The biggest exercise ever in Europe was hosted by the US Special Operations Command.
More than 3,300 special operators from 30 countries took part in Trojan Footprint 22 in May, doubling the size of last year's exercise and sending a message about the special operations capabilities of NATO and its partners.
Special-operations units rotation between the Baltics and the Black Sea was the focus of the 22nd edition of Trojan Footprint. According to the planners of the exercise, it set the conditions for increased interoperability between special-operations forces and conventional units.
The pre-war situation was reflected in the main scenario ofTrojan Footprint 22.
According to a press release, it was designed to be a slow-boil, a low-intensity conflict that can span years but creates constant pressure. The adversary tries to demonstrate that certain nations are unable to govern themselves by attacking their ability to govern.
The exercise ran from May 2 to May 13 and among the more than 3,300 special operators were Swedish and Finns who are applying for NATO membership.
The combined joint force headquarters that was part of the exercise was the first of its kind.
The 10th Special Forces Group was the leader from the US. NATO allies and members in Europe are always trained by the Green Berets.
The Ukrainian special-operations forces were trained by the 10th Special Forces Group.
John Black, a retired Army Special Forces warrant officer, told Insider that planning for exercises likeTrojan Footprint begins more than a year in advance, and that it really improves interoperability of the forces involved.
"For America to work with its allies and with an ever-changing threat situation globally, it's important for us to be able to work fluidly with another nation," said Black, who was on the ground.
There were unprecedented events in Europe at the time. NATO special operators from all over the world trained together in May for the first time since Russia launched its attack on Ukraine in February.
The war in Ukraine was on the participants' mind, but they didn't let it distract them from the main event.
Black said that it was not a focus or concern. We wanted to work with our partners to accomplish a lot of training tasks and improve our relationship with that country.
Many nations have a fighting force that is very capable. The retired Green Beret said that he believed in a safer tomorrow.
Special Operations Command Europe is a constant presence in Europe and trains allies and partners there to build their capabilities and counter malign activities.
Defending democratic processes and values is one of our priorities. The head of Special Operations Command Europe said in the release that the training in Europe would build and strengthen relationships with allies and partners.
A Hellenic Army veteran, a defense journalist specializing in special operations, and a graduate of a prestigious university are just some of the things that Stavros Atlamazoglou is.
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