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The War of 1812 is now 200 years removed, and the friendly relations enjoyed since then by the U.S. and Great Britain have long been a source of pride between the two countries. A recent training exercise in the KMC, Operation Rhine Venture, continued that tradition of service members from both countries working together for the common good.
British soldiers from the Royal Artillery School joined their American air defense counterparts for the weeklong exercise designed to bring certain NATO countries together for professional development, camaraderie and knowledge sharing on their countries’ respective air defense capabilities. German Bundeswehr forces also participated in some of the week’s activities, which ended in a reception and gift exchange among the participants.
The evolution of the Patriot Missile systems since Operation Desert Storm in 1991, radar, and other technological improvements and doctrinal launching procedures were just a few of the topics covered during the exchange. While the countries involved may not share all of the same equipment or standard operating procedures with their air defense systems, there was still plenty of interest from all in learning about each other’s way of conducting business.
Participants from each country were quick to cite the many benefits gained from the exercise and hoped the event could be repeated.
“It gives us a chance to learn how they (the British) operate, understand their battlefield personnel structure and build relationships with one of our strongest NATO allies,” said U.S. Army Capt. Todd Coppedge, commander of Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.
Activities at Rhine Ordnance Barracks saw many of the British getting their first glimpse of the Patriot Missile. The exchange was hardly one-sided, however.
“My Soldiers also have a chance to show their capabilities, and we had a chance to learn from each other,” Coppedge said.
The British soldiers who participated agreed, grateful for their chance to see new weapons systems and share their experiences with NATO comrades-in-arms.
“It’s been a really good experience, and I’d absolutely do it again if given the chance,” said British army Staff Sgt. Dillen Atkinson, a tactical commander for an unmanned aerial system. Along with many of his colleagues from the Royal Artillery School on the exercise, he will soon take the experience gleaned to his pending assignment as instructor at the school.
For the Soldiers of the 10th AAMDC who hosted many of the Operation Rhine Venture events, the knowledge passed along was happily and readily shared.
“They’ve been asking a lot of great questions, and my guys have answered them,” Coppedge said.
