Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Osvaldo Sanchez | U.S. and Bulgarian forces participate in the opening ceremony of Joint Task Force-East...... read more read more
NOVO SELO TRAINING AREA, Bulgaria — Joint Task Force-East held an opening ceremony here Aug. 7 signaling the beginning of the first bilateral training rotation for 2009 between U.S. and Bulgarian troops.
JTF-E is an element of the European Command Theater Security Engagement Program that provides the U.S. and its partners an opportunity to train with each other to contribute to the collective defense of the region.
The first cycle consists of the U.S. Army Tennessee National Guard 1-181st Field Artillery Battalion, headquartered in Chattanooga, Tenn., and Bulgarian Land Forces 4th Battalion Multiple Launch Rocket System, 4th Artillery Regiment, from Aseuovgrad. JTF-E consists of four rotations running simultaneously in both Romania and Bulgaria ending in late October.
"It is the kick off for our working relationship," said U.S. Army Maj. Grant A. Carroll, executive officer of the 1-181st regarding training with the Bulgarians. "And we will have, as a unit, a set baseline for the rest of our period here at Novo Selo."
During the ceremony, U.S. JTF-E Commander Col. Gary R. Russ and Bulgarian JTF-E Commander Col. Biser Kalinov expressed the intent of JTF-E and the prospects the training brings.
"The upcoming weeks present a great opportunity for two allies to train together, get to know one another and exchange ideas between proven combat forces," said Russ.
"This is a unique opportunity to train with soldiers from an allied army and experience a new and different culture," he added.
Kalinov emphasized how the training will benefit both forces as well as the country.
"The joint use of the Novo Selo training facilities will enable us to develop a closer relationship and would eventually lead to greater security in the region," said Kalinov.
JTF-E is part of a continuing effort by the U.S. and its partners to improve host nation relationship and develop relationships with partner militaries that lead to success in region security operations.
| Date Taken: | 08.07.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 08.18.2009 01:58 |
| Story ID: | 37609 |
| Location: | NOVO SELO TRAINING AREA, BG |
| Web Views: | 88 |
| Downloads: | 71 |
This work, Ceremony marks start of combined training, by Sophia Klevemann, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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