Sixteen nations participated in the first phase of Combined Resolve XI that took place between Nov. 26-Dec. 14, 2018 in Hohenfels, Germany. The goal of the exercise was to assess and increase the readiness and lethality of U.S. Army forces and its NATO allies and partners.
Combined Resolve XI enabled U.S. rotational forces to participate in an exercise operated by a combat training center before returning to their stateside duty stations. The exercise allowed U.S. forces to improve interoperability among their NATO allies and partners while functioning in a multinational environment.
“The importance of this place is that we are the premier training center for all of Europe’s NATO forces,” said 1st Sgt. Edward Jervis, assigned to 1st Battalion of the 4th Infantry Regiment. “This, Combined Resolve XI, is the culminating event for the rotational forces. Making sure that U.S. rotational and NATO forces maintain their readiness and proficiency.”
During the exercise, U.S. and partner forces -- also known as blue forces faced constant threats from not only the opposition forces but also battled the brutal weather. Through it all, participants displayed their tenacity and resilience during the two-week exercise.
“The exercise was a good opportunity for us to train with other nations in a war-like environment,” said 2nd Lt. Evaldas Seduikis, a mechanized infantry platoon leader in the Lithuanian armed forces. “The training helps us improve our procedures. This helps us just in case we fight in a real war with the same neighbors and partners.”
While the main maneuver units were out conducting missions, the support units were on call to assist with any issues the units may encounter.
“We perform unscheduled and scheduled maintenance that goes on out here as well as perform the downed aircraft recovery missions,” said 1st Lt. Daniel Camacho a maintenance platoon leader with the 2-4 General Support Aviation Battalion. “We have the opportunity of getting in that experience and seeing what it is like doing a realistic scenario.”
The biggest takeaway from this exercise is building joint, multinational relationships and improving communication between the countries.
“We can do the tasks on our own but need other nations to win,” said Seduikis. “Performing these missions and understanding each others’ strengths and weaknesses is key to winning a war.”
More than 5,500 personnel participated in this first phase of Combined Resolve XI. Combined Resolve is a U.S. Army Europe-directed, 7th Army Training Command-led exercise that occurs biannually. The second phase of the exercise will be held in Grafenwoehr, Germany between Jan. 13 - 25, 2019. The exercise was planned by the Joint Multinational Readiness Center staff including Army Maj. Mike Cain, a rotational planner.
“Now that we’re wrapping up the force on force portion of Combined Resolve XI here at Hohenfels training area, we’re really looking forward to the brigade live fires at Grafenwoehr training area,” said Cain.