Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin John | Paratroopers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment , 173rd Airborne...... read more read more
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OKSBOEL, Denmark – U.S. Army paratroopers from 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade joined the Danish Army’s 2nd Brigade and the Queens Company of the British Army’s Grenadier Guards for the start of Exercise White Sword here, Dec. 5, 2014.
The battalion’s participation in the exercise is intended to assist with the validation of the Danish Reaction Battle Group, incorporating two companies from different nations, the U.S. and Great Britain. The exercise starts here in the Oksboel Training Area prior to moving to the South Zealand region of Denmark.
“This is the final exercise before we become a part of NATO Response Force 2015,” said Brig. Gen. Jens Garly, 2nd Danish Brigade commander. “Being a part of multinational operations and having the ability to plug in units from other nations during our training gives us an incredible opportunity to participate in major combat operations, as well as stability operations.”
The training also allows paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne to exercise their own quick- response procedures. As the Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, the battalion maintains the ability to deploy on short notice to conduct the full spectrum of operations across the U.S. European, Africa and Central Command areas of responsibility.
“Being a part of [U.S. Army Europe] we have a unique opportunity to participate in multinational exercises with our allies when they are right next door,” said U.S. Army Capt. Nicholas Salimbene, “Legion Company” commander. “We can certainly learn a lot from each other and having this opportunity is great for NATO.”
This is the second time paratroopers from Legion Company partnered with the 2nd Danish Brigade this year. Both units worked together during Exercise Saber Strike in Lithuania in June, where Legion Company was deployed for training as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.
“This can be the start of a great relationship between Legion Company and second brigade,” added Salimbene.
By continuing to work, train, and learn from each other, both American, and Danish forces continue to towards the goal of improved interoperability between the Allied Nations.
“We need to speak the same language so we can fight together,” said Garly. “We need a partner when we go abroad and we need somebody who can be integrated into our operations. Working together gives us the capabilities to understand each other and effectively utilize our resources,”
White Sword also broke new ground for each nation involved. The operation will take U.S., Danish and British forces throughout towns and villages in South Zealand, interacting with civilians participating in the stability operations portion of the exercise. Allied forces conducted reassurance patrols by communicating with the Danish population and gained intelligence by speaking with civilian role players, who provided American paratroopers with valuable mission related information.
“This is brand new for us,” said U.S. Army 1st Sgt. David Dzwik. “We are usually constrained to military training areas and including the civilian exposure creates a whole new dynamic for us.”
Throughout the rest of the exercise, allied forces will continue to execute scheduled missions, working together, effectively communicating, and learning from each other to enhance training goals and to send a message that NATO is dedicated to enhancing security throughout Europe.
| Date Taken: | 12.05.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 12.09.2014 11:00 |
| Story ID: | 149786 |
| Location: | OKSBOL, DK |
| Hometown: | OKSBOL, DK |
| Web Views: | 366 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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