HOHENFELS, Germany – On Mar. 21, 2024, Paratroopers assigned to Task Force 82 headquarters concluded Allied Spirit 24 at Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany.
Allied Spirit is one of several exercises designed to train multinational brigades to integrate and operate with Allied and partners. Unlike other U.S. Army Europe and Africa exercises, this exercise features a NATO Ally as the primary training audience. Allied Spirit highlights a shared commitment to modernizing the force and building partner capacity amongst NATO members.
One of the major takeaways acknowledged by key leaders, was summarized in one word: opportunity.
“I’m extremely proud of what our team was able to accomplish over the past few weeks,” said Brig. David Pack, Deputy Commanding General for Plans for Task Force 82. “Our staff greatly benefited from working alongside our Allies and took advantage of the opportunity to grow and learn as a division-level headquarters.”
During the exercise, Task Force 82, from the 82nd Airborne Division, served as the higher command element to 41st Panzergrenadier Brigade. The brigade, which included several multinational enablers, served as the primary training audience for the tactical scenario. Command and staff elements from Denmark’s 1st Brigade also participated in the exercise by conducting a command post exercise in preparation for their role in future exercises.
“I don’t see this as just another exercise,” said Brigadegeneral Christian Nawrat, commander of the 41st Panzergrenadier Brigade. “I see this as a training opportunity.”
Over the course of a month, including nine days of combat-simulated operations, TF 82’s division-level staff coordinated with the brigade staff sections to synchronize command and control processes, develop complex targeting plans and conduct critical decision-making with little time and resources.
“There are many in our formation that do not get to do this type of exercise at this level with other national militaries joining us [as part of the training audience],” said Nawrat.
Over 6,000 multinational troops conducted both command post exercises in the JMRC cantonment area and tactical operations throughout the JMRC training areas.
Interoperability refers to human, technical, and procedural activities. The ability to overcome language barriers, improve systems and processes, and enhance the lethality of our formations contributes to NATO’s overall capacity to conduct future operations as a combined force.
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Task Force 82 supports the U.S. Army V Corp’s mission to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank, assure European allies and partners, and deter aggression. Task Force 82 also conducts security force assistance with NATO Allies from Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Slovakia.
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