2/503rd Paratroopers train with Lavtian and Lithuanian forces during Zobens Exercise [Image 11 of 11]

LATVIA

09.24.2016

Photo by Staff Sgt. Corinna Baltos 

24th Theater Public Affairs Support Element

REZEKNE, Latvia – Maj. Brian Miletech, operations officer, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat (Airborne), talks to an officer with the 2nd Latvian National Guard Region, Sept. 24 during Exercise Zobens. Paratroopers from Chosen Company, 2nd Bn., 503rd Infantry Regt. Played the opposition forces during the exercise, which was designed to test the Latvian Armed Forces’ ability to work with different internal and external agencies to marshal their capabilities and defend their position. The Paratroopers, along with elements from the Latvian Mechanized Forces, played the oppositional force for the exercise. The Paratroopers arrived in Latvia two-weeks ago to embark on a six-month rotation to train with their Latvian partners as part of Atlantic Resolve, a U.S. led effort being conducted in Eastern Europe to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the collective security of NATO and dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region. The 173rd Airborne Brigade, based in Vicenza, Italy, is the Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, and is capable of projecting forces to conduct a full range of military operations across the United States European, Central and Africa Command areas of responsibility within 18 hours.

• Date Taken: 09.24.2016
• Date Posted: 09.25.2016 14:03
• Photo ID: 2878232
• VIRIN: 160924-A-XQ291-035
• Resolution: 2136x3216
• Size: 1.75 MB
• Location: LV