Led this year by Col. Andrus Merilo, Winter Camp marks one of the most important exercises in the EDF's 1st Infantry Brigade training cycle.

This year's exercise, however, took training to a whole new level for participating troops as they employed British simulation systems in combat that helped make the action even more true to life.

Force on Force on Ex WINTER CAMP!

Watch the start of Ex WINTER CAMP with 2nd Coy @FrForcesEstonia and C Sqn @ChurchillsOwn Comabt Team defend against the advancing W and Z Coy First Fusiliers! pic.twitter.com/5RyJIX2RGx

— First Fusiliers (@FirstFusiliers) February 7, 2024

Participants also trained doing wartime duties in extreme winter conditions, putting those troops more accustomed to milder climates to the test.

"It's the point where everything comes together – where we've learned to survive in this climate, we've learned to operate, and we're now learning how to fight," said Lt. Col., commander of NATO Battlegroup Estonia (NATOBGEst). "And the winter's a real challenge – particularly the cold."

Winter Camp 2024 Great training in crispy -20 weather #WeAreNato pic.twitter.com/HZeoWJpT5I

— Mikk Tarros (@MikkTarros) February 10, 2024

According to Fern, the troops have to learn how to be able to fight the environment before they can "even think about" fighting their adversary.

"So the opportunity to get out and train – on days like this, where the temperature is as cold as it is – it is really, really important to us," the commander emphasized.

Commander @TheIronFist visits First Fusiliers Battlegroup

This week the Commander 20 ABCT came to Estonia to meet with @Natobgest while deployed on Ex WINTER CAMP. pic.twitter.com/kDhEhYpncX

— First Fusiliers (@FirstFusiliers) February 10, 2024

--

Follow ERR News on Facebook and Twitter and never miss an update!