Spanish Legion, AFRICOM combine training

ALMERIA, Spain - Even though 1st Lt. Brenton Westbrook had never worked with the Spanish Legion he knew there were challenges to face.

"It's going to be a learning experience," Westbrook said.

The lieutenant, one of more than 150 Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, who arrived in Almeria, Spain, for African Readiness Training 15.

The Soldiers from 1st AD support U.S. Africa Command as a Regionally Aligned Force Brigade Combat Team.

The exercise is scheduled for 1-19 Jun. and will bring together the 4-6 INF, troops from the 8th Bandera, 3rd Tercio, 2nd Brigade Spanish Legion, and more than 25 U.S. Marines from the Marine Air-Ground Task Force to improve combined and joint interoperability of forces. The ultimate goal is to reduce response times to African security challenges and threats to U.S. and Spanish interests.

The first challenge they face isn't on the continent of Africa. It will be during this exercise, which is the first time the 6th INF has partnered with Spanish Legion, culminating with the Spanish and U.S. militaries swapping company-sized elements.

Westbrook said the swap of companies between the militaries is a tactic used to identify the strengths and weaknesses when deployed together, should an event warrant such circumstances.

"This type of training doesn't happen very often," said Pvt. Carlos Marrero, a gunner assigned to 4-6 INF. He added the experience gained from comparing how the Legion operates in relation to the Army would be valuable knowledge to take back to his unit.

"I want to see how we stack up in comparison to the Legion," said Sgt. Eli Ferguson, a team leader assigned to 4-6 INF, as he expressed interest in combining training styles from two different worlds.

According to Maj. Michael Gacheru, U.S. Army Africa operations officer, the exercise will enhance trust and mutual understanding with allies, while strategically engaging with partners to deter future conflict and build a capacity to respond globally.

"This exercise is a key element in a broader series of bilateral activities," said Gacheru, a native of Evanston, Ill. The activities he refers to are derived from an Army Training Doctrine initiative.

Gacheru said the exercise demonstrates a strong partnership between the U.S. and all participating militaries.

"The ultimate goal is to enhance the readiness of U.S. forces, while also building relationships with our allies in order to advance U.S. national interest and to promote African security, stability and prosperity," said Gacheru.