Oman: Army National Guard Arabic linguists put their skills to work in Oman

By Sgt. 1st Class Rebecca Doucette

Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. – Soldiers from the Utah Army National Guard's 300th Military Intelligence Brigade (Linguist) provided direct Arabic language support during a U.S. Army Central Command-sponsored field training exercise in Oman.

The multi-national exercise was intended to strengthen military and diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Oman and promote regional stability, by mentoring members of the Omani military forces in conducting combat operations designed to confront terrorism and irregular threats.

"The relationships being built are critical to our country because of the importance of this region, and soldiers on both sides will remember this for a lifetime," said Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Gary Callister, the Arabic linguist manager for the 300th MI Bde.

Callister and three other DLIFLC graduates traveled to Oman for the exercise along with members of the Oregon Army National Guard's 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, and a platoon from the 125th Forward Support Company, 1st Battalion, 94th Field Artillery Regiment, from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

The linguists were put right to work, translating between U.S. soldiers and the Royal Army of Oman's 11th Brigade, Western Frontier Regiment, during three days of briefings and meet-and-greet events.

"A lot of the Omani officers spoke English, but if they didn't feel comfortable enough, they wanted to have an American interpreter," said Sgt. Tyler Jiles, a linguist who took part in the exchange.

Each linguist was assigned to a platoon for the duration of the event and they turned it into a learning exercise by meeting each night to share key words they had learned. This helped each of them as their platoons rotated through the different stations, which included light infantry tactics, combat medical procedures, operational planning, and military leadership.

For some of the U.S. Soldiers, it took some time to get used to working with the linguists

Jiles explained that the troops would "just spout off a whole five-minute long conversation with no regards to … whether you're going to be able to translate it, and then, even if you could mentally translate everything, you wouldn't have the time to do it [verbally]."

That took a day or two to work out, said Jiles.

"Once they realized what our capabilities were, and saw how good we were with the material we had, and our abilities to be able to work and bridge that gap, they really appreciated us," said Jiles.

The hardest thing Jiles had to do during the mission was to describe every single part and the steps for clearing a MK19 grenade launcher, all on the fly. Even though he didn't necessarily learn those terms at DLIFLC, he was able to successfully accomplish the task.

"You use your vocab that you do have and you go around it," Jiles explained.

In addition to the challenging training, the Soldiers also shared meals, participated in sporting events, and learned about culture with the Omanis. By the end of the training, Omani and U.S. Soldiers frequently commented on the mutual respect and comfort level that developed. Many of the U.S. Soldiers said they were impressed with how interested the Omanis were to learn about them, and the Omanis were happy to see the interest the U.S. Soldiers had in their culture.

Army Staff Sgt. David Reynolds of Troop A, 1st Sqdrn., 82nd Cav. Regt., said it was the first time in his 23 years of military experience that he had been able to train with a foreign army. He said it is great to learn about their culture and military tactics.

For Army Maj. Scot Caughran, the U.S. task force commander for the event, the experience is one he said he will never forget.

"We have improved as a unit and now have an increased respect for Omani culture," he said.

Callister wrapped up the training with the observation that the 300th MI Bde. linguists helped shape key relationships to a greater of effectiveness than would have otherwise been possible without their assistance.

Oman: Oregon Guard Soldiers train with the Royal Army of Oman

By Army National Guard Spc. Cory Grogan

Oregon National Guard

RUBKUT TRAINING RANGE, Oman (4/2/12) – Oregon National Guard Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, joined the Royal Army of Oman's 11th Brigade, Western Frontier Regiment, for a U.S. Army Central sponsored training event, Jan. 17-Feb. 4.

Soldiers from the 125th Forward Support Company, 1st Battalion, 94th Field Artillery Regiment, from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. also participated in the exercise here, designed to strengthen military and diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Oman. The exercise did just that according to leadership from both armies – exceeding everyone's expectations.

Distinguished guests who visited the training site included Hamed Nasser Al Nabhani, commander of the Royal Army of Oman's 11th Brigade, Western Frontier Regiment; Army Maj. Gen Raymond Rees, adjutant general of the Oregon National Guard; Army Command Sgt. Maj. Brunk Conley, Oregon state command sergeant major; Army Maj. Gen. Gary Cheek, ARCENT deputy commanding general; and Army Col. Stanley Reedy, deputy G7 Arabian Peninsula, all of whom commented on the company's success.

