CAMP KONOTOP, Poland - If the artillery is the king of battle, as the U.S. Army's running cadence says, then the U.S. Army's forward observers are the eyes of the king. This group of Soldiers spend countless hours, often ahead of the main body of troops, ensuring the artillery can accurately and quickly send lethal rounds miles away to enemy troops and equipment.
One such group is from Company D, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. They had the opportunity to teach and learn from our Canadian Allies when they hosted a forward observation equipment familiarity class at Camp Konotop, Poland on April 21, 2015, as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, an ongoing multinational partnership focused on joint training and security cooperation between the U.S., Poland and other NATO allies.
It was a unique experience for Saint Paul, Minnesota, native Pfc. D'Xavier Clark, a forward observer assigned to 2-7 Infantry, who co-instructed a class on the Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder, given to soldiers of 2nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery was a unique experience.
"This was my first time instructing a class and my first time working with our allies," said Clark. "I think these kinds of training events build camaraderie with our allies."
Clark said he thinks this kind of interaction is beneficial for Soldiers like him, as well as those with similar training from allied militaries.
"It gives us a chance to share what we know, and to learn from them as well," said Clark.
A Bombardier from the Canadian Military (equivalent rank as a U.S. Army Corporal) said he thinks training on the U.S. Army's equipment will definitely be a benefit to him and his unit.
"Being invited here to check out the American artillery's equipment is really incredible," said the soldier.
He said, even though he has quite a few American friends, he really hasn't had an opportunity to work with the U.S. Military.
"This is just a different kind of interaction with Americans, and now I can go back and tell my friends that I've had the opportunity of working with your American Military counterparts," said the bombardier.
The Canadian soldier said this type of training will be beneficial to both him and his fellow artillerymen.
"I think this was excellent training," said the captain in charge of the bombardiers. "We don't get a lot of opportunities to work with the American Military, and this allows us to work on our interoperability."
The captain said he and his soldiers are walking away from this training with a greater appreciation for the unique differences and similarities of both militaries, and he is looking forward to training the forward observers of the 2-7 Infantry on their equipment.
Echoing his sentiments, Sgt. Bradley Stacks, a Soldier from Saltillo, Mississippi, assigned to 2nd Bn., 7th Inf. Regt., said he's looking forward to taking the lessons learned from this and future training back to his fellow observers at Foprt Stewart, Georgia.
"I know I'm going to come away from this whole experience with lessons learned and be able to implement some of the things I've learned from our allies," said Stacks. "This type of partnership in training will only enhance my skills as a forward observer."
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