Category: Security

Source: United States Army

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz firefighters joined forces with German emergency responders April 26 to contain a large brush fire that threatened the A6/A63 autobahn interchange.

When the fire broke out in north Kaiserslautern, flames and heavy smoke forced the closure of the major traffic route. German firefighters at the Kaiserslautern Main Dispatch Center issued a request for support, and the garrison’s Directorate of Emergency Services (DES) responded without delay.

DES Deputy Fire Chief Robert Womble led the response, deploying Engine-12 from Fire Station1 Kaiserslautern East alongside Hook-37, a 7,000-liter water tender from Miesau Army Depot.

“Our crews were ready to move,” said Womble. “We train for these situations and working with our German partners, we were able to get the fire under control and keep it from spreading further.”

Garrison fire crews were initially staged at the nearby ZAK industrial complex before being integrated into the host nation’s incident command. Working side by side, American and German firefighters carried out water shuttle operations and attacked the fire from the hillside and along the autobahn.

The scale of the fire and dense smoke kept the A6/A63 interchange closed until late Sunday night.

Personnel on scene included Womble; Engine-12 Crew Chief Markus Roughton, Driver Operator Rafael Kuhnert and Firefighter Manuel Schwoerer; and Hook-37 firefighters Martin Sauer and Michael Laufer.

The response reflects ongoing cooperation between USAG Rheinland-Pfalz and local German emergency services. In 2024, the garrison’s DES formalized a mutual aid agreement with several surrounding communities including Bruchmühlbach-Miesau, to better prepare coordinated response efforts during emergencies such as fires and floods.

Editor’s note: Cameron Hochheim, Kaiserslautern High School student and public affairs intern, contributed to this story.

Source: United States Army

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Army Medics Learn Walking Blood Bank Transfusion Techniques during Combined Resolve

Story and Photos by U.S. Army 1st Sergeant Lisa Rodriguez-Presley

HOHENFELS, Germany – Combined Resolve 26-07 is increasing more than battlefield lethality, as U.S. Army combat medics from the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division train to provide lifesaving care and return wounded Soldiers to the fight.

“Walking blood banks are something you only see in combat situations,” said Master Sgt. Daniel Tumey, an Observer Coach/Trainer with Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Team Adler. “In cases where blood supplies are running critically low, soldiers have the opportunity to save lives by giving whole blood for immediate use.”

According to Tumey, medics rarely have the opportunity to practice giving blood transfusions, which is a highly perishable skill. Even rarer is the opportunity to set up a “walking blood bank,” where whole blood is taken from soldiers and immediately transfused to casualties who can’t wait for traditional blood supplies to be replenished.

“I have some soldiers say to me that they’ve done this training in Advanced Individual Training, but I haven’t seen a lot of providers doing training like this at home station,” said Tumey. “Blood kits are very expensive, and a lot of the soldiers coming through here say that they’ve never done transfusions before, but as a combat medic, you’re expected to know how to do it.”

For the exercise, patients served as both donors and recipients of their own blood. Combat medics took blood from the patient, checked the blood type using a blood kit, and then transfused the soldier’s own blood back into their body, giving the medics real-world experience that can’t be replicated any other way.

“The only time I’ve done a blood transfusion in the Army was during AIT,” said Pfc. Fantashia Carroll, a combat medic with 3rd Brig. 1st Cav. Div. “This training is really helping me with my skills since I’m doing so many repetitions, and for future patients, I’m able to perform better.”

The risk during the procedure is low, but not zero, according to Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Pischieri, an Observer Coach/Trainer with JMRC, Team Adler. Infection, adverse reactions to medication, and other complications are always a possibility.

“This is as much an art as it is a skill,” said Pischieri. “The more you practice, the more you develop techniques that work better for you. Everyone has little differences in how they teach these skills, so you take what you’re taught, and you work to improve on it.”

According to Tumey and Pischieri, the exercise allows them to mentor and instill confidence in young medics, increasing the proficiency of those who care for wounded soldiers. These efforts help ensure that casualties receive the best possible care, even under the worst conditions.

Source: United States Army

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – More than 50 servicemembers, civilians and veterans from across U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz crossed the stage to celebrate their academic achievements during the garrison’s Army Continuing Education System (ACES) Graduation Recognition Ceremony, held April 24 at the Tiger Theater on Sembach Kaserne.

The ACES graduation ceremony serves as an opportunity for graduates who are far from their institutions of higher learning to participate in a graduation ceremony, complete with pomp and circumstance, walking the stage and ceremonial “turning of the tassel” from right to left to signify the transition from a candidate to a graduate.

