U.S. Army, allied military police officers strengthen community ties in Estonia

Photo By Sgt. Aaron Kaczur | A 1 Royal Welsh Military Police Cpl. shows U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Inman, a military police officer assigned to the 603rd Military Police Company, the SA80 A2 rifle and its capabilities during a community event held at the Estonian Police Museum in Rakvere, Estonia, July 12, 2026. The SA80 has served as the British Army's standard service rifle since 1987, with generations of British troops carrying the weapon throughout its evolution. V Corps is the U.S. Army's only forward-deployed corps, serving as the senior tactical headquarters for Army forces in Eastern Europe to deter conflict and provide combat-ready forces alongside our NATO allies. V Corps is operationalizing and expanding the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative with Allies, rapidly integrating emerging technologies into training and tactical plans. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Aaron Kaczur, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)  

RAKVERE, ESTONIA

07.11.2026

Story by Sgt. Katherine Zimpfer 

U.S. Army V Corps

RAKVERE, Estonia – Soldiers from the U.S., Great Britain and France joined the local community in an annual event celebrating the summer opening day of the Estonian Police Museum in Rakvere, Estonia, July 11.

Families explored interactive displays featuring U.S. M4 carbines, British military working dogs, fingerprinting activities and military police equipment while speaking directly with soldiers about their roles and experiences serving in Estonia. The event encouraged conversations between allied service members and the local community, strengthening relationships beyond the training environment.

The event allowed soldiers from across the U.S., French Forces and NATO Multinational Battlegroup Estonia to connect with Estonian citizens outside of the training environment and strengthen relationships through shared experiences.

"Events like this are a great opportunity for the soldiers to come out and share about what they do, share their capabilities and engage with the host nation audience," said British Army Lt. Brian Leung, an event coordinator for the NATO Multinational Battlegroup Estonia.

That engagement extended beyond the equipment displays, as families gathered throughout the museum grounds to enjoy the warm summer weather, explore the demonstrations and speak with service members. Children asked questions about military equipment, watched military working dog demonstrations and cooled off with ice cream while soldiers shared their experiences and connected with the Estonian community in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Leung said these engagements benefit both the local community and the Soldiers who participate by creating opportunities for cultural exchange and personal connection.

"Not only for them to see us, but for our soldiers that rotate in and out, for them to engage with the host nation," Leung said. "We're here for a purpose as well."

The participation of U.S., British and French military police highlighted the strength of Allied partnerships while demonstrating the shared commitment to building lasting relationships with the Estonian community.

• Date Taken: 07.11.2026
• Date Posted: 07.20.2026 07:36
• Story ID: 570207
• Location: RAKVERE, EE