The mechanised exercise of the Finnish Army (Arrow 16)

The mechanised exercise of the Finnish Army (Arrow 16), led by the Armoured Brigade, will take place in Pohjankangas, Niinisalo, from 2 to 13 May 2016.

The aim of the exercise is to develop interoperability and improve operational capabilities of the Army's mechanised units. A US Army Europe detachment will take part in the exercise as part of the two armies' bilateral cooperation.

The exercise will involve approximately 2,300 persons, including conscripts, reservists and regular personnel from the Armoured Brigade, Karelia Brigade and Pori Brigade. The exercise consists of simulator-assisted two-way manoeuvres and firing exercises. The exercise is led by Colonel Pekka Järvi, Commander of the Armoured Brigade.

As part of the Finnish battle group approximately 160 US soldiers from US Army Europe's 2nd Cavalry Regiment's Mechanized Infantry Company will take part in the exercise. The exercise equipment of the US detachement consists of Stryker armoured personnel carriers and anti-tank missiles. US Army Europe will pay for its expenses during the exercise.

The exercise is carried out as part of the Finnish Army's and the US Army Europe bilateral cooperation, the aim of which is to mutually develop tactical skills and interoperability according to NATO standards. The exercise provides the US detachment with an opportunity to rehearse interoperability between different branches. For Finnish soldiers, training alongside professional soldiers is a great way of developing one's skills and combat-efficiency for the good of national defence.

Army Commanders pleased with the experiences of the Mechanised Exercise of the Finnish Army (Arrow 16)

Interoperability, cooperation and trust were the main impressions for the Commanders of the Finnish Army and US Army Europe in regard to the Mechanised Exercise of the Finnish Army (Arrow 16). The exercise ended in Niinisalo today.

13.5.2016 | 19.52

New skills and the joy of success

The force on force training of the Mechanised Exercise of the Finnish Army (Arrow 16) was completed last Friday. The overall atmosphere thereafter has been satisfied but excited as the focus of the soldiers is already on the live fire exercise. Troops will again be challenged as they now face new tasks and tactical situations.

11.5.2016 | 18.47

The Mechanised Exercise of the Finnish Army (Arrow16) – aiming for better operational skills and interoperability

The annually held Mechanised Exercise of the Finnish Army (Arrow16), led by the Armoured Brigade, is the single most significant exercise of the Army's mechanised units. While the basic structure of the exercise remains the same, this year it involves an international aspect as well. In addition to the interoperability between branches, the exercise includes bilateral cooperation between the Finnish Army and the US Army Europe.

4.5.2016 | 22.06