Soldiers Train with Pyrotechnics to become a Qualified Observer Coach on JMRC Ranges

Photo By Sgt. Megan Zander | Instructor for the Observer, Coach, Trainer Academy, Joint Multinational Readiness Center ensure all pyrotechnical are defused during pyrotechnical training at Hohenfels Training Center in Hohenfels, Germany on Jan. 21, 2020. Combined Resolve XIII allows allies and partners to connect personally, professionally, technically and tactically to create stronger, more capable forces during times of crisis. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Megan Zander)  

HOHENFELS, BY, GERMANY

01.21.2020

Story by Staff Sgt. Gregory Stevens 

Joint Multinational Readiness Center

HOHENFELS, Germany - Soldiers from multiple countries participated in pyrotechnic training in an effort to become a qualified observer, coach, trainers (OC/T's) for the Combined Resolve XIII exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) on January 21. Pyrotechnical training is one component of the three-day academy course. Once completed, the Soldiers are certified to work as an OC/T on the various Hohenfels ranges. The training familiarizes them with various forms of pyrotechnical hardware.

"OC/T's will be using pyro here at JMRC so they’ll be carrying this as they’re doing their normal duty day. They will be carrying the simulators, a smoke grenade and a star cluster in case of emergency," said Sgt. 1st Class Lee Edmonds, senior instructor with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, (HHC) Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany. "They practice throwing the smoke grenade for two reasons so that they can throw it in case of an emergency, but the second one is so that when they're watching the training audience, they know what 'right' looks like."

U.S. Soldiers were joined by military service members from Poland, Georgia, Bulgaria and the Netherlands as they participated in the training to become future OC/T's.

OC/T's are a vital component of training on the ranges, particularly during large-scale simulated combat exercises like Combined Resolve XIII, which runs through February 5.

"They are kind of the glue that holds this whole thing together because yes, you have MILES (Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System) warfare, but you need a person on the ground with experience there to make it realistic, because it's not realistic without a person there making judgments on the spot," said Edmonds.

• Date Taken: 01.21.2020
• Date Posted: 01.23.2020 14:18
• Story ID: 360044
• Location: HOHENFELS, BY, DE