On March 2 through 5 a delegation of the U.S. Joint Multinational Readiness Centre (JMRC) in Hohenfels conducted a visit at the Grand Duchess Birutė Uhlan Battalion. On March 5 the head of the delegation, Lieutenant Colonel B. Carlson met with Commander of the Lithuanian Land Force Major General Almantas Leika.
The centre provides training facilities for NATO allies and operates as part of the training centre responsible for training U.S. Army in Europe. The delegation was representing 1-4 Battalion deployed with JMRC and tasked with playing the role of opposing forces for training units. The goal of their visit was to familiarise with the Uhlan Battalion, share experience in the area of training military personnel for simulation of opposing forces, and discus cooperation plans for several years ahead. 1st Company, Uhlan Battalion, imitates the adversary during training of military personnel of the Lithuanian Land Force. Its members were involved in Exercise Saber Junction 14 at JMTC in an enemy role. This year the 1st Company will sent troops to the centre in Germany to two exercises where they will deepen their practical skills along with a U.S. battalion simulating opposing forces.
According to Commander of Birutė Uhlan Battalion Major Darius Bernotas, "The benefit from our cooperation with the 1-4 Battalion is that we are able to enhance our knowledge in simulating adversary. Such knowledge is a crucial for ensuring that one company of the Uhlan Battalion imitates opposing forces for units of the Lithuanian Land Force effectively."
The company for playing opposing forces was formed on the basis of the 1st Motorised Infantry Company of the Grand Duchess Birutė Uhlan Battalion by order of the Commander of Lithuanian Land Force in 2013 to provide for an evaluative field training battalion/company level exercise of the Lithuanian Land Force. The 1st Company carries out its additional function to simulate an opposing force for units of the Lithuanian Land Force, the opposing force being a mechanised (operating armoured vehicles) unit acting of military forces of a hostile country that acts on the basis of a hostile force tactical doctrine.
POC - Head of S5 Division, Grand Duchess Birutė Uhlan Battalion, Captain Liutauras Mickevičius. Mobile phone no.00370 686 80335.
Photo credits: S5, Grand Duchess Birutė Uhlan Battalion
