CHISINAU, Moldova - Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, commanding general, U.S. Army Europe and Moldovan Brig. Gen. Igor Cutie, acting head of the General Staff, National Army Commander, observed culminating events of exercise Dragoon Pioneer May 15, 2016 during a distinguished visitor and media day.
Regimental Engineer Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, U.S. Army and Codru Engineer Battalion, Moldovan Army conduct combined training and reconstruction projects May 1 -20 at Codru Engineer Training Area and in local community.
"It is a great opportunity for us to train with our partners," Hodges said. "This is a continuation of a friendship of over 20 years under the Partner for Peace Program."
The two armies demonstrated several engineering technical and tactical skills for their guests; including a combined arms dismounted obstacle breach with opposing forces and a gap crossing in which a mobile bridge was set-up for Combat Stryker Vehicles to cross.
Support Soldiers exhibited their expertise in the medical treatment of casualties, vehicle recovery and maintenance operations, field dining facility and logistics.
Included in the day's itinerary was a trip to Tiganesti Monastery where both the Moldovan and U.S. engineers improved the one and a half kilometer road that the local community uses to gain access to the monastery. The reconstruction project was funded by the non-government organization Spirit of America.
"I am very proud that our Soldiers are apart of this," said Hodges
Additional projects that the sappers completed and gained valuable training from during Dragoon Pioneer benefit the training area and those soldiers who use it.
They include a 10,000 meters demolition range with a nine-foot berm, two bunkers and ramp to pond area, an ammunition holding area that they began using immediately, and an improved ring road with added routes for easier access to training.
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