4-10 Cavalry strengthens ties with Hungarian military, communities

Photo By Capt. Scott Walters | Sgt. Bailey Core and Spc. Morgan Long, Cavalry scouts with Troop A, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armor Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division help children onto an M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle during a community exhibition of U.S. Army reconnaissance equipment in Tata, Hungary, March 24, 2017. Apache Troop is building ties to nearby communities where they are training as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, which demonstrates the U.S. commitment to NATO by providing a persistent presence throughout eastern Europe to deter aggression in the region. (U.S. Army photo by 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division)  

TATA, HUNGARY

04.03.2017

Courtesy Story

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

By 1st Lt. Thomas Ortega
3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs, 4th Infantry Division

TATA, Hungary – U.S. Soldiers and their Hungarian Defense Force counterparts got a feel for firing each other’s weapons during weapon familiarization training held here March 22.

More than 100 Soldiers from Troop A (“Apache”), 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, participated in the joint training with the Hungarian 2nd Battalion, 25th Infantry Brigade.

Apache Troop provided instruction on the M9 pistol, M4 carbine rifle, and the M240L machine gun. The Hungarians provided instruction on the P9RC pistol, AK-47 assault rifle, Dragunov sniper rifle, PKM machine gun, and the RPG-7.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Pettinicchio, a platoon sergeant for Apache Troop, participated with his Soldiers during the NATO weaponry familiarization training.

"Training alongside the Hungarian national forces has allowed our Soldiers, from both nations, to develop a higher understanding of the capabilities and employment of various weapon systems,” said Pettinicchio. “We continue to look forward to further opportunities to train and build various relationships with our friends and Allies."

Apache Troop is training alongside the Hungarians as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve as a demonstration of the United States’ ironclad commitment to strengthening the defensive and deterrent capabilities of the NATO Alliance.

Capt. Eric Ruff, Apache Troop commander, said the joint training event allowed for both partners to provide personalized instruction on each other's weapon systems, helping Soldiers gain knowledge and understanding on the capabilities of the various weapon systems.

“The concentrated effort in planning and improving interoperability with battalions under the Hungarian 25th Infantry Brigade answers how to fight together, should the need ever arise,” said Ruff.

In addition to demonstrating small-arms firepower with their military counterparts, Apache Troop also put their larger weapons systems on display for the nearby community of Tata.

Troopers displayed M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, an M113 Armored Personnel Carrier, a Palletized Load System, and BTR-80s during a community exhibition on March 24.

In attendance were teachers and students along with other community members.

“Soldiers were excited to show the tactical gear that we employ along with personal dismount weapon systems,” said Ruff. “This past week interacting with our military peers and civilians helps build trust between our two nations – it’s exactly what the troop has been building toward in order to improve interoperability and understanding of why we’re here, which is to support our Allies.”

But, Ruff added, “these events also are fun and have helped us better understand each other as we build not only a strong partnership but friendships as well."

• Date Taken: 04.03.2017
• Date Posted: 04.03.2017 15:13
• Story ID: 229008
• Location: TATA, HU