US forces with combined air and land forces from Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania

US forces, along with combined air and land forces from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, will conduct exercise “Bayonet Shield” 2017 1-7 October at multiple locations across the Baltic region. Approximately 600 Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, will participate in the US-led exercise.

“Bayonet Shield” is a force posturing deployment exercise conducted with NATO allies in support of Operation “Atlantic Resolve.” It consists of a series of troop-level live-fire training events and exercises with allied defence forces to increase unit proficiency and preparedness to respond to any threat or crises.

“Bayonet Shield” 2017 is led by the Mission Command Element for Operation” Atlantic Resolve,” the division-level tactical headquarters that provides mission command of all US land forces conducting bilateral training and multinational exercises to increase the readiness and capability of NATO allies and partners.

US Army Europe’s participation in Operation “Atlantic Resolve” and “Bayonet Shield” 2017 demonstrates US commitment to the collective security of eastern Europe through the deployment of rotational U.S. forces in cooperation with NATO allies and partner nations.