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    NATO nations demonstrate airborne capability in Swift Response 15

    NATO nations demonstrate airborne capability in Swift Response 15

    Photo By Javier Orona | Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commanding general, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg,...... read more read more

    HOHENFELS, Germany – After 66 years, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s commitment to collective security is as firm as ever, with 11 nations participating in a military training exercise that includes the largest airborne operation in Europe since World War II. Preceded by precise battlefield preparation actions by U.S. and allied special operations forces, over 1,500 allied paratroopers jumped in to exercise Swift Response. The task force parachuted in, ready to fight a battle-hardened opposing force, to an exercise that included a tough, realistic scenario with a full spectrum of combat, combat-related and non-combat missions.

    Paratroopers from Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, United Kingdom and United States assaulted and seized an airfield after conducting an airborne joint forcible entry into Hohenfels training area, Germany Aug. 26-30.

    After securing the airfield, the multinational task force rapidly built up combat power by landing more soldiers and equipment to increase their offense and defense capabilities. The rapid build-up of combat power enabled the allied forces to quickly find and destroy the enemy and to limit the effects of adversary forces.

    The 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division led the multinational task force, which was organized under the 82nd Airborne Division and XVIII Airborne Corps. Both commands are based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and deployed elements to training areas in Germany, Italy, Romania and Bulgaria for Swift Response 15.

    "The purpose of our training here, during Operation Swift Response is first ‘sharpening our bayonet’ by increasing our training readiness. Secondly, we're increasing our interoperability with all of our allies. Third, we're demonstrating capability that reassures our NATO partners and our friends in the region. It will also deter potential adversaries, whoever they may be,” said Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg.

    The U.S. and NATO allies have worked together in Europe for a long time, but it has been years since the alliance conducted an exercise on this scale with so many paratroopers. The fighting spirit common to all paratroopers was evident throughout Swift Response 15 and many of these soldiers will return with fond memories of fighting alongside their allies.

    “Any time you get to jump with paratroopers and lead them is a great day,” said Maj. Benjamin Morales, a company commander with 2nd Parachute Regiment, 16th Assault Brigade. Morales, an American paratrooper, is currently serving with the British Army and participating in the Exchange Officer Program. This program is just one way in which the NATO allies work together for collective deterrence and defense.

    Swift Response 15 was the first iteration of what may become an annual multinational training event in Europe, designed around a U.S. Army brigade-level, airborne, combined joint forcible entry operation. The training continues to build upon the relationships within the NATO airborne and crisis response force communities, demonstrating the reach of the Global Response Force through a combined joint forcible entry exercise.

    Swift Response 15 was linked into Atlantic Resolve, a series of multinational training exercises taking place across Europe which is fully in line with our international commitments and agreements, and necessary to reassure NATO allies and partners of our commitment to collective defense.

    Combined training exercises like Swift Response 15 ensure the allied forces continue to increase their interoperability and provide opportunities to open and develop meaningful relationships between soldiers, units, military forces and nations. The U.S. and NATO stand together in maintaining a Europe that is safe, secure and prosperous.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 08.30.2015
    Date Posted: 08.30.2015 10:58
    Story ID: 174690
    Location: HOHENFELS, BY, DE

    Web Views: 2,101
    Downloads: 1

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