German Air Force Maj. Robert Diekmann, a force protection officer assigned to German Air Force Headquarters in Berlin, completed the two-week exchange at the 115th Fighter Wing. The visit came as Germany is scheduled to receive the F-35A Lightning II aircraft in 2027.
Diekmann gained firsthand experience in U.S. force protection operations during the exchange. The program is intended to strengthen cooperation and understanding between NATO partners.
“Through this exchange, our Airmen foster people-to-people relationships that help us gain a better understanding of the training and operations of our NATO partners,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Ben Gerds, the commander of the 115th Fighter Wing. “We are honored to build these international partnerships as we move forward together.”
The Military Reserve Exchange Program was established in 1985 by the U.S. Department of War and the German Ministry of Defense. The program was created to bolster NATO partnerships and alliances, and this year marks its 40th anniversary.
“As a security forces officer, hosting Maj. Diekmann was incredibly valuable to compare tactics with a German Force Protection counterpart and see how they tackle the same challenges we do,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Andrew Schaitel, the operations officer assigned to the 115th Security Forces Squadron. “You build a lot of mutual trust just by working side-by-side every day.”
The U.S. Air Force said programs such as the exchange support professional relationships, individual growth and unit-level interoperability. The experience is intended to prepare both nations to work together more seamlessly in future operations.
“Witnessing an exercise like Sentry North and experiencing day-to-day life with Airmen are experiences I will share back in Germany,” said Diekmann. “I look forward to seeing how this exchange influences our operations.”
The exchange will continue later this year with a second phase of the program. Selected U.S. officers are expected to travel to Germany to complete that phase.
