As a Graduate of the French and Belgium Commando Courses, how do others feel about attending courses from other nations ?

SFC James Asbill — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 00:28:07 -0400

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2016 12:35 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 00:35:16 -0400

I had the opportunity to participate in the final FTX for the British officer cadets at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and it was a great way to experience working as part of a multinational force and seeing how to adapt to and overcome the differences in how we do our job

Response by SFC George Smith made Sep 15 at 2016 12:50 AM

SFC George Smith — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 00:50:14 -0400

They are really educational... and do a lot to provide understanding of Host nations abilities...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2016 1:06 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 01:06:49 -0400

1. US doctrine is US Doctrine
2. Other nations have different doctrine and achieve the same results
3. Being a soldier is a universally bonding experience

These experiences are absolutely invaluable and these kind of mil-to-mil programs should be expanded.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 15 at 2016 1:16 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 01:16:25 -0400

I'm a retired Navy Spook, I worked in the US/UK/AUS/NZ community. My DIVO in Tactical Intelligence School Was Royal Navy. I don' have a Problem with it. I also helped the Royal Marines teaching US Marines RIOT Control Procedures.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2016 4:30 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 04:30:31 -0400

Last month, with the help of the US Embassy in Paris, I was the first and only American "officer" to graduate the Staff Techniques Orientation Course (SITEM) at the French Army Reserve Staff Officers College (ESORSEM).
Days were long, and lessons were tough. We have had some conferences to introduce us to different branches of the French Army, and a lot of small classes in regards to writing memos and moving troop on tactical maps followed by lengthy labs (up to 6h). I can now write "fiche etat major de synthese" to advise my chain of command on how to make their decisions. It was kind of a small BOLC for Staff Officers.

I have also applied to the IHEDN (French Institute of Higher National Defense Studies) for one of their Youth program in the Fall (I believe no cadets nor junior officiers have ever attended this seminar).

Response by SGT Tim Soyars made Sep 16 at 2016 12:43 AM

SGT Tim Soyars — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 00:43:55 -0400

I had the opportunity to attend training with the Brits, Kiwis, Germans, Koreans, and attend the Phillipino Army Jungle Warfare School. Not only did I learn a lot, but developed contact that I use even today.