CONSTANTA, Romania- Soldiers and equipment from 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment kicked off their assumption of the Operation Atlantic Resolve mission in Romania by participating in Exercise Justice Sword 15.2 from Oct. 26 to Nov. 6.
Justice Sword is a multinational exercise that partnered U.S. Army soldiers from 5th Sqdn., 7th Cav. Rgmt. to train alongside the Romanian Land Force's 282nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade.
Months of planning and logistical support were crucial in meeting a compressed timeline, with the squadron drawing their equipment from the European Activity Set at the Coleman Worksite in Germany and quickly moving it by rail and road marching it to Smardan, Romania in time for the exercise.
Justice Sword allowed the two Armies to work side-by-side to develop operations orders, control a battalion fight, and exercise a collective defense from a mechanized force.
Maj. Adam Cecil, the executive officer for 5th Sqdn., 7th Cav. Rgmt., said the exercise helped build relationships while improving their ability to work with their Romanian counterparts.
"Our involvement in Justice Sword further solidified our commitment to the NATO Alliance and improved our interoperability at the tactical level," stated Cecil.
The exercise started with an opening ceremony on Oct. 26 with a static display of Romanian Land Forces and U.S. Army equipment for members of both countries to interact while getting a better understanding of each other's equipment.
Other highlights included a distinguished visitor day and a combined live fire exercise.
The distinguished visitor day focused on leader development, as U.S. Army soldiers were able to listen to and talk with senior leaders from the Romanian Land Forces, to include the Chief of Land Forces, Maj. Gen. Scarlat Dumitru, and the Romanian 2nd Infantry Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Lucian Foca.
The relationship building was the highlight for Lt. Col. Christopher Mahaffey, the commander for 5th Sqdn., 7th Cav. Rgmt.
"The best part of the event was the close tactical relationships we built with our Romanian counterparts," said Mahaffey.
The combined live fire exercise provided assurance to both the Romanian Land Forces and U.S. Army that combined training could result in successful planning and execution of such an event.
"I feel like this was a great opportunity for us to train in environments and conditions that are unfamiliar," said Cecil. "It broadened our perspectives of allied partner capability and increased our familiarity with European environmental conditions."
The success of Justice Sword was a great way for the troopers from the squadron to kick off their assumption of the Operation Atlantic Resolve mission in Romania as they continue to train alongside their Romanian Allies.
U.S. Army Europe's led Operation Atlantic Resolve is a series of multinational training exercises throughout Europe designed to enhance multinational interoperability, strengthen relationships among allied militaries, contribute to regional stability, and demonstrate U.S. commitment to NATO.
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