German officers train with Montana National Guard in officer exchange program

FORT HARRISON, Mont.— Five German Army officers are embedded with Montana National Guard units for two weeks as part of exercises meant to build ties between allied militaries.

Captain Peter Schmunk is in the United States and Montana for the first time through the German-American Reserve Officer Exchange Program. He has spent the past week in Montana and said the program gave both sides a closer look at how each military operates.

"Give us an insight on how the National Guard works and maybe give them a bit of perspective of how the German side works out," said Captain Peter Schmunk.

Schmunk said one of the biggest takeaways is how much Montana’s National Guard and German homeland defense forces have in common.

"I think it’s important just to see the similarities, the differences, see what we can learn from each other and profit from each other. Because all of us have their civilian lives and their military careers and everybody brings something different to the table," said Captain Peter Schmunk.

Major Dr. Luca Manca also took part in the visit. He explained that exchanges like this mattered because allied forces may need to work together in future conflicts.

"If it comes to combat, we will probably not fight alone so it’s very important to align our mindsets, our trainings, our standard operating procedures to see how the other is fighting and what we can learn from each other," said Major Dr. Luca Manca.

Manca and Schmunk are expected to remain in Montana through next week as they continue training and learning alongside Montana soldiers.