Category: Security

Source: United States Army

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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

AGADIR, Morocco — U.S. Africa Command accelerated battlefield innovation through the integration of the Mobile Ad Hoc Network–Cloud High Mobility Radio system during African Lion 26, the largest multinational exercise held in Africa, April 20-May 8.

By bridging critical communication gaps between industry capabilities and operational forces, MCHMR (pronounced “MC Hammer”) reshapes how data moves, processes and drives decisions across the joint and combined force.

“We identified a critical gap [of] no unified pathway to integrate industry-provided data, from geolocation to full-motion video, into our operational systems,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ramon N. Leonguerrero, African Lion future operations chief, chief of fires, and innovation division project manager for U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). “MCHMR solved that problem by creating a streamlined information pathway that connects the tactical edge directly to the combined joint task force headquarters through a shared common operational picture.”

Through MCHMR, allied and partner nations participating in AL26 accessed and contributed to a shared common operational picture, significantly improving interoperability and collective decision making.

“AL26 integrates readiness, lethality and innovation by placing emerging technologies directly in the hands of the warfighter alongside our allies and partners,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Daniel L. Cederman, deputy commanding general–reserve, SETAF-AF. “By testing and refining these capabilities in a multinational environment, we are strengthening interoperability and ensuring we are prepared to meet evolving threats.”

This convergence drove the rapid fielding and refinement of systems like MCHMR, turning experimentation into operational advantage.

“MCHMR integrates operational and tactical sensor data across the formation, ensuring leaders at every level have access to comprehensive, real-time information,” Leonguerrero said. “That connectivity enables faster, more informed decisions in complex environments.”

MCHMR directly supports USAFRICOM’s priorities to strengthen partner capacity and operational effectiveness throughout the theater.

“We are enhancing partner integration into the common operational picture by leveraging a hardware-agnostic platform that can securely share diverse data types across multiple partners,” said U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bryan G. Duncan, J6 chief technical advisor for U.S. Africa Command. “Our focus is on building resilient data pathways that enable seamless collaboration in both connected and disconnected environments, ultimately empowering decision dominance at the tactical edge.”

Several first-of-their-kind achievements during AL26 underscored the system’s impact.

“In a breakthrough for coalition communication, USAFRICOM, in coordination with SETAF-AF, validated a multilanguage artificial intelligence capability that delivers real-time, Arabic-to-English translation over MPU5 radios integrated into the MCHMR network,” Leonguerrero said. “This advancement reduces reliance on human translators and enables faster, clearer communication during multinational operations.”

Building on this advancement, the system also expanded how coalition partners share and access real-time intelligence.

“In another milestone, the innovation team successfully integrated Moroccan ‘WanderB’ unmanned aerial system feeds into the MCHMR cloud environment and next-generation command and control systems, marking the first time partner-nation intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data has been directly shared across the network,” Leonguerrero said. “The integration allows full-motion video to move from ground control stations to CJTF operations centers and connected end-user devices, enhancing shared situational awareness across the coalition.”

At the tactical level, joint service members directly enabled these capabilities by integrating hardware and systems across multiple nations in real time.

“We’re integrating MPU5 radios with multiple U.S. and partner systems, including unmanned aerial platforms, to push real-time data across different networks and classification levels,” said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Caleb Hilton, a radio frequency transmission operations specialist for 355th Communications Squadron, 355th Mission Support Group, 355th Wing. “This is the first time we’ve successfully tested real-time, Arabic-to-English translation on these systems, and seeing different services and nations work seamlessly together to make that happen has been a huge step forward.”

This expanded data-sharing capability sets the conditions for further advancements in C2 integration.

“Additionally, following an intensive six-day development cycle, the team achieved the first integration of full-motion video into next-generation C2 systems operating on Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network architecture within the USAFRICOM area of responsibility,” Leonguerrero said. “This capability provides critical support for target identification and battle damage assessment, accelerating the decision-making process.”

Together, these innovations highlighted the rapid pace at which new capabilities are developed and fielded in a live training environment.

“African Lion demonstrates that service members can rapidly adopt and employ emerging technologies,” Leonguerrero said. “Through iterative cycles of testing, failing, fixing and validating, we are delivering capabilities at the pace modern warfare demands.”

Rather than relying on traditional acquisition timelines, these efforts emphasized rapid experimentation and immediate operational feedback to refine capabilities in real time.

“USAFRICOM and SETAF-AF drive meaningful, cost-efficient innovation for the joint and combined force,” Leonguerrero added. “We integrate artificial intelligence, robotics and next-generation digital technologies to dominate today’s complex challenges. Our purpose is to translate vision into battlefield-ready capabilities that are intuitive, scalable and immediately impactful.”

MCHMR carried AL26’s momentum forward, enabling integrated, data-driven operations that will define future coalition success.

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

DRAWSKO, Poland — Soldiers with the 30th Medical Brigade conducted a rail casualty evacuation exercise during SWORD 26, May 11-15, to prepare Army medicine for the realities of large-scale combat operations across Europe.

The training, conducted under the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, tested the use of rail transportation as a casualty evacuation platform while integrating multinational medical personnel, host-nation rail systems and NATO interoperability standards.

