Saber Strike 2018 is the premier venue to build readiness in an integrated and complex training environment. Activities across the Baltics and Poland are a clear demonstration of the commitment and solidarity of the alliance.
These training events will build readiness across the total Army, including Active, National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve forces. This remains our #1 priority.
The will and capability of a unified alliance will be on display with host nation forces, Enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroups, Multi-National Corps – Northeast, Multi-National Division – Northeast, NATO Force Integration Units and the U.S. rotational forces providing a real operational capability for deterrence.
This exercise provides a fulcrum for NATO to showcase MNC-NE, MND-NE and the associated NFIUs as a mission command structure capable of commanding on a broad scale and in a complex environment. This exercise will facilitate unmatched cooperation between Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and 17 additional participating allied and partner militaries.
Saber Strike is the platform to validate our collective capability to rapidly respond to and reinforce Allies in a time of crisis. Atlantic Resolve remains a focal point for that capability while the established presence of the Mission Command Element in Poznan, the aviation and logistic hub in Powidz, the rotational ABCT HQ, and the U.S. commitment of Battlegroup Poland in Orzysz all represent that enduring commitment and focus.
Transparency is integral in everything we do. Transparency is central to lowering tensions and open dialogue. Saber Strike 18 is not a provocation of Russia but an exercise with our allies. This is what normal deterrence business looks like.