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Summary for: Czech troops practice trench warfare during NATO deployment in SlovakiaCzech and Slovenian soldiers serving in NATO’s multinational force in Slovakia have completed joint trench-warfare training, practicing movement, defense and the capture of positions, the Czech army said Monday.
The exercise aimed to improve tactical coordination between the two contingents. It also provided an opportunity to share Czech experience gained while training Ukrainian troops.
The soldiers are part of NATO’s reinforced presence on its eastern flank, established following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Training draws on experience with Ukrainian troops
The Czech army’s account of the exercise emphasized the demands that trench systems place on orientation, movement and communication.
Participants practiced defending assigned areas and taking trenches, with each soldier required to understand their role and respond to the actions of others.
“In trench training, it is important that every soldier knows not only their own task but can also react to what others are doing,” an instructor said in the army’s release.
The army said Slovenian participants particularly valued tactical procedures informed by Czech work with Ukrainian soldiers under EUMAM Ukraine, the European Union’s military assistance mission.
The joint preparation also allowed troops to become more familiar with each other’s established procedures. The army described this as a way to improve interoperability—the ability of forces from different countries to carry out tasks together.
The release did not specify how many soldiers took part or the dates of the exercise.
Czech contingent remains part of NATO’s force in Slovakia
Czech soldiers have served in the multinational grouping in Slovakia since April 2022, when NATO expanded its eastern presence in response to the invasion.
Czechia initially led the force, holding that role until the end of June 2024. The Czech contingent now represents its second-largest national contribution, according to the army.
Nearly 200 Czech soldiers are stationed at the Lešť military training area, while additional units remain in Czechia ready to reinforce them if required, the army’s Slovakia mission overview states.
The trench exercise forms part of the contingent’s regular multinational preparation. Its immediate purpose was to strengthen cooperation between Czech and Slovenian troops already serving together in Slovakia.
