TAURUS 24: Preparing the European Union Battlegroup 25-2/26-1 for Stabilization Operations
From November 18 to 29, the towns of Ponte de Sor, Bemposta and Santa Margarida hosted the first in a series of three exercises aimed at preparing the military for the reality they may encounter in a region affected by a crisis or conflict.
The Exercise TAURUS 24, conducted by the Portuguese Army's Mechanized Brigade, integrated National and International Forces as part of the readiness process for the European Union Battlegroup 25-2/26-1 (EUBG 25-2/26-1), which will be prepared to act in Stabilization Operations during the 2nd half of 2025 and the 1st half of 2026.
Exercise TAURUS 24 enables the certification of units belonging to EUBG 25-2/26-1 within the scope of European Union (EU) commitments, reinforcing interoperability within the framework of that organization, with a view to building up forces that will make it possible to respond to the commitments made by the Portuguese State within the scope of Security and Defence.
EUBG 25-2/26-1 is a joint and combined EU force, prepared to intervene quickly in crisis and conflict scenarios, integrating resources from the four components - Maritime, Land, Naval and Special Operations, and from 5 countries - Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and Romania.
For the first time, an EU Battlegroup will be commanded by Portugal, as a “Framework Nation”, under the command of the Commander of the Santa Margarida Mechanized Brigade.
The various operational bases for this exercise, known as Forward Operating Bases (FOB), were spread out between Bemposta and Ponte de Sor.
FOB Bemposta: made up of units from the Wheeled Mechanized Infantry Battalion, an Artillery Battery (equipped with the M119 Light Gun) and an NBQR platoon.
FOB Ponte de Sor 1: made up of the Command Post, Service Support Battalion and ISTAR Grouping (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance).
FOB Ponte de Sor 2: made up of the Sanitary Group, which set up the largest field hospital to date, and the Army Police.
During the two days we were there following the exercise, we witnessed several incidents, which were scenarios created by the teams managing the exercise to put the forces on the field to the test:
Scenario 1 - During a patrol, a column of 4 Pandur II 8x8 vehicles from the European Union Battlegroup forces came across an arms deal between two militia factions. After identifying what was happening, they report to the Command Post and wait for instructions. Bearing in mind that these soldiers are acting in a Stabilization Operation, the ROE (Rules of Engagement) must be followed. As they approached, the militia members realized they were there and left the area.
Scenario 2 - MASCAL (Mass Casualty)
An explosion in the kitchen of the FOB Ponte de Sor mess hall caused several injuries. It was necessary to activate the Sanitary Group, which immediately sent emergency teams and units to the scene. On arriving at the scene, the emergency teams proceeded to triage the victims in order to prioritize the provision of aid to the most critical, thus trying to ensure the survival of the greatest number of injured.
Scenario 3 - Response to Ambush
During a night patrol, a column of 4 Pandur II was forced to stop due to an obstacle in its path. The vehicle in front identified it as a roadblock, putting the whole column on alert for a possible ambush. While they were retreating, the hostile forces opened fire, forcing the EUBG forces to return fire. With chaos in the air, the EUBG forces managed to withdraw.
Scenario 4 - Siege & Search
After locating the leader of one of the groups opposing the presence of the European Union Battlegroup forces, a Task Force was prepared to capture him.
Due to weather conditions, all reconnaissance and surveillance was carried out by a Pandur 8x8 Reconnaissance Vehicle (REC), which quickly confirmed the presence of hostile forces on the scene. The assault began with the movement of several Pandur 8x8 ICVs to surround the site. The soldiers inside the Pandur jumped out and proceeded to storm the building where the HVT (High Value Target) was suspected to be. The raid ended with the capture of the HVT and another member of the hostile force. Later, after ensuring that they were fit for transportation, they were taken to a FOB for questioning.
Scenario 5 - Protests
As news spread of the capture of the leader of one of the groups opposed to the presence of the EUBG forces, many rebellious people took to the streets to protest and cause chaos.
The EUBG forces, who were in transit to the FOB when they were confronted with the situation, must consider the use of force in order to de-escalate the tension. This requires the military to adapt “on the go” and opt for other alternatives, such as changing the route, thus avoiding conflict.
Scenario 6 - Attack on the FOB
As a form of insurrection against EUBG forces, especially after the capture of the faction's leader, EUBG fighters launch a night attack on FOB Bemposta.
After the enemy forces begin their attack, the Battlegroup soldiers immediately activate the defense procedures, mobilizing the various assets stationed there to take up defensive positions around the base's perimeter.
A small force is formed to repel the attack and proceed with the search and capture/elimination of the threat.
On the weekend of November 24 and 25, at Campo da Restauração, next to Ponte de Sor Town Hall, there was an exhibition of weapons and vehicles participating in the exercise.
It was an opportunity for everyone to visit and look at military equipment and at the same time for the younger ones to exercise in a climbing tower set up on site, in a range of activities open to the public.
The TAURUS 24 exercise demonstrated the operational capacity and interoperability of the armed forces in the European context, reaffirming Portugal's commitment to security and defense within the European Union. Through challenging and realistic scenarios, the military personnel involved were able to test their preparedness and strengthen international cooperation, crucial elements for dealing with the complexities of stabilization operations. This exercise, which marked the beginning of a cycle of preparation for European Union Battlegroup 25-2/26-1, stood out as a milestone in Portuguese leadership, demonstrating its readiness to take command of a multinational force in future theaters of operations.
