“Soldiers from three nations trained together and learned from one another, thereby achieving their objective: successfully clearing the trenches. This demonstrates that soldiers of the Ohio National Guard, together with Hungarian and Serbian forces, serve as true comrades-in-arms,” said Major General Matthew S. Woodruff, Commander of the Ohio National Guard, during the media day of Exercise Neighbors 2026 on June 5 in Sándorfalva (southern Hungary).
Initially organized as a Serbian-Hungarian exercise, Neighbors has since been joined by the Ohio National Guard. Soldiers of the 2nd Grenadier Battalion of the Hungarian Defense Forces’ 30th “Kinizsi Pál” Armored Infantry Brigade have participated in the cooperation from the outset. Within this framework, they train alongside the 11th Infantry Battalion of the Serbian Armed Forces’ 1st Brigade and designated personnel from the Ohio National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 145th Regiment, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
Photo: honvedelem.hu/Ákos Pintér
Photo: honvedelem.hu/Ákos Pintér
“This exercise is of particular importance to us because every day we learn just as much from our Hungarian and Serbian partners as we contribute ourselves.
Trench warfare is among the most complex military tasks, and I was pleased to see the personnel execute it successfully,”
the Major General said, summarizing the results of the exercise on the final day of his visit to Hungary.
Photo: honvedelem.hu/Ákos Pintér
To strengthen the partnership and enhance training, the Ohio National Guard joined the exercise thirteen years ago.
The three nations form a combined company, supported by a multinational battalion headquarters staff.
Photo: honvedelem.hu/Ákos Pintér
“These occasions provide the best opportunity to synchronize command activities, learn from our Serbian and Ohio counterparts, and support one another in planning and mission execution,” said Colonel Ádám Dienes, Deputy Commander of the 30th “Kinizsi Pál” Armored Infantry Brigade, highlighting the benefits of the multinational environment.
He added that the lessons learned during the exercise will not be allowed to go to waste.
The participating forces will analyze the experiences gained and incorporate them into their standard operating procedures.
Photo: honvedelem.hu/Ákos Pintér
Brigadier General Jovica Matic, Commander of the Serbian Armed Forces’ 1st Mechanized Brigade, emphasized that the exercise’s success is measured not only by the successful completion of the final mission, but also by the knowledge acquired that will enable all three nations to expand and enhance their contributions to international missions.
Via honvedelem.hu, Featured image: honvedelem.hu/Ákos Pintér