SMARDAN TRAINING AREA, Romania -- Media are invited to observe as U.S. Army and Romanian Defense Forces team up for a ceremony and live-fire exhibition that will feature tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, artillery and aviation forces conducting battlefield maneuvers April 20 at Smardan Training Area, Romania, as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.
U.S. Soldiers from the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, will join forces with the Romanian 282nd Mechanized Brigade to demonstrate movement-to-contact, defensive and attack maneuvers. The demonstration will highlight the combined capabilities of allied forces and the lethality of their myriad combat power platforms, to deter any threats posed against NATO allies and partners.
The maneuvers will showcase mechanized infantry crews in M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles from 3rd ABCT's 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, and the Romanian 300th Mechanized Infantry Battalion in MLI-84 fighting vehicles conducting reconnaissance and screening maneuvers as they encounter an enemy.
The multi-national reconnaissance platoon will utilize artillery support from the Paladin M109A6 self-propelled howitzers of 3rd ABCT's Battery A, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, and artillery pieces from the Romanian 285th Field Artillery Battalion. M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks from 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Regt., and TR-85 main battle tanks from the Romanian 284th Armor Battalion will conduct a counter-attack. The multinational tank platoon will be supported by Romanian MIG-21 fighter jets.
In addition, media will have an opportunity to take photos and video during a live-fire rehearsal that will be conducted April 19 at Smardan Training Area.
Media representatives who would like to attend must (1) Complete the accompanying Media Accreditation Form; (2) Provide a copy of their media credentials; and (3) If driving, provide vehicle information including make, model and license plate number. All information should be emailed to Master Sgt. Brent M. Williams at brent.m.williams4.mil@mail.mil no later than Monday, April 17, at 3:30 p.m.
Once all required information is submitted, media representatives attending should be at the main entrance of Smardan Training Area between 7:30 and 7:45 a.m. April 20. Those wishing to capture additional imagery during the rehearsal should arrive at the main entrance between 12:30 and 12:45 p.m. April 19.
The 3rd ABCT, 4th Inf. Div., is training in Romania as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, planning and improving interoperability with units primarily under the 282nd Mechanized Brigade, to integrate fighting capabilities as a deterrent to any potential aggression in the Black Sea region.
Operation Atlantic Resolve is the demonstration of the U.S. commitment to the collective security of eastern Europe through the deployment of rotational forces in cooperation with NATO allies and partners. Led by a division-level tactical headquarters, these rotational units provide a persistent presence and a robust combat capability to strengthen the NATO alliance, deter regional threats and respond to any crisis.
For more information about the units and Soldiers of Atlantic Resolve contact the Mission Command Element Public Affairs Office at +49 (0) 1520 6535535, DSN: (314) 531-2255, or email Master Sgt. Brent M. Williams at brent.m.williams4.mil@mail.mil.
Related Documents:
Media Advisory and Accreditation Form [PDF]
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