“We need to make sure that we’re looking at multimodal transportation for casualty evacuation during large-scale combat operations,” said Col. Crystal Belew, commander of the 519th Hospital Center. “We had overwhelming success in what we called the golden hour. We had air superiority. We were able to use rotary-wing evacuation. Moving into large-scale combat operations, we need to use all forms of evacuation methods.”

The exercise reflected a shift in Army medicine’s focus from counterinsurgency operations to preparing for high-intensity conflict against near-peer adversaries, where contested airspace may limit the use of helicopters for medical evacuation.

According to Belew, Europe’s extensive rail network provides an opportunity for NATO allies to train together while testing the challenges of moving casualties across multiple countries and transportation systems.

“Training with rail assets improves NATO interoperability with our host-nation partners,” said Belew. “Europe has one of the most extensive rail networks in the world, and we get to use NATO standards, standardized agreements and transload node agreements when we’re crossing different country borders.”

The rail exercise incorporated multinational cooperation at every level, from medical treatment to transportation logistics.

“The true interoperability would be an American Soldier being treated by a Polish medical provider going to a German facility,” said Belew. “Using a rail asset and training through those different means and methods really brings the interoperability piece to full success.”

In addition to the rail platform, the exercise also tested a casualty staging unit concept, an innovation modeled after systems used by NATO partners. The casualty staging unit is designed to stabilize patients before they are moved onward for additional treatment, helping reduce strain on emergency medical facilities during mass casualty events.

“This is a concept we’re experimenting with that, by doctrine, does not exist in Army medicine,” Belew said. “This is where we are stabilizing stable patients for onward evacuation.”

The training scenario focused on preparing Soldiers and medical personnel for the scale and complexity expected in future conflicts.

“Large-scale combat operations have an expectation of mass casualties and complexity that has not been seen in our generation,” said Belew. “Exercises such as SWORD 26, where we’re focused on larger scales, mass casualties and stressing the system, are training Soldiers for those real-world expectations.”

The exercise also supported the broader sustainment mission of the 21st TSC by ensuring medical forces remain prepared to care for wounded personnel during future operations.

“Army medicine sustains the warfighter,” said Belew. “This training will sustain the warfighter by preparing for large-scale combat operations and preparing our medical professionals to take care of Soldiers.”

By integrating multinational partners, testing emerging medical concepts and expanding casualty evacuation capabilities beyond traditional air evacuation, SWORD 26 demonstrated NATO’s continued commitment to readiness and interoperability across the European theater.

Source: United States Army

When Nicoleta Panaite left her native Romania in 2014 with her son and a dream, she never could have imagined she’d be back in Army greens.

Now a U.S. Army Captain, Panaite serves as a physician’s assistant at U.S. Army Black Sea Joint Aid Station medical clinic, on a three-month rotation.

Her job is to keep Soldiers who arrive, on rotation, at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase, healthy and ready for their missions. It’s work that rarely makes headlines, but keeps soldiers resilient, ready for the fight.

“Medical readiness is constant and proactive,” she said. “It means not just providing care, but actively looking for ways to improve the health, readiness, and trust of the unit.”

Her workday goes beyond sick call. After treating patients, Panaite tracks readiness metrics, coordinates care across systems, advises command on medical trends, and follows up with soldiers after hours.

Capt. Panaite holds herself to the standard of preventing problems before they become issues. She educates leadership, flags patterns early, and closes gaps in medical readiness before they widen. That proactive mindset comes from her time in the Interservice Physician Assistant Program, one of the Army’s most rigorous medical training programs.

“It requires a lot of dedication, hard work, compromise, and discipline,” she said of IPAP.

After moving to the United States, she graduated magna cum laude from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas, in 2018 and was commissioned in 2020. Nothing about her path was less than intentional. One area she is interested in is behavioral health. As a primary care provider, she isn’t a specialist, but when a struggling soldier comes to her, she doesn’t just redirect them and move on.

“All I can do is try my very best to listen, ask questions, and comfort them,” she said.

She said her ability to move between two cultures that makes her feel at home here, also improves her job performance. As a Romanian-born, serving in the U.S. Army, Panaite’s background allows her to connect in ways few textbooks can teach. Where others might see cultural differences, she finds common ground with diverse patients, whether local nationals, or Soldiers who feel out of place. Her colleagues recognize this not as a novelty but as a strength.

“My background helps me communicate better, especially with diverse populations,” she said. “It’s become one of my biggest strengths in providing care.”

In a garrison where missions cross borders and the community is rich and varied, that skill matters. Small moments remind her of the full-circle nature of her journey. A conversation in Romanian with a local DFAC worker or a familiar phrase overheard in the hallway recalls her roots.

“They would make my day just by exchanging a few words,” she said. “I realized how much I missed conversing in Romanian.”

Her focus, however, remains the mission. When asked for the best advice she’s ever received, she didn’t quote someone else.

“Never quit and always stay humble, no matter the circumstances,” she said. “That’s my own advice — and yes, I still strongly believe in it.”

