Leaders from allied nations collaborate for success

By Sgt. Lance PoundsJune 24, 2015

Leaders from allied nations collaborate for success
Spanish Legionary Soldiers and Soldiers from the 4th battalion, 6th infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division are discussing tactical movements with each other Jun 8, 2015 in Almeria, Spain for African Readiness Training. ART 15 is a multi... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ALMERIA, Spain - When faced with challenges of working side-by-side with counterparts from another military, Legionnaire 1st Lt. Oscar Fraile realizes that he shares many similarities with U.S. Army 1st Lt. James Duval.

"It is more similar than I expected," said Fraile, in reference to the U.S. Army's ground movements through urban terrain.

Fraile and Duval used their combined expertise to prepare for a series of live-fire exercises during African Readiness Training 15, a combined arms exercise held June 1-19 in Almeria, Spain.

Fraile is a platoon leader assigned to 8th Bandera, 3rd Tercio, 2nd Brigade Spanish Legion. Duval is a platoon leader with 3rd Platoon, A Company, 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division.

Duval is one of more than 150 Soldiers from the 6th Inf. Reg. in Almeria to partner with the Spanish Legion during ART 15. Joining the group are more than 20 U.S. Marines from the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

"The intent for this exercise is to improve combined and joint interoperability of all participating forces," said Duval.

While discussing strategic movements, Fraile and Duval's conversation incidentally lead to an exchange of personal experiences.

"I was excited to find out I would be leading my platoon in Spain," Duval said. "I would have the opportunity to cross train my troops with Legionnaires."

"Training with the Legion gives my Soldiers perspective, one they cannot get while stationed at Fort Bliss, into how foreign militaries operate," Duval.

"It broadens my leadership experience as well," said Duval, who up to this point has been to Israel and South Korea during Reserve Officers' Training Corps.

This isn't the first time that Fraile has worked with U.S. Soldiers.

"I too, seek to broaden my leadership experience," Fraile said. Previously, Fraile had trained at West Point during a month-long foreign officer exchange program when he was a cadet at the Spanish Legion's Academy for General Military.

In comparing their organizational training styles, Fraile said he only noted a few differences.

Duval said he had rehearsed with his platoon, knowing there would be differences.

"My platoon comes from a heavy armored unit where they use mechanized equipment, like the M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle," Duval said. "They are not use to conducting ground movements like the Legion."

"That is why we are focusing on enhancing our dismounted movements and land navigation skills," said Duval. "To link our two training styles."

According to Duval, the biggest obstacle he noticed was breaking the language and cultural barriers.

"We brought Spanish-speaking Soldiers to help break the ice," Duval said.

According to Duval, some of his Soldiers have extended their hospitality to the Legionnaires, even exchanging professional gear such as hats, patches, and multi-use tools.

"For instance," Duval said, "Specialist John Ridgley, a medic assigned to 3rd Platoon, spoke of an encounter he had with a Legionnaire that ended with the two exchanging patches."

"We talked about our jobs, our cultures and interests," said Ridgley. "It was very humbling, to create a friendship with members of a foreign military."

"They treat us like family," he said.

Ridgley said during their conversation he realized he stood on common ground with the Legionary and he wanted to commemorate the bonding of their new friendship by exchanging patches, a common practice among service members from different militaries.

"I offered him my deployment patch," Ridgley said.

"He was floored by my gesture," said Ridgley, after explaining the significant value of the patch to the Legionnaire.

"Such trades signify alliance, respect, and a mutual interest in each other's culture," said Duval.

Similarities, differences and a mutual understanding of each other's background put the two platoon leaders on a level playing field; one that they will be able to build upon during their training together.

This type of collaboration is example the U.S. Army's intent to create enduring partnerships and future interoperability with allied nations.

"The differences between us are not what matters, it is what we learn from one another that matters," said Duval.