L Troop participates in Exercise Strong Shield

SVENCIONYS, Lithuania - L Troop, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment Soldiers recently participated in Exercise Strong Shield April 14-17 at sites in Moletai, Ignalina and Svencionys, Lithuania.

During the exercise, L Troop Soldiers conducted wide-area security operations while acting as the opposing force for the Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces.

Throughout their tour in Lithuania as U.S. Army Europe's regionally allocated force, L Troop has primarily worked alongside Soldiers of the Lithuanian Land Force. This exercise allowed L Troop the opportunity to build a new working relationship.

"During Exercise Strong Shield we practiced our wide-area security tasks while they (Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Force) practiced tasks including reconnaissance, raids and ambushes on logistics convoys moving through their area of operations," said 1st Lt. Daniel Gaines, platoon leader for 2nd platoon, L Troop, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment. "This exercise gave the Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Force insight on how an opposing army would conduct wide-area security within their country."

Gaines said that throughout Exercise Strong Shield, L Troop Soldiers conducted security checkpoints and logistics convoys in various areas in Lithuania. At each area, L Troop Soldiers were involved in simulated scenarios where they were met with opposition from Lithuanian citizens and the National Defence Volunteer Force.

"During our scenario, our Soldiers at our observation post noticed individuals moving through the woods, so I sent a team to check it out," said Sgt. Randall Engler, a team leader and infantryman with L Troop, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment. "The team didn't come into contact at that time, but as soon we decided to break down our checkpoint, we received contact from members of the National Defence Volunteer Force. Once we established fire superiority, we broke contact and proceeded with our mission."

Bridging the gap for the U.S. and Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Force were liaison officers, who ensured the Soldiers of each country could communicate and had proper coordination.

"During this mission, I was a translator for our (Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Force) observer controllers and U.S. Soldiers," said Private 1st Class Agne Vilkauskaite of the Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Force. "I was there to make sure both sides could understand what was going on at all times."

Vilkauskaite also ensured L Troop Soldiers could communicate with the local populace, as most of their checkpoints were located in rural areas of the country. She said her presence helped the local citizens get a better understanding of what was happening.

"Whenever cars came through the checkpoint, I made sure they saw me so that they weren't alarmed when they saw weapons and Strykers," she said. "People sometimes stopped and asked what was happening. Once I told them we were training, they would just nod, smile and continue on their way."

Overall, L Troop leadership was pleased with their Soldier's participation in Exercise Strong Shield. While wide-area security was not a primary focus for L Troop during their rotation in Lithuania, Gaines said the Soldiers were able to perform effectively.

"Our Soldiers performed well considering they haven't had much training on conducting wide area security and counterinsurgency," Gaines said. "This is good training, as our Soldiers continue to broaden their experiences here."

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