US and Spanish paratroopers jump together at ''Chinchilla''

Nearly a thousand paratroopers came together for the bilateral exercise “Sky Soldier”, which took place at the “Chinchilla” training area (Albacete) from 25 February to 3 March. The aim of the exercise was to improve the training and interoperability of parachute units from the United States and Spain.

The 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade and based in Vicenza (Italy) represented the US Army. A Parachute Tactical Team from the 2nd Battalion of the 6th Brigade “Almogávares” took part from the Spanish side.

Weather conditions had an impact on the exercise. A section of the Advanced Reconnaissance Company did the scheduled jump using the HAHO (high altitude high opening) technique. However, the assault echelon jump which had been planned could not be carried out.

At the tactical level, a section of the Spanish paratroopers was integrated into one of the American companies, whilst an American section did likewise within the Tactical Subgroup of the 2nd Battalion. In spite of the differences in the equipment used by the two Armies, procedures are very similar, which undoubtedly facilitates interoperability.