US, UK partners train in CFE inspection event

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eli Chevalier
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
The 48th Fighter Wing participated in a Conventional Armed Forces in Europe treaty compliance training event here, April 12.

The event involved members of the 48th FW, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, U.S. Air Forces in Europe arms control staff and the United Kingdom’s Joint Arms Control Implementation Group, who acted as the inspecting officials.

“The point of the event today is to come and assess how ready and prepared the 48th Fighter Wing is to execute an actual [Conventional Armed Forces in Europe] inspection,” said U.S. Army Major Brian Cotter, DTRA inspection officer. “We come here and train with the wing, and make sure that the organization here is adhering to all of its treaty obligations, and that we are defending our treaty rights.”

The CFE treaty was signed in 1990, and limits the amount of conventional arms and equipment signing countries can have in the European Theater. During inspections, officials from participating countries enter the base to determine whether requirements set by the treaty are being met.

“We are looking to ensure that the information provided by U.S. forces on the quantities and types of equipment here at [RAF] Lakenheath is actually what is present,” said Squadron Leader Barry Yates, JACIG senior inspecting officer.

Training events such as this ensure real-world inspections go smoothly, and that the 48th FW continues to comply with signed agreements.