Eager Lion 16 QRF Exercise brings U.S. Marine and JAF closer

JORDAN

05.19.2016

Story by Spc. Ian Valley 

205th Theater Public Affairs Support Element

Both sides wait on edge as the sound of each explosion reaches their ears a half second after impact. Then smiles notify all of the success of the exercise.
On the 17 and 18 of May, 2016 both the U.S. Marines and the JAF participated in a Quick Reaction Force training exercise designed to gather experience as partner-nations.
During the exercise, different QRF techniques were executed including Cobra Helicopter strikes, artillery strikes, and the use of M240B machine guns. These exercises were designed to increase military interoperability and strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and JAF militaries.
The goal of these exercises is to suppress a fictitious enemy platoon, said U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Elias Gambaro of 2nd Battalion, the Marine Regiment, Dog Company, out of 29 Palms, Calif.
“This exercise was great because we were able to work with the JAF and establish joint standard operating procedures for providing cover fire during infantry inserts,” said Gambaro.
A Capt. In the JAF, who is a Joint Terminal Attack Controller, said that the experience he gained was a great tool for both nations’ militaries.
“Once you talk and work with and get experience with them, you get on the same page,” said the JAF Capt.
Getting on the same page will allow the U.S. Marines and JAF to coordinate attacks in the future should an occasion arise for them to work side-by-side.
Being able to work side-by-side with another country is an important tool to have as a military, he said. Eager Lion has provided opportunities for both forces to gather experience working as a joint force.
U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Nikk Davis of Dog Company said the experience was irreplaceable.
“Training with the JAF has developed good interoperability,” he said. “Now when we go downrange, and you have a battalion of U.S. Marines on one side and JAF on the other, as well as air support from either side, everyone knows what to do and can speak a common language.”
Interoperability has been the goal of Eager Lion, and these exercises provide the best experience to develop it. But challenges have been a welcome test to the experience.
“Everyone learns differently,” said Gambaro. “You must find a common communication strategy for someone who speaks a different language.”
Gambaro also said this has been an opportunity to increase partner-nations relationships by forcing them to learn new tactics and techniques to work together and improve their SOP’s.
Above all, these exercises have allowed both forces the chance to develop skills that can be used in any potential joint mission as well as develop skills to work with other countries.
“This was a great chance and opportunity to teach, learn, gain, and increase our experience working with different countries and armies,” said the JAF Capt., who calls Eager Lion a success because it gave both sides the chance to develop common practices.
Eager Lion’s mission was to reinforce the relationship between the Jordanian and U.S. forces enabling them to work together as a team, as both militaries did in the QRF exercises, ensuring these partner-nations become less of two nations, and more on one team.

• Date Taken: 05.19.2016
• Date Posted: 05.24.2016 02:53
• Story ID: 198861
• Location: JO