Black Swan 17 features Alabama and allied SOF in Eastern Europe

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Duncan | Hungarian, Bulgarian and U.S. special operations forces parachute onto an airfield July 21 in Szolnok, Hungary during a combined airborne operation as part of exercise Black Swan. Special operations forces from the U.S., Hungary, and Romania conducted combined static-line and high altitude- low opening airborne operations July 21, 2017 during exercise Black Swan in Hungary. Black Swan was a Hungarian-led special operations forces exercise from June 26 – July 22, 2017 across locations in Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania and included participants from over eight countries. Paratroopers from the U.S. Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade and 10th Combat Aviation Brigade also participated in the exercise alongside the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) to improve integration between SOF and conventional forces across NATO Allies.  

SZOLNOK, HUNGARY

07.27.2017

Story by Staff Sgt. Aaron Duncan 

U.S. Special Operations Command Europe   

SZOLNOK, Hungary - The men patrolled their compound surrounded by the thick, green bush common throughout the area, alert for any signs of trouble. Carrying Ak-47 rifles and joking quietly, they stood as dangerous warnings to any that would-be intruders.

The quiet of the morning broke however, as special operations forces rapidly swarmed their posts. They came from all directions, wearing the uniforms of their respective nations, working through the compound’s defenses efficiently and effectively.

Unbeknownst to the guards, those forces had arrived the night before. They spent the previous day observing, refining their plan and waiting to strike.

The assault was just one part of the larger exercise Black Swan 2017. Black Swan was a Hungarian-led special operations forces exercise from June 26 – July 22, 2017 in locations across Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania. Designed to enable participants to rehearse and demonstrate integration between special operations and conventional forces to prepare for real-world contingencies, it included participants from over eight countries.

“20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) worked with SOF from Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Croatia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; establishing a Hungarian-led Special Operations Component Command conducting an exercise across Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria,” said U.S. Army Col. Derek Lipson, the commander of 20th SFG(A). “More than 600 soldiers participated in this exercise, reinforcing allied relationships, conventional and special operations interoperability, interdependence, and integration.”

Black Swan was one of a series of U.S. and European-led exercises under the umbrella of U.S. European Command’s Saber Guardian. The U.S. Army Europe-led annual exercise is designed to enhance joint operational capability with allied and partner nations across a variety of mission sets, and involved more than 25,000 service members from over 20 ally and partner nations.

For the 20th SFG(A), based in Alabama, this was an opportunity to build experience and skill in combined planning operations. They had a hand in every level of the exercise planning alongside their host-nation allies. In the busy office spaces making up the exercise, it was rare to not see 20th SFG(A) Soldiers sitting next to their host-nation counterparts discussing the day’s events.

“The working relationship we've established with our partner nations will enable us to further train as a SOCC - especially as we build on our mutual understanding of NATO SOF doctrine,” said Lipson. “We'll work together for the next two years to better execute Black Swan 19, as part of Saber Guardian 19.”

The chance to participate in international exercises is not something many of their contemporaries in the National Guard get to experience. With the 20th SFG(A) being one of only two special force groups in the National Guard nation-wide, this is where they shine.

“The 20th SFG(A) gained a better understanding of the military-political environment in Eastern Europe, NATO doctrine for Special Operations, and improved relationships with our Allies and leaders,” said Lipson.

The experience of working alongside different nations in the planning of such a large operation was not lost either on Col. Tamas Sandor, commander of the Hungarian Defense Force special operations forces.

“Working with U.S. forces was smooth and easy,” said Sandor. “The U.S. team was professional and really willing to share their experience and mentor our staff. Although language is always a challenge, the similar doctrine and experience from Afghanistan and Iraq made cooperation easier. I would like to underline the professionalism and all the great efforts which made real teamwork through the exercise.”

The 20th SFG(A) is expected to be able to deploy anywhere in the world and work alongside of their host nation counterparts to coordinate and plan missions to achieve mission success. It is through exercises like these that the ability and experience necessary to accomplish the task is crafted and honed.

“Their contribution was essential for the success of the exercise,” said Sandor. “Without their observations, inputs and feedbacks we would not be able to achieve our desired end state. The mentorship of the 20th SFG(A) played a vital role not only during the SOFEX but also throughout the preparation phases of the exercise. SOCEUR also tremendously supported the exercise with their capabilities.”

In addition to Hungarian conventional units, U.S. Army paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade and aviators from 10th Combat Aviation Brigade also participated in the exercise.

“Working with the Hungarian SOF teams and soldiers has been great,” said a U.S. Army special forces team leader. “It was a great opportunity to build relationships and see how everyone tackles challenges.”

With the exercise over, the friendships made and experienced gained will travel with the Soldiers involved as they continue in the military careers. 20th SFG(A) members will travel back to America where they will once again make the transition back to their civilian careers until the nation calls upon them again.

“It was a great exercise and great opportunity for application of special operations from the tactical to the strategic level, and in a part of the world where partnership is crucial,” said Lipson.

• Date Taken: 07.27.2017
• Date Posted: 08.15.2017 11:35
• Story ID: 242738
• Location: SZOLNOK, HU