Visit from USA Space Branch
By LTC Josef Oswald, DEU-A, Deputy Department Director SET, 15 Jun 22
LTC USA-AF Ritter, a former Course Director at the NSO, took some of the young cadets of the USA Space Branch (AFROTC Detachment 305) to visit Europe and, amongst others, planned a stop in Oberammergau. The visit served two purposes: to show the cadets that there are professional opportunities outside the US and to engage in networking and cooperation between allies quite early.
Monday morning started with a Bavarian breakfast with the motto "US Cadets meet Weisswurscht" or better said "Never put ketchup on a Weisswurscht"!
After that, the group, guided by LTC Oswald and accompanied by Mr. Josef Beranek – lending his skills as a photographer - departed to Mittenwald. The Commander of the Mountain Infantery School, LTC Gerrit Reichinger, welcomed the cadets and organised a unique day. After an introduction briefing, executed by his deputy LTC Martin Spenzberger, the visitors moved to Grainau, took the Cogwheel train up to the top of the Zugspitze and were given the opportunity to watch a special survival training for crashed helicopter teams in difficult areas. Parts of the training included Igloo construction or roping in dangerous areas with bad weather conditions. The motivation, dedication, the knowledge and the capabilities of the instructors were impressive!
In the late afternoon the cadets returned to PARTENKIRCHEN where LTC Oswald showed them around the former Olympic Stadium (1936 Winter-Games), where the 4 Hills Tournament takes place every year. This was followed by a guided tour through Partenkirchen old-town-district, executed by Mr. Beranek. Supported by the NRC Team, they finished the day with a BBQ.
On their second day the cadets got to experience Bavarian "Wiener and Debreziner", a guided tour through NSO and a briefing on NSO's tasks and capabilities given by USA-N CDR Jeff Frost. In the afternoon the cadets had the opportunity to experience the German shooting range simulator in the Werdenfels barracks in Murnau. The cadets along with LTC Ritter were grateful for the experiences.
For an impression from the top of the Zugspitze on 30 May 22, please refer to the → video posted on our LinkedIn Site