PABERZE AIRFIELD, Lithuania - Lithuanian and U.S. Soldiers participated in the last training event for Exercise Iron Wolf, a component of Saber Strike 17, Jun 21, 2017.
Exercise Iron Wolf is a multinational training exercise in Lithuania designed to strength relationships between NATO Allies and increase interoperability.
With gear, weapons and camouflage on, roughly 300 Lithuanian Soldiers were taught the concepts behind cold-load and hot-load training by U.S. Soldiers from 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, New York, in a Chinook CH-47 and three Black Hawk helicopters.
Cold load training is a beginner's lesson, with the flight crew explaining instructions as the action happens. The pace is slow, adjusting minor mistakes. During this phase, aircraft are not in operation. Typically, each group has three rounds of practice before rotating or taking a break.
Progressing to hot-load training is a brisk movement. Hand gestures is the prime form of communication, since engines blur all sound. The Lithuanian Soldiers relied on cues to move into action.
Mid-way through the training, the Soldiers developed a rhythm. Once a group ran out and formed a line of defense, another group ran into the Chinook and sat down. Once the line was clear, Soldiers inside the Chinook were informed they had landed and ran out to pull security.
Using air assets requires coordination and understanding of procedure. Training the on-load and off-load of personnel helps build familiarity with the system and with equipment.
"Training with the helicopters helps us to improve our Soldiers, so they know how to mount, how to dismount and how to do it safe," said 2nd Lt. Ernastas Arlruskas, 1st Mechanized Platoon, 3rd Mechanized Company, King Mindaugas Hussar Battalion, Mechanized Infantry Brigade "Iron Wolf," Lithuanian Land Force.
Working with other nations introduces Soldiers to new equipment and unfamiliar grounds. A good portion of the participants speak English, or some common language that facilitates communication. Interaction expands from the battlefield, into conversations about gear or equipment.
Curiosity about how things are in a person's home country is a conversation topic. People will naturally talk and get to know one another, suggested Junior Private Vaidodas Roze, grenade launcher specialist with 3rd Mechanized Company, King Mindaugas Hussar Battalion, Mechanized Infantry Brigade "Iron Wolf," Lithuanian Land Force.
"We all belong to one NATO, so we are all like brothers," Roze remarked. "So I know, it's a good feeling for me."
All Soldiers benefitted from the training and would carry their skills with them beyond the training event, he said.
Many of the battalion Soldiers had never flown in a helicopter before. It is a big opportunity, to incorporate that fighting style into their movements, Roze explained.
Preparing for the actual exercise left behind a tense atmosphere. Even as the Soldiers relaxed and waited for the aircraft, they were in lines, ready to move.
"All the Soldiers get more practice from this event, and all my friends are happy participating," Roze said. "In the future, it will be a great opportunity for us, to use the things we learn from this practice."
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