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A First In Belgium to Strengthen Cooperation in Military Reconnaissance with International Exercise Yellow Guardian.
From November 20 to 29, 2024, the Horse Hunters Battalion is organizing a large-scale tactical exercise in Neufchâteau and Elsenborn. Named "Yellow Guardian," this event aims to enhance operational skills and international cooperation in reconnaissance operations.
The "Yellow Guardian" scenario spans a 90-kilometer corridor connecting Neufchâteau to Elsenborn. (Picture source: Belgian MoD)
On Wednesday, November 20, the maneuvers begin at the Elsenborn camp, which hosts nearly 180 vehicles and around 600 Belgian, French, Dutch, and Luxembourg soldiers. Under the direction of the Horse Hunters Battalion, this international exercise is a first in the Belgian military landscape, focusing exclusively on reconnaissance missions.
The "Yellow Guardian" scenario spans a 90-kilometer corridor connecting Neufchâteau to Elsenborn. After two days of preparation and adaptation, operational orders are relayed through the chain of command and translated into concrete directives for the troops.
On Sunday evening, the Blue Force is deployed in Neufchâteau and begins its advance toward Elsenborn. Their missions include route reconnaissance, threat detection, enemy intelligence gathering, and terrain analysis. These operations are supported by drones, radars, and specialized vehicles, allowing the units to move discreetly while alternating between phases of movement and surveillance. Opposing them, a Red Force simulates an enemy, creating a realistic environment for the maneuvers. The ultimate goal is to provide the command with the necessary information to understand the enemy's intentions.
The "Yellow Guardian" exercise goes beyond refining tactical procedures and logistical capabilities. It also emphasizes knowledge-sharing with international partners.
For this 2024 edition, several foreign units are joining the Horse Hunters Battalion, including the "Delta" Reconnaissance Company from Luxembourg, the reconnaissance squadron of the Netherlands' 42nd Brigade, and multiple French regiments: the 1st Spahis Regiment, the 2nd Hussar Regiment, the 54th Transmission Regiment, and the 61st Artillery Regiment. On the Belgian side, support units such as the 23rd Medical Battalion, the 18th Logistic Battalion, the 11th Engineer Battalion, the 10th CIS Group, and the Artillery Battalion are also participating in the operation.
"We do not have the same methods of working, communication, or logistical procedures," explains Lieutenant Colonel SBH Jean-François Verheust, commander of the Horse Hunters Battalion. "These differences present challenges that push us to improve." This approach aims not only to increase operational efficiency but also to strengthen cohesion among allied units.
By bringing together troops from different countries, "Yellow Guardian" enhances international cooperation and interoperability. Participating units share their expertise and improve their responsiveness in multilateral missions.
"Bringing together so many units specialized in reconnaissance and intelligence gathering from four countries is a first for Belgium," notes Major Didier Brach, deputy commander of the Battalion. "It’s a true international reconnaissance community that is forming at 'Yellow Guardian'."
This exercise represents an important step in developing reconnaissance and collaborative capabilities within European armed forces, while also solidifying ties between allies in a demanding operational context.