Eagle Partner 2023 was a military exercise that happened in Armenia from 11 September to 20 September 2023. The main goal of the exercise was the fortifying of the alliance between the United States with Armenia and also the training of the 12th Peacekeeping Brigade of the Armed Forces of Armenia for future peacekeeping missions. It involved approximately 85 U.S. soldiers and approximately 175 Armenian soldiers. The exercise happened at the Zar Training Area of the Peacekeeping Brigade and the N Training Center of the Ministry of Defense. Major general Gregory Anderson, Brigadier general Patrick Ellis, and US Ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien were the observers of the exercise. The Director of the exercise was Armenian Colonel Arsen Mangasaryan and the deputy director was U.S. Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Kennedy. The Operations Coordinator of the exercise was Scott Safer.[1]
Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) simulation was conducted on the first day of the exercise for medical personal to verify processes and procedures in a safe environment.[2]
Soldiers of the 12th Peacekeeping Brigade and soldiers from the Kansas National Guard and 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Task Force Mountain held an opening day ceremony for Eagle Partner 2023 on 11 September in a training area in Armenia. The opening ceremony was attended by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Armenia and First Deputy Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Edward Asryan.[3]
Also, an esprit de corps ruck march was done by the soldiers.[4]
On this day, the units conducted a classroom training and they engaged in a riot training.[5] [6]
A Situational Training Exercise was conducted, during which soldiers trained to diffuse explosives, provide security watches, conduct casualty evacuation care, provide suppression fire and much more.[7]
A distinguished visitor day was held on this day. The U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien, Armenian Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan, Major general Gregory Anderson, Brigadier general Patrick Ellis and others visited the training area where the exercise took place.[8]
On the same day, a Range Training was held.[9]
A Joint Peacekeeping Exercise was conducted, during which, a riot was simulated in order to show the knowledge and skills of the soldiers.[10]
An Armenian Genocide Memorial Day was held on 16 September. Soldiers visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial complex.[11]
On 19 September, the soldiers conducted a Squad Live Fire Exercise, during which explosive ordinance disposal classes, psychological warfare exercises and other exercises were held.[12]
On the last day of the exercises, a closing ceremony was held.[13] The Operations Coordinator Scott Safer received an award from the Armenian forces.[14]
Colonel Arsen Mangasaryan, commander of the 12th Peacekeeping Brigade and the exercise director for Eagle Partner 2023, said that another joint military exercise is likely to happen in 2024.[15]
Eagle Partner 2024 began on 15 July 2024. The exercises were scheduled to last through July 24.[16]