HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico -- Soldiers and civilians from Division West recently met with the German Air Force Flying Training Center here and learned to fly a Tornado fighter jet in the flight simulator.
Terri Balster, Association of the United States Army Vice President for Corporate Membership, coordinated the international relationship event. People attending this function were chosen based on their involvement with the German Armed Forces Badge competitions hosted at Fort Bliss earlier this year and their association with AUSA.
Balster, and German officer liaison to the 5th Armored Brigade, Capt. Norfried "Maxx" Paetz, met at the base Welcome Center and then continued to the GAF Squadron Headquarters. There, the crew met with Lt. Col. Karl F. Eppler, the Flying Training Center deputy commander.
"The training center at Holloman Air Force Base produces the best pilots and pilot instructors in the German Air Force," said Eppler.
The GAF trains basic flight school, fighter weapons pilots, and flight instructors at Holloman AFB, he added.
After the meeting, Paetz escorted everyone over to the base Officer's Club for lunch where Balster expressed AUSA's appreciation for its members.
"The AUSA Omar Bradley Chapter is very involved and takes great pride in helping the Soldiers and their Families here at Fort Bliss; this includes all of our reserve components as well," said Balster.
After lunch, Paetz took the group to the flight simulation area where they met flight instructor, Capt. Kevin "Kurt" Kummer, who gave a briefing on aircraft orientation, flight plans, and the instrumentation for both pilots and co-pilots. The group was divided into two-man teams and received call signs, which seemed to be the highlight of the day.
The flight crews took turns conducting simulated take-offs, landings, and bombing missions throughout the Fort Bliss training area.
"This is definitely not a Playstation," said Staff Sgt. Kelly Steidley, a Division West small arms instructor, while attempting to fly back to Holloman after his simulated bombing mission.
"Gentlemen, if you crash the Tornado in the simulator, at least we won't charge you 40 million dollars," said Eppler.
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