U.S. And NATO Commit To Building Up Their Military Forces Near The Russian Border

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Bobby McDonald sits in front of a large screen depicting a simulated battle field, to practice calling in precision airstrikes during joint U.S.-Latvian military exercises at a base in Ādaži, Latvia. CBS/CAMI MCCORMICK

CBS: America's "powerful signal to allies" -- and Russia

WIESBADEN, Germany -- At a base in Ādaži, Latvia, U.S. troops are using a sophisticated simulator to train Latvian soldiers to call in airstrikes. But today, it's an American in the hot seat.

Technical Sgt. Jesus Torres, an instructor, challenges Air Force Staff Sgt. Bobby McDonald, who sits in front of a large virtual battleground, to call in strikes while protecting civilians and friendly forces.

"We want him to sweat a little bit," Torres says, before ordering a virtual mortar attack to see how McDonald will respond. A Latvian soldier stands just off to the side, observing the exercise.

There are 175 Americans at this base, training the Latvians for a number of different scenarios. The Latvians, in turn, lead exercises like cold water survival training, which recently had the Americans jumping into a lake through several inches of ice in frigid temperatures.

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Update #1: NATO to send more forces east to face Russia threat -- Stars and Stripes
Update #2: Armed with new U.S. money, NATO to strengthen Russia deterrence -- Reuters

WNU Editor: Russia is threatening to respond .... Russian Envoy Warns NATO Buildup Will Prompt Response (RFE).