The objective of this exercice is to demonstrate the ability to rapidly move a force of 1000 soldiers and 400 combat vehicles in a convoy formation along two main roads crossing six countries and covering 2,400 kilometers, demonstrating freedom of movement, and assuring allied citizens of U.S. commitment to collective defense.
During this three-week period, 2nd Cavalry Regiment soldiers will use the opportunity to further develop tactics, techniques and procedures as well as conduct multinational training exercises with other NATO forces testing the Alliance interoperability.
For the Lithuanian people the most noticeable effect of the Dragoon Ride II will be during the Lithuanian crossing that is going to occurred on the 5 and 12 of June with an increase in military vehicle traffic.
Throughout Lithuanian crossing, 2nd Cavalry Regiment is scheduled to stop in 5 cities along the route to conduct static displays in conjunction with other forces in order to give the opportunity to the Lithuanian people to take a closer look on the military vehicles and to interact with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment troops, Lithuanian Units and NFIU personal.
The NATO Force Integration Unit Lithuania (NFIU LTU) is taking part in Dragoon Ride II to rehearse its ability to coordinate and receive incoming NATO Forces. It will be a combined effort with Lithuanian Forces, working together to allow NATO troops to move through Lithuanian territory.
The support given to Dragoon Ride by the NFIU LTU will be similar to that delivered to the Very High Readiness Task Force (VJTF) coming into Lithuania as NATO’s first response in the face of a crisis situation.
The challenges on moving a force this size are the similar to challenges presented on moving the VJTF in case of deployment and in that way the Dragoon Ride II will be used by Multi-National Corps Northeast to test and certify the NFIU in reaching Full Capability, culminating a year long buildup effort in an continuous affirmation of NATO commitment to mutual defense on the eve of the Warsaw Summit.
