The 174th Attack Wing, headquartered in Syracuse, NY, hosted two German military officers for a two-week visit as part of the Military Reserve Exchange Program this June.
The program, which pairs U.S. National Guard and reserve members with service members of allied nations, was founded in 1986, and is celebrating 40 years since its inception. Participants who volunteer for the program are matched with foreign military members with similar military occupational specialties.
“We’re just trying to exchange ideas with our good friends in the U.S.,” said 1st Lt. Matthais Roessler, a technology advisor assigned to NATO’s Joint Air Power Competence Center, and one of the program’s participants. “We’re the 40th class, so it’s quite a longstanding program.”
During their visit, the German participants toured U.S. Air Force facilities here at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base and visited the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome, NY.
“It was quite impressive to see how the Air National Guard is integrated into the joint force doctrine in the U.S.,” said Roessler. “There’s a lot of flexibility between people working across the force and different domains, from active-duty, Air Force Reserves and the National Guard themselves.”
Joining Roessler on the exchange was Capt. Joshua Tewalt, an operations officer assigned to Germany’s Cyber and Information Domain Service. “I always viewed myself as a kind of cross-cultural kid," said Tewalt, who has family members living in the U.S. “I was always going back and forth during my youth.”
In addition to visiting EADS and Hancock Field, Roessler and Tewalt toured Stratton Air National Guard Base, home of the 109th Airlift Wing. “I think the unit was really impressive because it’s such a unique unit in the military,” said Tewalt. “We saw how the ski-equipped C-130 Hercules operate and how they support all kinds of military and scientific missions.”
Every year a large number of Allied and U.S. military applicants vie for a spot in the popular program and after an intensive selection process, only a small percentage are chosen to participate in the exchange. “In Germany this is considered to be one of the more prestigious programs,” Roessler said. “Many active-duty officers are jealous and impressed by what this program offers. The application process is quite competitive.”
Hosting the Germans here at Hancock Field was Capt. Michael Szewil, the cyber systems flight commander for the 152nd Air Communications Squadron, 152nd Air Operations Group, 174th Attack Wing, New York Air National Guard.
Szewil, as their host, accompanied Roessler and Tewalt everywhere they visited. “During this trip they got to integrate with us at the 152nd Air Operations Group,” said Szewil. “Our mission at the 152nd is augmenting the 603rd Air Operations Center at Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany, so it gives us an interesting connection to host these two German officers.”
During his part of the exchange, Szewil is scheduled to travel to Germany for two weeks later this year. “I’m looking forward to seeing their unique missions,” said Szewil. “These folks are doing some interesting work with the European Union’s Ukraine support mission and a broader picture of what NATO is up to.”
While the opportunities for travel abroad and learning about different missions overseas is an obvious draw for the program, those chosen for the exchange often learn more about their home units as well. “The best part has been getting their viewpoints and getting to highlight the Air National Guard and the 174th." said Szewil. "It’s been great getting around base and seeing everything myself.”
The 174th Attack Wing is one of 5 Wings that make up the New York Air National Guard. Headquartered at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, NY, the 174th primary mission is to operate the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft.