US and Greece demonstrate movement superiority through joint exercise

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Larsen | U.S. Soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Infantry Division assault their objective alongside their Greek counterparts during SIDIRA XYILI in the Urban Warfare National Training Center, KOROMILA CAMP, Central Macedonia, on Nov. 25, 2019. SIDIRA XYILI is an annual exercise that enhances U.S. and Greek aviation and land interoperability enhancing their combat readiness throughout the region. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Kyle Larsen.)  

KILKIS, GREECE

11.25.2019

Story by Sgt. Kyle Larsen 

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

US and Greece demonstrate movement superiority through joint exercise
Story by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kyle Larsen
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

The chatter of anxious spectators trickled through the stands, as the buzz of AH-64 Apaches and UH-60 Blackhawks filled the air during the culminating demonstration of SIDIRA XYILI. U.S. Soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Infantry Division and 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade navigated urban terrain, as they demonstrated the ability to attack an objective through air and land forces simultaneously alongside their Greek counterparts.

“For us to come down to Greece in just one month and be able to put on an exercise like this…really shows the type of professionalism we have with both of our partners,” said Lt. Col. Clifton T. Causey, the battalion commander for 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB). “It’s a demonstration of our strong partnership together.”

Key leaders from the U.S. and Greece gathered at the Urban Warfare National Training Center (UWNTC), KOROMILA CAMP in Central Macedonia, to view the live demonstration. The exercise consisted of live detonations, simulated artillery, air assaults and attack helicopters, demonstrated the U.S. and Greece’s ability to train alongside one another creating a combat credible force capable of navigating the increasingly complex security environment.

Maj. Gen. Joe Jarrard, Deputy Commanding General of the United States Army Europe for Army National Guard, joined Causey and the Chief of Hellenic Army General Staff, Lt. Gen. Georgios Kampas, looking over the training grounds from a raised observation stand, as rounds fired in the distance.

The leaders used the opportunity to discuss future bilateral exercises in the hopes that through continued planning and joint exercises, the U.S./Greece alliance will continually improve safety and security of Europe while developing their bilateral relationship, as the U.S. views Greece as a pillar of stability in the region.

“Greece provides us with a unique opportunity to train,” said Causey. “From port operations in Volos followed by a crawl-walk-run training regime that gets us to some of the most advance flying in Europe, from sea level all the way to the complex mountain terrain of Mount Olympus, 10,000 feet above sea level.”

The spectators watched as the 173rd infantry platoon advanced on foot through the staggered buildings, positioning themselves in defensive fighting postures. A 3rd CAB, CH-47 Chinook hovered overhead, releasing several Soldiers, as they fast-roped into position to continue the assault. The U.S. Forces were joined by the Hellenic Army on foot and in military assault vehicles.

“Over the course of Iron Sword, I have been able to witness my Soldiers interacting with Greek soldiers,” said 1st Lt. Nicole Bladow, platoon leader, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. “It’s been incredible to see the bond that has been forged over just one week.”

The impressive display of ground and air warfare demonstrated the benefits of having a U.S. forward presence in Greece. By positioning a CAB in the country it enhances the U.S. responsiveness to rapidly deploy combat credible forces to deter aggression of all potential adversaries and allows for year-round training.

Building these relationships is important to the continued growth of the U.S. and Greece alliance, and continually participating in multi-national bilateral exercises like SIDIRA XYILI will ensure the countries improve interoperability and familiarity when working with one another.

“We’ve learned a great deal from their instructors, we’ve also had the ability to share our experiences with them,” said Bladow. “I think that’s a very beautiful relationship that we’ve been able to forge over a very short [period].”

• Date Taken: 11.25.2019
• Date Posted: 11.26.2019 04:00
• Story ID: 353429
• Location: KILKIS, GR
• Hometown: VICENZA, IT
• Hometown: FORT STEWART, GA, US