talk along the way about the differences and similarities on how we [our militaries] operate,” Wadleigh said.
Both Seabuhr and Wadleigh belong to units with a central mission of providing instructor and trainers to educate and mentor initial entry or future leaders of their respective Armies. Sharing a mission and having similar roles added to their allied bond.
“Bruce and I have got along terrifically,” Seabuhr said. “All the guys here have been very welcoming; they have taken care of me.”
The training at CST varies from the training Seabuhr is accustomed to, however. “My job in the ATU is training Phase 1 recruits. So recruits that come off the street who want to join the Reserve Army and then become Soldiers,” Seabuhr said.
CST educates and trains college students currently enrolled in Reserve Officer Training Corps in hopes to be future officers and leaders in the U.S. Army. Units like the one Wadleigh is assigned to—1st Battalion, 391st Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 104th Training Division (Leader Training)— are charged with the mission to train and mentor these future leaders to standard.
“This is my first time seeing cadet training. Seeing the cadets coaching cadets is different for me. We visited several committees and they are all set up very well. I see the cadets getting a lot of good training,” Seabuhr said. “My impression of the training is that it is a very fast-paced technical challenging training that covers a lot of basic skills. I’ve seen some really good trainers.”
Hosting a foreign counterpart branched past the professional interactions; Wadleigh was also responsible for showing Seabuhr the local culture. “I found out early on that he’s a pretty competitive guy,” Wadleigh said with a smile. “So everything we did was competitive, from basketball to golf—and I’m only somewhat good at golf. We explored the Fort Knox and Louisville area, and I tried to ensure he was comfortable and enjoyed his time here.”
The strength of the nations’ relationship relies on the relationships amongst its people, militaries, and understanding each other’s cultures.
“We’ve shared our cultures with each other; walking away from this visit, we both have gained information, knowledge, and a good experience. I can’t tell you about all the things I’ve learned from him throughout the time he’s been here.” Wadleigh said.
The program is structured like a true exchange program and allows the roles and locations to be flipped—later this year Seabuhr will host the selected U.S. Army NCO in the UK during his unit’s annual training.
This opportunity strengthened the relationship between the militaries, and allowed for each nation’s army to learn from each other.
“This program and this visit is definitely a positive impact on the Soldiers in my unit as well as the other Soldiers we’ve met at the various training sites,” Wadleigh said “I’ve had a great time being a part of the sponsorship program.”
Seabuhr echoed the sentiment.
“Given the chance, I’d most definitely come back. When I go back to the UK, I’ll say to the people that they need to get on this opportunity,” Seabuhr shared.
| Date Taken: | 06.22.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 07.27.2014 12:13 |
| Story ID: | 137453 |
| Location: | FORT KNOX, KY, US |
| Web Views: | 126 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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