Rapid Trident 2012 begins in Ukraine, showcases multinational partnership, interoperability

By U.S. Army Europe Public AffairsJuly 19, 2012

Rapid Trident 12 kicks off in Ukraine
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

YAVORIV, Ukraine (July 17, 2012) -- An opening ceremony was held at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center, July 16, officially marking the beginning of Exercise Rapid Trident 2012.

The multinational exercise is designed to promote regional stability and security, strengthen international military partnering and foster trust while improving interoperability between participating nations.

"We have been planning for over a year to offer the best possible training for all who participate," said Col. David Markowski, co-exercise director from U.S. Army Europe. "Ukraine has set the highest of standards in support of our partner nations, setting the conditions for an excellent exercise."

Rapid Trident is a part of U.S. European Command's Joint Training and Exercise Program, designed to enhance joint combined interoperability with allied and partner nations.

"It is an honor to serve as your exercise co-director," said Markowski, who is serving alongside Ukrainian Army Gen. Maj. Veaceslav Nazarkin. "We are here to enable your success as participants, as well as the overall success of the event."

Approximately 1,400 personnel from 16 nations will participate in the two-week exercise, which will consist of multi-national academic course and situational and field training exercises.

In addition to the U.S. and Ukraine, participants include: Austria, Azerbaijan, Denmark, Bulgaria, Canada, Germany, Georgia, Macedonia, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Sweden.

"I challenge each of you to take advantage of this time to build relationships and experience the camaraderie, unity and cooperation among our allies," Markowski said. "Only then will we accomplish the goals of the exercise and be ready to jointly respond to any challenges."

Visit the U.S. Army Europe Flickr and Facebook for up-to-date photos and information on Rapid Trident 2012.

U.S. ARMY EUROPE

U.S. Army Europe is uniquely positioned to advance American strategic interests across Eurasia, building teams, assuring allies and deterring enemies. The relationships we build during more than 1,000 theater security cooperation events in more than 40 countries each year lead directly to support for U.S. actions such as in Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya.

Related Links:

Army.mil: Europe News

STAND-TO!: Rapid Trident 2012

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