Each graduate arrived at this moment through long hours of study balanced with the demands of their day-to-day responsibilities.

Command Sgt. Maj. Randy Rivera, the garrison’s senior enlisted advisor, pointed to the daily choices behind their success.

“You chose to log in when you were tired,” he said. “You chose to study when others were resting. You chose to grow when others took it easy, and that matters. Today, you’re winners.”

Rivera encouraged the graduates to carry that same drive forward as they move beyond their academic goals.

“There’s going to be a gap in your schedule,” said Rivera. “Fill it with that same excellence — helping others and striving to be your best.”

Throughout the ceremony, graduates exchanged smiles across the room while speakers recognized the effort it took to reach this milestone.

Sgt. 1st Class Michael Edwards, internal control manager for the 45th Finance Center, said the moment felt surreal as he celebrated the completion of his Master of Business Administration degree in Project Management from Columbia Southern University.

“Walking across that stage symbolizes the dedication and perseverance that brought me to this point,” he said.

In the audience, his children watched. They were part of the reason Edwards kept going even as the workload grew.

“As a dad, having my children here to witness this day fills me with pride and reminds me why I never give up,” he said. “I’m grateful for the support system that helped me reach this achievement.”

The ceremony recognized graduates across a range of academic programs and disciplines, including:

Associate Degree Graduates:

• Staff Sgt. Jermel Bell – Associate of Arts, General Studies, University of Maryland Global Campus
• Sgt. Christian Eric Billote – Associate of Arts, Business Administration and Management, University of Arkansas – Grantham
• Sgt. Austin Cardon – Associate of Science, Fire Science, American Military University
• Sgt. Malaika Craig – Associate of Arts, General Studies, University of Maryland Global Campus
• Sgt. Jamilla Harris – Associate of Arts, General Studies, University of Maryland Global Campus
• Sgt. Lydia Lafferty – Associate of Arts, General Studies, University of Maryland Global Campus. Dean’s List
• Sgt. Vaelua Misiaita – Associate of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies, American Military University
• Sgt. Monique Moraga – Associate of Arts, General Studies, University of Maryland Global Campus
• Sgt. Christopher Rodriguez Lopez – Associate of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies, American Military University. Dean’s List
• Sgt. 1st Class Carmen Sinkfield – Associate of Arts, General Studies, University of Maryland Global Campus
• Mrs. Ashley Zubia (U.S. Army-Veteran) – Associate of Arts, General Studies, University of Maryland Global Campus. Dean’s List. USAG-RP UMGC Representative
• CW2 Waldemar Maldonado – Master of Science, Cloud Computing Systems, University of Maryland Global Campus. Phi Kappa Phi, Upsilon Pi Epsilon
• Staff Sgt. Semere Mekonen – Master of Science, Cyber Security Technology, University of Maryland Global Campus
• Staff Sgt. Ruth Oloyede – Master of Science, Health Information Management, American Military University. High Academic Achievement
• 1st Lt. Chris Palaguachi – Master of Business Administration, American Intercontinental University Online
• Staff Sgt. Sara Plant – Master of Arts, Public History, Southern New Hampshire University. National Society of Leadership
• Mrs. Jessica Richardson – Master of Arts, Management, Concentration in Organizational Leadership, American Public University System. Golden Key International Honour Society, Delta Mu Delta
• Sgt. 1st Class Michael Riffey – Master of Science, International Relations, Troy University
• Jane Robles – Master of Science, Acquisition and Contract Management, University of Maryland Global Campus. USAG-RP UMGC Representative
• Itzia Rubio – Master of Science, Clinical and Mental Health Counseling, Bellevue University. USAG-RP ACES Army Education Counselor
• Sgt. 1st Class Jack Schneiderman – Master of Science, Business Analytics, Mercer University. AACSB Honor Roll. Beta Gamma Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi

Baccalaureate Degree Graduates:

