Strengthening capabilities through interaction and communication during Kabile 15

Photo By Spc. Jacqueline Dowland | Soldiers with 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, joined their brothers-and-sisters-in-arms from 6th Battalion Battle Group, 2nd Brigade, Bulgarian Land Forces, to render respect to each other's nations and flags the opening ceremony for Kabile 15, Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, June 14, as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve. Kabile 15, a bilateral certification exercise, is being conducted from June 14-25, melding the talents and capabilities of both the American and Bulgarian armies as they train side-by-side in order to improve interoperability between the NATO allies. The exercise enables the alliance to defend itself against all threats. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jacqueline Dowland, 13th Public Affairs Detachment)  

NOVO SELO, BULGARIA

06.14.2015

Story by Spc. Jacqueline Dowland 

4th Public Affairs Detachment

NOVO SELO TRAINING AREA, Bulgaria- Through shared experiences, two forces from different sides of the globe are able to overcome language and cultural barriers as they forge a lasting friendship, uniting for a common goal.

Soldiers with 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, joined their brothers-and-sisters-in-arms from 6th Battalion Battle Group, 2nd Brigade, Bulgarian Land Forces, to participate in the opening ceremony for Kabile 15, Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, June 14, as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

Kabile 15, a bilateral certification exercise, is being conducted from June 14-25, melding the talents and capabilities of both the American and Bulgarian armies as they train side-by-side in order to improve interoperability between the NATO allies. The exercise strengthens the alliance as it defend itself against all threats.

"During the training, it will improve the capabilities of the American and Bulgarian soldiers, improving the skills that we collectively bring to the fight, allowing us to perfect our capabilities with the American forces," said Col. Nedyalko D. Nikov, deputy commander of 2nd Mechanized Brigade, Bulgarian Army, and a native of Haskovo, Bulgaria.

"Our tactics differ from those of the American Army, so through this joint training, our commanders are now able to implement new tactics learned from our allies in the field," said Nikov.

The training experience has lent soldiers from 2/2 CR the ability to learn the strengths and capabilities of their NATO counterparts.

" I assumed before I got here that the Bulgarian Army didn't have a lot of equipment or functionality, but being here has helped us to realize that they have more than I realized, and they work very well with what they have," said Sgt. Vence E. Salinas, Fire Support Sergeant, 2/2 CR, and a native of Weslaco, Texas.

"To learn that builds confidence on both of our ends as we see what they have and know they are coming to the joint training and the fight with their own plans and capabilities," said Salinas.

As each army learns from one other, language and cultural barriers dissipate and a strong, united front is formed.

" I like learning the language, anytime you have the ability to communicate with someone in their native tongue it's a positive, bonding experience," said Salinas. " It's exciting to see another country and learn the language, and also to participate in the cultural events, it allows us an opportunity to see a whole new way of life, living and culture from new friends."

The positive feelings of the joint training go both ways, each ally gaining a sense of unity and value from the interoperability gained.

"We are building mutual trust between each other during this exercise, and even a little bit of training, we can unite," said Nikov. "I hope that we will have even more joint training with our American counterparts because we can see the practical application of it."

• Date Taken: 06.14.2015
• Date Posted: 06.15.2015 04:57
• Story ID: 166627
• Location: NOVO SELO, BG