3-2 CAV and Latvians bond over booms

Photo By Capt. Jennifer Cruz | Latvian soldiers and U.S. soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, react to a detonated charge during urban breach training at Adazi Training Area, Latvia, on Feb. 5, 2016. The Latvian and U.S. soldiers were conducting the training to work together to improve on each of the countries capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Jennifer Cruz/ Released)  

KADAGA, LATVIA

02.05.2016

Story by Capt. Jennifer Cruz 

10th Press Camp Headquarters

KADAGA, Latvia - BOOM! That was the sound Latvian and U.S. Army soldiers made at Adazi Training Area, Latvia while conducting urban breach training on Feb. 5, 2016.

The soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, conducted the denoted charges and room clearing with their Latvian NATO allies.

With the bitter cold and wind hitting the soldier’s faces and hands they would huddle together when they were not part of the team blowing up doors and entering the buildings. Even while huddled together, the troops were on their toes from the constant loud bangs from the charges blowing up.

Sgt. Anthony Walker of Engineer Platoon, HHT, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, described the training as, “We [U.S. Army] are out here with our NATO Allies [Latvians] and we are teaching them as well as our soldiers how to tactically enter a building using explosives.”

“With them [Latvians] teaching us [U.S.] and us teaching them, it builds a nice little bond,” said Sgt. Guadalupe Beas of Engineer Platoon, HHT, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment.

The soldiers not only bonded over the bangs and booms they made, but also got the opportunity to learn from each other and improve on their tactics, techniques and procedures.

• Date Taken: 02.05.2016
• Date Posted: 02.08.2016 05:00
• Story ID: 188182
• Location: KADAGA, LV