Trojan Footprint 21: Working the Black Sea Region Challenges

05/09/2021

Trojan Footprint is the premier Special Operations Forces exercise in Europe.

While the exercise is focused on improving the ability to SOF to counter myriad threats, it also increases integration with conventional forces and enhances interoperability with our NATO allies and European partners.

Most importantly, however, Trojan Footprint builds upon already strong relationships, grows trust and develops lasting friendships that promote European peace and stability.

According to a press release from the U.S. embassy in Georgia published on May 6, 2021:

Georgia is serving as the host nation for US Special Operations Command Europe’s (SOCEUR) premier SOF exercise – called Trojan Footprint 21. US Army Green Berets assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) will train and continue to build interoperability with Georgian Special Operations Forces (GSOF) in tactical training events throughout the region.

“While the exercise is focused on improving the ability of SOF to counter a myriad of threats, it also increases integration with conventional forces and enhances interoperability with our NATO allies and European partners,” said Col. Marc V. LaRoche, Deputy Commander, US Special Operations Command Europe. “Most importantly, Trojan Footprint fortifies military readiness, cultivates trust, and develops lasting relationships which promote peace and stability throughout Europe.”

Trojan Footprint 21 also helps to strengthen NATO military relationships in Europe, and establish a common sight-picture for combat and peacekeeping missions abroad.

US Army Green Berets assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) will train and continue to build interoperability with Georgian Special Operations Forces (GSOF) in tactical training events throughout the region, the US Embassy to Georgia has reported.

The SOCEUR-led exercise will provide an opportunity to test and improve upon multi-domain tactics, techniques and procedures. These operations will leverage the professional skillsets of air, land and sea forces to execute a complex mission, and increase the readiness of Special Operations Forces in the Black Sea region,” said the US embassy.

The embassy said that the Trojan Footprint 21 also helps to strengthen NATO military relationships in Europe, and establish a common sight-picture for combat and peacekeeping missions abroad.

In a separate meeting with US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan, Prime Minister Garibashvili thanked the US for the visit of Legend-class US Coast Guard national security cutter, making its first port call in Batumi after conducting series of exercises with the Georgian Coast Guard, US Naval Forces Europe-Africa.

Captain Timothy Cronin, Commanding Officer of the vessel, and his crew were greeted at a welcoming ceremony by Head of Adjara Government Tornike Rizhvadze, and Head of Interior Ministry’s Coast Guard Department Captain Ramaz Papidze.

“The US Coast Guard looks forward to more opportunities where we can work with the Georgian Coast Guard and Our Black Sea partners to advance the rule of law on the sea,” stated Captain Cronin.

According to a story written by Captain Kevyn Kaler, 352nd Special Operations Wing and published on April 4, 2021:

NATO ally, Romania, is hosting an integrated contingent of U.S. Army, Air Force, and Naval special operations forces to train and build interoperability during Trojan Foot-print 21. On May 3rd, 2021, Special Operations Command-Europe’s (SOCEUR) premier SOF exercise kicked off. Allies and partners will include, Bulgaria, Germany, Georgia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Spain, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom for combined, joint exercises in training locations across Romania and Europe.

“While the exercise is focused on improving the ability of SOF to counter a myriad of threats, it also increases integration with conventional forces and enhances interoperability with our NATO allies and European partners,” said Col. Marc V. LaRoche, Deputy Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR). “Most importantly, Trojan Footprint fortifies military readiness, cultivates trust, and develops lasting relationships which promote peace and stability throughout Europe.”

The SOCEUR-led exercise will provide these units an opportunity to test and prove multi-domain tactics, techniques and procedures. All-domain operations leverage the professional skillsets of air, land and sea forces to execute a complex mission, increasing the lethality and readiness of these forces in the Black Sea region.

This exercise will allow NATO allies and other regional partners to continue to build upon and strengthen the relationships within this joint, combined training in Europe and establish a common sight-picture for combat and peacekeeping missions abroad.

Also, see the following:

NATO allies take over Black Sea for military exercise