Playing the bad guy at multinational exercise Saber Junction 15

By Staff Sgt. Sara Marchus, 116th Public Affairs DetachmentApril 20, 2015

Security
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A Lithuanian soldier pulls security as part of the oppositional force (OPFOR) during a field training exercise during Saber Junction 15 at Joint Multinational Readiness Center. Saber Junction 15 is a U.S. Army Europe-led training exercise, which demo... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Instruction
2 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Staff Sgt. James Waddell of Company A, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, provides instruction on maneuver operations to Bulgarian soldiers during a field training exercise during Saber Junction 15 at Joint Multinational Readiness Center. Saber Ju... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Security 2
3 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A Bulgarian soldier pulls security as part of the oppositional force (OPFOR) during a field training exercise during Saber Junction 15 at Joint Multinational Readiness Center. Saber Junction 15 is a U.S. Army Europe-led training exercise, which demon... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Instruction 2
4 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – 2nd Lt. Clinton Harvin of Company A, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment --the opposing force -- provides instruction to Lithuanian soldiers during a field training exercise during Saber Junction 15. Saber Junction 15 is a U.S. Army Europe-led train... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Security 3
5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Lithuanian soldiers pull security during a field training exercise during Saber Junction 15 at Joint Multinational Readiness Center. Saber Junction 15 is a U.S. Army Europe-led training exercise, which demonstrates a simultaneous combination of offen... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

HOHENFELS, Germany -- Wearing nontraditional uniforms, and a drive to train others, U.S. Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment stepped up their game on a multinational level this week.

Playing oppositional forces, or OPFOR, the 1-4 Infantry Regiment is working side-by-side with multinational forces in a major training exercise here at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center called Saber Junction 15.

Oppositional forces provide a challenging environment to all the multinational allies that have gathered for the exercise, tailoring their approach to the rotational training unit's needs with equipment and tactical measures.

For Saber Junction 15, the OPFOR consists of the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, C/1-294 Infantry Batallion from the Guam Army National Guard, the 396th Engineer Company of the U.S. Army Reserve out of Ashland, Kentucky, as well as Lithuanian, Romanian and Bulgarian soldiers.

Saber Junction 15 is a U.S. Army Europe-led training exercise demonstrating a simultaneous combination of offensive, defensive and stability operations designed to strengthen international military partnerships, enhance multinational interoperability and prepare participants for worldwide contingency operations.

There are about 4,700 participants from 17 nations involved in the overall exercise, which spans April 1-30.

In addition to honing the operational skills of participating units and nations, OPFOR creates a symbiotic relationship with the training nations by exposing new battle plans and avenues of approach that an enemy force may implement.

"This gives us an opportunity to understand what the enemy is thinking and provides insight as far as what to expect," said Spc. John Corley of Company C, 1-4 Infantry Regiment.

Lt. Col. Barry Carlson, battalion commander, said that participating in a multinational exercise helps establish cohesion and unite the force on the battlefield.

"This exercise is a great opportunity to rehearse building partnerships and relationships, to understand various countries' capabilities and capacity as well as the cultural aspects of working with multinational partners," Carlson said.

Saber Junction 15 demonstrates the U.S. Army's commitment to regional security and stability of NATO allies and support for other nations in Europe.

Multinational-soldier interaction presents learning opportunities for all involved by providing an understanding of how other militaries operate and what they can provide.

Working with multiple nations also allows Soldiers to build relationships, enhance cultural understanding and recognize the need for strong NATO alliances.

"I'm learning just how different we are but we have the same objective. We're learning from each other and that's really what being here is all about," said Pvt. Douglas Golgar, Company A.

The overall purpose of the decisive action training exercise, as with all training exercises, is to train, coach and mentor Soldiers involved to enhance interoperability.

"These multinational exercises have a huge impact on the world stage. We are building the future, one rotation at a time," Carlson said.

Related Links:

U.S. Army Europe

1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment

Joint Multinational Training Command

Saber Junction