A new shift of the rotational U.S. forces in the Baltic States is coming to Lithuania in order to train with the Lithuania Army. The new deployment consists of soldiers from the US 3rd Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment and are bringing M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks, Bradley armoured vehicles, and other heavy and logistical military materiel with them. A total of approximately 70 vehicles, including 5 M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks and 13 Bradley armoured vehicles will be deployed to Lithuania.
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| US tanks in live-fire drills in Luthuania on April 9th 2015 |
The United States and other NATO allies have been sending soldiers to train in Lithuania and other Baltic States since spring 2014 in response to the changed security situation after the Russian annexation of Crimea and to implement the NATO assurance measures agreed at the NATO Summit in Wales. The United States launched Operation Atlantic Resolve and began sending rotational forces to the three Baltic States and Poland in response to the security situation changed by the Russian aggression Ukraine.
Just like military equipment of the previous rotational U.S. forces, the new shift will be based in Rukla, while soldiers of the Forward Support Company will be deployed to the Lithuanian Grand Duke Vytenis Main Support Battalion in Marijampole.
Soldiers from the US 3rd Battalion will train together with the Lithuanian Grand Duke Algirdas Mechanised Infantry Battalion till the end of December. The shift will also take part in international Exercise Iron Sword 2015 which will begin in Lithuania on November 8.
“Training with military units that allies deploy in Lithuania with various military equipment has already become a routine to Lithuanian soldiers, and that enables us not only to train our military personnel but also to sustain the skills and the readiness we acquire to cooperate with various types of units from allies nations,” Commander of the Lithuanian Land Force Major General Almantas Leika says.
Analysis
“Training with military units that allies deploy in Lithuania with various military equipment has already become a routine to Lithuanian soldiers, and that enables us not only to train our military personnel but also to sustain the skills and the readiness we acquire to cooperate with various types of units from allies nations,” Commander of the Lithuanian Land Force Major General Almantas Leika says.
Analysis
Training together with other NATO units is paramount for the Baltic States. On their own these States lack the military power to deter Russia so they depend heavily on the NATO coalition. Learning how to cooperate with other NATO members and getting familiar with the various military equipment is paramount for the Baltic States if they want to insert their forces quick in a NATO coalition.
For the United States the Baltic States remain a region where it can show Russia that the US remains committed to defend Europe and to deter any ambitions the Kremlin might have when it comes to the security situation in Eastern Europe and the Baltic Region.
