First Conference of European Training Centers wraps up in Germany

Photo By David Overson | Senior military leaders participate in the first ever 7th Army Training Command's Conference of European Training Centers at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 15, 2018. The three-day conference consisted of approximately 65 senior military leaders from 27 NATO and Partner Nation countries. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. David Overson)  

HOHENFELS, BY, GERMANY

02.21.2018

Story by Staff Sgt. David Overson 

Joint Multinational Readiness Center

HOHENFELS, Germany (Feb, 21, 2018) – Senior military leaders from NATO and Partner Nation Allies gathered in Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels for the 7th Army Training Command’s (7ATC) first ever Conference of European Training Centers, Feb. 13-15, 2018.

Approximately 65 military personnel attended from 27 countries including: Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United States.

The purpose of the conference was to build and sustain readiness throughout Europe among NATO and Partner Nation Allies. Key leaders discussed how to improve training on a multinational level in order to build the network of European Training Centers.

Interconnectivity and interoperability of joint and NATO training centers was the main focus through the exchange of information and development of a shared vision that facilitates Ally and Partner Nations working together.

U.S. Army Col. Curtis A. Buzzard, Commander of the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, weighed in on the historic conference.

“This is the first time there's been a conference of this type in Europe,” said Buzzard. “We've brought together leaders from combat training centers and training directorates. We've been able to share ideas, lessons, and concerns; and I've certainly walked away with a better appreciation of each nation's approach, how to better leverage our allies and partners, and the need for greater interoperability across our training enterprises.”

The three-day conference began at the U.S. Army’s Grafenwoehr Training Area on Feb. 13th with various country representatives providing lessons learned, along with breakout groups discussing military tactics, techniques, and procedures.

The conference moved to the Hohenfels Training Area on the 15th where JMRC leaders presented a myriad of training exercises that are conducted at the U.S. Army’s only combat training center in Europe.

“In the end,” added Buzzard. “We hope to see some synergy in developing a land power training network with the effect being improved readiness of our forces."

• Date Taken: 02.21.2018
• Date Posted: 02.21.2018 10:44
• Story ID: 266636
• Location: HOHENFELS, BY, DE