The Joint Special Operations Command is leading a training course delivered by US instructors

This exercise has helped to improve joint planning and the interoperability of special air operations

The Joint Special Operations Command (MCOE) has led a training exercise delivered by instructors from the Special Operations Aviation Advisory Directorate (SOAAD) of the United States’ 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), with the aim of promoting joint planning of special operations aviation and interoperability between rotary-wing units and special operations units of the Spanish Armed Forces.

The activity took place as part of the bilateral cooperation between Spain and the United States in the field of special operations, as part of the effort led by MCOE to strengthen and improve interoperability between special operations capabilities.

Specifically, personnel from rotary-wing (RW) units with special operations roles from the Army and the Navy took part (the Army’s Aeromobile Forces, the Navy’s Aircraft Flotilla and the 48th Wing of the Air and Space Force), as well as from the Operations Command (MOE) and the Naval Special Warfare Force (FGNE).

The joint participation of these units enabled the sharing of procedures, experiences and best practice in the field of special air operations planning, thereby promoting interoperability between the various participating capabilities and helping to improve planning and coordination processes.

Specifically, the methodology employed was based on joint and collaborative planning, bringing together pilots, crews, planners and operational team leaders working within simulated scenarios.

In the words of the commander of the Joint Special Operations Command (CMCOE), Major General Ángel R. Herrezuelo Pérez, “having the SOAAD on board has provided a significant boost to this type of training activity, enabling its extensive and up-to-date expertise in the use of aerial assets in the field of special operations to be transferred to national capabilities”

The joint involvement of personnel from the helicopter units and special operations forces made it possible to approach planning from a holistic perspective: aircraft, crew, special operations forces, command and coordination. Furthermore, it has helped to identify requirements, coordination procedures and critical aspects for the joint deployment of rotary-wing assets in support of special operations, thereby helping to prepare the units for future exercises and activities in joint and multinational environments.

Activities of this kind highlight the importance of the MCOE as the national reference body for the coordination, interoperability and development of joint special operations capabilities.