Ex OAK RESOLVE
Exercise OAK RESOLVE was the culminating event for Bulldog Squadron, marking the completion of the Multinational Battle Group Latvia’s Combat Readiness Evaluation. The exercise ran from 20–27 April 2026 in the Adazi Training Area and brought together multiple nations into a combined arms grouping for realistic and demanding training.
Prior to deployment, Bulldog Squadron was provided with multiple attachments from other sub-units to form a combat team. These attachments included E54, an engineering troop from 1 CER that has been integrated into the squadron since arrival; I11, a mechanized infantry platoon from 2RCR; and, at times, additional engineering assets from E1 (Spanish engineers) and a Forward Observation Officer. This grouping was led by T59, Maj Bryce Simpson, and worked as a cohesive team throughout the duration of the exercise.
The build-up followed the increasing readiness of soldiers through preparatory marshalling of vehicles and drawing of weapons. There was a strong emphasis on reducing the battle group’s electronic and radio signature during deployment, right up until first contact. That meant operating in EMCON 2, with no radio use unless it was absolutely necessary, which carried through into the defensive phase. The squadron laid field phones between positions and back to the command post. It might sound old-school, but it worked well and kept chatter off the net.
One of the constant themes throughout the exercise was the threat from drones. It came up again and again, and it drove a lot of what we did in terms of camouflage, concealment, and protection. Digging became a daily routine. Whether you were in the echelon, attached infantry, or on the tanks, everyone was digging and improving positions. If you weren’t digging, you were rehearsing for the next task. There was always something to refine.
During the defensive phase, the squadron fulfilled the role of battle group reserve. That meant being ready for just about anything, as such the initial days were spent preparing for a number of possible tasks, which involved moving across the rear area to respond to threats or reinforce weak points as needed. This required recceing multiple positions, coordinating routes, timings, and understanding how other units were operating in case we had to step into their role. When the call finally came to commit the squadron to the fight, the reaction was quick and decisive. Tanks moved into positions, supported by fire into designated areas to help repel the assault, and then transitioned into a counter-attack with intimate support from I11. From there, the tempo stayed high as we shifted into offensive operations, acting as the BG’s Swiss Army Knife, always ready to support or lead from the front.
No better example of the Squadron’s flexibility was on display during the offense. A last-minute change the order of march saw Bulldog Squadron take the lead on the battle group’s advance to contact during which we encountered a complex obstacle that needed to be breached. To get through it, we required additional engineering support from E1. With help from our own attached engineers, who acted as liaison and coordinated the effort, the obstacle was successfully breached. The whole process was smooth, and more importantly, it allowed us to maintain momentum.
None of our success would have been possible without the support from our echelon, providing constant support and sustainment for the entire squadron and across the BG. The ARV crew, lead by MCpl Moore, conducted countless recoveries, many of which ran into the early hours of the morning. Bulldog SSM Matt Williams could find himself on the one side of the training area at with his fast pack conducting recovery of Polish tanks before getting a call to the opposite side to pull a LAV from a swamp.
Exercise OAK RESOLVE was a success for both the battle group and the squadron. It gave everyone a chance to prove their resilience while operating under challenging conditions to which the Squadron responded. Proving to be one of the most valuable assets in the BG, the squadron was consistently being relied upon to achieve mission objectives. The constant exposure to drone threats also highlighted how quickly the battlefield is evolving and reinforced the need to keep adapting our tactics and procedures. For the tankers especially, it was a good reminder that staying relevant means staying flexible.