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US & Romania train armored, artillery through adversity
A M1A3 Abrams tank fires a round during a live fire training exercise at Smardan Training Area on April 19, 2017. The combined exercise had US and Romanian armored crewmen taking commands from a Romanian commander to prove the cohesion between units in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, a NATO mission involving the U.S. and its European Allies and partners in a combined effort to promote regional stability and deter aggression in Europe. (Photo by Army Pvt. Nicholas Vidro, 7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
Photo by: Story by Pvt. Nicholas Vidro
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US & Romania train armored, artillery through adversity
U.S. Maj. Gen. John Gronski, deputy commanding general for the Army National Guard, speaks with Romanian Maj. Gen. Nicolae Ciuca, the chief of the Romanian Land Forces Staff, during a live fire training exercise at Smardan Training Area on April 20, 2017. The training exercise is a testament to the success of Operation Atlantic Resolve, a NATO mission involving the US and its European Allies and partners in a combined effort to strengthen regional stability and promote peace in Europe. (Photo by Army Pvt. Nicholas Vidro, 7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
Photo by: Story by Pvt. Nicholas Vidro
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US & Romania train armored, artillery through adversity
U.S. and Romanian soldiers march from their tanks in formation after a live fire training exercise at Smardan Training Area on April 19, 2017. Both forces have been training closely together as a part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, a NATO mission involving the U.S. and its European Allies and partners in a combined effort to strengthen friendships and promote peace in Eastern Europe. (Photo by Army Pvt. Nicholas Vidro, 7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
Photo by: Story by Pvt. Nicholas Vidro
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US & Romania train armored, artillery through adversity
U.S. Maj. Gen. John Gronski, deputy commanding general for the Army National Guard, and U.S. Brig. Gen. Benjamin Corell, deputy commander of NATO's Multinational Division South-East, Bucharest, Romania, greet US and Romanian soldiers as they arrive at a live fire exercise conducted at Smardan Training Area on April 20, 2017. The exercise showcased the cohesion of U.S. and Romanian forces during Operation Atlantic Resolve, a NATO mission involving the U.S. and its European Allies and partners in a combined effort to strengthen bonds of friendship and deter aggression in Europe. (Photo by Army Pvt. Nicholas Vidro, 7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
Photo by: Story by Pvt. Nicholas Vidro
“Train as you fight,” the mantra of the combined fighting forces of United States and Romania, was put to the test on April 20, 2017 at a wintry Smardan Training Area. The training exercise showcased the cohesion of the combined forces to the many military officials and news agencies in attendance.
The exercise, involving armored, infantry and artillery elements, was conducted in the face of high winds and piercing snow, demonstrating the mobility of both armies as they worked together to fire on multiple targets in limited visibility. Despite the adverse conditions, the soldiers on the field were unshaken in their movements. U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jason Sabat, commander of the 1st Infantry Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, commented on what his troops take away from events like this.
“The Romanian forces have contributed a significant amount of time and resources to train with us. The soldiers have really gotten a lot out of it,” he said.
Among the media and military in attendance was US Maj. Gen. John Gronski, deputy commanding general for the Army National Guard as well as Romanian Maj. Gen. Nicolae Ciuca, the chief of the Romanian Land Forces Staff. Gronski shared his thoughts on the demonstration.
“What I saw was outstanding soldiers conducting tough and realistic training, and working together,” he said.
After the ceremony ended, many in attendance took the chance to escape from the cold and take advantage of the courtesy tent offered, to enjoy warm beverages and discuss further what they had just witnessed. Despite the severe weather, the soldiers from both nations who had participated in the exercise emerged with renewed focus and optimism. Romanian 1st Sgt. Andi Tinjala with the 282nd mechanized brigade spoke on the cohesion and camaraderie of participating soldiers.
“It's all about cooperation and learning how to work together to have success on the battlefield,” he said.
