Royal Canadian Air Force trains during Mountain Roundup 2013

Published Oct. 17, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Brittany A. Chase
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Parking lots were empty, buildings deserted and people were few at Gowen Field, Idaho.
While the government shutdown is limiting U.S. involvement in the exercise, foreign militaries such as the Royal Canadian Air Force are still free to participate in the Mountain Roundup 2013 training exercise.

"Mountain Roundup gives the pilots as well as the maintainers the experience of working with other countries," said RCAF Master Cpl. Sarah Nantel, 409th Tactical Fighter Squadron air frame technician. "Seeing how we operate and then seeing how they operate, really gives us the opportunity to learn from each other."

The exercise, which is part of the German Air Force Tornado Fighter Weapons Instructor Course Mission Employment Phase, is a multinational and multiservice exercise which allows each respective unit to participate in realistic and safe training in the 7,500 square miles of operational range.

"Mountain Roundup gives us an opportunity to work hand-in-hand with other nations as a squadron, bettering how we learn and work together," said Nantel. "Back home in Canada, we have two different crews in our squadron and when we deploy, they mismatch those crews."

Flying against different aircraft, makes it a beneficial learning experience for everyone involved.

"Being able to 'fight' against other jets is great because we don't have this unique opportunity often," said RCAF Capt. Chris Allan, 409th TFS CF-18 pilot. "The intelligence briefings have to be on-point and we have to use the advantages of our jets when flying against opponents."

The varying factors pilots endure while flying makes them think outside the box when figuring out their next move against an opponent.

"We have to change our tactics depending on if our adversaries are more maneuverable, which helps to drive our tactics," said Allan. "With all these varying factors, we have to account the fact we come from different training backgrounds, so our opponents don't always react the way we'd expect them to."

The diverse scenarios Mountain Roundup provides will help continually build the combat proficiency of all units involved.

"This is a perishable skill; if you don't practice, you will get rusty," said Allan. "Coming to the United States and being able to participate, while receiving important experience, really helps us hone in on our skills and stay proficient."

Despite being away from home, the hospitality members of the RCAF have received has been exceptional.

"The Americans are very patriotic," said Nantel. "I can go out in uniform, serving my country and I will still get thanked by Americans for serving. The support and respect Boise has given us is amazing."

Working hard to get their mission accomplished is the main priority for the RCAF but teambuilding has been a big part of the exercise as well.

"Being able to work with the U.S. and other countries boosts our morale," said Nantel "Knowing we can always count on our U.S. counterparts to help us when needed, really shows the camaraderie we have with one another."

Royal Canadian Air Force trains during Mountain Roundup 2013

Royal Canadian Air Force trains during Mountain Roundup 2013

Royal Canadian Air Force trains during Mountain Roundup 2013

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