Soldiers from the 6th Company of the U.S. Army’s 9th Cavalry Regiment conduct vehicle maneuver operations during NATO’s Winter Camp exercise near Tapa, Estonia, Jan. 31, 2026.
A Defence Blog according to his account, the training took place at the Tapa training ground, and American forces participated in it in cooperation with French and British units.
U.S. soldiers used armored vehicles to conduct maneuver missions designed to test unit coordination, command and control capabilities, and tactical movement in cold weather conditions.
According to the U.S. Army, the 9th Cavalry Regiment’s 6th Company represented the opposing force (OPFOR) during the exercise, providing a realistic training environment for allied units participating in Winter Camp.
The scenario required American, French, and British forces to coordinate their movements, communications, and engagement procedures across national borders.
Winter Camp is a recurring NATO training event focused on improving the cold weather readiness and interoperability of Allied forces deployed in Northern Europe.
The exercise emphasizes operations in snow, ice and freezing temperatures – conditions that place additional stress on personnel, vehicles and logistics support systems.
Estonia has become a central location for NATO’s training activities, as it is located close to the alliance’s eastern border.
The Tapa training area hosts rotational forces from several NATO member states and serves as a center for large-scale and sub-unit level exercises throughout the year.
United States participation in Winter Camp a V Corps fits into its operational framework that maintains a forward command in Europe and underscores the continued military commitment of the United States to NATO’s collective defense.
Photo: Ariana Smith. This content is generated with the help of artificial intelligence and verified by the editors.
