Photo By Pfc. Gabriel Martinez | A U.S. Army M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, operated by B Battery, 1-14th...... read more read more
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TAPA, Estonia-- Sept. 5, marked the conclusion of a six month-long NATO training mission for the U.S. Soldiers of B Battery, 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Regiment, 75th Field Artillery Brigade, also known as TF Voit, in Estonia.
TF Voit’s mission focused on strengthening NATO cooperation and interoperability through training and integration with Estonian forces on the employment of the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System or HIMARS.
The unit began training with Estonian Defense Forces following its establishment in 2023. Over the last few years, they have strengthened relationships with and increased capability of the EDF as they integrated this new system into their inventory. The culmination of this partnership occurred in July 2025 with the EDF’s first live-fire tests and crew certifications.
The Republic of Estonia Ministry of Defense Director of the International Cooperation Department, Helmuth Martin Reisner spoke at the end-of-mission ceremony on the impact of the U.S. Soldier presence and partnership. “Your presence here will continue to be felt for years to come,” he said. “The training and the skills you have passed on to your Estonian colleagues, the knowledge you have passed on is invaluable, and thanks to you, the Eastern flank is much stronger and remains so in the future.”
Capt. Richard Hiler, battery commander for B Battery, explained the purpose of the deployment, “The battery's focus while we were out here was to assist the Estonians as they purchased their HIMARS and started to become fully operationally capable here,” he said.
Describing the system, Hiler noted that the HIMARS is a “high-mobility, artillery rocket system, which is a long-range precision fires field artillery system, capable of firing guided and unguided munitions.”
The U.S. Soldiers served as guides. According to Hiler, their mission served as “more of an officer-in-charge package,” intended “to help them fight better in the field,” he said.
Beyond technical support, the deployment underscored the U.S. commitment to NATO. Hiler emphasized the significance of multinational cooperation. “Honestly, being able to work with multinational countries, it is nothing short of a privilege,” he said. “I mean, we are out here, we get to do the job that we love doing.”
The mission also served as a proving ground for U.S. troops. Hiler noted, “Being able to see both the NCOs and officers grow in a coaching and mentoring side has been really, really something special.” He added that by teaching others, his Soldiers became more proficient operators themselves.
Col. Frank Maxwell, commander of the 41st Field Artillery Brigade, stressed the partnership already built would continue. “There will be no gap between U.S. Forces,” Maxwell said. “The only difference is you’ll see some different vehicles in the parking lot.”
Maxwell highlighted that in just a few months the Estonian land forces “already qualified, demonstrating their readiness, willingness, and commitment to being the best organization out there.”
Although B Battery is rotating out, Maxwell is confident in the alliance remaining stable. “We built a relationship together. We know each other. We know how we operate,” he said. “We know how to be interoperable together against our common enemies, and we are comfortable, as we walk, knowing that the Estonian army can fill the gap.”
Looking ahead, Maxwell noted, “The Soldiers of Task Force Voit will soon re-deploy to Lithuania, where they will reflag as Task Force ZXC and begin a new mission set with another key NATO ally. In their place, U.S. tanks and cavalry will arrive here in Tapa. Their presence ensures continuity of the U.S. posture and introduces new capabilities to reinforce the deterrence line in the Baltic region.”
As Maxwell summed up TF Voit’s rotation, he noted B Battery’s mission leaves a lasting impression. It sends a clear message to NATO allies and partners. “Today proves that when we train together and invest together and trust each other, we get stronger together,” he concluded.
| Date Taken: | 09.08.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.10.2025 06:44 |
| Story ID: | 547621 |
| Location: | TAPA, EE |
| Web Views: | 51 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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