US, Bulgarian Soldiers trek through

Photo By Staff Sgt. Steven Colvin | U.S. Soldiers of 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga., take the U.S. flag down representing the close of Exercise Peace Sentinel at Novo Selo Training Center, Bulgaria, Nov. 24, 2015. Peace Sentinel is a joint exercise that focuses on interoperability between the Bulgarian and U.S. forces. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Steven M. Colvin/Released)  

NOVO SELO, BULGARIA

11.25.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. Steven Colvin 

10th Press Camp Headquarters Wolfpack

NOVO SELO TRAINING CENTER, Bulgaria – For the past six days, U.S. and Bulgarian Soldiers have been battling side-by-side against a force beyond their control, not an enemy per se, but rather against the sun, wind, rain, fog, rough terrain, mud and significant temperature changes.

U.S. troops from 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, and 1st Battalion, 61st Mechanized Brigade from the Bulgarian Land Forces joined forces for Exercise Peace Sentinel, in support of Atlantic Resolve, at Novo Selo Training Center in Bulgaria, Nov. 20-25, 2015.

Atlantic Resolve provides U.S. Soldiers the opportunity to work with and train alongside our NATO allies, forge relationships that foster trust and mutual understanding, strengthen interoperability and demonstrate the United States’ commitment to the NATO alliance. Peace Sentinel aims to enhance the combat readiness of allied forces as they work together to build interoperability between our armies.

“This interoperability ensures the stability of the region,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Christopher Mahaffey. “Exercise Peace Sentinel proved that we can fight together, stay alive and win.”

During the first couple of days of Peace Sentinel 2015, Soldiers of both forces worked together as sweat poured down their bodies as the sun beat on them in the heat of the day. They completed multiple series of tactical movements using smoke, bushes and trees for concealment and using man-made foxholes, bunkers and trenches for cover. During this scenario-based enemy attack, the U.S. and Bulgarian Soldiers enhanced their defensive and offensive attack skills, as well as their communication skills.

The past two days, however, put a real test on the Soldiers’ mental and physical endurance with extreme temperature and element changes. The wind picked up considerably, blowing much cooler air through the valley and was followed by fog and rain. Yet through it all, the Soldiers continued the exercise trekking through the wet and muddy mountains and plains of the Novo Selo Training Area without a hitch.

“This exercise was a great experience for both U.S. and Bulgarian Soldiers,” said Bulgarian Col. Margarit Mihailov. “We worked together and trained together, and the exercise was a success.”

Exercise Peace Sentinel 2015 came to a close with a ceremony that involved all the U.S. and Bulgarian Soldiers and key leaders. Many certificates and gifts were given to leaders of both forces to show each other’s appreciation for their hard work and dedication to the commitment of forging a relationship that fosters trust and mutual understanding. Exercise Peace Sentinel 2015 truly enhanced the combat readiness of U.S. and Bulgarian forces.

• Date Taken: 11.25.2015
• Date Posted: 11.25.2015 19:11
• Story ID: 182948
• Location: NOVO SELO, BG