Marine SOF units from Poland, Norway and Finland joined their efforts during several maritime training operations that included seizing enemy vessels (in this case Polish Navy’s ORP Zbyszko and ORP Kopernik). Maritime units are often believed to conduct operations on or beneath the water, however, in reality, these units have to be capable of conducting a much broader spectrum of ops to include land and airborne as well.

Cobra-13 has proven to be very successful for all participants. Some 120 Slovakian SOF operators took part in the operation ahead of their combat deployment to Afghanistan. The exercise was highly praised by the Slovakian soldiers and provided invaluable experience that will greatly benefit the unit in the future.

Exercises such as Cobra-13 provide a unique opportunity for soldiers from various nations to share their experience with their foreign colleagues. The invaluable help that can be provided by a well organized and commanded multinational SOF Task Force has been put to a test and the results are flawless. Efforts will continue to better the cooperation among the many participating units and similar events are set to provide future opportunities to gather Europe’s Finest.