Category: Security

Source: United States Army

HONOLULU — The Oahu Veterinary Network continues to demonstrate how an integrated system of care can simultaneously enhance military readiness and provide high-quality, accessible services to the military community. By linking multiple veterinary treatment facilities (VTFs) across the island, the network creates a dynamic training platform for active-duty personnel while reducing reliance on civilian specialty care for military families and their pets.

That capability was recently demonstrated through the case of Trixie, a family dog that presented to the Schofield Barracks Veterinary Treatment Facility with acute abdominal distress. Clinical signs and diagnostic imaging quickly raised concern for gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening condition requiring immediate surgical intervention.

“Trixie came in with classic symptoms that made us highly concerned for a stomach torsion,” said Maj. Perri Salazar, veterinarian at Schofield Barracks. “Her radiographs supported that assessment, and we knew time was critical.”

Rather than referring Trixie to a civilian emergency hospital, the Schofield team leveraged the Oahu Veterinary Network to transfer her to the Hickam Veterinary Treatment Facility, which provides advanced surgical and specialty care capabilities. This internal referral system ensured continuity of care while maximizing training opportunities for Army veterinary personnel.

“The network allowed us to move quickly and keep the case within our system,” said Maj. Luigi Topacio, veterinary officer at Hickam. “That means better coordination for the patient, cost savings for the family, and, most importantly, invaluable surgical experience for our team.”

At Hickam, the surgical team prepared for what they expected to be a GDV correction. Upon exploration, they confirmed a severe gastric condition requiring immediate intervention. The surgery was successful, and Trixie made a full recovery under the care of the Army veterinary team.

Cases like Trixie’s highlight the dual benefit of the Oahu Veterinary Network. For military families, it reduces the financial burden often associated with off-base specialty care. For active-duty veterinarians and technicians, it provides critical exposure to complex, high-acuity cases essential for maintaining clinical proficiency.

“As Army veterinary professionals, we have to be ready to operate in austere and unpredictable environments,” said Maj. Luigi Topacio, Veterinary Corps officer. “Having access to complex surgical cases in garrison directly translates to readiness downrange.”

The network model also enhances collaboration across installations, fostering a shared standard of care and improving overall efficiency. By distributing workload and aligning capabilities across clinics, the system ensures that each facility contributes to both patient care and professional development.

“The Oahu Veterinary Network is more than just a referral system — it’s a deliberate training strategy,” said Lt. Col. Lauren Hamlin, commander of Veterinary Readiness Activity, Hawaii. “We are building confident, capable veterinary teams who can manage everything from routine wellness to life-saving surgical interventions, all while supporting the military community we serve.”

Through innovative integration of resources and a focus on readiness, the Oahu Veterinary Network continues to set the standard for Army veterinary services — where every case is not only an opportunity to care, but an opportunity to train.

Source: United States Army

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Guardsmen from the Tennessee National Guard’s 278th Cavalry Regiment became the state’s first licensed drivers on the Army’s new Infantry Squad Vehicle during training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, March 31–April 2, marking a key step in the unit’s transition to a faster, more deployable force.

The certification comes as the 278th begins converting from an Armored Brigade Combat Team to a Mobile Brigade Combat Team — a shift aligned with the Army’s transformation efforts to field lighter, more agile units capable of rapid deployment in combat and domestic response missions.

Select Soldiers from across the state completed Infantry Squad Vehicle Operator New Equipment Training, hosted by the 101st Airborne Division, and will now return to their units to train others.

“I was thrilled to finally be able to get hands-on with these new vehicles so I can begin teaching my Soldiers about them,” said Staff Sgt. Albert Ziss, training noncommissioned officer for Lebanon’s 3rd Battalion. “Everyone at my unit has been looking forward to getting and operating these new ISVs since they were first announced.”

Last May, the 278th learned it would be among the first National Guard units to transition to the Mobile Brigade Combat Team structure. MBCTs are designed to be lighter, faster and more lethal than traditional armored formations, while also being more cost-effective and deployable more quickly.

“For decades, the 278th has been Armored Cavalry and we pride ourselves on being the best at what we do,” said Ziss. “So being one of the first National Guard units to transform into this new, more lethal structure is only fitting and we’re proud to do it.”

The Infantry Squad Vehicle is central to that transformation, enabling infantry Soldiers to move faster with their equipment, reach objectives more quickly and operate with greater flexibility on the battlefield.

“When we heard that we were getting these new ISVs as replacements to our current tactical vehicles, everyone was excited,” said Ziss. “Now, after training with one, I see how incredibly easy they are to use and drive, and how much more versatile they are than our current vehicles. The ISV is so much better than we could’ve hoped for.”

The nine-passenger ISV, built by GM Defense and based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 platform, is lightweight and designed for rapid deployment, including airdrop and helicopter sling-load operations.

