WEST FREUGH, Scotland -- Marines with 4th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company took part in exercise Joint Warrior 14, alongside the British 16th Air Assault Brigade, April 1 -10, 2014.
During the exercise, the Marines and their British counterparts traded military concepts and training techniques to better increase interoperability between the two nations.
“This is the second time in the last few months that I have had the opportunity to work with Americans,” said British Capt. Joshua Head, Fire Support Team commander, 7th Paratroopers Royal Horse Artillery, 16th AA Bde. “This has been a good event. We get to see the differences between our two forces: different kits, different equipment and different ways of doing our jobs. The lads have a fairly similar sense of humor so we can all have a good laugh when work is over and that is a very important aspect for me.”
Each nation’s force is an expert in their respective fields. However, with Marines being an amphibious force, 4th ANGLICO proudly shared their call-for-fire specialty, naval gunfire.
“I feel we have greatly contributed with our expert knowledge of naval gunfire,” said Staff Sgt. Murtice Tucker, 4th ANGLICO Supporting Arms Liaison Team, team chief. “Them being army that is something they really don’t get the chance to do. So I am grateful that we get to come here and fill in that blank for them.”
While ANGLICO assisted with naval gunfire, their British counterparts shared views on the responsibilities in their rank structure and how it relates to the Marine Corps.
“Professionally, I think it is good for the Americans to actually see how we do business between the ranks, with our junior NCOs, senior NCOs and officers,” said Head. “We put more trust, than I think any other military, in our NCOs, in regards to the training and discipline of our troops, just as the Marine Corps does.”
With this exercise being many of the Marines’ first time working with the Brits, they were impressed with what they saw.
“This has been one of the most fantastic experiences of my entire career, said Tucker. “These gentlemen are absolutely fabulous at what they do and I couldn’t have asked to work with a better group of professionals.”
These sentiments were also shared by the British.
“Being with the Marines, I can say they are definitely the best I have worked with. They have great attitudes, great mindsets and they came to learn and teach, which I think is important, coming to England ready to share knowledge and grow,” said Head.