NATO exercise Iron Wolf underscores multinational force collaboration, interoperability

By Spc. Brett ThompsonOctober 17, 2024

Iron Wolf exercise underscores multinational force collaboration, interoperability
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army crew members assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, explain the different sections of a UH-60 Black Hawk to soldiers from several NATO countries before taking them on a flight during exercise Iron Wolf at Camp Herkus, Lithuania, Oct. 13, 2024. Iron Wolf was a NATO Multinational Battlegroup exercise led by the Lithuanian army. 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: Staff Sgt. Richard Wooten) VIEW ORIGINAL
Iron Wolf exercise underscores multinational force collaboration and interoperability
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Capt. Justin Byers, a native of Fairfield, California, and an aviation officer assigned to Alpha Troop, 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, examines the flight plan in the cockpit of an AH-64 Apache during exercise Iron Wolf at Camp Herkus, Lithuania, Oct. 13, 2024. Exercise Iron Wolf was a NATO Multinational Battlegroup exercise led by the Lithuanian army. 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 Staff Sgt. Richard Wooten) VIEW ORIGINAL

PABRADE, Lithuania — U.S. Army helicopter pilots played a crucial role in exercise Iron Wolf, an annual NATO multinational military exercise designed to strengthen partnerships, enhance readiness, and improve interoperability with Allied forces.

The exercise at Parbrade, Lithuania, Oct. 4-17, 2024, highlighted the collaboration between U.S. pilots, Lithuanian joint terminal attack controllers and troops from other partner nations. The training involved complex maneuvers, simulated combat and logistical coordination, testing pilots and their crews while fostering trust and cooperation across borders. Set against the backdrop of growing international security concerns, Iron Wolf underscored the need for NATO and Allied forces to work closely together.

U.S. pilots operate in unfamiliar terrain, face diverse operational doctrines and navigate communication challenges with military personnel who may speak different languages or use different systems. These obstacles made Iron Wolf a valuable exercise. Helicopter pilots must quickly adapt to the procedures of partner forces, integrating various aircraft, weapons systems and command structures into a unified fighting force.

Iron Wolf exercise underscores multinational force collaboration and interoperability
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache crew assigned to Alpha Troop, 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, conduct pre-flight checks on their helicopter before departing Vilnius International Airport during exercise Iron Wolf at Camp Herkus, Lithuania, Oct. 13, 2024. Iron Wolf was a NATO Multinational Battlegroup exercise led by the Lithuanian army. 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 Staff Sgt. Richard Wooten) VIEW ORIGINAL
Iron Wolf exercise underscores multinational force collaboration and interoperability
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Capt. Zackery Blevins, a native of Washington Court House, Ohio, and Staff Sgt. Joshua Newbold, a native of Killeen, Texas, both assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, take questions from several partner country soldiers during a safety briefing on the UH-60 Black Hawk before a flight during exercise Iron Wolf, Camp Herkus, Lithuania, Oct. 13, 2024. Iron Wolf was a NATO Multinational Battlegroup exercise led by the Lithuanian army. 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 Staff Sgt. Richard Wooten) VIEW ORIGINAL

Air mobility operations played a significant role in the exercise. U.S. helicopter pilots, flying aircraft such as the UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache, provided air support, transported troops, conducted medical evacuations and handled logistics in the field. In real-world scenarios, swift coordination between national forces can determine success or failure.

“Differences make each country and group stronger,” said U.S. Army Warrant Officer Cannon Law, a UH-60 Black Hawk pilot with Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.

“They have their abilities, and as long as we communicate what’s expected, most of these missions work out fantastically," continued Law.

Beyond technical skills, Iron Wolf built personal and professional bonds between U.S. pilots and their international counterparts. By working together in high-pressure environments, they developed trust and camaraderie that extend beyond training, ensuring they can operate as a unified team in times of conflict or crisis.

Iron Wolf exercise underscores multinational force collaboration and interoperability
U.S. Army Capt. Justin Byers, a native of Fairfield, California, and an aviation officer assigned to Alpha Troop, 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, examines an AH-64 Apache before a flight during exercise Iron Wolf at Camp Herkus, Lithuania, Oct. 13, 2024. Iron Wolf was a NATO Multinational Battlegroup exercise led by the Lithuanian army. 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 Staff Sgt. Richard Wooten) VIEW ORIGINAL

Exercises like Iron Wolf also give U.S. pilots a deeper understanding of their Allies’ strengths. Through joint planning and sharing best practices, they gained experience that prepares them for future coalition operations. As military challenges evolve globally, the ability of U.S. forces to seamlessly integrate with multinational counterparts grows increasingly vital. Iron Wolf is more than just a training exercise — it demonstrates the power of NATO cooperation.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Warrant Officer Jordan Calka, an AH-64 Apache pilot with Alpha Troop, 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.

“I think it shouldn’t be a once-in-a-lifetime. In the military, you should get to work with partner forces like this,” emphasized Calka.

Through exercise Iron Wolf, U.S. Army helicopter pilots ensured they are ready to face the challenges of modern warfare alongside international partners, committed to maintaining readiness and deterrence for all NATO Allies.

Learn more about 1st Cav's mission in Europe