Joint exercise concludes

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shane M. Phipps
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  The annual Mountain Roundup exercise will wrap up March 23, after two weeks where multiple services and nations flying sorties nearly every day simulated future joint operations.

The primary function of this exercise was to complete the final stage of the German air force Weapons Instructor Course. However, due to an impressive range complex encompassing more than 187 square miles of airspace in Idaho, Oregon and Nevada, MHAFB offered a valuable training experience for all participants.

"The biggest advantage is the target sets they have out here are very realistic," said Marine Capt. Derek Mills, squadron pilot VMA-513 Marine attack squadron. "So when you're actually trying to put a bomb on a target, it's no kidding what you can expect to see in real life."

Along with realistic targets, the immensity of the range complex also provides an invaluable training opportunity for participants.

"The Mountain Home range complex is a phenomenal place," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Brian Hardeman, Deputy Commander of the 42nd Radar Squadron in Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada. "It provides various opportunities from air-to-air and air-to-ground, making it a good support base to host this kind of exercise."

With as unique a training platform as MHAFB, members from multiple nations and services have been able to truly appreciate what each brought to the table.

"It is extremely valuable to be out here training with different nations, from Singapore troops to Canadian," said Oberstleutnant (equivalent to Lt. Col.) Björn Jansen, German detachment commander. "It is a valuable experience to learn how other countries operate to meet similar mission requirements."

For the Canadian participants, the exercise provides more than just a practical training environment. It offers an important learning experience as well.

"It's great being able to work with different elements of the American military, not only the Air Force but also the Marines," explained Royal Canadian Air Force 1st Lt. Marc Raven, scheduling officer with the 42nd RS. "It's a great learning experience because Airspace is managed differently here than Canada. The size and dimensions of the airspace are different, so it gives us an opportunity to practice our skills in a different environment rather than simply getting use to the same airspace for every mission."

This is the third year in a row the troops from Canada have participated in this exercise, and they couldn't have been more pleased.

"We are just happy to be invited and able to participate in this exercise," declared Hardeman. "The United States, Canada and Germany are all part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and being able to come together here we can ensure we are all operating on the same page."

All participants are aware of the numerous benefits an exercise of this magnitude can provide.

"It's best to practice how you play," explained Marine Staff Sgt. Christopher Delvalle, ejection seat mechanic with the Marine detachment here. "It's never going to just be a Marine unit by itself supporting other Marines. We will work with whatever is available in the way of different units and countries, so if we can practice like that here, when we go down range it makes us that much more effective."