Photo By Pfc. Drew Balstad | A Soldier with the 1-144th Maneuver Task Force of the California National Guard...... read more read more
By Spc. Drew Balstad
CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo -- American and German KFOR Soldiers are getting quite used to each other’s weapons thanks to a series of joint marksmanship events that have been held throughout Kosovo.
On March 8, California National Guard members of the 1-144th Maneuver Task Force, part of Multi-National Battle Group-East in Kosovo, once again gave German troops the opportunity to qualify with American weapons. The Soldiers were able to earn a badge by qualifying on three American weapons: M9 pistol, M249 machine gun and the M4 rifle.
The 1-144th MTF has played host to five such marksmanship events with German Soldiers stationed around Kosovo. For Americans, the event is called the Schützenschnur, which translated, means "shooter’s badge." Marksmanship badges from the other country are authorized for wear on the dress uniforms of both German and American Soldiers.
2nd Lt. Don Engel, Atwater, Calif., said his command has made these events a priority and has extended an open invitation to any German troops in Kosovo to participate in marksmanship ranges.
Engel stressed the importance of the events.
"I hope to get as many people through the Schützenschnur as possible," said Engel. "It’s a rare privilege and honor for both Armies. Most of the time, this takes place within Germany. For a deployed environment, and being a National Guard unit, this is exceedingly rare."
1st Lt. Andreas Heinemann, who is with the German Air Force and participated in the event, agreed with Engel.
"[These events are] very important," he said. "We don’t have many opportunities to share connections with American Soldiers. It is always great fun to work with other nations, especially Americans."
"I have the greatest respect and admiration for the German Soldiers," said Engel. "They carry themselves as professionals. Every soldier qualified on every weapon, and that’s a credit to them and their professionalism."
So far, the 1-144th MTF has been able to allow 70 of its Soldiers participate in marksmanship qualifications with the German Soldiers, said Engel.
"I’d like to afford the opportunity to every Soldier in the Task Force, and as many German Soldiers as possible," Engel said.
| Date Taken: | 03.11.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 03.11.2010 12:21 |
| Story ID: | 46525 |
| Location: | CAMP BONDSTEEL, ZZ |
| Web Views: | 250 |
| Downloads: | 192 |
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