TAPA TRAINING BASE, Estonia - A beautiful structure reached its maximum height as Estonian construction personnel worked diligently throughout the cold and snowy winter months. The structure boasts of 300 sleeping quarters, 32 offices, six storage spaces with entry doors large enough to drive through, 13 classrooms, and technological amenities throughout the building. Its name is the Allied Barracks Building.
On Feb. 15, 2016, 1st Sgt. Jonathan Duncan, Iron Troop's senior enlisted noncommissioned officer with 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, stationed out of Vilseck, Germany, participated in the Estonian traditional topping-out ceremony at Tapa Training Base in Estonia.
The topping-out ceremony signifies that the construction builders have reached the maximum height in which the structure is designed to be. A wreath is hung on a wooden post on the roof of the building and the individual or partner for whom the building was constructed would cut the post down to acknowledge that the height of the building has reached its peak.
The Estonians invited Duncan to cut the wreath down because the barracks building was built for and will be occupied by the allied forces.
After Duncan cut the wreath down, Estonian Army leaders and construction workers, along with U.S. Army leaders walked down to the first floor where there was a table spread with food and drink. This part of the traditional topping-out ceremony signifies a growing relationship between the parties involved and wishes of good spirit to whomever occupies the building.
"It is important for the U.S. to partake in ceremonies like this because it helps build our relationship with our NATO allies," said Duncan.
Atlantic Resolve has provided U.S. Soldiers the opportunity to work with and train alongside our NATO allies and has forged relationships that foster trust and mutual understanding. AR has also strengthened our interoperability and has demonstrated the United States' commitment to the NATO Alliance and will continue to do such things with and for our NATO Allies, now and in the future.
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