U.S. Army Soldiers from 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment conducted vehicle-mounted maneuver operations during the NATO Winter Camp exercise near Tapa, Estonia, Jan. 31, 2026.
Sea Defence Blog The training took place at the Tapa military training area and involved US forces operating alongside French and British units.
U.S. soldiers conducted maneuver tasks in armored vehicles designed to test unit coordination, command and control, and tactical movements in cold conditions.
According to the U.S. Army, the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment served as an opposing force element during the exercise and provided a realistic training environment for allied units participating in the winter camp exercise.
The scenario required U.S., French and British forces to coordinate movements, communications and operational procedures across national borders.
Winter Camp is a recurring NATO training activity aimed at improving cold weather capability and interoperability between allied forces deployed in Northern Europe.
The exercise emphasizes operations in snow, ice and subzero temperatures – conditions that place additional demands on personnel, vehicles and logistical support systems.
Estonia has become a key location for NATO training activities due to its proximity to the Alliance’s eastern border.
The Tapa Training Area hosts rotating forces from several NATO member states and serves as a hub for large-scale and unit-level exercises throughout the year.
The USA’s participation in winter camp takes place within the framework of the operational structure of the V Corpswhich maintains a forward headquarters in Europe, and underscores the United States’ continued military commitment to NATO’s collective defense.
Photo: Ariana Smith. This content was created using AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
