U.S. Army tests cold-weather mounted operations in Estonia

United States Army soldiers assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division conducted mounted maneuver operations on January 31, 2026, while serving as opposing forces during the NATO Winter Camp exercise near Tapa, Estonia, the U.S. Army said.

The training took place at and around the Tapa Training Area and involved U.S. forces operating alongside French and British units. Soldiers from the 6-9th Cavalry Regiment executed vehicle-based maneuver tasks designed to test unit coordination, command and control, and tactical movement in cold-weather conditions.

According to the U.S. Army, the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment served as the opposing force element during the exercise, providing a realistic training environment for allied units participating in Winter Camp. The scenario required U.S., French, and British forces to coordinate movements, communications, and engagement procedures across national boundaries.

Winter Camp is a recurring NATO training event focused on enhancing cold-weather readiness and interoperability among allied forces deployed in northern Europe. The exercise emphasizes operations in snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, conditions that place additional demands on personnel, vehicles, and sustainment systems.

The U.S. Army said mounted maneuver operations during Winter Camp included movement across varied terrain, coordination with allied formations, and execution of tactical tasks under winter conditions. These activities are intended to ensure that U.S. and allied units can operate effectively in the Baltic region year-round.

U.S. participation in Winter Camp falls under the operational framework of V Corps, which maintains a forward headquarters in Europe. V Corps provides command and control for U.S. Army forces operating across the continent and supports NATO activities along the alliance’s eastern flank.

As noted by the U.S. Army, the presence of V Corps during Winter Camp underscores the continued U.S. military commitment to NATO collective defense. The corps routinely oversees multinational training events involving U.S., European, and allied units to improve readiness and integration.

Estonia has become a central location for NATO training activities due to its proximity to the alliance’s eastern border. The Tapa Training Area hosts rotational forces from multiple NATO countries and serves as a hub for large-scale and unit-level exercises throughout the year.