Training continues in target ranges across the country

Joint Romanian-NATO exercises

Radio România Internațional, 20.03.2024, 17:24

The military of the Constanta-based Marasesti 9th Mechanized Infantry Brigade (in the south-east) jointly with partners of Republic of Moldova and the USA, for two weeks running took part in the Justice Eagle 24 multinational exercise carried in the Combat Training Center in Babadag. One of the sequences of the exercise was held in Topraisar. There, the Engineers of the 9th Mechanized Brigade trained jointly with the US military dislodged in Romania.

Here is what the Commander of the US Army’s 21 Engineers Battalion, Lieutenant-colonel Joseph Byrnes, had to say about the exercise:

“In the past weeks we carried a joint training session in the decision-making process, we planned a military operation we’re now implementing and it was an opportunity to share tactics, techniques and procedures. The US forces are here as partners of Romanian military and they work together, develop joint training opportunities proving the allied will to carry military operations together, if need be. ”

Throughout the exercise, the military of the three participating states had the opportunity to prove themselves in terms of physical performance, so much so that 8 sports teams of 5 members each competed as part of the Highland Games contest, where they had to pass a couple of endurance tests.

«Justice Eagle» is a biannual exercise including live ammunition shooting with several categories of weapons. Its eventual aim is to develop capabilities and enhance the degree of interoperability between the participating contingents.

Also in South-eastern Romania, sequences of the «Trojan Footprint 24» exercise were held, for the military of special force operations. 2,000 military of 13 allied and partner states, for two weeks running took part in training stages held in Bulgaria, Georgia, Germany, Greece, North Macedonia and Romania. The exercise was led by the United States Special Operations Command Europe. Its eventual aim was to demonstrate the USA, NATO allies and partner nations’ capacity to mount a resolute response in the case of any threat coming from any direction.

The «Trojan Footprint» series of exercises first took off in 2002. Since 2016, it has been held every two years. In 2024, the Trojan Footprint is being held under the umbrella of Steadfast Defender, the biggest NATO exercise. in the last decades.

We’re now heading towards another shooting range, central Romania’s shooting range in Cincu. There the military of the Caracal-based Romanați 22nd Infantry Battalion, jointly with their North-Macedonian, Polish and Portuguese partners held an on-the-ground training exercise which included, towards its final part, live ammunition shooting sessions.

Also enjoying a unique experience were the French military of the NATO Combat Group dislodged in Cincu; for a couple of days the French military trained jointly with the 30th Mountain Huntsmen Battalion as part of a series of sessions focusing on urban warfare action. Also, they exchanged knowledge and operational procedures pertaining to the type of technical combat which implies a high degree of coordination.

Regarding diplomacy, the Romanian National Defense Minister Angel Tilvar held a meeting with the US Deputy Chief of Mission to Bucharest, Michael Dickerson. Several relevant topics were discussed, pertaining to the present security environment. Special emphasis was being laid on NATO developments on the Eastern flank. The Romanian Defense Minister took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of strengthening the Strategic Partnership with