WIESBADEN, Germany - Shots fired from a weapon at close range. An unexpected blow from an assailant. The need for backup from host nation law enforcement partners in a critical, emergency situation.
These were all situations addressed during three days of intense, joint German and American police training at Wiesbaden Army Airfield and the Hessen State Police Academy March 14-16.
"The purpose of the training was to form an alliance with our host nation partners to simulate realistic scenarios," said Staff Sgt. Thomas Kullberg with the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden's Directorate of Emergency Services. "We need to have confidence in our equipment and our gear and it's very important that we work together for a joint response. It also introduces realistic training to our Soldiers."
"I believe the training we (will face) over the coming years can only be accomplished by working together," said Eckhard "Ekco" Niebergall, Hessen Polizei senior training instructor.
The first day of instruction got underway with a seminar session and several hours of realistic force-on-force combatant training in the Tony Bass Fitness.
"We don't talk about fighting, we really do it," said Niebergall, who said frequent practical training increases the odds of having favorable outcomes in close combatant situations. "We simulate fighting and close combat to be as realistic as possible ... so they get more confidence. And it's more likely that they win."
During training at the Hessen State Police Academy indoor training facility in Wiesbaden-Dotzheim, the U.S. and host nation police officers found themselves having to react instantly during life and death situations in the Simulation Development Instructor Course.
Kullberg, who was one of several U.S. Military Police officers undergoing the extensive instructor training course, said he will take what he has learned back to his unit to share with his fellow MPs. "Now that the course is done, I can go back and train my Soldiers."
Having the opportunity to learn tactics at the "multi echelon training arena" where German police officers hone their skills was a rewarding experience, he said. "I encourage all leaders to conduct this kind of training - to train as they fight."
While USAG Wiesbaden MPs and their German counterparts have enjoyed "longstanding cooperation," it's vital that the law enforcement personnel "focus on realistic scenarios," Kullberg said, pointing to the recent Frankfurt Airport shooting of U.S. Airmen where host nation security forces responded immediately and decisively to subdue and apprehend the suspect.
"We have an excellent working relationship with all of the precincts that cover our community," said Kullberg. "We're going to continue to build on that relationship."
Joint patrols in U.S. housing areas and close coordination with host nation first responders are all part of providing for the well-being of local residents.
Ultimately, Kullberg said, the training provides law enforcement personnel with the skills and confidence to ensure the safety and security of those living in USAG Wiesbaden. "We're doing everything in our power to make law enforcement capable to best serve the community."
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