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

Tirana, Albania – Yesterday, soldiers taking part in Exercise Cooperative Longbow/Lancer 2007 had an opportunity to combine teamwork and sweat as they took part in a competition that stretched from the Rapid Reaction Brigade Headquarters to the home of the Commando Regiment. 

The competition involved three parts: a 2 kilometer run, a hand grenade skills competition and a live firing range.  The intent of the competition was to challenge soldiers and foster teamwork through a friendly and fair test of basic military skills.

“We at Heidelberg Headquarters are very impressed with the professionalism displayed by the troops and their taking advantage of the training value provided by exercise Cooperative Longbow/Lancer 2007,” said Lieutenant General Jack Gardner, Deputy Commander Allied Land Component Command Heidelberg. “The spirit of cooperation that exists between the participating nations is very much reflected in the challenge day competition held today.”

Teams composed of soldiers from various countries began the competition at the Rapid Reaction Brigade Headquarters with the first team crossing the start line at 9:00 a.m.  Forced to work together and support each other they made their way down the muddy and winding road towards the home of the Commando Regiment.

Once at the Commando Regiment, teams had to quickly re-gather their composure as they moved towards the grenade range.  At this stage teams were evaluated on the accuracy of throwing practice grenades into a target.  The final stage was a live fire shooting range where soldiers were tested on their ability to fire four different service rifles at a conventional firing range.

“Soldiers arrived here as members of their respective countries and today they competed as members of a multinational team,” added Lieutenant General Gardner. “This is one critical step in promoting interoperability.  In a very short time, these soldiers have displayed the characteristics required to work in a multinational atmosphere.”

The winner of the competition was 1St Platoon Alpha Company made up from soldiers from Switzerland, Belarus, USA and Israel.  In second place was 1st Platoon Charlie Company made up of soldiers from Georgia, Albania, USA and Greece, and in third place was 2nd Platoon Bravo Company with soldiers from the Ukraine and Hungary.  The spirit of competition continued into the evening as soldiers competed in a soccer tournament.