FORT BENNING, Ga., (April 13, 2016) -- The Maneuver Center of Excellence hosted the U.S.-German Maneuver Concepts, Capabilities and Doctrine Conference April 5-7.

One of the primary purposes of the conference was to strengthen relationships between Fort Benning's Capabilities Development and Integration Directorate and the German Army Concepts and Capabilities Development Center organizations.

The other goals were to exchange concepts and assist in the development of each other's urban operations, mounted platform development and Infantry and Armor capabilities.

"We share ideas," Col. Chris Willis, CDID deputy director, said. "We tell them where we're heading with capability and development and then they tell us where they're heading with capability and development ... it's a two and a half day exchange."

Willis said the organizations talked about combat vehicles, tanks, robotics and other Army capabilities.

"We're just focused on Infantry and Armor here, and that is really what our counterparts that are here from Germany are doing as well," he said. "They also do aviation, but we are only talking Infantry and Armor."

Willis said the allies share common interest. It helps to learn what they're doing that is similar and different in regards to communication systems, ammunition systems, common logistics requirements - such as common types of fuel, and other areas of expertise. He said the Germans focus on technologies the U.S. is not focused on, and vice versa, so sharing those capabilities are valuable to both parties.

"The more we can learn from each other ... it actually helps both of us," he said. "We're allies, so anytime we can share information ... (we're) that much better off."

Lt. Col. Chris Kennedy, chief of the Lethality Branch, said lethality is important to discuss with the German allies. He described ideas for improvements needed on weapons, and the significance of being effective.

"The rifle, the ammunition, the Soldier himself - is all a system. If anything is out of whack, he is not going to be effective," he said. "You can have the best rifle in the world, but if the ammo is bad, you're not effective ... (you can have the) best ammo, (but) if the Soldier is not trained, (you're) not effective. It's all one system. We are constantly looking at how do we improve every little aspect of the system."

Kennedy discussed a formula, Soldier plus weapon plus enabler plus ammo plus training equals effect. He said any break in the formula would lead to non-effective results.