HOLSTEBRO, Denmark – NATO allies participating in the upcoming Nordic Tank Challenge came together for training on the Tactical Team Training Simulator May 21-22, 2016 in Holstebro, Denmark.



The training allowed Soldiers participating in the event the opportunity to become familiar with the Leopard 2 A5 Main Battle Tank, which will be used by most of the NATO countries during the competition.



Participants from the U.S. trained on the Leopard via the simulator, but will use the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank throughout the competition.

The Tactical Team Training Simulator is made up of computerized Leopard tanks located in portable containers. Each container includes realistic gunner, loader, driver and commander stations.



“The simulator is comprised of 6 tanks in 3 containers, with an instructor’s station,” said Warrant Officer Class II Soeren Olesen, a master gunner and Tactical Team Training Simulator instructor with the Royal Danish Army. “With the instructor’s station, we can monitor the crews throughout their operations.”



With their instructor’s station, Olesen said they can provide tank crews with various combat scenarios, monitor their progress and communication, and provide beneficial feedback. He said that it’s important for the participating countries to discuss how they do things in order to share best practices.



“If one country does something differently than another, it’s good to discuss why to see if that’s the better way,” Olesen said.



Although they will be operating on a familiar platform with the M1 Abrams, Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, felt as if the simulator provided a great opportunity to learn the functions and capabilities of their ally’s main battle tank.



“I think it’s awesome that we’re getting to learn another nation’s tank and see how they train,” said Pfc. Chandler Smith, an M1 armor crewman with Delta Co., 3rd Bn., 69th Armor Regt. “In the day that I’ve been here, I’ve learned a ton. It’s been awesome.”



Smith said he’s looking forward to showing off the capabilities of the M1 Abrams during the competition. He said it will be interesting to see it operate alongside the Leopard, which is used by the remaining six countries during the challenge: Denmark, Poland, Germany, Sweden, Norway and Canada.



“I think the Abrams will do well in the competition,” he said. “Each tank has its advantages and disadvantages, but I think the Abrams will perform very well.”



While the training was in preparation for the Nordic Tank Challenge, Olesen hoped the Soldiers used the information and knowledge gained to become familiar with their NATO allies’ tactics, techniques and procedures.



“Even though they will be competing next week, I want them to gain as much knowledge as possible so that they can learn from each other,” said Olesen. “I think it’s more than a competition. It’s very important that we learn something, see how others do it and question if we’re doing things the right way.”



The Nordic Tank challenge will take place May 23 – 26 in Holstebro, Denmark. Throughout the event, participants will be graded on skills to include tank maneuvering, firing, ammunition loading, first aid and repairs.

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