MAGDEBURG, Germany--Helicopters from the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade and 10th CAB trained for and executed aviation support for the Bundeswehr Army Combat Maneuver Training Center, here, April 21-24, at Truppenübungsplatz Altmark.
Bundeswehr Units rotate annually to the Altmark training center in order to conduct maneuver scenarios at that include a live opposing force, ranging from mechanized infantry to armor. These units are normally supported by Bundeswehr aircraft. However, the German units were unable to support due to recent missions in Mali.
The U.S. Army aviation contribution consisted of close air support, call for fire missions, air assaults, medical evacuation and sling load movements of German vehicles. The pilots also integrated with German Joint Tactical Attack Controllers and platoon leaders to establish daily training objectives.
Two AH-64 Apache Helicopters from Alpha Company, 1st Bn., 3rd Avn. Regt., 12th CAB, executed reconnaissance, security, and hasty attack missions. The AH-64 crews maneuvered against live Air Defense Artillery and man-hand portable air defense systems or MANPAD's which require the pilots to conduct a thorough terrain analysis and utilize cover and concealment while maneuvering.
A CH-47 Chinook from Hotel Company, 1st Bn., 214th Avn. Regt., completed numerous air assault and heavy lift missions during the exercise. Also, two HH-60 Black Hawk's from Charlie Company, 3rd Bn., 10th Avn. Regt., 10th CAB supported the Germans with medical evacuation capability.
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The 12th CAB trains and conducts aviation operations throughout the range of military operation in support of U.S. Army Europe, U.S. European Command, NATO, and in support of U.S. Central Command and U.S. African Command and other contingency locations around the globe.
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