“One of the many great things about these vehicles is that they are light, easy to work on, and can be configured to perform countless missions required by Soldiers,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Mines, master driver for the 101st Airborne Division and course instructor. “Also, 90 percent of the parts required for maintaining the ISV are commercial, off-the-shelf. These vehicles are much easier to maintain and repair than their predecessors.”

Because the ISV is based on a commercial platform, it is also easier for Soldiers to operate.

“It is not very difficult to drive or maintain these vehicles,” said Mines. “They handle, maneuver, and run like a typical truck, so most Soldiers are very comfortable with that already. The dashboard and layout were kept like a traditional civilian car or truck, making it very intuitive to operate.”

Despite those similarities, the ISV is built for combat and can transport nine Soldiers with full combat loads across rugged terrain. Its modular design allows units to configure the vehicle for a variety of mission sets.

“Staff Sgt. Mines gave all of us detailed training on all of the possible uses and capabilities of the ISVs and how to operate them safely while getting the most benefit from them,” said Ziss. “I thought that one of the most interesting features was the ability to lock a rescue litter into the back to rapidly evacuate a wounded Soldier if needed. I hope I never have to use it, but glad to know it’s there.”

Units across Tennessee have begun receiving the new vehicles and will continue transitioning in the coming months. The newly certified operators are expected to accelerate fielding and help the 278th build a more agile and lethal force.

“These vehicles are just what we needed, and I look forward to getting them at our armories,” said Ziss.

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

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, N.Y. — Senior Enlisted Advisor John T. Raines III, the principal advisor to the chief of the National Guard Bureau, visited the New York Army National Guard’s 2026 Best Warrior Competition, where two Soldiers from Buffalo’s 105th Military Police Company emerged as winners.

Spc. Trevor Lock took first place in the junior enlisted Soldier category, while Staff Sgt. Derek Tucker won the noncommissioned officer contest.

Nine Soldiers took part in the March 23–26 event, which was run by the 106th Regional Training Institute.

The competition evaluated Soldiers in physically and mentally demanding events designed to replicate real-world warfighting conditions, according to New York Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Leylan Jones.

“I learned a lot from this Best Warrior Competition,” Tucker said. “It opened me up to opportunities to learn and train on things that I haven’t before.”

Lock said events like the Best Warrior Competition help build leaders.

“The next generation of leaders can improve from this, not just compete in it,” Lock said. “You can build off this and get a lot of experience with different weapons and courses and gain different knowledge.”

Second place in the NCO category went to Staff Sgt. Justin Jablanski, a combat engineer with the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Spc. Jerry Remy, an infantryman with the 108th Infantry Battalion, finished second in the junior enlisted category.

Lock and Tucker will now compete in the Northeast Regional Competition at Camp Fogarty, Rhode Island, in June for the chance to advance to the National Guard Best Warrior Competition.

Throughout the event, Soldiers navigated situational training exercise lanes, completed land navigation and were tested on their physical fitness through the Expert Physical Fitness Assessment and the Army Fitness Test.

They also completed a written exam, appeared before a board of senior NCOs in their Class A uniforms, conducted a medical skills test and participated in a mystery event — in this case, the air assault obstacle course.

The final challenge was a 12-mile ruck march. Competitors were dropped off by bus at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Yorktown Heights, where they conducted their timed march.

The Soldiers also had the opportunity to earn the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency. Earning the badge involves a fitness test, a 100-meter swim in uniform and demonstrating proficiency in first aid and pistol use.

Raines praised all the competitors during the contest awards dinner.

“This competition is not just about who is the fastest, the strongest or even the most technically proficient,” Raines said. “It is about who can embody the profession of arms at its highest level.”

Raines’ visit demonstrated the importance of the event and the caliber of the Soldiers competing, Jones said.

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

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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

VICENZA, Italy — U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) placed innovation at the center of this year’s African Land Forces Summit, held in Rome, Italy, March 22–24. With more than 30 African partner nations represented, the summit served as a strategic platform for discussing shared security challenges, strengthening land force cooperation and accelerating modernization across the continent.

The event highlighted SETAF-AF’s three most forward-leaning organizations: the Advanced Capabilities Directorate, the 173rd Airborne Brigade’s Bayonet Innovation Team, as well as the Joint Theater Forensics Analysis Center. Together, these teams demonstrated how emerging technologies, rapid experimentation and applied science are shaping the future of land operations in Africa.

“ALFS is an annual summit where land force commanders from Africa meet with U.S. senior military leaders and multinational partners to discuss shared security concerns,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mike Smolucha, lead planner of ALFS 2026, Security Cooperation Directorate, SETAF-AF. “This year was different because we brought private industry, innovators, academia and investors, all with the intent to engage defense economics in Africa.”

Throughout the summit, SETAF-AF’s ACD, BIT and JTFAC personnel demonstrated their forward-leaning capabilities to summit participants, industry leaders and African partners.

