Sky Soldiers, Lithuanians kick off Iron Sword 2016 [Image 2 of 4]

RUKLA, LITHUANIA

11.20.2016

Photo by Staff Sgt. Corinna Baltos 

24th Theater Public Affairs Support Element

RUKLA, Lithuania – Paratroopers from Able Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), and Lithuanian Paratroopers display their new wings after a jump wing exchange Nov. 20. In the airborne community, paratroopers can be awarded foreign jump wings if they meet two of the four requirements; exit a foreign aircraft during a jump; use foreign equipment such as parachutes; be inspected and coached by foreign jumpmasters; or exit the aircraft on foreign airspace. The Paratroopers jumped from a Lithuanian C-27 aircraft under the guidance of Lithuanian jumpmasters as part of Exercise Iron Sword 2016. Iron Sword is an international training exercise featuring 11 NATO countries and about 4,000 troops. The exercise is designed to promote regional stability and security, while strengthening partnership capacity, and fostering trust while improving interoperability between Lithuania, the U.S., and NATO member nations.

• Date Taken: 11.20.2016
• Date Posted: 11.22.2016 12:30
• Photo ID: 3006668
• VIRIN: 161120-A-XQ291-273
• Resolution: 1998x1282
• Size: 1.69 MB
• Location: RUKLA, LT