US Army, NATO. Allied forces are preparing for defense in Latvia.Steadfast Defender 2024 - 21 March 2024

US Army, NATO. Tanks, armored vehicles and soldiers. Combat exercises in Poland

The Soldiers are with the US Army 3rd Infantry Division.The Stryker Armored Combat Vehicles are by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada.*General Dynamics (GD)

US Army, NATO. Soldiers from 2CR during field and urban training in Germany

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2nd Dragoons) is an active Stryker Infantry and Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army,with its garrison at Rose Barracks,Vilseck,Germany.Its Stryker Armored Combat Vehicle family is manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada.*General Dynamics (GD)

US Army, NATO. American paratroopers during combat training in Croatia.

The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the Army's rapid reaction force in Europe.

Task Force Marne M1A3 Abrams tank crews conduct live-fire exercise in Lithuania

Task Force Marne M1A3 Abrams tank crews conduct live-fire exercise in Lithuania: U.S. Army Sgt. Miranda Sandoval, a tank armor crewman with Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, gives an interview about a platoon live-fire exercise at Camp Herkus, Lithuania, Jan. 14, 2024. The 3rd Infantry Division’s mission in Europe is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, working alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Alex Soliday)

US Army, NATO. American soldiers and armored vehicles during combat exercises in Slovakia

How Denmark Helps NATO Protect the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans - plus a US Army technology demonstrator aircraft

The Royal Danish Navy frigate HDMS Triton (F358) is one of four patrol vessels deployed to the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans at any given time.Although the Triton is not an icebreaker,it is hardened for breaking ice up to meduium thickness.These warships are under Denmark's Joint Arctic Command (JACO),an operational command based in Nuuk (pronounced Nook),the capital of Greenland.JACO also oversees Bombardier Challenger 650 militarised patrol aircraft;and the Sirius dog sled patrol,which is the elite naval unit that patrols Eastern Greenland on dogsleds in two-year rotations.Greenland and the Faroe Islands are autonomous possessions of the Kingdom of Denmark.*Climate change is opening up more of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans to navigation,raising the spectre of ever more competition with near-peer adversaries Russia and China.Russia has been building up its military capabilities in the Arctic Region in recent years,adding new facilities and restoring Cold War facilities.At the same time,China styles itself as a near-Arctic state,developing new icebreakers for increased Arctic presence.NATO views this presence with concern,the Alliance says,as five of the six countries bordering the Arctic Ocean are NATO Allies:Canada,Denmark,Iceland,Norway and the US.*The Greenland Iceland UK Gap (GIUK) is a strategic transit route formed by two stretches of open ocean between the three land masses.It separates the Norwegian Sea from the open Atlantic.Denmark has taken strategic leadership of the GIUK on behalf of its NATO Allies,looking to expand its spending,surveillance and military presence in the Arctic Region and North Atlantic.Its ties to Greenland and the Faroe Islands make it a natural leader in the Arctic and North Atlantic's geopolitical and great-power concerns.The GIUK is a key supply line between North America and Europe.In 2021,Denmark invested 250 million dollars in its surveillance capabilities in Greenland and the Faroe Islands.The Ukraine war has made the GIUK more significant than ever.Surveillance of the GIUK is essential to keep Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) and supply lines open between North America and Europe.Moreover,Denmark has been equipping its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates with improved sonar;while equipping its MH-60 Seahawk helicopters with sonar and torpedoes.The upgrades are to be completed by no sooner than 2024.*SLOCs are vulnerable to attack on their many undersea cables by Russia and China.Russia's Northern Fleet uses the GIUK as a major transit route.In a crisis,the UK Royal Navy would need to use the GIUK as a transit route to the open Atlantic.In 2019,ten Russian Northern Fleet nuclear-powered submarines staged an exercise to cross the GIUK undetected during drills lasting up to two months.*For its part,the Royal Danish Air Force has enlisted a militarised version of the Bombardier Challenger 650 business jet to monitor Denmark's sovereignty.The US Army has also converted the Challenger 650 business jet to fly regular missions along the Polish-Belarus border to monitor Russian ground forces in and around Ukraine.It is the Leidos Special Mission Aircraft (LSMA),and is outfitted with the Aerial Reconnaissance and Targeting Exploitation Intelligence System (ARTEMIS).According to AIN Online,the Army said the aircraft provides:high-altitude sensing capabilities against near-peer adversaries and bridges gaps in Multi-Domain Operations mission.*The LSMA aircraft was operating out of Constanta International Airport,Romania.Furthermore,the LSMA is believed to have electronic intelligence (ELINT) sensors and side-looking radar for tracking ground vehicles.*Bombardier Inc (XTSE:BBD.B),Leidos Holdings Inc (LDOS)

NATO Rapid Infiltration Drills in the Baltics as Ukrainian Troops Get Combat Training in Poland

This complex video conveys several live-fire drills by NATO in the Baltic States.There were Rapid Infiltration exercises by NATO Allies demonstrating HiMARS and other capabilities.A Belgian Air Force Airbus A400M transported HiMARS units,showcasing mobility and Rapid Infiltration capabilities,while Ukrainian troops underwent combat training in Poland.

