Spangdahlem Air Base developed a creative solution for integrating with its host nation of Germany through a partnership program called "Explore the Eifel." The Eifel is the region surrounding the airbase.
For over a decade, the annual, multi-day event has contiguously boosted the base and host nation's alliance and generated positive media attention.
The event begins with a daylong information fair, typically held at the base's club, followed by excursions that, as the name suggests, allow base members to explore the Eifel region. At the fair, attendees can visit information booths, watch cultural performances, play games for local prizes and sign up for excursions. Today, the fair includes more than 100 exhibitor booths that offer information on nearby cities, communities, history, tourism opportunities, sightseeing activities, festivals, clubs and organizations in the Eifel/Mosel area and Luxembourg. Fair participants can also sign up for several excursions, ranging from forest hikes to bike, city, winery and brewery tours. Every event allows Americans and Germans to learn about each other's cultures through activities and conversation.
Public Affairs plays a key role in maintaining a long history of NATO alliances in order to provide constant regional security. Building community bonds allows access to infrastructure, air space and flexibility of movement to train in austere locations. Building community partnerships opens the door to real talks.
Developing relationships with the community members and elected officials is necessary considering the high possibility of future events, such as global pandemics, natural disasters, plane crashes, etc. Coming to the table for the first time during a crisis is less than ideal. A solid foundational relationship makes it easier to move through difficult situations. It is worth noting that some communities don't see the military as a positive addition, so it will take hard work to be good neighbors. Being a good neighbor means learning about the local culture, which increases understanding and improves relations.
Integration Is the Goal
Explore the Eifel (ETE) is a significant German-American relations enhancement program between Spangdahlem Air Base and the host nation, Germany. The event brings locals and families together for a fun run, an adventure fair and days of planned tours and adventures exploring the Eifel region and neighboring countries.
A smash hit since 2004, the event has garnered high-level attention from politicians up to the Rheinland-Pfalz state level, the German populace and German national media. Explore the Eifel offers military members and their families a chance to learn about German culture, local history and daily life for the people living in the Eifel area. The program is a win-win for both the base community and host nation partners.
To create excitement for the event, host nation and military leaders collaborate with locals on engaging excursions that appeal to a wide variety of audiences, which they promote prior to Explore the Eifel. The public affairs office posts information on its social media accounts and posts a story and photos to the base website and DVIDS. The local Armed Forces Network (AFN) detachment does radio spots, and the wing commander discusses the event during their weekly radio show (leading up to the event). Airmen, civil service members and their families learn about excursion opportunities that allow them to explore German life, culture, history and tradition at the information and adventure fair, which officially kicks off Explore the Eifel. People also sign up for excursions at the fair.
The goals of Explore the Eifel are:
- To foster positive relations between base members and the local German community.
- To increase cultural awareness and understanding.
- To help Airmen, civil service members and their families integrate into the German lifestyle.
Growth takes time, so be patient but persistent. When ETE launched in 2004, there were 25 exhibitors. By 2017, the event boasted 200 exhibitors, 30 dignitaries and 25 tours. Mayors, local officials, county representatives, Host Nation Council representatives, Honorary Commanders, community volunteers, private establishments and travel and tourist office agents all volunteered. The information and guidance they provided made the event richer.
What Makes It a Success Story?
The multi-day event represents a tremendous amount of on-and off-base coordination prior to kickoff. Long before planning the first event, base commanders, local and regional representatives rallied together to establish program goals, the committees needed to execute such a large event, costs and resources, as well as ways to get everyone involved.
Regardless of location and population, follow the lead of Spangdahlem Air Base and its host country of Germany by applying these five key principles to drive memorable experiences and high attendance.
1. Keep It Free (or Cheap)
Families and junior enlisted are likely on tight budgets. You'll get more attendees if you make it wallet-friendly.
How Explore the Eifel Does It
- The fair:
- Invite local experts such as veterans and history buffs to write trivia questions for the adventure fair
- Play games where visitors can win free tickets to different sites and attractions
- The excursions:
- Partner with local tour groups/guides
- Obtain free admission wherever possible, or negotiate a reduced fee
Long-term Outcome
An increased understanding of the local community ensures that service members are being respectful neighbors, which ensures that host nations aren’t calling for the removal of the U.S. military from their country.
2. Break Language Barriers
Not understanding how to read or speak a host nation's language can deter exploring. Partnering with dual-language speakers expands possibilities.
How Explore the Eifel Does It
- Invite translators to be part of every event
- Offer guided city tours in English
- Translate and share shopping guides
Long-term outcome
Airmen are able to get generic questions answered on host nation rules and traditions, creating a familiarity.
3. Encourage Involvement
A party is only as good as the guests who show up, so make every effort to get people to attend. In the event's first year, the base commander granted Airmen a four-day pass to attend.
How Explore the Eifel Does It
- Encourage commanders to offer liberal leave
- Invite units/squadrons/organizations/families to sign up together
Long-term Outcome
Programs like ETC create opportunities for senior leaders to engage with airmen within their command outside of work or to strengthen bonds within a unit by learning together. In addition, it provides an opportunity for units to strengthen relationships with their host nation counterparts by showing a willingness to support their community like they support Spandahlem's.
4. Play to a Variety of Interests
With more options, people are more likely to choose more than one activity over multiple days.
How Explore the Eifel Does It
- Bring Luxembourg WWII Experts on-site for tours
- Offer guided tours, hikes, castle visits, etc., in English
- Organize fun runs with beer stops from local breweries
- Tailor excursions and event packages based on interests, such as history, culture, shopping, food and nature
- Offer event-specific food tents
- Offer day-to-night entertainment
Long-term Outcome
Supporting the local economy and building friendships in the community is likely to result in a higher acceptance for the base and its mission.
5. Expand Your Reach
Try to involve more than just the neighboring towns. Look for opportunities within the region, the country or even neighboring countries with borders within a short distance.
How Explore the Eifel Does It
- Include neighboring countries of France, Belgium and Luxembourg in tour opportunities
- Create social media campaigns to generate excitement
- Provide story leads to local and armed forces media
- Capture video stories for future campaigns and community relations
Long-term Outcome
ETE creates a platform for reinforcing the importance of the base and the host nation partnership. The more local politicians say they value Spangdahlem, the more the community considers the base part of the larger community.
Lessons Learned
Large, well-planned community events can bring years of positive media attention to the base and the surrounding community and establish an extraordinary and lasting bond between military and local leaders. ETE creates an environment that allows for meaningful exchanges between commanders, community leaders, service members, and the off-base community.
The goodwill gains are amplified when we break a language barrier and teach cultural customs. Programs like ETE can help families see their community as their new home. The more familiar people become with the new environment, the safer and more comfortable they may feel.
For many, a post outside of the CONUS is a dream, but for others, it can be tough to leave the base and engage in the local culture. Even within the U.S., many struggle to acclimate to their new locality. Programs like Explore the Eifel help service members and the local community feel more comfortable and connected to their neighbors inside and outside the gates.