Exercise Noble Partner 16 got underway yesterday between the U.S., U.K. and Georgian militaries at Georgia’s Vaziani Training Area, Pentagon Press Operations Director Navy Capt. Jeff Davis told reporters today.
Davis said the exercise will continue through May 26, and involves 650 U.S. troops, 500 Georgian service members and another 150 troops from the United Kingdom.
The focus of Exercise Noble Partner 16 is twofold: to enhance Georgia’s self-defense capabilities, and provide a critical opportunity to train the light infantry company Georgia has contributed to the NATO Response Force, he said.
Enhances Capability, Rapid Response
“This [NATO force] provides a rapid military response force to deploy quickly wherever needed,” Davis said, “and in addition to its operations role, it uses opportunities like Exercise Noble Partner to increase cooperation, education and training for all participants.”
The U.S. component also incorporates a full range of equipment that includes Abrams battle tanks, Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, M-119 light towed howitzers and several wheeled-support vehicles, he said.
Alongside U.S. forces, Georgian forces will operate its T-72 main battle tanks, BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles and several wheeled-support vehicles, Davis said.
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