US, Lithuanians conduct assault on airfield

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Michael Behlin | Soldiers with L Troop, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment and Lithuanian Duke Vaidotas Mechanized Infantry Battalion await the radio command to move to their next objective during an airfield assault March 10, 2016, at Gaiziunai Training Area, Lithuania. During the training, Lithuanian Land Force Soldiers were incorporated into L Troop platoons in order to learn and understand each other’s tactics, techniques and procedures during a simulated combat scenario. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Behlin)  

LITHUANIA

03.10.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. Michael Behlin 

10th Press Camp Headquarters

GAIZIUNAI TRAINING AREA, Lithuania – Soldiers from the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment and Lithuanian Duke Vaidotas Mechanized Infantry Battalion combined for an airfield assault during training March 10, 2016 at Gaiziunai Training Area, Lithuania.

The training allowed Soldiers of the U.S. and Lithuanian Land Forces the opportunity to train together, while learning and understanding each other’s tactics, techniques and procedures during a simulated combat scenario.

Leading the training were Soldiers of L Troop, who along with the Lithuanian Land Forces, supported U.S. Army Europe’s concept of building a “Strong Europe” by seeking to improve interoperability and capacity in partners and allies.

“Working with our Lithuanian allies helps us support building a strong Europe because it allows us to learn each other’s tactics and continue building relationships,” said 1st Lt. Daniel Gaines, platoon leader for 2nd platoon, L Troop, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment. “It is important to work together because if I told a Lithuanian squad leader to perform a tactical task in a real-world situation, he would understand exactly what my expectations are and I understand what his capabilities are to accomplish that mission.”

Throughout the training, the Soldiers of L Troop were broken into their respective platoons. Each platoon was responsible for handling a different phase of the airfield infiltration.

Gaines’ platoon was directly responsible for establishing support by fire, allowing other platoons the opportunity to move freely and attack their objective while seizing terrain.

L Troop also incorporated a Lithuanian Duke Vaidotas Mechanized Infantry Battalion platoon into its company, while allowing one of its own to incorporate with the Lithuanians. According to Gaines, this drove home the concept of a “Strong Europe.”

“Our Lithuanian platoon was broken down so that 9 Lithuanian Soldiers were incorporated into each of our platoons,” said Gaines. “This allowed each of our platoon leaders a chance to plan and work together with our allies.”

Overall Gaines said the training was successful and the Soldiers of the Lithuanian Land Forces agreed. 1st Lt. Ruslavas Fiodorovas, platoon leader for 3rd Platoon, Lithuanian Duke Vaidotas Mechanized Infantry Battalion, said that working with Soldiers from L Troop was definitely the highlight of the training.

“The training was a great opportunity to train with American Soldiers as we were incorporated into their platoons. In the future, our experiences training together will be beneficial for us both.”

• Date Taken: 03.10.2016
• Date Posted: 03.11.2016 08:20
• Story ID: 192026
• Location: LT