Photo By Master Sgt. Caleb Barrieau | Among the 130 Americans taking part in IR 13 are soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 7th...... read more read more
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ZAGREB, CROATIA — There is always a certain array of color and curiosity in any multi-national military exercise in Europe. Uniforms are different, the sounds of many languages in the air, which soldiers can tell the most farfetched war stories or who has the best beer. It’s fun and a key component towards building trust and confidence among soldiers.
But during the Immediate Response 13 (IR13) Exercise ongoing in Zagreb Croatia, there is a different and curious sight for the Europeans taking part. It’s those black cowboy hats, from Texas, walking around and they soon learn “The CAV” is here.
Among the 130 Americans taking part in IR 13 are soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 7th U.S. Cavalry Regiment from Fort Hood. Texas.
Thirty-five officers and soldiers are supporting this regional cooperation exercise as one of the multinational battalions in support of a Croatian led Brigade.
This is all new to the men of Fort Hood but also the start of a new direction for them. These soldiers and their parent unit the 1st Brigade Combat Team of 1st Cavalry Division are now a regionally aligned brigade in support of European Command (EUCOM) under a program called the NATO Response Force (NRF).
“This is new for my soldiers, their deployment experience is either Afghanistan or Iraq maybe Kuwait, so this is a completely novel experience for all of us,” Squadron Commander Lt.Col. Jay Miseli explained.
Miseli said he and his men are looking forward to their one year alignment with EUCOM, that there was much to be learned from the other armies that he was enjoying working with.
“We are very fortunate to have highly capable peers across the globe and the three partner battalions we are dealing with here are each extremely professional.” He added, “Every fight in the future will be a multi-national fight.”
Miseli’s men have also had an opportunity to get to know their partners in a far different way and with fewer restrictions than they had in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“We have played sports, run with them, have had dinners with the various nations,” he explained that was not possible in their other deployments.
Miseli said his men take great pride in representing the “CAV” in Europe. He said his brigade’s motto is, “Relationships plus credibility equals freedom of action.”
“Our feeling is that when you are in the First Cavalry Division you are expected to provide a level of expertise which provides credibility.”
These Americans are learning as well. Miseli explained that his group has only had limited experience in the Decisive Action environment. He said IR 13 is helping to focus his men on the year to come as part of the response force.
“Our Division felt this was a great opportunity for us to integrate into USAREUR and to also build our skill sets.”
Then as part of a coalition he felt his men would be more comfortable and more in tune with partner units.
“If I’m told I have to fight with the Slovenians or the Croatians or the Brits I know I will have great partners no matter what.”
And what about the novelty of the Stetsons?
“They [the partners] know it’s not just a cowboy hat, they know “The CAV” is here,” Miseli smiled with pride.
| Date Taken: | 08.25.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 08.25.2013 18:19 |
| Story ID: | 112570 |
| Location: | ZAGREB, HR |
| Web Views: | 523 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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