YAVORIV, Ukraine – Exercise Rapid Trident 16 concluded today with a closing ceremony held at the parade grounds at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center in Yavoriv, Ukraine. The exercise is a multinational exercise designed to support military cooperation among Ukraine, the U.S., and 11 other Allied and partner nations involving about 2,000 military members which was held from June 27 – July 8.
“With the tremendous efforts of our Ukrainian hosts and fruitful partnership with the United States, Rapid Trident continues to evolve into a world class exercise that challenges diverse training audiences spanning from platoon to brigade level,” said Col. Nick Ducich, the commander of the Joint Multinational Training Group – Ukraine.
Throughout the exercise Ukrainian Soldiers participated in Enhanced Maneuver Training scenarios that included movement to contact, area security, counter improvised explosive device, attack, Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear decontamination, and advanced medical training scenarios. The scenarios were supervised by Ukrainian and U.S. observer controller trainers who helped the participating commanders improve their strategies and techniques.
In these scenarios Ukrainian Soldiers practiced tactics like setting up roadblocks, urban combat, air assaults, which included equipment from individual rifles to helicopters to tanks. These laid the groundwork for a four-day field training exercise that incorporated all of the training that the previous three days of EMT scenarios incorporated.
Additionally, Rapid Trident 16 included a command post exercise in which leaders from five of the partner nations practiced staff-level tactics in a fictional combat scenario.
“Although the exercise scenario was fictitious, any NATO or Partnership for Peace Soldier here can better relate to the ongoing struggle and sacrifice of our Ukrainian partners,” said Ducich.
The ceremony concluded with awards recognizing the effort of individual Soldiers and participating units. Rapid Trident is an annual exercise that is planned to be held again in Yavoriv next year.
