YAVORIV, Ukraine (July 28, 2015) -- Approximately 1,800 Soldiers, from 18 different nations, trained together during the 12-day multinational Exercises Saber Guardian and Rapid Trident here, July 20-31.
This year Saber Guardian, a command post exercise, which rotates between Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria, is linked to Rapid Trident, an annual field training exercise held in Ukraine, to enhance the value of each exercise.
The combined exercise was designed to focus on defensive operations to ensure a safe and secure environment within the operating environment.
"Working with a multinational force taught us how to provide proper logistics to Soldiers from different countries," said Capt. Sean Smith-Kearon, executive officer with the U.S. Marines Reserves of Anchorage, Alaska. "From a command point of view it was vital for us to properly supply all soldiers in order to be an effective force."
Saber Guardian and Rapid Trident are part of U.S. European Command's Joint Exercise Program, which is designed to enhance joint combined interoperability with allied and partner nations.
This year's scenario consists of a host nation that came under attack. The nation is able to defend itself at great cost. A multinational force is sent to assist the host nation and the challenge is to bring together and train a multinational brigade, which would then be sent to assist the host nation in its defense.
"Training together allows us to share staff procedures and mission planning to increase the understanding of standard operating procedures of each nation," said Lt. Col. Matthew R. Gragg, commander of one of the multi-national battalions in the exercise and the U.S. Army's 709th Military Police Battalion in Grafenwoehr, Germany. "With a good understanding of each other's abilities, we can work together to accomplish a common goal as a single unified force."
Rapid Trident consists of field exercises between Soldiers of different nations learning to work together on the ground.
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