DVIDS – News – US and NATO soldiers show unity on the Estonian Independence Day

Tallinn, Estonia -Soldiers of the US Army from the V -Corps joined the Estonian defense forces and the NATO partners to demonstrate the strength and lethality of the alliance on the 107th anniversary of the military parade of the Estonia on February 24, 2024.

The Estonian defense staff (EDF) have been organizing parades on Independence Day in Tallinn since 1993 to remind you of the 1918 anniversary. Annual parades occurred from 1919 to 1940 to the Soviet occupation. Today US and NATO allies show their support for Estonia. V Corps works with the NATO allies and the EDF, exchanges defense strategies and offers training.

“This parade visually represents our partnership and how strong we are in team efforts. Because the US Army is not fighting alone, we fight with our Estonian partners and NATO allies, ”said Adrian Betancourt, responsible for the US Army officer, Task Force Voit.

This year, EDF reported over 1,000 participants on the parade and 47 military equipment that present the Allied war struggle. The M2A4 Bradley Fighting Vehicle from the 5th squadron of the US Army, the 7th cavalry regiment, the 1st Panzerbrigade fighting team, the 3rd Infantry Division, took part in the parade and a public exhibition. Local civilians interacted with soldiers to find out about the skills of the war struggle and to understand the cultures of the other.

“Today we take part with two of our Bradleys and show what they look like here, how they look and how we deal,” said Sean Lynch, Platoon Leader, 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1. Panzerbrigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

US soldiers from the Battery distraction, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Feldartillerie -Brigade, Supporting Task Force Voit, brought their M142 Artillery system (HIMAR) M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System. The Himars crews explain the superior range and the improved mobility of the system, which enable commanders to achieve goals with long-term, fatal precision blows deep behind enemy lines. Himars and other rocket artillery systems support V Corps in achieving interoperability with our European allies and partners.

“The big message for today is that NATO is not fighting alone. The United States is not fighting alone. We always rely on our allies, and the unit will always be there in times of need, ”said Matthew Rambin, commander of the US Army, 3rd battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Feldartillerie -Brigade.

The use of the US armed forces in Estonia is essential for NATO's security obligations in the Baltic Sea. It protects the US and NATO interests in Europe and at the same time improves strategic adaptability.

Article by employees SGT. Joseph Novak, 70th Department of Public Affairs.