Soldiers from Estonia, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania,

Soldiers from Estonia, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Sweden and the United States present their countries’ colors during the opening ceremony of the second annual Admiral Pitka Recon Challenge Aug. 5 at Rakvere, Estonia. Hosted by the Estonian Defense League and including Soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade and the Maryland National Guard, this three-day competition tested the strength, speed, endurance, intelligence and willpower of 26 teams from six countries through a series of obstacles and simulations along an 81-mile route through Estonia’s countryside. Paratroopers with the 173rd Abn. Bde. are deployed for training in Estonia as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, an exercise dedicated to demonstrating commitment to NATO obligations and sustaining interoperability with allied forces. The Maryland National Guard and Estonian armed forces have been partners through the State Partnership Program for more than 20 years. (Photo courtesy Estonian Defense Forces Media Center)