Dog Face Soldiers train with Estonian Armor School

Photo By Staff Sgt. Syreetta Watts | Soldiers from Company A, 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division conduct leadership professional development and joint maneuver training with the Estonian Armor School at Tapa Training Area, Estonia August 16. Soldiers from 3rd Bn., 69th Arm. Rgmt. are currently in Estonia as a part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, a demonstration of continued U.S. commitment to collective security through a series of actions designed to reassure NATO allies and partners of America's dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region.  

ESTONIA

08.16.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. Syreetta Watts 

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

(TAPA TRAINING AREA, Estonia) - Soldiers from Company A, 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, held joint maneuver training with the Estonian Armor School at Tapa Training Area, Estonia August 16.

The training assists the Estonian cadre with understanding how to use armored assets in forested terrain in preparation for their fielding of CV90 Armored Fighting Vehicles purchased from The Netherlands.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Anderson Mack, a platoon leader for Co. A, 3rd Bn., 69th Arm. Rgmt., said the training facilitates interoperability as the two countries shared their tactics and techniques.

“If we were to conduct operations together, each Army would know what to expect and how to execute the mission because of the foundation we built,” said Mack.

During the leader professional development, the Soldiers went over different movement methods on roads, actions during short and long halts during a road movement, and entering and exiting a bottleneck.

Staff Sgt. Robert Elscott, a section leader for Co. A, 3rd Bn., 69th Arm. Rgmt., said that training with the Estonian Armor School helps strengthen their relationships.

“It was a great change in atmosphere,” said Elscott. “Receiving their feedback on what we can do to help each other was great and the Soldiers enjoyed it.”

The training included the opportunity to get on some tanks and Bradleys to experience the different movement techniques and how to coordinate with dismounted Soldiers.

Spc. Tykei Carter, an infantryman for Co. A, 3rd Bn., 69th Arm. Rgmt., said that working with the Estonians was a great experience for the Soldiers.

“Training with the Estonian Armor School was great, and hopefully we do it more often,” said Carter. “I enjoyed it and think by working together and learning each others methods, we can help each other when needed.”

Soldiers from 3rd Bn., 69th Arm. Rgmt. are currently in Estonia as a part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, a demonstration of continued U.S. commitment to collective security through a series of actions designed to reassure NATO allies and partners of America's dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region.

• Date Taken: 08.16.2016
• Date Posted: 08.22.2016 08:01
• Story ID: 207843
• Location: EE