HOHENFELS, Germany -- Logistics interoperability can be one of the greatest challenges that units face when they come to an exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center. A French logistics company from the 511th Regiment du Train (Transport Regiment) supporting Exercise Allied Spirit VI are partnered with Alpha Company, 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade and entered the first day of force-on-force training on March 20 as a fully integrated multinational support task force.
The Joint Multinational Readiness Center's Adler Observer, Coach, Trainer (OCT) Team is taking the lead in mentoring the combined French and U.S. Army units in the exercise.
"The French company and the U.S. Company are sharing the mission," French Forces Capt. A. Aemy, Resupply Company Commander for the 511th Trans. Regt.
This training exercise has already delivered revelations for both teams regarding equipment compatibility and communication.
"On one of the early training days, the platoon leaders discovered the moveable pallets (flat racks) were compatible with both U.S. and French truck models," said U.S. Army Capt. Elvin Santos, JMRC Adler's primary OCT with the combined French-U.S unit.
Flat racks are a versatile piece of equipment for carrying supplies such as ammunition, meals, and other essential supplies.
"They are able to maximize these assets during convoys for troop movement," said Santos.
The French regiment also fields a platoon with seven light-armored vehicles dedicated to force protection and convoy escort.
"The 511th Transport Regiment's traffic control and escort platoon provide traffic control and security at resupply points during the convoy," said Santos.
The battalion has transport and security forces working together to refine communication in the event of any future real world incidents.
Pitching camp after a quick move, the communications, maintenance and medical elements are fastidious in blending with the varied terrain of Hohenfels.
"There are a few friction points we are discovering," said Aemy. "This is not negative when training together."
"It is better to have the dialogue start in exercise," he said. "We are finding where our systems are compatible, and finding where we can smooth rough areas."
Exercise Allied Spirit VI includes about 2,770 participants from 12 NATO and Partner for Peace nations, and exercises tactical interoperability and tests secure communications within Alliance members and partner nations.
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