Maj Rodrigo Magalhães
Exercise CORE (Combined Operations and Rotation Exercise) is the result of the search for greater interoperability between the Brazilian and the American Armies, in order to constitute troops capable of operating together, in a contemporary environment of multiple threats, and in all spectrums of the conflict. For this purpose, an Exercise Plan was elaborated foreseeing the participation of troops from both armies in exercises held alternately in Brazil and the United States.
The first action of this Plan, under the 12th Light Infantry Brigade (Aeromobile), was Exercise CORE 21. For this purpose, the troops of the Air Mobile Brigade were exhaustively prepared, with SU and fractions that would be certified going through a routine of instructions, inside the barracks, followed by field exercises called ARATU. Thus, the troops carried out Exercises ARATU I, II, III and IV, focusing initially on small fractions (ARATU I, II and III) and ending with the execution of an exercise at the unit level (ARATU IV) in situations similar to those that would be found in the Combined Exercise.
Once the preparation was completed, Exercise CORE 21 took place between November 28 and December 18, 2021. In this exercise, an American SU from the 101st Airborne Division joined the FT Amv 5th BIL in the context of the certification of the Airborne Brigade, held at the Academia Militar das Agulhas Negras (AMAN). On that occasion, the Airborne Division carried out an Aeromobile Assault; maintained a Bridgehead for 48 hours; and, after joining, went through a phase of Operations Against Irregular Forces in which it carried out actions in urban and rural areas. The exercise was conducted in a context of combined operations, with forces from both countries being employed to safeguard fundamental rights and ensure peace.
Exercise CORE 21 was marked by a great availability of means and resources, which had positive impacts for all participants and for the Brazilian Army. The efficient training of our “Mobile Air Brigade” and the participation of troops of various types and specialties allowed us to perform a wide range of tasks in all combat roles. The use of modern resources for training control, made available by the Training Centers East and South, brought great realism to the exercise.
The integration of the Airborne Brigade with the Army Aviation, the Cia Prec Pqdt, the 2nd BECmb and the 2nd BPE allowed for a synergic and efficient work. COTER’s coordination, the support and guidance from the 2nd DE and the support from AMAN allowed the exercise to take place under excellent conditions.
Thus, the convergence of the efforts of all these actors resulted in an exercise with a high degree of professionalism, contributing to increased confidence in the capabilities of the Brazilian Army.
Another relevant aspect was the level of cooperation achieved between the Brazilians and the US Army military. The foreign officers assigned to compose the DIREx were incorporated into the team and were able to participate in the activities in an environment of broad cooperation and camaraderie. In the same way, the ME and the US SU integrated to the FT Amv 5th BIL performed their functions in total synergy with the command and with the other fractions of the unit. As a result, it was possible to create a working environment focused on solving problems in a cooperative and non-competitive manner, characterizing the high degree of integration between the Brazilian and US military.
After the end of Exercise CORE 21, the preparation for the exercise to be held in the United States began. In this context, the SU participating in Exercise CORE 21, taking advantage of its expertise in this activity, was the same selected to act in Exercise CORE 22, continuing in training, conducting exercises ARATU V, VI and VII and finishing its preparation in June this year.
Exercise CORE 22 is planned to take place between August 4th and September 7th, 2022. In this activity, the Brazilian SU of the 5th BIL will reinforce the 2nd Battalion of the 506th White Currahee Infantry Regiment during the certification of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team RAKKASANS, belonging to the 101st Airborne Division, which will take place at the JRTC (Joint Readiness Training Center), located at Fort Polk, Leesville, Louisiana, USA.
All the work done so far has been characterized by the strenuous training executed by the troops of the 12th Light Infantry Brigade (Aeromobile). The quantity of exercises already carried out and the variety of means available allowed for the acquisition of many lessons and good practices that will improve the capabilities of the air mobile troop in different contexts: in doctrinal changes; in the way exercises and training are carried out; in the most adequate equipment; in the formation of the air mobile fighter and other related specialties; and in the aspects observed and detailed in the reports of each exercise carried out.
From the above, it can be concluded that the main reflex of the actions already carried out, up to now, contribute to a greater approximation between the armies of both countries, as a result of the professionalism and the operationality of the Brazilian military, as well as the high level of interoperability among troops, thus creating better conditions for future combined operations.
Finally, all the activities carried out form the necessary foundation for the Brazilian troops to represent the country well on foreign soil. It is hoped that the success obtained in Exercise CORE 21 will be repeated in Exercise CORE 22, consolidating the bonds of camaraderie and trust already established.
*** Translated by the DEFCONPress Team***