The Strong Europe Tank Challenge kicked off in with the opening ceremony, where the eight participating countries met up and hung out together while climbing in and over, and inspecting each other’s tanks.

U.S. Army Europe and the German Army co-host the third Strong Europe Tank Challenge at Grafenwoehr Training Area, June 3 – 8, 2018. The Strong Europe Tank Challenge is an annual training event designed to give participating nations a dynamic, productive and fun environment in which to foster military partnerships, form Soldier-level relationships, and share tactics, techniques and procedures.

Crews from NATO and non-NATO partners compete in defensive/offensive mounted and dismounted operations. The first challenge was held in 2016, with Germany taking first place.

The third annual competition is scheduled for June 2018 and includes two newcomers: Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Each of the countries acts on their tanks: Austria -Leopard 2A4; France – AMX Leclerc; Germany – Leopard 2A6; Poland – Leopard 2A5; Sweden – Stridsvagn 122; Ukraine – T-84; UK – Challenger 2; USA – M1A2 SEP v2.

The five-day contest consists of 13 competitive events including an obstacle course, a shoot off, the Tanker Olympics, a precision driving course, and offensive and defensive live-fire operations. The final day will culminate in a friendship shoot before ending with an award ceremony.