GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- The 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, completed an aerial gunnery training event, March 29-31, 2015.
This gunnery training was a part of its biannual validation testing its effectiveness using the AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter. The German Kampfhubschrauberregiment 36, Fritzlar, Germany, also known as an Attack Helicopter Regiment, took part in the gunnery as well, deploying its Tiger Helicopter.
Although the Soldiers are not deploying anytime soon, 1st Bn., 3rd Avn. Regt. is a part of the NATO Rapid Response Force in Europe and must remain ready at all times.
"We are working on interoperability and the ability to communicate with our NATO Allies to accomplish the mission together," said Capt. Olin Kennedy, the battle captain for the gunnery event.
Flying together afforded both units the opportunity to see how each other did things.
"For me, this was my first time working with U.S. Soldiers in a live fire exercise. I learned a lot watching the techniques and procedures they used, and I enjoyed the training," said Capt. Michael Belkner, a Tiger pilot with the German AHR 36.
There are no deployments in the near future for the AHR 36, however, Belkner explained that they are a part of the NATO Quick Reaction Force and training like this is important in order to work effectively with NATO Allies and partners.
The Grafenwoehr Foward Armament Refueling Point (FARP) and Range 118, two of the many ranges and facilities owned and maintained by the 7th Army Joint Multinational Training Command, were used for this gunnery.
The civilians and Soldiers who run these facilities also provided insight and expertise on how to best utilize each facility to maximize training.
"JMTC's ability to bring an active opposing force with operating systems that keep our aviators focused on what it will be like fighting a near-peer threat is very valuable," said Maj. Robert Holcroft, battalion S3 operations officer with the 1st Bn., 3rd Avn. Regt. "Our time here in Grafenwoehr Training Area has helped us significantly progress our key collective tasks for the battalion and without it, I don't think we would have had that opportunity anywhere else in Europe."
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