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GRAFENWOEHR, GERMANY – With guns blazing, Romanian tanks traveled outside of their own country to Germany for the first time since World War II.
This event was a part of Combined Resolve II, a training exercise held here at Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels May 15 – June 30 including more than 4,000 participants from 15 allied and partner countries.
Maj. Dan Cruceanu, Romanian 284th Armor Battalion deputy commander, commonly known as the “Black Knights,” speaks with eagerness while observing his unit’s fire and maneuver operations. “We are so happy to be here because it’s one of the purposes of the alliance, to work together,” said Cruceanu.
“My unit is here with a tank platoon for the first time in Grafenwoehr,” said Cruceanu. Of course, Romania has participated in many joint-force operation missions throughout the years, but not with tanks.
Cruceanu is friendly and interested in telling his unit’s story about their participation in the training here. They are here for a purpose, and it is not just to expel rounds from tanks. Multinational relationships are being reinforced.
“It’s very good to be here and exchange experience with our U.S. brothers,” says Cruceanu. “It’s a great opportunity for us and a good chance to run our tanks here in Grafenwoehr because this range is very good.”
Standing near a fire position, clanking sounds confirmed something was stirring about inside the nearby tank. Suddenly, mysterious, unknown voices become louder and louder just before unsuspecting eyes rise and peek outside for a short time and then quickly disappear.
After a short delay…BOOM! The monumental sound from the TR85M1 Bizonul (Bison) tank pierced the cool ambient temperatures as a slight misty fog disappeared into the bright German sunlight. The morning’s natural fragrance combined with a scent of freshly-fired gunpowder awakens the senses.
Every round finds its way downrange exactly where each gunman intended. These Romanian tankers are skilled. All operations are quickly completed by each of the crew members. It is methodic ritual to each of them, and there is no question in operation. Militarized mindsets are confirmed through action, reaction, and teamwork.
In addition to tanks, Romania also had the MLI 84M Jderul (Wolverine) Infantry Fighting Vehicle here.
Capt. Marious Tincu, executive officer with the Romanian 2nd Company 300th Infantry Mechanized Battalion, commented on his experiences here.
“The experience is great because we have the chance to work together with other nations like the U.S. and Georgian military. We have done missions together and have learned from one another,” said Tincu.
Tincu explained his training here was a very rewarding experience. “This is one of the best exercises. We will all go home with something from here,” said Tincu. “In my opinion, this exercise is the best because it combines tactical exercises with firing.”
Senior Romanian leaders also commented on the comprehensive training abilities offered by the Grafenwhoer Training Area. compared to relatively flat ranges and lack of responsive targets, the rolling hills and sophisticated target systems in the Grafenwoehr Training Area offer Romanian tank crew members the ability to really test their skills from maneuvering and firing perspectives.
Col. Adrian Popescu, Romanian Battle Group commander, is impressed with the training available here.
“We train together with our American and Georgian partners in a combined arms live firing exercise. I want to emphasize the great facilities of training. The maneuver and the firing ranges are able to provide all of us the most challenging fighting area regarding targets, impact areas, and space of maneuver,” said Popescu.
While visiting Grafenwoehr, Romanian Col. Dorin Plescan, chief of internal activities, Romanian Land Forces, commented on the importance of combined multinational operations and strengthening personal ties.
Plescan said, “We don’t want to be considered another country, we want to be considered family.” The NATO alliance is stronger because of exercises like Combined Resolve II, which brings together members of the alliance to train, build relationships, and promote trust.
| Date Taken: | 06.19.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 06.24.2014 08:00 |
| Story ID: | 134164 |
| Location: | GRAFENWOEHR, BY, DE |
| Web Views: | 331 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, Romanian tanks leave their country, by CPT Aaron Shaffer, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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