US Army National Guard Soldiers train alongside NATO Allies in Germany

SENNELAGER, Germany - As day turned to dusk, raindrops hammered cobblestone roads while several members of Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), New Hampshire Army National Guard, marched toward their notional target. With camouflage painted across their faces, they moved for miles alongside their counterparts, the 4th Battalion, Royal Yorkshire Regiment, also known as "4 R YORKS," of the British Army. Together, they were headed toward their final mission of Exercise RHINO HEART.

From June 8-23, 2024, the 10 NHARNG Soldiers integrated with U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers from Maryland, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Montana, along with more than 500 personnel from U.K. and Germany Reserve units at the Normandy Barracks in Sennelager.

"The first day was a steep learning curve, but we quickly figured out how to operate as one force," said Staff Sgt. Nathan Dullea, training NCO and squad leader for Charlie Company. "We learned a lot of small things from each other that we can integrate into our own standard operating procedures."

Dullea described the infantry exercise as a test of adaptability.

"Working closely with the British soldiers was incredibly beneficial," he said.

This collaborative event, led by the leadership of the 19th Light Brigade, British Army, represented the largest deployment of British Army Reserves since the Cold War. The event emphasized NATO's commitment to collective defense and interoperability, aiming to strengthen alliances and reinforce NATO's deterrence with its reserve units.

For Spc. Noah Phillips, a rifleman with Charlie Company, the first day was a steep learning curve.

"We had to learn each other's tactics, command structure, and even lingo," said Phillips, discussing the challenges of integrating with another unit. By the end, it felt like we had gotten all the growing pains out of the way."

Phillips' sentiments were echoed by Sgt. Jacob Desrosiers, a fire team leader with the unit.

"We were thrown together and had to achieve our objectives," said Desrosiers, who emphasized the importance of training with international allies. "It was worthwhile training."

"Getting to know the British soldiers and understanding their approach to military operations was eye-opening," Desrosiers added. "It was incredibly beneficial. We learned new tactics and built lasting relationships that proves that combining our strengths makes us all better."

The exercise was meticulously designed to enhance readiness among the NATO Allies by emphasizing war-fighting capabilities. Participants engaged in comprehensive training scenarios encompassing defense strategies, attack maneuvers, urban operations, detailed planning, and execution at the various unit levels. This multi-level approach tested tactical proficiency while strengthening cooperation and mutual understanding among the multi-national forces.

"It was an amazing opportunity," said 2nd Lt. Martin Brown, a British liaison with the 4 R YORKS, attached to Charlie Company. "I've enjoyed working with the Americans because, as much as I could teach them from our doctrine, I also learned a lot from how they did it.

"From a leadership perspective, it gave me great insight into how the Americans do their skills and drills," he added.

Brown added while there were moments of stress due to differing doctrines, the overall experience was positive and valuable for both sides. He observed the integration and teamwork between the U.S. and British forces as both successful and beneficial.

"Overall, it's been amazing," Brown added. "The lads I was with seemed to have enjoyed themselves as much as we did."

The integration was at the tactical and personal level, building camaraderie through shared challenges and successes. Lance Cpl. Stephen Parker, acting as the section second-in-command, 4th Battalion, 4 R YORKS, British Army, reflected on the historical ties between the U.S. and the U.K.

"It's been a great insight to see how the Americans work," said Parker. "Historically, America and Britain have worked closely together, and this exercise embodies that relationship.

"It also proves our readiness and the need for the U.K. Reserves and the National Guard to continue training together," Parker added.

The U.S. Army makes a difference in global security by initiating and maintaining strong alliances and partnerships.

This exercise became a pivotal moment for the members of Charlie Company. When returning to their units, they brought back enhanced capabilities and a new found confidence in their abilities.

"Training with them was a huge help," said Phillips. "If we have to fight together in a real-life situation, we've already gotten the growing pains out of the way. It's very beneficial."

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