Courtesy Photo | U.S. Army soldiers from 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat...... read more read more
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REMNIKU, Estonia — U.S. Army soldiers from Task Force Iron took first place in the active-duty category at the Estonian Defense Force Soldiers’ Day Competition on June 5, 2025.
A team of nine U.S. Army soldiers with 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment,1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, in support of Task Force Iron won first place in the active-duty category competing against 27 other teams from the United Kingdom, France, Estonian Defense League and Estonian Defense Force (EDF). The competition, designed to test physical resilience and military skills, was hosted at the Remniku Training and Recreation Center in eastern Estonia, at Lake Peipus.
“Allowing the U.S. and NATO allies to participate in the EDF Soldiers’ Day Competition builds cohesion and a greater bond between allied countries. It allows neighboring countries to see the presence of the U.S. and our allies, all ready to work and fight,” said Sgt. Connor Hall, a medic with Comanche Troop, 5th Squadron 7th Cavalry Regiment.
The competition featured various individual events such as drone operation, grenade throwing, and land navigation. Team events included a boat race, military functional fitness, and weapons assembly and disassembly. Even though the events were conducted in the Estonian language and used Estonian equipment, it did not stop the U.S. team from finishing ahead of their competitors.
“My favorite moment in the competition was when we participated in the boat race. Being able to see the American flag waving in the wind, with large waves slamming the side of the boat, just showed how determined we are to compete,” said Hall.
The competitors from the U.S. were all from 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment. Those participants were Spc. Sterlin Maness, Spc. Jemari Lucios, Spc. Nathan Santana, Staff Sgt. Christopher Gillon, Sgt. Connor Hall, Sgt. Elvin Varela, Spc. Michael Blow, Spc. Anton Lane and 2nd Lt. Samuel Jung.
“I’m proud of being able to represent my unit, 5-7 CAV 1st ABCT, 3rd Infantry Division in events like these and will continue to train and support my fellow troops and allies by any means necessary,” said Sgt. Elvin Varela, a team leader with Apache Troop, 5th Squadron 7th Cavalry Regiment.
The competition was originally launched in 1995 as one of the largest events hosted by the EDF to boost soldiers’ morale and identify the top teams through challenging military skill events. The annual competitions were paused in 2014 and resumed in 2021.
“For us, the presence of our Allied forces in Estonia is very important, and that includes also participation at the Soldier’s Days competition. It is a great chance to get to know each other better, learn about different units’ tactics and the ways of tackling physical and mental obstacles. The competition also allows us to challenge each other to become better in this friendly but highly competitive environment that the event offers,“ said Command Sergeant Major Enn Adoson, Command Sergeant Major of the Estonian Defence Forces.
Task Force Iron’s mission is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, increasing lethality while strengthening partnerships with NATO allies and regional security partners. The task force provides combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s only forward-deployed corps in Europe.
“The Americans were victorious in this year’s challenge to credit their excellent training – we welcome them to share their experience with us and want them to know that we’re grateful for their presence, support and cooperation.," said Adoson.
Article written by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Novak, 70th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
| Date Taken: | 06.27.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.11.2025 05:37 |
| Story ID: | 501674 |
| Location: | EE |
| Web Views: | 41 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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