DVIDS – News – 1-66 AR Tanks Roll By means of Iron Wolf 22

PABRADE TRAINING CAMP, Lithuania — U.S. Troopers assigned to Ares Firm, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment (1-66 AR), third Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (3-4 ABCT) participated in Train Iron Wolf 22 alongside Nato Allies of the improved Ahead Presence (eFP) Battlegroup Lithuania at Pabradė Coaching Space, Lithuania, Oct. 23-28, 2022.

Hosted by the Lithuanian Armed Forces Iron Wolf Brigade, this large-scale navy train operates along side U.S. and NATO allies, together with Lithuania, the UK, and the Czech Republic. The train drills joint protection duties that facilitate built-in deterrence alongside the japanese flank.

“Iron Wolf is a multinational train with contributors from all throughout NATO,” mentioned U.S. Army Capt. Mack Azbell, commander of Ares Firm, 1-66 AR, 3-4 ABCT. “The aim is to validate and approve our interoperability, show that we are able to combat collectively and that we’re ready for any eventuality in an unsure world.”

In the course of the train, Allied items would conduct the mixing of assigned formations culminating right into a ‘force-on-force’ operation that befell in a number of areas and terrains the place items prepare to combat in opposition to one another.

“There are two teams right here which are in a simulated fight, the eFP Battlegroup and their opposing forces are being performed by the Lithuanian battalion with attachments from the USA, the Czech Republic, and the UK,” mentioned Azbell. “So we’re out right here combating one another, engaged on our customary working procedures, battle drills and planning, getting ready for the eventuality that we should combat collectively sooner or later.”

The facilitation of communication between parts of separate navy organizations to make sure mutual understanding and unity of goal and motion is important to sustaining synchronization and cohesion on the battlefield.

“Probably the most thrilling expertise was with the ability to work with our NATO Allies and to see how the U.S. forces are additionally in a position to conduct operations alongside them and dealing with completely different Liaison Officers to have the ability to translate between the completely different nations,” mentioned U.S. Army Workers Sgt. Trey D. Wogan, platoon sergeant and tank commander assigned to Ares Firm, 1-66 AR, 3-4 ABCT. “Simply to have the ability to see what our Allies are able to inside their fight operations, how we are able to work with them and use our information and their information to place collectively to make a stronger alliance was an important studying expertise.”

NATO Allies realized invaluable abilities and techniques from one another through the week lengthy train, constructing interoperability and unity between Troopers.

“As a primary sergeant, essentially the most instructional a part of this was seeing how the noncommissioned officer system labored for various armies,” mentioned U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Navarro, first sergeant of Ares Firm 1-66 AR, 3-4 ABCT. “It opened up my eyes and my perspective about a number of management adjustments that I need to implement in my formation to incorporate extra open communication with our decrease echelon leaders.”

Engagement simulations and coaching allows the U.S. and NATO Allies crucial problem-solving abilities and tactical synchronization to rapidly react, adapt and overcome challenges when transitioning from coaching to battle.

“Our partnership with our NATO Allies has been nice and the communication has been excellent,” mentioned Navarro. “Our Lithuanian counterparts in addition to our Czech and English counterparts facilitated and made an important effort to combine the Individuals and our forces into their planning course of.”

The Iron Wolf train is designed to judge the readiness to plan and conduct navy operations of the Battlegroup along with one of many Brigade’s Lithuanian battalions.

“It was train, many classes have been recognized, which need to be became classes realized,” mentioned Lithuanian Lt. Col. Darius Žūkas, commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Algirdas Battalion. “Thanks to your efficiency, good combat, good spirit, and good tactical choices.”

Familiarization with Allied Nations’ techniques, belongings, tools and navy doctrine fosters interoperability amongst U.S. and NATO companions.

“As a result of we’re NATO, we come to combat collectively and prepare collectively so as to achieve success in a battle,” mentioned Žūkas.

By means of crucial workouts and engagements equivalent to Iron Wolf, the U.S. Army and NATO Allies safe the framework for a powerful deterrence and protection posture.

“It’s understood by our Troopers, by our allies, by the Lithuanian folks, by all NATO, that us being here’s a very clear deterrent and I imagine our goal has been achieved,” mentioned Azbell. “We’re going to proceed to remain right here and present that we’re resolved to work collectively and if essential, combat collectively.”