By participating in training events like the 2nd BCT’s FTX, the units are able to identify and fix interoperability challenges before deploying and operating together on a GRF deployment. Integrating 3 PARA’s B Coy. into the 1-325th AIR provided both forces an opportunity to identify friction points.
“The nature of these operations, it’s important to iron out all the differences so the coalition is running as smooth as possible when we hit the ground, said Whittle. “That enables us to work to the airborne timeline, which is faster paced than normal, and it specifically enabled our company to work in an integrated role along with the other companies of the (1-325th AIR) Red Falcons.”
Interoperability requires more than simply understanding each other’s maneuver TTPs; it requires training on each other’s equipment, synchronizing communication and information sharing systems, as well as developing logistics solutions. The Red Falcons and 3 PARA have spent weeks identifying and adapting to those challenges.

“The day-to-day, bringing them in as part of our team, and operating on the ground, that has been seamless. It’s been a pleasure to work with them, a very disciplined, very professional organization.”

“Across the whole of our company group assets, (integrating rifle platoons, snipers, a lot of support elements), we’ve done specific, on-camp training as well as training in the field on the ground,” said Whittle. “We’ve covered low-level tactics up to company level and battalion information sharing, comms (communications) and everything that enabled us to deploy on the ground.”
Having British forces on Fort Bragg has created a novel experience for the Paratroopers of both countries. The two units have done more than prepare for, and execute, a field exercise. They’ve also conducted physical training and team building events to help forge bonds and esprit de corps. For many, the overall experience has been overwhelmingly positive.
“It’s really been a unique and phenomenal experience so far,” said Lt. Col. Kenneth Burgess, commander of the 1-325th AIR. “The day-to-day, bringing them in as part of our team, and operating on the ground, that has been seamless. It’s been a pleasure to work with them, a very disciplined, very professional organization.”

The B Coy., 3 PARA commander believes the shared history of both units plays an important role in interoperability success now and in the future.
“I think the main thing to take back is that they have their brothers here in the 82nd. We’ve had pretty much the same sort of history all the way in World War II,” said Gaukroger. “These are what you should see as your brothers when you see them around the world. We are very similar and the soldiers themselves are also taken aback by how similar it is being with the Red Falcons here as it is being within 3 PARA.”

“This is just one aspect of that relationship that’s been successful in the past and no doubt will continue to be a success in the future.”

Going forward, both the 82nd Abn. Div. and 16th Air Asslt. Bde. plan to maintain readiness through continued small-unit exchanges hosted by both countries’ militaries, and progress to larger-scale, combined exercises intended to refine interoperability TTPs. According to the Red Falcon commander, there is good reason to be optimistic of the likelihood of success for the integration of British and American paratroopers.
“Our doctrine, our techniques are very similar,” said Burgess. “I think a lot of that is due to shared experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan over the last 12 plus years.”
The B Coy. executive officer expressed a similar sentiment.
“I think it’s just building on the relationship that we already have,” said Whittle. “This is just one aspect of that relationship that’s been successful in the past and no doubt will continue to be a success in the future.”