VALCEA, Romania - In the 'wee hours of the night' Soldiers from different NATO countries executed an integrated, synchronized, deterrence-oriented training exercise designed to improve interoperability and the combat readiness of the participating nations' armed forces.
Task Force War Eagle, which is comprised of German, Romanian, Slovakian and U.S. 2nd Cavalry Regiment Soldiers, continued Exercise Dragoon Guardian as they utilized three temporary bridging capabilities to conduct a night river crossing over the Olt River in Valcea, Romania July 17, 2017 in support of Saber Guardian 17.
This multinational training exercise that takes place in Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania is the largest exercise held in the Black Sea Region this summer. Saber Guardian 17 is an annual U.S. European Command, U.S. Army Europe-led exercise, which involves more than 25,000 service members from over 20 Allied and partnered nations.
The purpose of the exercise is to assure NATO Allies and partners of the U.S. commitment to promote regional stability and security, strengthen partner capabilities and fostering trust, while ensuring that Europe is stronger region.
Not only did the task force have to conduct a temporary bridging operation with limited visibility, but their combat arms Soldiers had to engage an opposing force portrayed by Romanian Soldiers to seize and maintain an objective before the task force could execute the river crossing.
"Task Force War Eagle executed a contested river crossing mission last night," said Lt. Col. Adam Lackey, commander for 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment. "Which meant that we had to fight across the river and against a determined 'enemy' who wanted to prevent our operations."
"Once objective cobra was secured we brought about 800 Soldiers and about 220 vehicles on the far side of the Olt River," he added.
The combined training opportunities that Saber Guardian provides greatly improves interoperability, highlights the flexibility of the ground forces and enhances professional relationships among participating NATO Allies and key regional partners.
"The river crossing was important because it improved interoperability between several countries," said Staff Sgt. Michael Vowell, weapons squad leader for Comanche Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment. "Training alongside other Allied nations in eastern Europe gives our Soldiers a better understanding on how foreign armies operate and what we can do to improve our tactics techniques and procedures."
The key themes of these exercises are to demonstrate ready and postured forces, strong and strategic relationships, and agility in a dynamic security environment to local host nations. A consistent U.S. Army presence throughout eastern Europe is a significant effort to support global operations and deter real or potential aggression against any Ally.
"The river crossing last night was a huge confidence booster for the task force," said Lackey. "And I would hope for the entire Alliance, because it demonstrated a very complex operation with multiple units coming together for the first time to accomplish something very significant."
"It's exactly what we would have to do if we were called to defend eastern Europe."
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