Security Forces host German Air Force Reserve officer

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Erik Hofmeyer
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  The director of training for the German Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer Academy visited Homestead Air Reserve Base this week as part of the United States/Germany Reserve Officer Exchange Program.

Lt. Col. Christoph Harksen, stationed at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Headquarters, Belgium, was on a fact finding mission to gain knowledge of the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Throughout the week, the German colonel has learned how American Reserve units operate, the organizational structure, and strengthened the bonds between his American security forces comrades in arms. His findings and experiences will be compiled into a report for a presentation he'll be giving to future exchange program seminars when he returns to home station.

Lt. Col. Frank Locascio, 482nd SFS commander, served as a mentor while Colonel Harksen met with senior leaders, toured the base, and learned about the different aspects of the security forces' mission.

"We've had a meet and greet with our Airmen. We did some shooting on the firing range and met with agents from the Office of Special Investigations," Colonel Locascio said. "We've also been to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Branch on base to discuss our working relationship with federal law enforcement agents, and we're going to Miami-Dade Homeland Security Bureau on Friday."

Despite being NATO partners, the colonels noted differences in the way their countries manage their Reserve forces.

Perhaps the biggest difference is civilian police officers in Germany are prohibited from serving in the military. Colonel Harksen was surprised to learn how many reservists have careers in civilian law enforcement. The German constitution differentiates between "inner security" and "outer security." Police secure inside the country; soldiers secure outside the country, Colonel Harksen explained.

Other notable differences are that German reservists don't receive a pension after they retire from service. Also, German Reserve forces operate much like the U.S. Air Force Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) program; there are no individual Reserve units.

After his week-long stay ends on June 21, Colonel Harksen's headed up to Dobbins Air Force Base, Georgia, for another week of learning about the Air Force Reserve, and then back to his current assignment at NATO Headquarters.

"I'm very impressed by your unit. I've had a great time," Colonel Harksen said.

"It's been a great experience to work with Colonel Harksen," Colonel Locascio added. "I've also learned a lot from him and consider him a friend."