Romanian, Spanish, and Moldovan Troops Train in the Carpathian Mountains
An overview of the training exercise in Tarcău Mountains
Agenția Media a Armatei, 04.03.2026, 14:00
Recently, soldiers from the 634th Infantry Battalion conducted a week-long training exercise in Tarcău Mountains in Neamț County (northeast). They were joined by Spanish allies from the NATO Battle Group based in Cincu (center) and personnel from the National Army of the Republic of Moldova. This training program was specifically designed to refine combat techniques and tactics within a mountainous environment. Among the participants was Captain Alfaro, who emphasized the professional and personal value of the experience in Romania:
“I am the medical assistant for the Spanish contingent here in Tarcău. This is my first time in Romania, and I find it exceptionally beautiful. Our soldiers are training in conditions quite different from what we are used to in Spain, and this experience is undoubtedly beneficial for everyone. For us as a medical team, the work becomes much more complex in this environment. We must prepare for interventions in mountainous terrain to reach troops and evacuate them safely. We’ve learned a great deal about mountain movement and transporting patients from high-altitude zones to the hospital. It is also a valuable experience for the soldiers, as they train intensely to know how to act in this environment. The people here are very welcoming, making us feel at ease. Additionally, the food is delicious, and I like it very much”.
The troops executed squad and platoon-level drills adapted to forested mountainous terrain. The exercise focused on several objectives: developing physical and psychological endurance, exchanging best practices for mountain operations, and increasing interoperability between the participating structures. Lieutenant Novo, who led the Spanish detachment, highlighted the importance of joint mountain training:
“I am part of the Spanish Marine Corps. I am here with my soldiers to train alongside personnel from Romania and the Republic of Moldova. We are specializing our techniques and procedures for this type of terrain. While we train in similar conditions in Spain, it is much colder here. Training alongside Romanian soldiers, exchanging experiences, and building a relationship based on trust and cooperation are very welcome. We’ve found many commonalities and high interoperability, allowing us to build a very strong bilateral relationship, especially in the current international context. Regarding the language barrier, it might seem complicated at first, but because we speak English and use the same military language, communication is easy, and we can exchange knowledge with ease. It is perfect for us to train here and develop new capabilities”.
The training program also included live-fire sessions with standard-issue weaponry, a 20-kilometer tactical march, and a field training exercise emphasizing coordination and teamwork. Sergeant Second Class Dumitru Șargu from the Republic of Moldova also shared his thoughts on the Tarcău Mountains experience:
“This is my first time participating in such an exercise. At times it’s harder, at others easier, but it is beautiful. The collaboration is going well; we understand each other, and the conditions are quite good—including the barracks and the exercise activities. The weather conditions allow us to carry out our work, and we are managing well”.
The experience gained by each participant in the Tarcău Mountains contributes directly to increasing operational capacity in mountainous terrain and strengthening cooperation among NATO forces. (VP)
