U.S. funds military complex in Zallherr

TIRANA, Nov 3 – US Ambassador John L. Withers II, Albanian Defense Minister Arben Imami, Chief of General Staff, Brigade General Maksim Malaj, and Head of the Embassy’s Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) LTC Martin Perryman, participated in a dedication ceremony marking the completion of construction of the Military Operation in Urban Terrain (MOUT) complex range, a U.S. financed Global Peacekeeping Operation Initiative project on the military base in Zallherr.
The United States European Command (EUCOM) provided approximately USD 1.5 million to construct the MOUT complex range. The range is comprised of multiple single, two, and three story buildings all designed to simulate a village that will enable the Albanian forces to hone their combat skills in an urban environment. The site will help Albania complete their full NATO integration by improving its compatibility and capability to function as a member of a multi-national force. Through the use of this MOUT site, the Albanian Armed Forces will be able to train for peacekeeping operations in an urban combat theater.
This project represents another excellent example of the cooperation that exists between the United States and the Republic of Albania. We will continue to work together to develop the Albanian Armed Forces into a capable and NATO interoperable force, and to build the mutually beneficial bilateral relationship between our two countries, said an embassy statement.