The first Dutch commander in Lithuania: “If necessary, we will defend every inch of NATO territory”

[ad_1]

Contents

Battle Group Tank Battalions of the Two Countries

News | 8 July 2024 | 15:56

For the first time, NATO’s advanced force in Lithuania is led by Dutch soldiers. Lieutenant Colonel Bas Schillemans took over the command from the Germans today. Lieutenant Colonel Mark KruegerThe officer managed more than 1,300 soldiers from six different countries over a six-month period.

Soldiers march during a change of command. — Six countries cooperate with Lithuania in the eFP.

From multinational companies Battle Group Enhanced Forward Presence The (eFP) has been under German command since its creation in 2017. The country usually provides the largest number of soldiers and most of the equipment. The German-Dutch 414th Tank Battalion is the so-called lead unit of the current 16th round. Schillemans has been the commander of the 414th Tank Battalion since 2022 and is therefore also responsible for the multinational force. Battle Group In Rukla.

Lieutenant Colonel Kruger He looks back on his time as commander with great fondness. “It was a politically turbulent period, but I am very satisfied with what we have achieved. We have developed into a credible, reliable and highly professional mechanized unit. For me, unity is the key word.” He also praised the international cooperation of the eFP and the support of the local population.

His successor, Schillemans, hopes to continue in the same way. “We are still in line with the six countries in this session. Battle Group Helps deter our adversaries. If necessary, we will defend every inch of NATO territory.”

Two soldiers are changing command. — Lieutenant Colonel Bas Schillemans (left) is the new eFP commander.

Battle Group

After the annexation of Crimea in 2014, NATO decided to strengthen its eastern border. This led to Battle Group in the Baltic states and Poland. In addition to soldiers from Germany and the Netherlands, Lithuania’s current eFP also includes Belgians, Luxembourgers, Norwegians and Czechs. They work alongside Lithuanian soldiers Iron Wolftrip.

Tank Battalions of the Two Countries

The Netherlands and Germany have formed a joint tank battalion since 2016. The 4th Squadron is composed of soldiers from the 43rd Mechanized Brigade. They use the German Leopard 2A6 main battle tank. In 2011, the Netherlands also said goodbye to main battle tanks.

[ad_2]

Source link