LEAVENWORTH, Kan., - The Army National Guard's Battle Command Training Center -Leavenworth (BCTC-Lvn) recently completed Exercise Eagle Owl, a bi- lateral training exercise that brought together elements of U.S. and U.K. forces.
The two-week exercise focused on educating both U.S. and U.K. leaders on the planning process and doctrinal challenges that come with working together against a common threat, said Army Maj. Chris Miller, and operations officer for BCTC-Lvn.
The center has hosted the annual exercise since 2006, and it has since been expanded to include students from the Command and General Staff College.
Teaming up for this exercise is important, said Army Lt. Col. Dan Bilko, commander of BCTC-Lvn, because it allows for the practice of planning for brigade level operations and activities while developing and assessing student analytical and decision-making skills through practical application.
Additionally, the exercise helps participants to develop an understanding of U.S. counter-insurgent doctrine. For the U.S. Soldiers, it fosters a greater familiarity with the U.K.'s operational techniques, planning and guidelines, said BCTC-Lvn officials.
Future exercises will include a greater focus on planning for brigade combat team operations in an irregular warfare environment, such as combat against insurgent forces.
As part of that, the exercise is planned to be augmented with instruction and activity from the COIN Centre of Excellence, Human Terrain Systems, and the University of Foreign and Cultural Understanding.