U.S. Soldiers of the 75th Rangers, 2nd Battalion in Greece, training Medical care as part of Joint NATO Steppe Defender Exercises
NATO forces are set by the end of this month to conduct the largest Multinational Wargame since the 1983’ Able Archer exercises. This Wargame will be referred to as Steppe Defender, notably in honor of the spirited defense in Ukraine by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Wargame is being held in response to several major changes in LSCO (Large Scale Conventional Operations) fighting that has been seen in Ukraine in recent months, with this exercise to stress NATO coordination, and doctrine in a realistic environment against a peer foe who exploits electronic Warfare, and drone threats, alongside elements of Unconventional conflict as can be seen the participation of multiple branches of SOCOM.
Pentagon Press speakers have been authorized to speak on this wargame being a reminder to the entire alliance that their commitment to containing Russian aggression is paramount, and that with their existing capabilities they will make sure a situation like Ukraine never repeats itself on the European continent for the foreseeable future. The Wargame is set to take place in the coming weeks, with the entire length of the Russian, Belarusian and even Ukrainian border being host to over a dozen divisions from the entire NATO alliance. Finland and Sweden as new members will not be hosting the exercise in their stretches of the territory due to the need to acclimate to NATO structure before such an exercise could be permitted in these areas.
American soldiers of the 75th Ranger Regiment training on Altis with the Mediterranean Task Force.
However, the large build up around Russia’s sphere of influence is not being taken lightly with Vladimir Putin noting that such exercises in so close of a proximity to the Russian and Belarusian borders will be watched closely and any perceived threat from NATO will be responded to with the utmost force. Such threats are being viewed with skepticism from U.S. and some Baltic politicians who view such threats as hollow, given their perspective on the already strained situation of the Russian forces in Ukraine. However when asked for comment on the recent general offensive within Ukraine by elements of the Southern Front forces of the Russian Army, we have been unable to receive comment from many of the same politicians, with only NATO high command being quoted as saying “The U.S. and our allies stand ready to defend freedom from Lisbon to Kiev, and if the tyrants and oligarchs of the Russian Federation think America and the collective alliance have gone soft, Steppe Defender will be a stark reminder of our unwavering commitment to peace in the European continent.”
As for the exercises itself, embedded reporters with elements of 1st Armored Division will be reporting with the troops once the exercises start, so stay tuned.
AAN News, reporting.