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

Tirana, Albania – Earlier today, Lieutenant General Luan Hoxha, the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Albania, Vice Minister of Defense, Mr. Petrit Karabiana   and Lieutenant General Jack Gardner joined distinguished visitors from countries participating in Exercise Cooperative Longbow/Lancer 2007 to get a first hand look at the training being conducted at the Zall Herr Garrison.  

“As you can see by the demonstration, we have taken this exercise very seriously,” said Lieutenant General Hoxha after seeing the camp security demonstration. “We have participated in both parts of the exercise and have done everything to ensure maxim integration.  We have been very successful at coordinating all the aspects of the exercise to make it a success and a great training opportunity for our soldiers.”

Senior government and military representatives from Albania and participating countries had an opportunity to view demonstrations which combine skills the soldiers have been learning since their arrival.  The demonstrations included camp security, check point, house search, and convoy and casualties evacuation.

“I am very pleased by the support and participation of the Albanian Forces, at all the levels, and the military component of the exercise,” said Lieutenant General Jack Gardner, Deputy Commander Allied Land Component Command Heidelberg. “I have also had an opportunity to speak with senior military officials and I’m very impressed by their vision.”

Multi-national exercises add to the experience and increase the effectiveness of participating nations whether involved in an overseas mission, training or preparing to deploy.  The multinational environment allows soldiers to exchange information and put into practice training after learning from other counties. Exercises like Cooperative Longbow/Lancer 2007 further stress the importance of standardizing procedures when working together.