Sam Morris

Maj. Paul Kirmis says Green Flag training missions at Nellis Air Force Base prepare units from other nations for deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. About a recent exercise with French pilots, he says: “Their professionalism and displayed capabilities do reassure me that our allies in Afghanistan are up to the task.”

By Megan McCloskey (contact)

Wed, Nov 19, 2008 (2 a.m.)

Nellis Air Force Base has the unique mission of hosting foreign militaries for combat training. In recent weeks, pilots from Singapore, Greece, France and Spain have flown over our valley.

One exercise, called Green Flag, helps pilots coordinate with ground forces. Red Flag hones air-to-air combat skills. Maj. Paul Kirmis, a 36-year-old pilot who was last deployed to Afghanistan, participated in recent Green Flag training with the French.

How do these kinds of exercises help missions in Iraq and Afghanistan?

Because U.S. and coalition air and ground crews train with an Army brigade at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif., they become familiar with the kinds of missions they will fly in combat and how to interact with the Army. They also are trained with air traffic controllers who, in combat, will coordinate the forces on the ground with air support.

Because we’ve long been allies with the French, is there anything new to learn about working together, or is it more about practice?

Close air support is constantly evolving with new weapons, sensors and tactics. So yes, we are learning from each other’s combat experiences and are incorporating that into our training. We’re also learning how to better integrate French and U.S. fighters in close-air support, and how to integrate French and U.S. joint terminal air controllers on the ground.

Do the combat scenarios seem more real when deployment is likely?

Because Green Flag prepares units deploying to either Iraq or Afghanistan, each training sortie is structured to be as realistic and relevant as possible, within our safety limitations. Being close to deploying does add a sense of focus and importance to the training.

What about the French pilots surprised you?

Nothing, really. I expected them to be professional and capable, and that’s exactly what they were. Their professionalism and displayed capabilities do reassure me that our allies in Afghanistan are up to the task.

Did they get American military humor or was there a bit of culture clash with that?

Nope, no culture clash. We shared lots of stories, experiences and laughs. There were times when bits and pieces of conversation got lost in translation, but overall the French — who had to pass an English language competency test before coming here — spoke and understood American English very well.

During off hours, did the Nellis airmen show the French a good time befitting of Las Vegas?

Absolutely.