NOVO SELO TRAINING CENTER, Bulgaria – U.S. troops from 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga., and 1st Battalion 61st Mechanized Brigade from the Bulgarian Land Forces joined forces at the opening ceremony for Exercise Peace Sentinel, in support of Atlantic Resolve, at Novo Selo Training Center in Bulgaria, Nov. 20, 2015.
“Peace Sentinel is a joint training exercise that focuses on interoperability between Bulgarian and U.S. forces,” said U.S. Army Maj. Brennan Speakes, the operations officer in charge of 5/7 Cav. “It showcases our ability to provide assurance and deterrence in Europe.”
Atlantic Resolve provides U.S. Soldiers the opportunity to work with and train alongside our NATO allies, forge relationships that foster trust and mutual understanding, strengthen interoperability, and demonstrate the United States’ commitment to the NATO Alliance. Peace Sentinel aims to enhance the combat readiness of Allied forces as they work together to build interoperability between our armies.
“The aim for this exercise is very significant for us,” said Bulgarian Col. Margarit Mihailov, the commander of 61st Mechanized Brigade. “It improves our NATO capabilities and enhances our cooperation. It is a great opportunity for us to share our experiences and to teach and learn from each other.”
Mihailov went on to say that Peace Sentinel will demonstrate the readiness of both forces and preserve our peace, security and human values.
Exercise Peace Sentinel will continue through Nov. 25 with the U.S. and Bulgarian soldiers and leaders working together to complete a series of tactical movements in scenario-based enemy attacks and will conclude with a closing ceremony.