Slovak, American Military Forces Train in Coordination in Slovakia

The coordination of ground and air forces in destroying land-based targets and training in refuelling combat aircraft in flight are just a couple of the tasks that are being carried out by Slovak and U.S. soldiers in a joint training exercise called Slovak Warthog at the military base in Sliac in Central Slovakia.

Around 200 soldiers from the Indiana National Guard and approximately 250 members of the Slovak army are taking part in training that will last three weeks.

"Concerning military equipment, eight U.S. A-10C Thunderbolt planes are actively involved in the training exercise, and Slovak military equipment, chiefly MiG-29 and Albatros L-39 aircraft, will participate if the training exercise requires it," announced Slovak Defense Minister Peter Gajdos on Wednesday.

Slovak soldiers have welcomed the participation of U.S. A-10C Thunderbolt combat aircraft in the training exercise.

"Training coordination between ground controllers and pilots and cooperation with ground combat units are the most important parts of the exercise," added Deputy Chief of Staff of the Slovak Armed Forces Pavel Macko. Endit