25.04.2025.
Joint engineering training of members of the Serbian Armed Forces and the Ohio National Guard
As part of the Serbia-Ohio State Partnership Program, engineering units of the Serbian Armed Forces and National Guard of that American federal state are conducting joint training at the Borovac Training Ground near the South Base from 7th to 30th April.
The training consists of practical work on arranging the military training ground in terms of engineering, using modern engineering machines of the Serbian Armed Forces. Apart from helping improve the infrastructure at the Borovac Training Ground, the mentioned works will also help improve the competence of members of the engineering units in performing the tasks awaiting them potentially on operations, such as building camps, shelters and covers as well as building and maintaining roads.
The engineer task force commander, Lieutenant Stefan Mitić, 310th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Army Brigade, has explained that this training involves two two-week cycles according to a five-year plan, the ultimate goal of which is the construction of the forward Base Camp Borovac.
— Joint training with the Ohio National Guard implies working and training with devices for measuring height, installation of culverts to remove excess water, installation of “Hesco” barriers, leveling and stabilization of soil, as well as training to construct a road section — said Lieutenant Mitić.
During the training, the U. S. Armed Forces’ representatives are led by engineer group commander, Sergeant 1st Class Travis Sharp, who underlines the importance of this training.
— We are working here as an engineer unit, sharing our knowledge with members of the Serbian Armed Forces and vice versa. Our engagement is very fruitful, both in terms of cooperation with the Serbian Armed Forces and between engineer units, but it is also about building togetherness and friendship, which we have experienced while working on this forward facility - emphasized Sergeant Sharp.
The Borovac military complex is under the jurisdiction of the Multinational Operations Training Centre, and is intended for training the Serbian Armed Forces’ units both for engagement in multinational operations and other tasks, as well as for conducting international exercises and training. It consists of eight units, and this one, which is being arranged jointly by the Serbian and American military forces, will be used for accommodation in camp conditions. The first phase of construction under the five-year plan is underway, which includes the construction of toilets, kitchens, restaurants and accommodation facilities.
The Serbian Armed Forces and Ohio National Guard have been maintaining a successful cooperation in numerous areas considered to be of mutual interest. The implementation of joint activities improves the capability and interoperability of units, contributing to the development of the overall relations between the Republic of Serbia and the United States of America.