Multimedia High resolution photos Event 7-30 Oct. 2007 Exercise Cooperative Longbow/Lancer 2007

Tirana, Albania – As the rain continues to fall at Zall Herr the training continues.  Despite the wet socks, soldiers taking part in the NATO and Partnership for Peace Exercise Cooperative Longbow/Lancer 2007 continue to move through the various stands learning about how to move in urban areas, how to extract under fire, how to react to Improvise Explosive Devises and many more tasks. 

A few days ago, they arrived in Tirana as individuals, never having an opportunity to work side by side with soldiers from other countries. The exercise has brought them together. Now, after only a few days in the training area they are truly embodying the teamwork and soldier mentality. 

“This exercise is beneficial because it builds teamwork and understanding between foreign soldiers,” said 1st Sergeant Harry Streets, from the New Jersey Army National Guard. “I have made connections with counterparts from other nations and the benefits of exchanging ideas, experiences and working together will have a positive impact on all of us.”

The exercise has now moved into stage two.  After spending the first few days learning individual skills ranging from weapons handling and firing to first aid and media training, soldiers have now moved into a collective training atmosphere.  This collective training is going to bring them closer to the final training exercise which will encompass all the training the soldiers are receiving.

“By working with other nations I have gained a better understating of their procedures and protocols,” said Cpl Sharon Bradshaw-Bullock, a medic from Northern Ireland. “Barriers have been broken down.  I may have had some preconceived ideas about roles and procedures; however, the multinational atmosphere has given me a better appreciation for the way that other nations operate.”

The exercise provides participating nations with valuable collective training opportunity in an international context.  Soldiers are learning how to work with one another, how to overcome language barriers while accomplishing objectives and the importance of aiming for the same goals.  Although they have already come very far, the exercise is not yet over.

For now, as the rain continues, the training goes on.