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4th SFAB Supports U.S. Army at HEMUS International Defence Expo

By Capt. Aaron BlevinsJuly 15, 2024

Plovdiv, Bulgaria – From June 5-8, 2024, Alpine Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Security Force Assistance Brigade (MCAT 4310), supported United States Army Europe and Africa at the 27th HEMUS International Defence Expo in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The event highlighted the U.S. Army’s commitment to Bulgaria’s military modernization efforts through military financing, military-to-military engagements, and multinational training and exercises.

Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Shirley (Maneuver Advisor, MCAT 4310) discusses Stryker fielding with the chief of Bulgarian Land Forces Acquisitions and the General Dynamic’s Stryker Project Manager.
Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Shirley (Maneuver Advisor, MCAT 4310) discusses Stryker fielding with the chief of Bulgarian Land Forces Acquisitions and the General Dynamic’s Stryker Project Manager. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Maj. Robert Rose provided insights into the event, emphasizing the importance of international defense cooperation. "The U.S. presence in HEMUS is essential for interoperability with the Bulgarian Land Forces as well as the other nations that are here. Our participation in HEMUS allows us to engage with key military and industry leaders, enhancing our ability to support and integrate advanced capabilities," said Rose.

The 4th SFAB team offered comprehensive overviews to visiting dignitaries, including the President of Bulgaria, the acting U.S. Ambassador, and senior defense officials from multiple countries. Advisors collaborated closely with Stryker and HIMAR crews to address questions about the broader implications of their equipment for operational planning and decision-making processes.

Additionally, the team engaged with leading defense industry partners such as General Dynamics, Kongsberg, and Harris to gain insights into future equipment for the Bulgarian Land Forces and assist in their fielding. A notable highlight was a meeting between Mr. Mason, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Defense Cooperation & Economics, and General Dynamics to discuss potential challenges in Stryker fielding. Mr. Mason also met separately with the 4th SFAB team to discuss the value of their ground-level assessments in informing defense cooperation efforts.

4th SFAB Advisors from MCAT 4310 assisting Stryker crew from 2CR in explaining their capabilities to visiting dignitaries.
4th SFAB Advisors from MCAT 4310 assisting Stryker crew from 2CR in explaining their capabilities to visiting dignitaries. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

HEMUS, with its 27-year history, is Bulgaria's largest defense exhibition, showcasing extensive experience, traditions, and successes. The U.S. Army’s participation, including the deployment of military vehicles, underscores the strong defense partnership between the United States and Bulgaria.

Contact: 4th Security Force Assistance Brigade PAO: aaron.l.blevins.mil@army.mil Phone: 719-663-6172

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