• Staff Sgt. Mae Asis – Bachelor of Arts, Supply Chain Management, Transportation and Logistics Management, American Military University
• Master Sgt. DeMar Bowman – Bachelor of Arts, Human Resources Management, American Military University. Magna Cum Laude
• Sgt. 1st Class Athena Conway – Bachelor of Science, Human Resources Management, Columbia College. Cum Laude
• Staff Sgt. Ana Fajardo – Bachelor of Science, Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Grand Canyon University. National Society of Collegiate Scholars
• Sgt. 1st Class Eric Foryah – Bachelor of Science, Environmental Science, American Military University
• Staff Sgt. Katlin Gillespie – Bachelor of Science, Social Science, Excelsior University
• Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Griffith – Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, University of Maryland Global Campus
• Sgt. Thijsa Innocent-Niles – Bachelor of Science, Information Technology Management, American Military University
• Staff Sgt. Jesse Lawson – Bachelor of Science, Sports and Health Sciences, American Military University
• Staff Sgt. Omar Lozada Rodriguez – Bachelor of Arts, Transportation and Logistics Management, American Military University
• Master Sgt. Jermaine Marcus – Bachelor of Science, Business Administration and Management, Management Studies, University of Maryland Global Campus
• Sgt. 1st Class Alyssa Mirea – Bachelor of Science, Cybersecurity Technology, University of Maryland Global Campus
• CW2 Jeremiah Murray – Bachelor of Science, National Security, Intelligence and Security Analysis, Excelsior University
• Sgt. 1st Class Héctor Negron Reyes – Bachelor of Science, Legal Studies, University of Maryland Global Campus
• Staff Sgt. David Nuñez – Bachelor of Science, Psychology, University of Maryland Global Campus. Dean’s List
• Staff Sgt. Manuel Rebolledo – Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration, American Military University
• Staff Sgt. Stevonna Reyes – Bachelor of Arts, Transportation and Logistics Management, American Military University
• Staff Sgt. Jerry Rudolph – Bachelor of Science, Finance, Minor in Accounting, University of Maryland Global Campus
• Sgt. Lucner Similien – Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Columbia Southern University. Summa Cum Laude
• Spc. Joshua Smith – Bachelor of Arts, Management, American Military University
• Sgt. Weijing Zhang – Bachelor of Science, Psychology, University of Maryland Global Campus. Magna Cum Laude, Dean’s List

Master Degree Graduates:

• Mrs. Latoya Bell – Master of Arts, Psychology, The University of Arizona Global Campus
• Mrs. Lucy Brown – Master of Arts, Human Resources Management, American Public University
• Sgt. Maria Victoria Carrascal – Master of Business Administration, University of Maryland Global Campus
• Mr. Collin Cash (U.S. Army-Retired) – Master of Business Administration, Washington State University
• Staff Sgt. Jaime Davila Lara – Master of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management and Homeland Security, American Military University. Summa Cum Laude.
• Sgt. 1st Class Michael Edwards – Master of Business Administration, Project Management, Columbia Southern University
• Sgt. Terry-Lee Harrison – Master of Arts, Management – Human Resource Management, American Military University
• Mrs. Jessica Hill (U.S. Air Force-Retired) – Master of Science, Leadership, Trident University. With honors. Order of the Eastern Stars and Daughters
• Sgt. 1st Class LaTrice Lewis-Turner – Master of Science, Acquisition and Contract Management, Florida Institute of Technology. Sergeant Audie Murphy Club (SAMC), Noncommissioned Officer Association (NCOA)
• Mr. Glen Smith – Master of Business Administration, Grand Canyon University
• Capt. Keisha Smithers – Master of Science, Public Health Nursing, Grand Canyon University. Magna Cum Laude
• Mrs. Kasey Markita Wade – Master of Arts, Human Services Administration, The University of Arizona Global Campus. Alpha Lambda Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society, Golden Key International Honour Society

Doctoral Graduates:

• Dr. Alexis Grant-Panting – PhD, Sociology, Texas Woman’s University. With honors. American Sociological Association, Association of Black Sociologists, and Rural Sociological Society
• Dr. Ruthan Monrose – Doctorate in Education (Curriculum and Instruction), Liberty University. Graduate with highest honors. USAG-RP ACES BSEP Instructor
• Dr. Dawn Proctor (US Air Force-Retired) – PhD, Management, Walden University. Honor and Distinction. Delta Mu Delta International Academic Honor Society in Business

USAG Rheinland-Pfalz’ Army Continuing Education System serves as a symbol of lifelong learning, readiness and resilience, providing flexible and high-quality education programs to support the entire Army. Through initiatives like the graduation recognition ceremony, ACES empowers military personnel, civilians and veterans to achieve their academic goals while maintaining their dedication to serving their country.

U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz sets, serves, and secures the total force community, enabling power projection for the European Theater.

Connect with us: https://linktr.ee/usag_rp

Source: United States Army

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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

AGADIR, Morocco – U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual joint exercise, African Lion 26, officially begins today. The exercise is hosted across four nations including Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia. The activities in Morocco will include approximately 5,000 personnel from over 40 countries and more than 30 U.S.-based industry partners validating future warfare capabilities across multiple locations within the country from 27 April to May 8, 2026.

Executed by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), the event is designed to strengthen the collective security capabilities of the United States, African nations and global allies. The training stress-tests the U.S. joint force and partner nations’ ability to execute rapid deployments and operate under multi-domain threat conditions.

