Vicenza, Italy -- Paratroopers from Charlie Company, 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade, 509th Signal Battalion and the Italian 7th Signal Regiment, conducted an interoperability exchange with High Capacity Line of Sight (HCLOS) systems at Vicenza, Italy and Sacile, Italy, July 25-27, 2016.
The training exercise began on July 25, 2016 when Signaleers from the Italian 7th Signal Regiment arrived in Vicenza, Italy, and learned set up and operating procedures of the HCLOS system. This training allowed Soldiers from the Italian 7th Signal Regiment to learn how their equipment can operate with equipment organic to the 173rd.
"It is was an honor to work side by side with our Italian counterparts during the interoperability exercise to see if our systems could work with each other," said Sergeant Jason Hackworth. "By doing so we will be able to open up new links of communication that benefits both militaries and helps strengthen the alliance."
Following the instruction at Vicenza, Italy, Sky Soldiers traveled to Sacile, Italy to learn about the Italian HCLOS system and how the two systems could be interfaced together. This training allowed Sky Soldiers to become knowledgeable of the Italian system and determine if it is possible to integrate the two systems and support secure communications.
"It was a pleasure being able to see the United States Army's HCLOS system and teach them about the Italian communication systems," said Italian Captain Gianluca Rinaldi. "Hopefully in the future we can securely integrate these systems together."
The 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), based in Vicenza, Italy, is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapid forces to the United States, Europe, Africa and Germany. The Brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build stronger relationships and strengthen the alliance.
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