Albanian and Slovakian officers visit Warrior Preparation Center

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jonathan Friedman
  • USAFE News Service
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) --  Nine Albanian and Slovakian officers visited Germany Sept. 20-23 for a familiarization visit at the Warrior Preparation Center.

The officers were shown hands-on tactics through high-tech training demonstrations at the facility, which is jointly owned by U.S. Army Europe and U.S. Air Forces in Europe. Although they were there to gain more understanding of U.S. military training tactics, the visit was much more than simulations and demonstrations.

"This type of visit fosters a common understanding of conducting exercises and simulations," said Col. Jerry Gandy, Warrior Preparation Center commander. "Our hope is that, with familiarization visits such as this, we can work together in any future exercise -- but, more importantly, in any real-world operation."

The visit was incorporated as part of the Theater Security Cooperation program, a collaborative effort between the U.S. military and its allies to counter terrorism, promote regional stability, and advance U.S. interest. Brig. Gen. Mike Snodgrass, USAFE Plans and Programs director, noted that the visit was an example of how well the TSC program is working.

"It's a pleasure to host our Slovakian and Albanian allies this week," said General Snodgrass. "This visit is another success story of how our Theater Security Cooperation program is enhancing relationships between the U.S.and our friends and partners."

While this isn't the first time that either of these countries have visited U.S. Armed Forces in Germany, this visit is unique, explained Col. Mustafa Xhemalaj, Chief of Modernization and Standardization Center for Albanian Armed Forces.

"With this visit, we're discovering ways to train our commanders and staff officers on how to fight a war in a simulated environment," said Colonel Xhemalaj. "On one hand, we're gathering philosophies and concepts on training. On the other hand, we're learning to fight a common enemy -- which is terrorism -- and contributing to peace and security not only in Albania, but in the rest of the world also."

These words were echoed by Capt. Lubos Gulas, Chief of the Slovakian Simulator Center, who noted that these types of high-tech simulations are a new form of training for the Slovakian military.

"It's very useful for us to see the U.S. military's simulations first-hand, as the simulations we use are based on U.S. software," said Captain Gulas. "This type of familiarization allows us to bring new ideas to the table when resolving global problems."