STUTTGART, Germany -- The cold air crackled with pops of gunfire that reverberated off the structures of Panzer Kaserne's pre-World War II firing range. Between the booms and bangs that shook snow from tree branches came shouts and laughter.
But this particularly icy Thursday wasn't just any day at the range. Jan. 30 was the day that visiting members of the Russian Naval Infantry joined their American counterparts from Headquarters, Marine Corps Forces, Europe, to test their skills with the U.S. military's weaponry.
The weapons of the day, M-16A2 rifles and 9mm handguns, presented a new challenge to the Russians.
"This is the first time many of our guests have ever fired an M-16," said MARFOREUR's Master. Sgt. Phil Mehringer.
The exercise began with instruction from Staff Sgt. Stephen Long on weapons safety, shooting techniques and proper stance. Once the actual shooting began, the mood lifted higher in the old range, which had previously been used for firing tank rounds.
With reloading assistance and aiming guidance from the Marines, the Russians fired away while copper-colored shells spewed from the smoking guns.
Russia Plans Officer Lt. Col. Barb Moroney said this first visit was "important because we have moved from adversaries to becoming allies."
As the week of activities progressed, she said, so did the comfort level between the Americans and Russians. The goal of the visit was to learn to operate together, to "establish a plan for cooperation," Moroney said.
In addition to the shooting, the visitors were treated to tours of Panzer Kaserne and Patch Barracks, a round- table discussion on the most pressing issues facing the two forces and lunches in the German Kantine.
Moroney said she believed the handful of Russian officers - who truly seemed to enjoy firing off round after round - were most impressed by a martial arts demonstration earlier in the week.
Commander of the Russian Naval Infantry Col. Yuriy Yermakov concurred with Moroney's summation of the visit.
Through translator Maj. Oleg Kolisnichenko, he said the best result of the visit was the relationship that developed between the Marine Corps of the two countries, and the future aspects of that relationship.
"We would like to see more of the practice," Yermakov added.
When asked if he ever thought he would be a part of such a relationship with the Americans, Yermakov answered that until 1990, he never thought he would develop such a positive relationship with Russia's former adversaries.
MARFOREUR Deputy Commander Maj. Gen. Arnold Fields agreed with Yermakov. "[I never thought] we would progress this far in such a short period of time," he said. Fields said that the lessons learned from the week were "to value the personal relationship and the search for peace and national security."
Fields said he was most pleased with the personal rapport that developed between the forces. He said the week was "one of many steps toward and with Russia in our security operations."
Then the two leaders headed back to the firing range and for a friendly shooting competition. Afterward, Fields, who smiled slyly, said he couldn't confirm a winner.