Photo By Sgt. Cecil Elliott II | U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters assigned to 2nd General Support Aviation...... read more read more
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Adazi Military Camp, LATVIA — In the clear September air, soldiers from NATO came together at Latvia's Adazi Military Camp for an exercise. Paladin Shield was a ten-day field event to hone skills and strengthen bonds. The days ahead promised hard work and camaraderie as NATO allies trained side by side, steady and sure in their purpose.
NATO member states conducted the exercise to enhance interoperability by acquainting themselves with each other's ground combat tactics and operational capabilities, ensuring seamless coordination and effective communication in joint operations.
Paladin Shield provided the opportunity for the U.S. Army soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division to work closely with Canadian soldiers to provide training opportunities to other NATO countries participating in this exercise.
"Exercise Paladin Shield provided us with a rare opportunity to plan and execute combat operations with our NATO allies," said 1st Lt. Nathaniel Peckman, an armor officer assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.
Peckman, a native of Austin, Texas, was instrumental in planning and executing this exercise.
"We were trying to breach through their forces and get to our objective," said Sgt. Samantha Lewis, an M1 armor crewman assigned to B. Co., 2-12 Cav Regt.
"I just scan for targets and shoot the targets," said Lewis.
Peckman and Lewis were part of the "Opposition Forces" or OPFOR during exercise Paladin Shield, which provided realistic, adversarial scenarios for military units to practice against, helping them prepare for actual combat situations.
OPFOR units are often trained to replicate potential real-world adversaries' tactics, strategies and capabilities. This allows friendly forces to experience varied combat scenarios, enhancing their readiness and effectiveness in facing potential threats.
"Operating in conjunction with Latvian and Canadian forces helped us build lethality and interoperability capabilities, preparing us for future operations," said Peckman.
The success of exercise Paladin Shield underscored the importance of joint training in strengthening NATO's collective defense. By honing combat skills and deepening partnerships, these multinational forces enhanced their preparedness for future global challenges.
| Date Taken: | 09.13.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.13.2024 15:05 |
| Story ID: | 480797 |
| Location: | CAMP ADAZI, LV |
| Hometown: | FORT CAVAZOS, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 121 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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