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Dutch partnership emphasizes innovations in training

  • Published
  • By Capt. Rose Richeson
  • Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  When the commander of the Royal Netherlands air force took office in May 2008, the first thing on his mind was defining the future vision for his force of 10,000 members.

Lt. Gen. J.H.M.P. "Jac" Jansen's focus is on the topics of remotely piloted aircraft, strategic airlift and space, all areas in which the U.S. Air Force is experienced. Thus, the general found himself visiting Air Education and Training Command headquarters Feb. 14-16 for a closer look at lessons learned by the U.S. Air Force in those fields.

"I think our footprint in AETC is rather big because of the number of people who train in the United States which is due to most of the systems we operate being made here," General Jansen said. "Our goal for this visit is to get an overall view of the training possibilities and the philosophy behind them."

In addition to a one-day trip to attend the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program graduation at Sheppard AFB, Texas, the Netherland's top Airman spent time with Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, AETC commander, learning about expeditionary training, cyber training, advanced technology in the classroom and employment of the Joint Strike Fighter.

Pete Marth, Security Assistance and Training Program manager for the Netherlands, briefed General Jansen on AETC's international training construct and how it affects the 106 Netherland students programmed for training in the U.S. this year.

"The Netherland's participation in NATO and international training exercises, such as Red Flag, has prepared us well for coalition operations," General Jansen said. "As a small country, we cannot execute such a mission in isolation and must participate as part of a coalition."

Such cooperation is not only important to the Netherland's expeditionary forces supporting contingency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, but to honor their commitment to a 30-year Strategic Airlift Capability program involved in humanitarian assistance endeavors such as providing aid to the people of Haiti affected by the January earthquake.

"With 500 flight hours, the Netherlands is the third largest participant in the SAC C-17 program," the general said referring to the Heavy Airlift Wing's multinational partnership to collectively solve global heavy airlift issues. "The success of the program is vital to the enlargement of our expeditionary capability and strengthening the bonds with our military allies."

Netherland Airmen receive some of their aircrew training in Nashville, Tenn., by the 118th Airlift Wing Air National Guard unit. The decision to participate in the international training program stems from a 2008 visit to the U.S. by General Jansen's predecessor. In the near future, the RNAF hopes to be sending load masters to the U.S. for C-130 training.

With the evolving technologies of both air forces, the next major program is proving to be employment of the Joint Strike Fighter. Robert Gates, U.S. Secretary of Defense, announced Feb. 1 that he believes the restructured F-35 program is on track to become the backbone of U.S. air superiority for the next generation.

"The U.S. Air Force are, and the Royal Netherland's air force hopefully will be, employing fifth generation fighters requiring us to rethink our way of training and operating with manned aircraft," General Jansen said.

Innovation is crucial to the survival of any organization, the general said, adding that continuing to develop joint training programs for the benefit of both nations is paramount with the focus on sharing lessons learned and reducing costs.

"Without excellent crews our sophisticated systems are useless," General Jansen said.