It is stuffy and hot when Swedish and American marines practice how to fight in built-up areas.
The exercise, which is ongoing at the Ravlunda shooting range in Simrishamn, came about spontaneously.
- It wasn't really prepared, many were still on holiday.
The boss called and enticed with a training opportunity with the marine corps and you don't say no to that, says Tim Tedesund of the southern Scania regiment P7.
He got the call a week ago.
Military exercises are usually planned 18 months in advance.
The exercise runs until September 1.
Photo: Natalie Medic/SVT
"Seized the opportunity"
That Swedish soldiers practice with American units on Swedish soil does not happen often.
- It is actually extremely unusual.
But we take the opportunity when it is offered, says Niklas Sjögren, fan junker.
The US Marine Corps has been out in the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea for a while.
- We took the opportunity to practice with a partner, says Jeffrey Dittmor, staff sergeant at the US Marine Corps.
"We are very much alike"
The Scanian P7 regiment has now been practicing with the US Marine Corps for a few days and will continue until September 1.
- The biggest conclusion we have all drawn is that we are quite similar even though we are quite far from each other, says Niklas Sjögren.
Tim Tedesund agrees, but objects that there is a difference.
- Their equipment is significantly better than ours, he says.