European Union Battlegroup trains at Grafenwoehr

By Denver Beaulieu-HainsFebruary 26, 2014

European Union Battlegroup trains at Grafenwoehr
Dutch soldiers assigned to Alpha Battery of the Fire Support Battalion at t�'Harde, Netherlands fire a 120mm illumination mortar round at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Feb. 22, 2014. Soldiers from Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Despite the challenge of bringing together a task force of more than 1500 soldiers from six nations, the commander of the European Union Battlegroup, or EUBG 2014-02, isn't adversely challenged facilities and location. Instead, the commander's mission to bring the combined talents of distinct militaries into one synchronized force is enhanced by a centralized location, which brings everyone together, multi-purpose ranges that allow ground and air operations, and state of the art live-virtual and constructive tools to support certification training for the EU's quick-reaction Infantry Task Force as it prepares for Exercise Rampant Lion.

This week, Grafenwoehr Training Area is home to members of the EUBG 2014-02, Feb. 26-March 1. EUBG 2014-02, comprised of soldiers from Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Spain prepares for its EU certification, which is scheduled for June 2-13 at Saint Hubert, Belgium.

The soldiers negotiate scenarios to support humanitarian aid missions and missions to assist displaced persons and refugees, and the identification, search and capture of persons suspected of war crimes.

"It's challenging but it's also very enriching," said Col. Phillipe Boucké, the commander of the Belgium Medium Brigade. "You can exchange experiences. You can exchange knowledge and techniques and it works."

Although there is no current mission planned, EUBG, fully operational since 2007, relies on contributions from EU countries. Two battlegroups must be fully deployable at all times.

"We will test interoperability during our live-fire training exercise," said Boucké. "It [Grafenwoehr Training Area] is a great training area. We can do a lot of things we can't do at other training areas, for example dismounted firing support, and we can certify on higher caliber weapons."

The certification process requires the staff to be trained first. Now the infantry task force is being trained by the staff. Rampant Lion, the field training exercise, ensures interoperability of systems and communication equipment, and tests personnel on mission readiness.

"We have to train situations," said spokesman Guy Pasteels. "We have to train multi-nationally. We have to learn to work together because the Belgian, Luxembourg, Dutch, Spanish, Macedonian, and German people have their own way of working and we have to work as one unit."

Related Links:

EU Battlegroup on Flickr

Video: European Battlegroup Training Area Grafenwoehr