As the final missiles launched on the training range, Fort Riley soldiers concluded their training cycle this week, marking the end of a nine-month European deployment aimed at strengthening NATO partnerships and enhancing combat readiness, according to reports from the Army.

Lt. Col. Thomas Sacchieri, the battalion commander for 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, highlighted the significance of training in Bulgaria.

“Since our arrival here, from day one, we’ve conducted the most realistic, combat focused training we can possibly do,” Sacchieri said. “During our time here in Europe, we’ve taken advantage of a more permissive training environment. We’ve conducted live fire training from every echelon, from team to company level.”

Sgt. 1st Class Tyler Beard, a master gunner for the 1-16th Infantry, emphasized the various elements of training conducted during the training cycle.

“1-16th Infantry has conducted individual weapons qualifications, team and squad live fire, Bradley and tank gunnery, mortar qualifications, section live fires, platoon live fires, and a combined arms live fire exercise,” Beard said.

Soldiers also conducted demolition training and explosive breaching while establishing more proficient maneuvering and fire suppression. Additionally, soldiers received training while managing scenarios that included chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear situations.

“We’ve trained for 131 training days,” Sacchieri said. “That’s more than twice the number of days available to us at home station. We’ve also expended over 700,000 rounds of class V.”

The 1-16th Infantry also coordinated with its Romanian counterparts during a live fire training exercise.

“1-16th Infantry rapidly deployed a tank platoon to Smardan Training Area, Romania for a combined platoon live fire with the 284th Romanian Armored Battalion, which resulted in cohesion amongst our NATO allies, with our ability to communicate on a tactical communication network and to integrate direct fire coordination with each other,” Beard said.

Soldiers from 1-16th Infantry continued to show their dedication not only in training, but also in their commitment to service throughout the rotation.

Sacchieri said the soldiers will return to Fort Riley “at a higher readiness level than when we arrived.”

“As we return to home station, we look forward to building upon the foundation and lessons learned here in Europe,” Sacchieri said. “Overall, this has been a great experience and leadership opportunity for our soldiers. They’re thriving here. They’ve set goals and accomplished them. During the last six months on this deployment, we’ve had over 96 soldiers reenlist or extend their contract.”