U.S., Slovenian militaries discuss joint response to potential threats

Sept. 16 (UPI) -- As U.S. and Slovenian troops wrapped up a joint exercise, military officials from both countries met to discuss their response to potential threats, according to the U.S. Air Force.

The two sides discussed the countries' partnership for Agile Combat Employment, an operating concept intended to ensure USAFE-AFAFRICA can swiftly respond to threats with troops dispersing and delivering airpower from remote or other challenging locations, the Air Force said on Wednesday.

The U.S side of the meeting included Gen. Jeff Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander; and Brig. Gen. Jason E. Bailey, 31st Fighter Wing commander at Aviano Air Base, Italy.

They met with BG Roman Urbanč, deputy chief of the general staff of the Slovenian armed forces; and Slovenian armed forces Col. Janez Gaube, 15th Wing commander at Cerklje ob Krki Air Base in Slovenia.

The two met on the last day of Agile Wyvern, an exercise that involved F-16 Fighting Falcons and support equipment from the 31st Fighter Wing.

During the exercise, U.S. and Slovenian troops conducted Agile Combat Employment training by rapidly dispersing F-16s from Aviano AB to Cerklje, while support personnel and equipment operated from another location.

"The success of Agile Combat Employment rests on working closely with our NATO allies and partners," Bailey said in a statement.

"It is a fundamental element of our security cooperation efforts, such as key leader engagements, subject matter expert exchanges, and exercises like Agile Wyvern which we conducted with our joint and Slovenian armed forces partners," Bailey said.

The training was the capstone event for the 31st Fighter Wing to achieve Agile Combat Employment operational capability.