For the soldiers on rotation at USAG Black Sea, that philosophy is more than a motto. It shows up before the first patient – and stays long after the last one.

Source: United States Army

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Before the next wildfire sparks, Wyoming agencies are working together to improve coordination, strengthen readiness and protect communities across the state.

The Wyoming State Forestry Division hosted a wildfire readiness meeting last week with the Wyoming National Guard, Wyoming Office of Homeland Security and representatives from the Governor’s Office ahead of the 2026 fire season.

The Wyoming National Guard attended at the invitation of Kelly Norris, Wyoming state forester.

“Wildfire response starts with relationships and communication,” said Brig. Gen. Michelle Mulberry, director of joint staff for the Wyoming National Guard. “By bringing agencies together before fire season, we strengthen readiness, improve coordination and ensure we are prepared to protect Wyoming communities.”

Leaders discussed lessons learned from the 2025 fire season and identified areas to sustain and improve.

Topics included interagency communication, resource coordination and operational capabilities. Leaders also discussed how agencies can maintain a better understanding of available support during wildfire incidents.

The meeting focused on improving collaboration before large incidents occur. Leaders said stronger coordination now will help create a faster, more unified response when communities are threatened.

“Wildfire response in Wyoming depends on strong partnerships and communication before the first fire starts,” Norris said. “Bringing agencies together to discuss capabilities, coordination and lessons learned strengthens our ability to protect lives, property and natural resources across the state.”

Participants emphasized the importance of continued coordination as Wyoming prepares for increased wildfire activity during the summer months.

The Wyoming Army National Guard routinely supports wildfire response operations across the state through aviation support, personnel, equipment and interagency coordination during emergency operations.

Related Links

The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil

State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil

The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard

The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard

The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard

Source: United States Army

WASHINGTON — More than 250 Soldiers and Airmen from throughout the National Guard took part in National Guard Day at Nationals Park, highlighting the Guard’s service, sacrifice and community connection.

Guard members joined in pregame ceremonies, including on-field recognition, before the Washington Nationals took on the New York Mets on May 18.

The event underscored the Guard’s unique dual mission, serving as the combat reserve of the Army and Air Force while also responding during emergencies at home.

“Our relationship with the Washington Nationals reflects the National Guard’s commitment to connecting with the community in meaningful ways,” said Christine Thompson, a community engagement specialist with the National Guard Bureau. “By working together, we’re able to engage with the members of our communities while also highlighting the shared values of teamwork, service, and dedication that both our organizations represent.”

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, with the West Virginia Air National Guard, threw the game’s ceremonial first pitch. Wolfe was critically wounded in November during a targeted shooting attack while serving in the district as part of Joint Task Force District of Columbia.

The first pitch came after months of rehabilitation efforts by Wolfe, marking a milestone in his recovery.

“Throwing out the first pitch was a surreal experience,” said Wolfe.

U.S. Army Maj. Ryan Reynolds, with the West Virginia Army National Guard, delivered the game ball to Jake Irvin, the Nationals’ starting pitcher.

Reynolds was among the team of Soldiers and Airmen who responded to the shooting that left Wolfe wounded and claimed the life of U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, a military police officer with the West Virginia Army National Guard serving as part of JTF-DC. Reynolds ran toward the gunfire, subdued the assailant, protected fellow service members and shielded members of the public while maintaining initial care of Wolfe and Beckstrom.

Guard members, including more than 75 Soldiers and Airmen with the District of Columbia National Guard, were featured in other on-field roles at the start of the game.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Vicki Goldberg, with the D.C. Army National Guard, performed the national anthem while pilots with the D.C. Air National Guard’s 113th Wing executed a flyover of the stadium in F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.

Game umpires received the starting lineup cards from U.S. Army Spc. Matthew David, with the Maryland Army National Guard, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Destiny Melendez, with the D.C. Air National Guard, kicked off the game by announcing “play ball!” to a stadium filled with thousands.

“The entire experience was amazing. The fact that I got to be with my coworkers, my peers and my family and play a role in today’s celebration was exhilarating,” said Melendez. “The energy was insane.”

From the Maryland National Guard, U.S. Army Spc. Matthew Zrebiec delivered the starting lineup cards to the umpire crew at home plate.

“I’m doing this for my daughters,” said Zrebiec. “They’re huge baseball fans, so when the opportunity came up, I said ‘yeah, let’s do it!’”

The collaboration between the National Guard and the Washington Nationals continues a longstanding tradition of honoring military service in the nation’s capital.

“As representatives of the national pastime in our nation’s capital, it’s important for us to recognize and honor our military members and their families,” said Gregory McCarthy, the Washington Nationals’ senior vice president of community and government engagement. “It’s not only our duty to celebrate and thank members of the National Guard who work in D.C., Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia, but our privilege to be able to do so, especially as we come together to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country’s founding.”

“It’s really cool to be part of history. I was part of something bigger than myself and that is truly an honor,” said Melendez.

National Guard participation at Nationals games dates back to the opening of Nationals Park in 2008, when Guard members helped unfurl large American flags during pregame ceremonies and supported tributes to military service as part of the stadium’s inaugural season.