Cougar Squadron deploys to Hohenfels for multinational training during Allied Spirit IV

By Sgt. Kyle A Burns (USAREUR)October 20, 2017

ROSE BARRACKS, Germany -- The motto for the 2nd Cavalry Regiment is "Toujours Pret" or "Always Ready" and it is a saying that the unit does it's very best to live by.

Troopers throughout the regiment demonstrate this very saying as they prepare for their upcoming annual training event, Allied Spirit IV, being held in Hohenfels, Germany this winter.

Allied Spirit IV is a Joint Multinational Training Command (JMTC) conducted, United States Army Europe (USAREUR) directed exercise with the goal of preparing forces in Europe to operate together by exercising tactical interoperability and testing secure communications within NATO Alliance members and partner nations.

"We will be working with our Italian and British Allies amongst other nations that will be working with us," said Lt. Col. Steven E. Gventer, 2nd Squadron Commander. "Our German partners that we partner with right here in the local area will also be part of our task force."

The training event will include about 2,200 participants from six nations including Canada, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Slovenia and the United States with all countries' units contributing to different training roles throughout the event.

Even though this is an annual event, Allied Spirit IV will be different from the prior years' training in its ability to provide a hands-on laboratory for NATO interoperability training and communication as Italy's Garibaldi Brigade will be taking command of the brigade headquarters this year.

"The 'Cougar' Squadron will be working for an Italian Brigade with our partners being a British battalion, as well as a Slovenian, Canadian and German company working all together in the training area," said Gventer. "Our Allies will work with us to show us their capabilities but also so we can work on how we communicate in tactical situations."

This event provides 2CR with the ability to train with not only their host nation but with other nations as well. The unit hopes to not only learn from their Allies but also that the training will provide them with the opportunity to demonstrate the United States' overall continued support of the NATO mission.

"As we are at Allied Spirit, the mission we have is to strengthen the NATO Alliance through our Allies and our partners working together, day in and day out," said Gventer. "This is where we really build those relationships that will help the NATO Alliance continue to show resolve but also to show strength."

Cougar Squadron deploys to Hohenfels for multinational training during Allied Spirit IV