NATO allies flex their maneuverability capabilities during exercise Paladin Shield

By Sgt. Cecil Elliott IISeptember 17, 2024

NATO allies flex their maneuverability capabilities during exercise Paladin Shield
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters assigned to 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, approach a landing zone during Exercise Paladin Shield at Camp Adazi, Latvia, Sept. 11, 2024. Paladin Shield is a multinational NATO exercise focusing on multi-domain operations in a realistic environment for training objectives. The 1st Cavalry Division’s mission is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, strengthening interoperability with NATO allies and regional security partners, which provides competent and ready forces to V Corps, America’s forward-deployed corps in Europe. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cecil Elliott II) VIEW ORIGINAL
NATO allies flex their maneuverability capabilities during exercise Paladin Shield
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter assigned to 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, approaches a landing zone during Exercise Paladin Shield at Camp Adazi, Latvia, Sept. 11, 2024. Paladin Shield is a multinational NATO exercise focusing on multi-domain operations in a realistic environment for training objectives. The 1st Cavalry Division’s mission is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, strengthening interoperability with NATO allies and regional security partners, which provides competent and ready forces to V Corps, America’s forward-deployed corps in Europe. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cecil Elliott II) VIEW ORIGINAL

ADAZI MILITARY CAMP, Latvia — In the clear September sky, service members from different NATO countries came together at Latvia's Adazi Military Camp for exercise Paladin Shield. It was a ten-day field event to hone skills and strengthen bonds. The days ahead promised hard work and camaraderie as NATO allies trained side by side, steady and sure in their purpose.

NATO member states conducted the exercise to enhance interoperability by acquainting themselves with each other's ground combat tactics and operational capabilities, ensuring seamless coordination and effective communication in joint operations.

Paladin Shield provided the opportunity for U.S. Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, to work closely with Canadian soldiers to provide training opportunities for other NATO countries participating in the exercise.

NATO allies flex their maneuverability capabilities during exercise Paladin Shield
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Sgt. Sammy Garcia, a M1 armor crewman assigned to Bravo “Bad Bet” Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, shoulders a 120mm round on a live fire range as part of NATO Exercise Paladin Shield at Camp Adazi, Latvia, Sept. 10, 2024. Paladin Shield is a multinational NATO exercise focusing on multi-domain operations in a realistic environment for training objectives. The 1st Cavalry Division’s mission is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, strengthening interoperability with NATO allies and regional security partners, which provides competent and ready forces to V Corps, America’s forward-deployed corps in Europe. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cecil Elliott II) VIEW ORIGINAL
NATO allies flex their maneuverability capabilities during exercise Paladin Shield
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter assigned to 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, transports Latvian troops as part of Exercise Paladin Shield at Camp Adazi, Latvia, Sept. 11, 2024. Paladin Shield is a multinational NATO exercise focusing on multi-domain operations in a realistic environment for training objectives. The 1st Cavalry Division’s mission is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, strengthening interoperability with NATO allies and regional security partners, which provides competent and ready forces to V Corps, America’s forward-deployed corps in Europe. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cecil Elliott II) VIEW ORIGINAL

"Exercise Paladin Shield provided us with a rare opportunity to plan and execute combat operations with our NATO allies," said 1st Lt. Nathaniel Peckman, an armor officer assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

Peckman, a native of Austin, Texas, was instrumental in planning and executing this exercise.

"We were trying to breach through their forces and get to our objective," said Sgt. Samantha Lewis, an M1 armor crewman assigned to B. Co., 2-12 Cav Regt.

"I just scan for targets and shoot the targets," said Lewis.

Peckman and Lewis were part of the opposition forces or OPFOR, during exercise Paladin Shield, which provided realistic, adversarial scenarios for military units to practice against, helping them prepare for actual combat situations.

NATO allies flex their maneuverability capabilities during exercise Paladin Shield
U.S. Army soldiers from Bravo “Bad Bet” Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, participate in a live fire range as part of NATO Exercise Paladin Shield at Camp Adazi, Latvia, Sept. 10, 2024. Paladin Shield is a multinational NATO exercise focusing on multi-domain operations in a realistic environment for training objectives. The 1st Cavalry Division’s mission is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, strengthening interoperability with NATO allies and regional security partners, which provides competent and ready forces to V Corps, America’s forward-deployed corps in Europe. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cecil Elliott II) VIEW ORIGINAL

OPFOR units are often trained to replicate potential real-world adversaries' tactics, strategies and capabilities. This allows friendly forces to experience varied combat scenarios, enhancing their readiness and effectiveness in facing potential threats.

"Operating in conjunction with Latvian and Canadian forces helped us build lethality and interoperability capabilities, preparing us for future operations," said Peckman.

The success of exercise Paladin Shield underscored the importance of joint training in strengthening NATO's collective defense. By honing combat skills and deepening partnerships, these multinational forces enhanced their preparedness for future global challenges.