STALLIONS HOST A MULTINATIONAL MEET AND GREET

Courtesy Photo | Lt. Col Steven Jackowski, commander, 2nd Battalion 8th Cavalry Regiment "STALLIONS," 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team "IRONHORSE," poses with Defense Attaches from NATO partners and other neighboring European nations, in front of Abrams Tank, Pabrade Training Area, Lithuania, April 25. NATO allies and European partners took the opportunity to discuss future collaborations and training exercises across Europe. The STALLIONS, the easternmost deployed IRONHORSE battalion during Atlantic Resolve, continue to have a reassuring and positive impact, by participating in multinational and combined training events throughout Europe. (Photo courtesy of 1st Lt. Eren Moses.)  

LITHUANIA

04.25.2021

Courtesy Story

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

1st Lt. Eren Moses
2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment Unit Public Affairs Representative (UPAR)

PABRADE, Lithuania – Lt. Col. Steven E. Jackowski, Battalion Commander, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, hosted an international meeting between Defense Attaches from NATO allies and other neighboring European partners, April 25.

The meeting kicked off with a blast from the main gun of an M1A2 Abrams main battle tank and an official greeting from Jackowski. Top military officials from across Europe turned their attention to the snowy Lithuanian range as a 120mm sabot round destroyed its target.

“It’s important for us to continue to capitalize on opportunities to enhance interoperability” said Jackowski. “Contributing to the ability of Alliance forces to train, exercise and operate effectively, both together and with forces of Partner countries is vital to our overall mission” added Jackowski.

Jackowski also emphasized transparency for all nations directly and indirectly connected to Atlantic Resolve operations and exercises. He highlighted the bi-yearly training exercise [Crew Gunnery] and fielded questions about weapon systems and capabilities being employed while in the Pabrade Training Area.

“We uphold strict standards and encourage positive teamwork for our gunnery program. Aiming for continuous development in order to maintain highly lethal and ready crews.” said Jackowski. “By following a comprehensive training strategy, this battalion is able to complete its deterrence mission while simultaneously developing and strengthening partnerships among eastern and central European nations.”

NATO allies and European partners discussed future collaborations and training exercises scheduled for this summer such as the upcoming Defender 21 series. As the meeting came to a close, participants gathered together and posed for a group photo in front of a Tank and Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Prior to the photo, the groups exchanged small keepsakes in recognition of the event and showing their appreciation for the open dialogue and promises of future engagements.

“We are happy to have U.S. Troopers here and appreciate their contribution to Lithuania's security. Our partnership is authentic and necessary to the NATO alliance” said, Simas Vancevičius, a Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense advisor. “This meeting was a great opportunity to show our allies what we are doing here in Pabrade training ground and demonstrate transparency to neighboring Belarus. The Ministry is always working closely with the U.S. Embassy to implement such confidence and security-building measures” added Vancevičius.

2-8 Cav is the most eastern deployed battalion for the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team during Operation Atlantic Resolve. The battalion continues to have a reassuring and positive impact through participation in multinational and combined training events while navigating through the COVID-19 operational environment.

Nations that participated in the meeting included: Belarus, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

• Date Taken: 04.25.2021
• Date Posted: 05.03.2021 10:12
• Story ID: 395406
• Location: LT