‘VERBOOM’ military exercises are back with a bang in Latvia / Article

This international combat engineer exercise, which we can’t help feeling should have an exclamation mark at the end of its name, involves soldiers from several allied countries, including the Canadian, Spanish and Italian contingents of the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia, as well as military engineers from the United Kingdom and France.

During the training, participants will improve their skills in neutralizing fortified obstacles, such as “anti-tank hedgehogs” and “dragon’s teeth”, concrete blocks.

“We are excited to begin the ninth “VERBOOM” exercise, which is a great opportunity to see NATO combat engineers together in a dynamic and challenging environment. The NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia demonstrates its unity and capabilities in performing joint tasks. I believe that each participant will improve their cooperation skills during the exercise, expand contacts with other professionals, while continuing to build a more cohesive and combat-ready force for the defense of Latvia,” said the exercise leader, Captain Berta Casans Gabasa.

“This exercise demonstrates the power of Allied unity [which] enhances the ability to defend Latvia and reaffirms NATO’s collective commitment to strengthening the defence of the eastern flank,” said Colonel Kristopher Reeves, Commander of the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia.

Combat engineers provide the infrastructure necessary for the performance of units’ missions, such as the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges and fortifications. Combat engineers also provide obstacle clearance and minefield clearance to support the movement of NATO forces on the battlefield.

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