BAMBERG, Germany -- The relationship between the German army's 2nd Company, 466th Maintenance Battalion, and members of the U.S. Army Garrison Bamberg military community are reaching new heights.
For several years, the two organizations would build camaraderie and cooperation through weapons training, but recently, this relationship has expanded into other areas.
Traditionally, U.S. Soldiers would earn the German Marksmanship Badge known as the SchAfA1/4tzenschnur and German soldiers would earn the U.S. Army's Marksmanship badge.
Although this training still exists, a recent visit by the Bundeswehr had little to do with weapons training and more to do with camaraderie.
"It has grown," said Staff Sgt. David Untalan, a member of USAG Bamberg who has seen the development of the partnership since 2006.
Untalan said the involvement of both organizations has become more frequent and the activities have more variety.
Part of that could be because of Rich Sherman, a member of Bamberg's Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security. Sherman helps to organize events by acting as a partnership liaison. On July 16 and 17, he brought the troops together for combatives training and some teambuilding activities.
The troops played softball and went through Warner Barracks' obstacle course.
"It was a pretty good experience - very challenging," said Bundeswehr 1st Lt. Christian Paul, company executive officer. "There were much more obstacles that deal with height; we have obstacles which are lower."
Bamberg's Acting Provost Marshal Sgt. 1st Class Calvin Newman said the training and leisure activities do more than just provide a positive experience.
"These types of events allow for us to bond together," Newman said. "Sure, we focus on training, and share a common connection as Soldiers, but sharing our culture with one another really brings our relationship to a higher level."
Paul agreed and said he hopes the exchange is mutual. Paul said his soldiers were "happy and pleased" to visit with their American partners in Bamberg.
Every couple of months, the counterparts will alternate hosting events. The recent event was the first time, which Paul recalled, ever running through Bamberg's obstacle course and playing softball.
What he and his soldiers knew of softball came from watching movies and television. However, that did not stop the German soldiers from taking a quick lead at the beginning of the softball game.
"It gives us a chance to come out here and have fun with these guys," Untalan said. "It opens up more doors for later."
Paul said he was completely satisfied with the outcome of the events and looks forward to the next get-together.
"It was great, like always," he said.
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