Afghanistan-Bound Infantry Prep for Tour of Duty in Northeast
An exercise involving Estonian troops headed for Afghanistan wound up today in Sirgala in the northeast.
The two-week exercise was designed to assess the performance of Estcoy-12, the infantry company, and the logistical support.
The troops practiced all of the aspects of the mission, such as patrols, checkpoints and in hazardous areas, reconnaissance and CIMIC operations.
Lt. Col. Vahur Karus, commander of the Scouts Battalion, said this exercise was different from the past because the company commander was granted more freedom.
The exercise organizers created an area that resembled conditions in Afghanistan as much as possible, apart from the weather.
Around 300 Defense Forces members from the Scouts Battalion, Logistics Centre, air force's helicopter crew and tactical command center ran through some of the most common situations they will be facing in Helmand province.
The troops made their way back to their base in Paldiski today using state highways, in five columns.
Kristopher Rikken