King of the Hill: U.S., Bulgarian and Greek forces conduct armored exercise at STRIKE BACK 19

Photo By Sgt. Samantha Hall | A Greek LEO2HEL Tank Platoon prepare to fire upon distant targets June 10, 2019 on Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, as a part of STRIKE BACK 19. This was the beginning of the second day of a two-part exercise in which a hilltop fighting position was lost and must be regained with the help of two platoons of U.S. Army Bradley Fighting Vehicles from 1 Battalion 16th Infantry Regiment and a Bulgarian armored unit. STRIKE BACK 19 is a multinational exercise hosted by the Bulgarian Armed Forces at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, from June 6-20, 2019. STRIKE BACK 19 is designed to increase capabilities and interoperability with Bulgarian, Albanian, Greek, North Macedonian and U.S. Troops.  

NOVO SELO, BULGARIA

06.10.2019

Story by Spc. Samantha Hall 

126th Theater Public Affairs Support Element

In the face of a simulated attack against a battle position, STRIKE BACK 19 brought together three NATO-allied countries to use their combined firepower to take back their hilltop in Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria.

Two platoons of U.S. Army Bradley fighting vehicles from Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, a platoon of Greek Army German Leopard tanks and a Bulgarian armored unit conducted a two-day exercise to practice their interoperability during a simulated tank battle.

This was the first time U.S. Army 1st Lt. Grant Steen of B Company had ever worked with the Bulgarian Land Forces and the Hellenic Army.

“It’s been a discussion of tactics,” said Steen. “We show our NATO partners our skills, and we see theirs as well.”

On the first day of the exercise, the allies were defending a hilltop position when their defenses were breached. They were forced to retreat to a previous battle position. On the second day, the allies conducted a counter-attack to retake their hilltop position.

“It’s beneficial because we do things differently," said Steen. "Strike Back 19 has given us the opportunity to exchange best practices in order to enhance our effectiveness and interoperability."

STRIKE BACK 19 is a multinational exercise hosted by the Bulgarian Armed Forces at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, from June 6-20, 2019. STRIKE BACK 19 is designed to increase capabilities and interoperability with Bulgarian, Albanian, Greek, North Macedonian and U.S. Troops.

• Date Taken: 06.10.2019
• Date Posted: 06.10.2019 09:27
• Story ID: 326346
• Location: NOVO SELO, BG