Zebra Sword | Military exercise around Weert and in the...

Soldiers from 4 army brigades are preparing for large-scale combat operations at various locations in the Netherlands. This will take place from October 26 to November 11 during the Zebra Sword exercise. It was supposed to be in Germany first, but was moved to the Netherlands because of COVID-19.

Because of Zebra Sword, there are already more military transports on Dutch roads than usual. Tomorrow more than 20 combat vehicles, including CV90s and a Leopard II salvage tank, will go from Havelte to the Leusderheide near Amersfoort.

The locations
Exercises are held on military sites near Weert, de Peel, Oirschot, Stroe, Deelen, ‘t Harde and the Marnewaard. In addition, soldiers are active outside training areas between Amersfoort, Arnhem and Hoogeveen. Defense is asking people to keep their distance and not to visit the training units.

COVID-19 measures
Because of the roaming virus, the units practice in smaller groups and at various locations such as training areas, but also within built-up areas. In order to prevent COVID-19 contamination, the military avoid contact with the population as much as possible.

The army complies with the COVID-19 measures. Therefore, units limit interactions among themselves. All servicemen have multiple face masks. If soldiers develop symptoms of disease, the Defense will have them isolated and tested.

Exercise important
Defense is a vital organization. It must always be prepared for the defense of NATO territory and the promotion of the international legal order. That is why Defense exercises continuously.

The army currently supplies units for the NATO and EU rapid reaction forces and trains soldiers for the missions in Afghanistan, Iraq and Lithuania. In addition, the army is ready to provide assistance during disasters and crises. Consider the commitment to combat the COVID-19 virus. The army is now supporting UMC Utrecht for this.