GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - Not so long ago, deploying troops practiced shooting from a foxhole or in the prone position. Looking down the firing line, you would see the same uniform.
Today's ground forces find themselves shooting from many positions - in stressful situations - and thanks to the joint efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, alongside other servicemembers from around the world.
To ensure that today's warriors are ready for battle, the Joint Multinational Training Command (JMTC) brings servicemembers from all branches to train with their multinational counterparts at the premier facilities available at the Grafenwoehr Training Area (GTA).
"Every unit, whether from the U.S. service branches or our NATO partners, has different tactics, techniques and procedures," said Air Force Master Sgt. Robert Zackery, training Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) for reflexive fire training.
"Once we get together we can learn from each other," he said. "Some have better techniques than others; we can identify their training techniques and modify them, so it makes us better all the way around."
As part of the Air Force-led Allied Strike exercise at GTA, approximately 60 troops from the U.S. Air Force, Marines and other NATO countries shot targets after practicing pivot points, up-down drills, walking moves and other physically challenging tasks.
"We are trying to provide realistic training for our guys so that when they go downrange it isn't the first time they have done it," he said.
Training together, Zackery said, allows the combat forces to become familiar with each other's methods and improves communication - the key for multinational troops working side by side in combat zones.
"On the battle ground you have to close on the enemy, communicate with each other, then shoot and move with the enemy," Zackery said.
If elements can't communicate, Zackery said, the mission will not be successful.
TACP's diverse experiences require their members to be comfortable and flexible when working with combat units from all backgrounds. The training received at GTA enhances the troops' opportunities to hone these skills.
"This training is the best I've had since I've been back from Iraq," said Air Force Senior Airmen Richard Garrett, 1st Air Support Operations Squadron.
"This is who we deal with on a day to day basis. We don't just support United States Army units, we support all other countries."
Service members who don't always get to work with diverse units are also pleased to discover how much they can learn from other branches and countries when it comes to training here.
"I think the young Marines that are here with us are going to come away with a better understanding of how the different services do the same job, basically, that we do," U.S. Marine Sgt. Travis Henderson, 3rd Anglico from Terminal Island, Ca., said.
"It's the same mission, but we all use different equipment and different ways to get the job done."
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