2CR builds lasting partnerships in Bosnia

Photo By Staff Sgt. Timothy Hamlin | Staff Sgt. Ian Stoneback, operations assistant, Outlaw Troop, 4th Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment, demonstrates the operations of a handheld unmanned aerial system in Sarajevo, Bosnia, July 22, 2018. A team of non-commissioned officers from 4/2CR traveled to BiH to train with members of the BiH Armed Forces in their home country. The military to military training is the second time in a year that 4/2CR has partnered with members of the long-range surveillance team attached to the BiH Military Intelligence Brigade. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Zachary Brunnemer, 2d Cavalry Regiment)  

SARAJEVO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

07.22.2018

Courtesy Story

2d Cavalry Regiment

Written by Staff Sgt. Zachary Brunnemer, 4th Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment

A team of non-commissioned officers from the 4th Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment traveled to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to train with members of the BiH Armed Forces in their home country. The military to military training is the second time in a year that 4/2CR has partnered with members of the long-range surveillance team attached to the BiH Military Intelligence Brigade.

4/2CR Soldiers were invited both times to share their lessons learned about reconnaissance techniques in an urban environment. The first training event occurred in November 2017. The week-long training provided an opportunity for each nation to establish a baseline understanding of the other’s operating capabilities.

In preparation for the second trip, the 4/2CR training team created a plan that built upon the lessons of the previous training. Additionally, the teams took the training beyond the classroom during a two-day situational training exercise where the BiH squad applied their new knowledge in a realistic environment.

"It was good to have the chance to apply these techniques outside of the classroom and we hope to have the opportunity to conduct a similar exercise on a larger scale with our American partners," said 2nd Lt. Stephan Jovanavic, a Soldier in the BiH MI Brigade.

In order to expand on the training material being presented, the U.S. team brought along the "Instant Eye" quad-copter drone. Using the drone, Soldiers showed the BiH MI Brigade techniques and strategies they could implement with their own unmanned aerial systems.

Both the U.S. and BiH Soldiers had a brief meeting with Brig. Gen. Kenan Dautovic, commanding general, BiH MI Brigade, to discuss the training plan, goals and what could be improved. The candid dialogue allowed both sides to discuss the positives of the training as well as concerns that needed attention with the BiH senior leader.

Ultimately, the trip was about two countries coming together in the interest of learning from one another and forming a lasting partnership for years to come. As the two sides parted, the common desire to continue to build on the lessons learned and shared resonates with those who participated. To further that goal, the teams plan to develop more comprehensive and challenging exercises which will test their shared techniques in a realistic scenario.

• Date Taken: 07.22.2018
• Date Posted: 08.22.2018 07:53
• Story ID: 288435
• Location: SARAJEVO, BA