“African Lion 26 reflects our continued bilateral commitment to regional security and stability,” said Duke Buchan III, U.S. Ambassador to Morocco. “As our nations celebrate 250 years of friendship, this enduring diplomatic and military partnership continues to build capable, interoperable forces and strengthen security across the region.”

The exercise features a comprehensive suite of training events designed to test the full spectrum of military operations.

Training events include multinational academics, command field exercise, combined armed live-fire exercises, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives training, special operations training, air and maritime operations, and humanitarian civic assistance.

The exercise integrates more than 30 U.S.-based vendors testing emerging capabilities across mission command, deep attack, defense-in-depth, and counter-attack systems. Technologies validated include autonomous systems, artificial intelligence-enabled command and control, counter-unmanned aircraft systems, and advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms.

“African Lion 2026 is a critical demonstration of peace through strength in action,” said U.S. Air Force General Dagvin Anderson, commander of U.S. Africa Command. “We are working to prevent Islamic terrorists in Africa from using regional safe heavens to strike the U.S. Homeland, and empowering allies and partners to lead efforts to degrade and destroy these organizations.”

The exercise underscores the enduring U.S. commitment to its African partners, reinforcing the necessary coalition network required to deter regional threats.

Key supporting activities throughout the exercise demonstrate the breadth of U.S.-Morocco military cooperation.

The Utah National Guard will conduct humanitarian civic assistance treating an estimated 20,000 patients over 11 days through the State Partnership Program. The Utah National Guard has maintained a State Partnership Program with Morocco since 2003.

The exercise validates decision dominance by leveraging artificial intelligence-enabled tools across operational targeting and coalition command to accelerate the sensor-to-shooter cycle. The mission partner environment network bridges classified and unclassified data systems, ensuring U.S., NATO and Moroccan forces share a common operating picture.

African Lion 26 supports U.S. Africa Command’s objectives of empowering African partners to achieve operational independence and building the coalition networks necessary to counter transnational threats.

About African Lion

African Lion 2026 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Co-led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security.

African Lion content can be found on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS).

About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS

Source: United States Army

WIESBADEN, Germany — U.S. Army Europe and Africa kicks off exercise Sword 26 today. This series of exercises will run through the end of May 2026 in eight countries across NATO’s Eastern Flank, replacing the DEFENDER exercise series.

Sword 26 will see U.S. and NATO forces conducting operations across eight countries in the High North, the Baltic region and in Poland. The exercise focuses on operationalizing the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative, a transformational concept designed for NATO and U.S. forces to execute NATO’s integrated defense plans in the land domain.

“Sword 26 tests our lethality and ability to harness data and AI-enabled warfare at scale to operate with NATO Allies. It’s the application of Army Transformation to fight NATO’s regional plans across all domains in the High North, Baltic region, and Poland,” saidGen. Christopher Donahue,commanding general, U.S. Army Europe and Africa.

The exercise series includes three linked exercises: Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response. Each plays a unique role in validating Allied and U.S. land forces to execute NATO’s plans and advance the EFDI concept. Saber Strike focuses on rapid overland deployment in the Baltic region, Immediate Response showcases sustainment and combat power in the High North, and Swift Response demonstrates the deployment of specialized equipment from the U.S. and within the theater.

The DEFENDER exercise, an acronym for Dynamic Employment of Forces to Europe for NATO Deterrence and Enhanced Readiness, focused on the deployment of units from the U.S. into Europe from 2020-2025, testing USAREUR-AF’s ability to receive and integrate forces. Sword shifts the focus to validating NATO’s regional plans and advancing the EFDI. This change reflects the U.S. Army’s emphasis on warfighting, modernization, and readiness, consistent with NATO’s transformational priorities.

For U.S. forces, it’s a platform for integrating cutting-edge capabilities, such as AI-enabled command and control systems, and multi-domain operations.

“Sword 26 allows us to test and train a number of efforts,” said Col. James Egan, USAREUR-AF Director of Training and Exercises. “Our Allies are stepping up to meet NATO’s pledge to invest in formations and capabilities, from setting the network to integrating sensors and unmanned systems, this exercise puts it all together to command and control forces in the field, across the Eastern Flank.”

With approximately 15,500 participants, Sword demonstrates the ability to operate as a unified, lethal force across all domains. As NATO continues to adapt to emerging threats, Sword 26 serves as a powerful example of how the U.S. Army and its Allies are working together to deter adversaries across Europe’s Northern and Eastern flanks.

For more information on Sword and related exercises, go to www.europeafrica.army.mil/SWORD.