US Army, NATO. M777 howitzers during airborne operations in Germany.

Lockheed Martin makes the C-130J Super Hercules,the US Army's most commonly used variant of the aircraft.*Lockheed Martin (LMT)

US Army, NATO. Soldiers of the 173rd Brigade during combat exercises in Germany

This is the 173rd Airborne Brigade,a US Army Airborne Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) out of Vicenza,Italy.It is the strategic response force of U.S. European Command (EUCOM).

U.S. Army, NATO. Soldier Expert At Forward Operating Site In Poland. - Expert Infantry/Expert Soldier Badge

Qualifying for these badges sharpens skills and increases readiness.

Sustaining Combat Power:Army Winter Rotation to Europe

On 9 November 2022,the Department of the Army announced the upcoming winter deployment of 1st Cavalry Division,2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team to Europe.Out of Fort Hood,Texas, the 2nd ABCT is to replace the 3rd ABCT in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve,which was established in 2014 following Russia's first invasion of Ukraine,in which it annexed Crimea.Said Colonel Christopher J. Kilpatrick,commander of 2nd ABCT: We are part of the most modern and lethal armour formation on Earth.We are "all in" to reassure our European Allies and deter any potential adversaries from doing anything they would regret.* Indeed,the 2nd ABCT equipment,stationed at Fort Riley,Kansas,off-loaded at ports in Alexandroupoli and Thessaloniki,Greece,as well as Gdynia,Poland in the 18-30 November time frame.From these ports,the equipment was moved by rail and commercial trucking to follow-on locations in Central and Eastern Europe.The deployment of ready,combat-credible U.S. forces in support of Atlantic Resolve shows the strong and unremitting U.S. commitment to NATO and Europe.It builds readiness,increases interoperability and enhances bonds between Ally and Partner militaries,the Army said.No specific dates or destinations were mentioned.It should be noted,however,that 2nd ABCT was still in Fort Hood as of 2 December,when Command Sergeant Major Steven Campbell relinquished responsiblity of the brigade to CSM Brian Adams at a ceremony on Cooper Field in Fort Hood.* Previous deployments of 2nd ABCT were in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn in Iraq,as well as Atlantic Resolve.Operation New Dawn was a train,advise and assist sequel to Iraqi Freedom,including a counterinsurgency role.It ran from 2010-2011.The official casualty report for New Dawn stated that there had been 66 total deaths,including 38 attributed to enemy action,with 305 wounded.It was commanded by the current Secretary of Defense,then Lieutenant General Lloyd J. Austin III.* An ABCT is the largest brigade combat team formation,having 4743 Soldiers.It consists of 87 Abrams tanks and 152 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs),as well as associated wheeled tankers for a limited refueling capability.* General Dynamics (GD)

NATO Secretary General with 🇺🇸 US President Joe Biden at the NATO Summit...New US Deployments to Europe:more troops,fighter aircraft and warships

Operation Atlantic Resolve:Substantial Land Forces Augmenting European Defence

A hefty amount of land warfare capability is currently being rotated into Europe,according to U.S. Army Europe and Africa.It is the Ninth Atlantic Resolve rotation of Soldiers and equipment,this time from the US Army 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team,4th Infantry Division,out of Fort Carson,Colorado.The equipment began arriving in March 2022 at ports in Denmark,Greece and the Netherlands.Soldiers began arriving this month.The deployment consists of about 4,000 Soldiers;90 M-1 Abrams tanks;15 Paladin 155mm self-propelled howitzers;150 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles;500 tracked vehicles and 600 wheeled vehicles;plus other equipment.* Atlantic Resolve began in April 2014 in response to Russia's first invasion of Ukraine,in which it annexed Crimea and instigated conflict in the Donbas Region of Eastern Ukraine.The four types of Atlantic Resolve rotations are:armored;aviation;sustainment task force;and division headquarters,currently staffed by 3rd Infantry Division in Poznan,Poland.These units,which maintain a constant presence on the European continent,conduct bilateral,joint and multinational training and security cooperation activities across more than 12 nations,our Allies and Partners in Europe.* The purpose of Atlantic Resolve is to deploy combat-ready forces into Europe as evidence of the United States' strong and unremitting commitment to NATO and Europe by building readiness,increasing interoperabilty and enhancing the bonds between Ally and Partner militaries.It is funded by the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI).At any given time,around 7,000 Soldiers are regionally allocated to Atlantic Resolve.

