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Tapa base of Estonian Defence Forces has received its initial US troops of 1st Cavalry Division, 1st Brigade, 8th Cavalry Regiment, complete with Stryker armoured personnel carriers.
Initial US armoured machines arrive at Tapa
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«We wish to share mechanised unit related experience with the Estonians who, in addition to armoured personnel carriers, will be equipped with infantry fighting machines,» said company commander, Captain Theo Kliensorge. Capt. Kiensorge added that the Bradley fighting machines and 33 mm rapid fire guns come with challenges, as crawler propelled vehicles (on tracks) pose certain challenges in civilian surroundings.
«Like moving from point A to point B, without damaging civilian infrastructure – this is part of the armoured units daily reality, soon to be experienced by Estonia’s 1st Infantry Brigade. Here, by being present on location, we can get some preparatory work done,» said Capt. Kliensorge.
The first to arrive at Tapa were three 18 tonne Stryker armoured personnel carriers – on wheels – with supporting rearguard transportation. At the end of September and beginning of October, the rest of the company’s Strykers and Bradley fighting machines will show up. In addition to the personnel carriers and fighting machines, the necessary command and rearguard machines are due in near future.
The 8th Cavalry Regiment 2nd Battalion subunit arriving in Estonia is based in Fort Hood, Texas, USA, as part of Brigade 1. In the 20th century, the 8th Cavalry Regiment fought in WW2 battles and took part in operations in Korea and Vietnam.
The incoming US unit will be replacing Vicenza, Italy based 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team troops currently exercising with Estonian Defence Forces.