Wednesday, January 7, 2015
What is it?
Operation Atlantic Resolve (OAR) is an ongoing part of U.S. Army Europe’s Strong Europe campaign, which conveys the framework of relationships, capabilities, infrastructure and exercises that reassures Allies and partners through persistent and consistent engagements.
This mission is part of the ongoing effort to assure NATO and partner nations of America’s dedication and commitment to enduring peace and stability in the region.
What is the Army doing?
The 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2 CR) will deploy its 3rd Squadron “Wolf Pack” to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland from Vilseck, Germany, in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve this month. The mission there was previously conducted by 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, the Army’s regionally aligned force (RAF) for Europe at the time.
This is the first Stryker unit to deploy to the Baltic nations and Poland in support of OAR and it is the second brigade-sized element from U.S. Army Europe to support the mission. In March of 2014, the 173rd Airborne Brigade began the operation by deploying forces into the four nations from Vicenza, Italy.
What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?
2 CR will conduct a number of unique and challenging training events alongside Soldiers from NATO and partner nations. Many of these training events will focus on individual and team tasks that will culminate in joint platoon level-events, such as live fires.
While elements of 2 CR are participating in OAR, the unit will also conduct the Decisive Action Training Environment Exercise Saber Junction in the Hohenfels and Grafenwoehr Training Areas and the Black Sea Region alongside Soldiers from 13 NATO and partner nations.
The 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, the Army’s current RAF for Europe, is expected to be the next major OAR unit following 2 CR’s rotation.
Why is it important to the Army?
U.S. Army Europe’s third rotation of Operation Atlantic Resolve helps to build upon a foundation put in place by decades of partnership and cooperation. By working, living and training alongside NATO and Allied Nations in the U.S. Army Europe area of operation, Soldiers from all involved nations are better prepared to deploy and, if necessary, fight side by side. These unique and invaluable international relationships cannot be created instantaneously but must be cultivated and maintained. As America’s Allies and partners deploy alongside U.S. forces during future conflicts, the benefit of these relationships will again prove to be irreplaceable.
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