U.S. Army 3rd ID soldiers Arrive at Nuremberg Airport Europe - 28 February 2022,within four days of Russia invading Ukraine

US Army Europe Leads Simulated Warfighting:Combined Resolve XVI Forms NATO Allies and Partners

Some 4600 troops from Bulgaria;Georgia;Greece;Italy;Lithuania;Poland;Serbia;Slovenia;Ukraine;the UK and the US are currently staging combat drills in snowy Bavaria,Germany's Hohenfels Training Area.The exercise is to evaluate and assess the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team,1st Infantry Division's ability to conduct multinational operations in a multi-domain simulated battlespace.The drills began 17 November 2021 and run till 20 December.They are large-scale operations in a dynamic environment geared at achieving interoperability with unified Allies and Partners.The ultimate goal is to affirm that,together,they will be victorious in any conflict. The multinational counterparts are testing their skills across all warfighting functions,thus creating a more lethal coalition.According to Major General Adam Joks,Deputy Commanding General-Interoperabilty V Corps: By conducting combined operations with our Allies,our Soldiers learn how to work together effectively to achieve tactical objectives...integrating systems,procedures and building lasting relationships with our Allies.* Units based in the US are brought to Europe for nine months at a time in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve,a response to Russian aggression against Ukraine in 2014.This creates a unified front which serves to deter aggression in the region.CBR XVI represents US commitment to a free,democratic,safe and secure Europe by maintaining readiness to dominate large-scale operations in the European theatre.* A tactical operations centre was set up to support brigade leadership during the combined arms operations in the complex battlespace.Procedures for Command and Control across multinational formations,such as the Bulgarian Land Forces and their BTR-60 armoured personnel carriers,during the field portion of the exercise.*

US Army Europe - Rifle Forge: Forging new bonds

Rifle Forge: Forging new bonds: BPTA, Poland — Battle Group Poland held its culminating combined arms live-fire exercise, Rifle Forge, from Oct. 30 through Nov. 10 at Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland, integrating NATO fire capabilities.

A $30 Million US Army Command Hub in Defense Bill as Military Steps Up Presence in Poland | Military.com

A $30 Million US Army Command Hub in Defense Bill as Military Steps Up Presence in Poland | Military.com: A $30 million U.S. Army command and control headquarters in Poland is being proposed to support the military’s expansion in the country.

US Army Europe:NATO Forward​ Battle Group Trained and Tested

Despite wrangling with the COVID-19 threat, troops of NATO'S enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group-Poland were trained and tested for the US Army Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB),and the first ever awarding of the US Army Europe Expert Soldier Badge (ESB),from 23 March to 3  April 2020 at Bemowo Piskie, Poland.A full range of COVID-19 protocols were implemented to protect the Soldiers, including routine medical screening; closing off high traffic areas; emplacement of hand-washing stations;and social distancing.Consequently, the mission was completed with all in good health.*
The event taught and refined the basic skills Infantrymen and Soldiers learn at the lowest level.Said SGT Josue Arceo,infantry team leader with Iron Troop,3rd Squadron,2nd Cavalry Regiment:
Some Soldiers may take the skills we teach for granted, but when it comes time to use it, being an expert at the fundamentals will benefit these Soldiers and their teammates.*
Besides the 2nd Cav, Soldiers from the 5th Croatian Contingent; British Army Royal Scots Dragoon Guards; and Romanian Army 2nd Mountain Troop Brigade participated in the programme.Skills tested included a 12-mile ruck march; filling out a tactical combat casualty card; treating a simulated casualty;land navigation; operating an M4 carbine; and operating an M320 grenade launcher.*
Officers are expected to qualify for the EIB in order to be an effective leader of their military men and women.The programme builds expertise;improves cohesion across the multinational Battle Group; and instills confidence that the Alliance is prepared to work together to accomplish any mission,NATO said.It motivated BG-P to continue to enhance their readiness while simultaneously protecting their health through COVID-19 mitigation measures.*
What was it like? PVT Sara Grubic,a satellite communicator of the 5th Croatian Contingent, taking pride in her qualifying for the USAEUR ESB, noted that:
We received a lot of information in a very short period of time, and we spent entire days in all weather conditions.*
The eFP initiative deploys 4 battalion-sized Battle Groups to Estonia,Latvia, Lithuania and Poland.They demonstrate the Alliance's determination and ability to act as one in response to any aggression against the members,NATO explains.*
In total,29 Soldiers earned the EIB and 14 the ESB.Two Croatians and one British Soldier were among those awarded the ESB.*

US Army Armored Brigade Drills in the Baltics

From 13-15 January 2015,Soldiers of the US Army's 1st Battalion,9th Cavalry Regiment,2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team,1st Cavalry Division out of Fort Hood,Texas conducted exercises including live fire at the Pabrade Training Area,Lithuania.In the course of the drills,teams moved across the range responding to contact with the enemy,according to the Army's 241st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.Platoon-size elements cleared the lane by approaching the contact point.The 1-9 CAV "Headhunters" utilised their M1A2 Abrams tanks;M2A3 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles (BFVs);and M113 Armored Personnel Carriers.The unit is currently serving in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve,which aims to boslter NATO Allies' confidence in US assistance,while deterring aggression by our adversaries.It was instituted in light of Russia's seizure of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014,as well as its participation in and backing of an insurgency in Eastern Ukraine,which continues to this day.*
The live fire exercises in Lithuania were intended to improve 1-9 CAV's response to enemy fire.Additionally,1-9 CAV conducted a trench-clearing drill on 15 January at Pabrade.Dismounting from an M2A3 BFV,Soldiers entered the trench to clear any enemies or obstacles from it.*