Danish and Canadian nationals participated in the Urban Patrol Lane on West Camp Rapid during the Golden Coyote exercise, June 14, 2019.
The 41 Canadian Brigade teamed with the Danish Home Guard to test their unit tactics in three simulated training exercise scenarios.
The scenarios at the Urban Patrol Lane include moving as an element, clearing of buildings, and securing and seizing a high value target.
“The lane provides the building blocks for small element infantry tactics,” said Maj. Bracken Robinson, Urban Patrol Lane Officer in Charge, South Dakota Army National Guard. “Some of the things we cover are element formations as well as hand and arm signals”
Allied partners bring a unique style of operations to the scenarios that differ from U.S. Army tactics.
“They have different techniques all the way down to hand and arm signals and how the secure prisoners," said Robinson. “They are all very similar but it’s the small things that make a world of difference.”
There are three goals that Maj. Robinson has whenever units come through the lane, safety, tactical refinement, and fun for the Soldiers participating in the lane.
“Safety is paramount because I want Soldiers to return back to their unit in a fit manner,” Said Robinson.
“It is also important that they learn some tactical lessons and that they have fun and enjoy the training.”
The 35th annual Golden Coyote Training Exercise provides a simulated environment that challenges Soldiers and emphasizes basic soldiering skills in a realistic environment.
“Soldiers often say that this is the best experience that they have had in their military career,” said Robinson, “This is an engaging lane that we have here at the Golden Coyote Training Exercise and it puts together a full day of learning and fun.”