Multinational Air Assault initiates Combined Resolve IV force-on-force

By Capt. Dave CocchiarellaJune 1, 2015

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1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Bulgarian Soldiers of 2nd Company, 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 61st Mechanized Brigade exit a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter to conduct dismount operations during exercise Combined Resolve IV at the U.S. Army's Joint Multinational Readiness Center... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – UH-60 Blackhawk pilots, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Steve Von Fange and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Erik Gerdes of 4th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment from Ft. Stewart, GA pose for a photo prior to flying an air assault mission during the... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Pilots from Alpha Company, 4th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment from Ft. Stewart, GA discuss plans for an air assault mission including both U.S. and Romanian Soldiers. Combined Resolve IV takes place in Hohenfels, Germany from Ma... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

HOHENFELS, Germany -- The distinct whooshing sound of helicopters echoed off the Bavarian hillsides Tuesday night here. The Soldiers of the U.S. Army's 4th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment (4-3 AHB), 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Stewart, Georgia, completed an air assault insertion that resulted in the first shots of a war between the fictitious countries of Atropia and Ariana.

This mission initiated the beginning of the force-on-force portion of Combined Resolve IV, a warfighting exercise focused on improving multinational operations with NATO allies and partners. Approximately 4,700 participants from 13 countries are taking part in the exercise, which is taking place at the U.S. Army's Joint Multinational Readiness Center at Hohenfels Training Area, from May 12-June 6.

The 4-3 AHB, alongside the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, also out of Fort Stewart, make up the primary training units for the exercise. They are currently rotated to the Europe as part of the Army's Regionally Aligned Force for the U.S. European Command.

Earlier in the evening, flight crews and leadership from 4-3 AHB met to discuss the plan one last time, and conducted a walk-through on a giant terrain model covering the floor of a helicopter hanger. Nearly three dozen aviators, crew chiefs, and support personnel listened intently as the leadership discussed plans, contingencies, and emergency procedures.

Meanwhile, leaders from the JMRC's Falcon Observer/Coach/Trainer (OCT) team watched over all aspects of the mission from planning, to rehearsals, and execution. The Falcon team then gave constructive feedback to help the unit improve their skills for future training.

As crews started their pre-flight checks on the aircraft they heard word that a possibility of poor visibility had delayed the mission.

"We've spent 12 hours a day for the last two days planning and re-planning this mission," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Steve Von Fange. "So much work has gone into this mission, it would be really disappointing if the weather prevents us from flying," said Fange.

Two hours later, the aviators received word that the weather would not be a factor and the UH-60 Blackhawks were airborne to pick up the Soldiers who would conduct the air assault mission.

After touching down in the middle of a field, the pilots and crew chiefs ran through safety training with the multinational air assault team. U.S. Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division and Romanian Soldiers from the 151st Infantry Battalion were loaded up on the helicopters and ready to be inserted on the battlefield.

As the UH-60 Blackhawks touched down in an uncomfortably narrow landing zone surrounded by thick vegetation, the multinational unit unloaded and moved to set up an observation point. Within hours, the first shots of the war exercise would be fired in that same area.

"These exercises safely push [the rotational units] out of their comfort zone and that is where the real training happens," said Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney Harris, the senior non-commissioned officer of the Falcon OCT team.

The force-on-force portion of Combined Resolve IV takes place for eight days and nights. The scenario puts Coalition Forces in the difficult position of fighting a conventional enemy while still trying to maintain stability in the region. There are civilian role players around the battlefield that can either help or hinder the Coalition Forces depending on how they are treated.

Related Links:

7th Army Joint Multinational Training Command