Exercising for War: Rapid Trident vs Zapad

Nations to Partner for Exercise Rapid Trident 17 in Ukraine

Exercise Rapid Trident 17 in Ukraine

Exercise Rapid Trident 2017 has begun. From Sept. 8-23, 2017, almost 2,000 soldiers from NATO and allied countries will train together at the International Peacekeeping Security Centre near Yavoriv, Ukraine. this will coincide with Russia’s Zapad 2017 exercise in Belarus.

Rapid Trident is an annual, multinational exercise that serves as the validation for Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense unit currently undergoing at the Ukrainian-led Combat Training Center, under the advisement of Allied and partner nations.

Rapid Trident involves approximately 1,800 personnel from 13 nations, including Bulgaria, Canada, Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The exercise is focused on peacekeeping and stability operations to ensure a safe and secure environment. It is composed of a multinational, brigade-level, computer-assisted command post exercise, integrated with a battalion-level field training exercise and a platoon-level situational training exercise.

The exercise will also include integrated air and ground training near Starokonstantinov, Ukraine, with a focus on aeromedical evacuation, tactical airlift/airdrop, logistics planning and equipment preparation.

Rapid Trident 2017 supports joint combined interoperability among Ukraine, the U.S., and Allied and partner nations. The Rapid Trident exercise series is held at the request of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.

 

U.S. Army Soldiers acting as Observer Controller Trainers watch as Ukrainian soldiers react to enemy fire at an entry control point during exercise Rapid Trident 16 July 5, 2016. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Whitney Hughes/Released) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Whitney R Hughes (Army National Guard)) VIEW ORIGINAL

Ukrainian soldiers prepare to search a building for a high value target during security operations training at Exercise Rapid Trident 16, July 1, 2016. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Whitney Hughes/Released) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Whitney R Hughes (Army National Guard)) VIEW ORIGINAL

Source: US Army (USAREUR)

Image: Ukrainian soldiers taking part in Rapid Trident 2016 (US Army, 2016).