VICENZA -- Since 2002, twice a year, U.S. Air Force Detachment 3, 7th Weather Squadron, based on Caserma Ederle has been working in partnership with the Italian soldiers of Comando Truppe Alpine - Servizio Meteomont for a weeklong training exercise.
Usually in mid-December the training takes place in the Southern Alps, while, during summer or fall, the Italian Alpini are welcomed on Caserma Ederle and Del Din.
"In the past we called the training program 'Battlefield Weather Exchange' or 'BWX'," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Rafael Delgado, Battlefield Weather supervisor of the 7th Weather Squadron's Det. 3, and one of this year's instructors.
"Now, the name has changed to Tactical Weather Exchange, also known as TWX 2015," he said.
Delgado explained that the primary goal of this biannual partnership is collaboration with fellow Alpini weather colleagues.
The four-day event held on post Sept. 28 -- Oct. 1 focused on sharing skills about observing and forecasting weather techniques used by U.S. Forces.
"We orient the Alpini Meteomont covering basic weather observing techniques, weather site selection, M4 and M9 EST [engagement skills training] familiarization, basic combat lifesaver training and basic parachuting," said Delgado, who has participated in this exercise with the Italian Alpini three times.
"I have done two years training here (BWX and TWX) and I have gone up to Passo Tonale [Alps] for their avalanche training," he said.
Delgado added he enjoys this type of training because of the chance to meet new friends and a great network of worldwide meteorology contacts.
This iteration of training was the first experience on Caserma Ederle for all eight participants of Alpini troops who came from three locations including Bolzano, L'Aquila and Udine.
Alpini soldiers had the chance to learn how the Air Force supports the Army on the battlefield, and assist in accurate visibility forecasting and on the method for documentation and radio transmission of field-collected weather data.
"The Alpini were given multiple training courses, and through these courses, they learned how the Detachment 3 provides accurate, timely, relevant weather information," said Staff Sgt. Katelyn Field, a forecaster with 7th WS Det. 3 and training instructor.
The Italian Alpini's response was very positive.
Lt. Col. Daniele Battaini, of the Comando Truppe Alpine -- Meteomont of Bolzano said that having the opportunity to operate with a foreign military has been very helpful.
"Thanks to the previous experiences, our exchanges have been consolidating throughout the years and we really appreciated their proficiency.
"We are certainly looking forward to repeating this experience next year. In the meantime, we are coordinating a weeklong training, which will take place in Corvara, Val Badia, in the middle of December," explained Battaini.
That training on the Alps will focus on learning and upgrading some techniques about snow conditions, avalanche forecast, and risks' evaluation.
An award ceremony took place at the end of the training, and each Alpini soldier was handed a certificate.
"The Alpini soldiers bring a great attitude to the training, and they really make us feel welcome in their country. Lastly, it is very rewarding to be able to present our knowledge and be able to receive their knowledge when it comes to military, meteorological and personal experiences," Delgado said.
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