The US Army’s biennial multinational exercise, “Agile Spirit 2023,” began in Georgia and Türkiye with troops from 21 NATO countries participating. The exercise, which began in 2011, has grown significantly from its original six partner nations. Over 3,500 soldiers are taking part this year, with around 1,200 coming from the US. The exercise started on August 19, 2023, with official opening ceremonies on August 21.
Key Points:
- “Agile Spirit” started in 2011 and has evolved from six participating nations in 2015 to 21 NATO countries and allies in 2023.
- The exercise encompasses various training modules, including Brigade-level Command Post Exercises, Joint Forcible Entry into Türkiye, live fire exercises, and special forces operations.
- Components of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and SOCEUR are integrated into the training, aiming to replicate a genuine combat training environment.
- Key US units participating include the 173rd Airborne Brigade, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and the U.S. Special Forces Command Europe.
- Col. John Avera emphasized the importance of collaboration, interoperability, and realistic combat simulations, stressing the need for soldiers to “train as they fight” and promote security in the Black Sea region.
Source: https://www.army.mil/article/269251/us_army_exercise_agile_spirit_2023_kicks_off_in_georgia_turkiye
