October 28, 2016 –
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan – A cool, hazy morning greeted the Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army as they welcomed Soldiers visiting from 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment for a live-fire exercise October 25-26, 2016, an event designed to build stronger bonds for the future.
Despite differences in language and leadership styles, the two units were able to overcome these challenges through the use of translators and linguists while weeks of using their equipment together provided the right environment for the teams to overcome any technical differences.
“We got to shoot with them for the past two weeks before this exercise,” said Spc. Lorraine Walsh, an artillery crewmember and native of Vermillion, South Dakota. “Working with them was enjoyable; the Jordanians are extremely knowledgeable with their systems.”
Two weeks of joint training amongst partners led to a culminating two-day exercise where the Jordanian and U.S. battalions worked side-by-side.
During the exercise, Americans and Jordanians, took commands from the same mission control unit a few hundred meters away.
“Maintaining interoperability within partner nations is a priority for units in USARCENT”, said U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Russell, 3rd battalion’s senior enlisted advisor. “Working with partner nations starts at the lowest level and in this case it starts at the battalion.”
Noncommissioned officers from each unit were able to share knowledge from past experiences in an information exchange between subject matter experts.
Staff Sgt. Albert Connelly, an artillery crew chief in Abel Battery, 3rd Battalion, said “we were able to give classes on the different systems we use in the machines.”
The exercise showcased the continuing cooperation within the two nations.
“Establishing, maintaining and enhancing interoperability with our coalition partners strengthens the global security framework, protects our common interests, deters conflict, and sets the conditions for future contingency operations,” said Russell. “We always look to build greater relationships with our partners.”