Multinational Exercise

A French Mirage 2000 is refueled by a 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-10A Extender during a multinational exercise, Dec. 6, 2009. Aircrews from France, Jordan, Pakistan, the U.A.E., the U.K., and the U.S. trained together in the Air Forces Central area of responsibility in fighting a large-scale air war. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael B. Keller) (Released)

Multinational Exercise

An Emirati Mirage 2000 approaches a 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-10A Extender to refuel during a multinational exercise, Dec. 6, 2009. Aircrews from France, Jordan, Pakistan, the U.A.E., the U.K., and the U.S. trained together in the Air Forces Central area of responsibility in fighting a large-scale air war. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael B. Keller) (Released)

Multinational Exercise

An Emirati F-16 is refueled by a 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-10A Extender during a multinational exercise, Dec. 7, 2009. Aircrews from France, Jordan, Pakistan, the U.A.E., the U.K., and the U.S. trained together in the Air Forces Central area of responsibility in fighting a large-scale air war. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael B. Keller) (Released)

Multinational Exercise

A Pakistani F-7 conducts a training mission during a multinational exercise, Dec. 9, 2009. Aircrews from France, Jordan, Pakistan, the U.A.E., the U.K., and the U.S. trained together in the Air Forces Central area of responsibility in fighting a large-scale air war. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael B. Keller) (Released)

Multinational Exercise

Emirati F-16's, an Emirati Mirage 2000, and a Pakistani F-7, left to right, fly in formation during a multinational exercise, Dec. 9, 2009. Aircrews from France, Jordan, Pakistan, the U.A.E., the U.K., and the U.S. trained together in the Air Forces Central area of responsibility in fighting a large-scale air war. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael B. Keller) (Released)

Multinational Exercise

An Emirati F-16 disconnects from a 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-10A Extender after refueling during a multinational exercise, Dec. 9, 2009. Aircrews from France, Jordan, Pakistan, the U.A.E., the U.K., and the U.S. trained together in the Air Forces Central area of responsibility in fighting a large-scale air war. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael B. Keller) (Released)

Multinational Exercise

An Emirati F-16 conducts a training mission during a multinational exercise, Dec. 9, 2009. Aircrews from France, Jordan, Pakistan, the U.A.E., the U.K., and the U.S. trained together in the Air Forces Central area of responsibility in fighting a large-scale air war. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael B. Keller) (Released)

Airmen create partnerships in multinational exercise

Published Dec. 21, 2009
By Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski
AFCENT Combat Camera Team

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- More than 300 Airmen partnered with colleagues from five other countries for an exercise held in Southwest Asia that concluded last week.

The event began in November and simulated a "large force employment," not unlike Red Flag in the United States or similar exercises sponsored by NATO.

The exercise gave the participating nations a chance to develop solutions to potential issues that might occur during contingency operations.

Aircrews from France, Jordan, Pakistan, the U.A.E., the U.K., and the U.S. took part in simulated air battles as well as the advanced tactical leadership course, which included more than 200 hours of classroom instruction. In addition, ground crews collaborated on maintenance and security challenges.

Overall, the exercise was based around building partnerships and learning how to operate together as a unified force, said Col. John Owens, who oversees the involvement of American Airmen in the exercise as the 363rd Training Group commander.

"Our being here is a sign of our commitment in the region," Colonel Owens said. "Our goal is to enhance and develop relationships with coalition members and the local air warfare center."

Pilots learned how to be mission commanders in a coalition environment and each nation took turns in planning how to use what assets from which country for a particular mission, whether it was eliminating ground-based defenses, establishing air superiority or providing close air support.

"Different countries have different approaches to resolving issues, but we all want to achieve the same things," Colonel Owens said. "It's easier to work with someone when you understand them a little bit better and you don't want to have to figure out how to work together when you're already in combat. (The exercise) was about establishing that common ground and finding ways to work as one team."

For the enlisted crews, there were several chances to partner with their peers and solve their challenges while working in a multinational environment as well.

"With all the different countries here, there were a lot of different airframes, so everyone had great opportunities to learn from one another," said Senior Master Sgt. Paul Turner, the 363rd TRG superintendent.

To celebrate the end of the exercise, maintainers from each nation in the exercise were invited for the first-ever social event specifically held for them. The luncheon highlighted the newfound partnerships created during the exercise, and gave the enlisted men and women a relaxed environment to celebrate their successes.

"Maintenance people share a common bond of similar experiences and working extended hours, often under adverse weather conditions, to support the mission," Sergeant Turner said. "The same holds true for our coalition partners, so the opportunity to share those experiences is invaluable."

The 363rd TRG is already preparing for Airmen to be involved the next time an exercise like this is hosted.

"This exercise is important for the United States and affirms our pledge to our partners in the region that we're all on the same team," Colonel Owens said. "(The exercise gave) everyone participating better situational awareness of everyone else's capabilities, so if we ever have to work together outside of an exercise, we're already on the same page."