Photo By Sgt. Sara Marchus | A Lithuanian Soldier explains the use and functions of military equipment to a local...... read more read more
RUKLA, Lithuania — Approximately 5,000 community members came out to see a multinational static display of military equipment and light weaponry in Rukla, Lithuania, June 15, 2014. The large presence of military members is due to their participation in Saber Strike 14.
Saber Strike 14 is a U.S. Army Europe-led exercise mainly focused on the three Baltic States and is designed to promote regional stability, strengthen international military partnerships, enhance multinational interoperability and prepare participants for worldwide contingency operations.
There are approximately 4,500 participants from 10 nations involved in the exercise which spans across multiple locations throughout Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
Locals have been lining the streets near the training area to catch a glimpse of all of the equipment that is involved in the exercise. The static display was in direct response to the community’s vast interest in the foreign equipment that has been roaming the city.
“The community has been incredibly supportive of us. It’s very welcoming to come into a foreign country and receive such positive feedback from the local people,” said Pfc. Dalton Adams of the 2nd Squadron, 104th Cavalry Regiment.
There was an overwhelming sense of excitement amongst the crowd as they climbed into military vehicles and observed weapon systems. Soldiers from Denmark, Lithuania, Poland and the U.S. participated in the static display, providing explanations on their equipment’s functions and capabilities.
“The people are so happy to see us, anytime we go anywhere the locals are smiling and waving at us,” said Troels Jaeger of the Danish Reaction Battle Group 2014-2.
Community members took this as an opportunity to pose for photos with soldiers and their equipment while children danced to the upbeat music playing in the background.
Locals have embraced the foreign militaries and welcome them by waving and acknowledge them every chance they get.
“You can clearly see the interest and support of the locals in how they came out in vast numbers today,” said Adams.
Interoperability and strengthening partnerships between NATO allies has been a top focus for this year’s exercise which takes place June 9-20. The goal of interoperability is combining unique strategies and command into one common operating environment. These types of events involve the community and build lasting relationships with not only the local people but amongst allied soldiers.
Adams said that he is happy to be involved in the Saber Strike 14 exercise, doing his part to build interoperability with NATO partners.
For more information: www.eur.army.mil
https://www.facebook.com/#!/USArmyEurope
https://twitter.com/USArmyEurope
https://www.flickr.com/photos/usarmyeurope_images
| Date Taken: | 06.15.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 06.16.2014 14:30 |
| Story ID: | 133250 |
| Location: | RUKLA, LT |
| Web Views: | 232 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Locals interact with Soldiers during a multinational static display, by SGT Sara Marchus, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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