"This is the best teaming event I have ever seen from any of Oman's international partners," Al Nabhani said.

The company level Field Training Exercise was conducted at the Rubkut Training Range where troops were treated to a unique, rugged landscape of rolling hills with a variety of fascinating wildlife that included camels, panthers, gazelle, eagles and lizards.

Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Gary Callister, linguist manager for the 300th Military Intelligence Brigade from the Utah National Guard, who managed three other interpreters during the training, echoed the sentiments of many soldiers by saying the bond which developed left U.S. and Omani soldiers with memories that will last a lifetime.

"The relationships being built are critical to our country because of the importance of this region, and the soldiers on both sides will remember this for a lifetime," he added.

After settling in at the training site, the event kicked off with a meet-and-greet and weapons training session. While it was clear the soldiers didn't know what to expect, they quickly began communicating and forming a mutual respect.

"I am learning things I never knew before by training with a foreign army, and even making new friends," said Army Spc. Wesley Ham, a cavalry scout.

Many of the Omanis spoke English and were able to translate. The U.S. soldiers were impressed with how interested the Omanis were to learn, and the Omanis were happy to see the interest the U.S. Soldiers had in their culture.

"We like the American Soldiers – we are learning a lot from them – I have never shot mortars or a .50-caliber machine gun, and I like it a lot," an Omani soldier said.

In addition to the challenging training, the soldiers enjoyed cultural and sports days where they shared meals, participated in sporting events, and learned about culture with the Omanis. By the end of training, Omani and U.S. soldiers frequently commented on the mutual respect and comfort level that developed.

Army Lt. Col. James Niumatalalo, ARCENT Arabian Peninsula branch chief, said the diversity of the National Guard Soldiers from Oregon allowed them to provide disciplined training while connecting with the Omanis on an interpersonal level. He said the way the Soldiers conducted their training and interaction with the Omanis left ARCENT, Omani and Oregon National Guard leadership impressed.

"The 1/82 Cavalry opened some doors out here that have never been opened before," Niumatalalo said.

The training included company-level field training, which involved light infantry tactics, combat medical procedures, operational planning and military leadership.

Army Col. Stanley Reedy said he was impressed with the level of professionalism the Soldiers and leaders from the 1/82nd Cavalry brought to the training.

"This unit is the best Army National Guard unit I have seen in my 24 years of service, they did an outstanding job partnering with the Omani soldiers and leaders," Reedy said.

Oregon's adjutant general also said he thought the Oregon troops did an excellent job while visiting the Rubkut Training Range with Conley.

"The 1st of the 82nd Cavalry has made the most of a wonderful opportunity; the Soldiers have deployed with a great attitude and thoroughly impressed their Omani counterparts," Rees said.

Army Staff Sgt. David Reynolds said it is the first time in his 23 years of military experience that he has been able to train with a foreign national army. He said it is great to learn about their culture and military tactics.

"I am impressed with the teamwork the Omanis have," Reynolds said. "It's like our teamwork, and right now we are working with them as one team."

Army Maj. Antoinette Baucom, public affairs officer for the Third Army, said the purpose of the training is to maintain and enhance the U.S. presence in Oman while strengthening military-to-military relationships that promote regional stability.

In addition to the interpreters involved in the training, Oregon and Omani soldiers found other ways to bridge the communication gap, said Army Spc. Caleb Rice, a medic with 1/82nd Cav.

"We maximized the training with all the hands-on activities – the language barrier wasn't really an issue," Rice said.

Army Maj. Erin Bagley, plans and operations officer with 1/82nd Cavalry, said the training is a great tool for the development of the Oregon squadron.

"We're looking at what works for us and how we can improve," Bagley said. "This is a great opportunity to do that."

British Capt. Nicholas Le Crerar from the British Foreign Service, a training officer for the Omani army, commented on the relationship between the U.S. and Omani soldiers on the last day of training. He said everybody came with a great attitude ready to learn throughout the training.

"You can see today that they've become great friends. They're out here shaking hands and having a bit of fun," Le Crerar said after the U.S. and Omanis participated in sporting events and shared a traditional Omani meal.

Army Maj. Scot Caughran, the U.S. task force commander for the event said the experience is one he will never forget.

"We have improved as a unit and now have an increased respect for Omani culture," he said.