“The summit sought to first define the security threat, and how intelligence gathering can address that threat,” Smolucha said. “From there, we deliberately focused on innovation, drone usage and counter drones, which heavily involves the industrial base.”

The JTFAC team emphasized that intelligence gathering requires adaptability above all else.

“All of the captured exploitable material that we analyze can be used in prosecutions, for law enforcement support,” said Lydia Benyam, JTFAC’s laboratory manager. “We use a customizable ‘fly-away’ kit, which teams utilize to collect forensic material, whether on land, air or sea. This feeds directly into the intelligence cycle through databases and information sharing, and assists with force protection of U.S. personnel and partner forces.”

The lab’s job is to interpret forensic material precisely and quickly. As the only deployable forensic laboratory supporting U.S. Africa Command, JTFAC provides rapid, expeditionary analysis that helps the joint force identify threat networks, track illicit activity and strengthen rule-of-law outcomes.

Whether it’s DNA or biometrics, electronic exploitation or material analysis, Benyam said the JTFAC brings scientific tools to the tactical edge.

Joining Benyam at the summit, U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Ethan Burdette, a member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade’s BIT, also discussed his team’s role in providing innovative solutions to security challenges.

“I received a degree in unmanned aircraft systems science,” Burdette said. “The brigade was looking for what I could bring to the table in developing first-person-view drone technology, and commercial off-the-shelf intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms as well.”

The 173rd has procured the materials and manufactured in-house drones since March 2025, making history with the U.S. Army’s first drone-on-drone kill at a live-fire event in August 2025.

“Engaging with African partners and industry professionals at ALFS 2026 gives us a chance to show the world that we are ready, empowered and disciplined,” Burdette said.

ALFS participants conducted many bilateral discussions with industry and partner nations seeking to expand their own modernization pathways. Many of these conversations focused on how small, incremental advancements, such as improved data-sharing mechanisms or modular communications kits, can have significant impact on operational readiness.

“Along with the JTFAC and BIT, the Advanced Capabilities Directorate focused on the future innovations that SETAF-AF will need to address security challenges,” Smolucha said.

This year’s summit theme, “Empowering shared security through intelligence, innovation and industry,” aligns closely with SETAF-AF’s strategic priorities. The ACD emphasized that technology alone cannot solve complex security challenges. Instead, progress depends on trust, interoperability and shared understanding.

“This year’s ALFS represents a fundamental shift from aid to trade,” Smolucha said. “We want independent partners who are strong, well equipped and well trained. This doesn’t come without trust and ongoing communication.”

Benyam echoed this sentiment, highlighting the human dimension of scientific cooperation.

“Forensics is ultimately about people — protecting them, empowering them and helping them pursue justice,” Benyam said. “Our partnerships in Africa are built on mutual trust and respect. It’s a shared commitment to stability.”

As ALFS 2026 concluded, SETAF-AF leaders emphasized that the summit is not an endpoint but a catalyst. The engagements, demonstrations and technical exchanges that took place in Rome will inform future exercises, experimentation events and capacity-building initiatives across the continent.

“What we achieved here at ALFS was a demonstration of our commitment,” Smolucha said. “We also facilitated a change in our partners’ mindset, especially in bringing industry and investors to the summit.”

The next visible proof of this ongoing commitment comes this spring at Exercise African Lion, held in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, where the capabilities of SETAF-AF’s ACD, BIT and JTFAC teams will be on full display, honing their skills together with partner nations.

“ALFS can be seen as a springboard for innovation through defense economics, one that starts here at the summit and flows right into our military exercises in Africa throughout the year,” Smolucha said.

For SETAF-AF, the summit’s message was clear: Innovation is not a buzzword — it is a responsibility. ALFS 2026 showcased that SETAF-AF continues to ensure U.S. and African land forces are equipped, informed and connected for the future battlefield.

RELATED STORIES:

Massachusetts National Guard leaders join Kenyan partners at African Land Forces Summit | March 24, 2026

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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.

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Source: United States Army

TOWER BARRACKS, Germany – U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria firefighters, 7th Army Training Command, Bundesforst Bayern, Bundeswehr, and the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade from USAG Ansbach came together for a Wildland Fire Exercise at the Grafenwoehr Training Area March 24, 2026.

The exercise focused on extinguishing wildland fires with aerial support, ensuring readiness and improving coordination among the various agencies involved.

Due to extreme dryness during the summer months, small fires occur annually in the Grafenwoehr Training Area. These fires are typically extinguished quickly and efficiently by the local fire department. Nevertheless, larger fires that exceed the fire department’s capacity would require aerial support, making this training critical for preparedness.

This training has been held annually sincetheIntegratedWildland Fire Management Program wasestablishedin 2021. It ensures that all parties are prepared to respond effectively to wildland fires, protecting both the training area and the surrounding community.

“We are conducting wildfire aerial bucket training in order to work integration between the Grafenwoehr Training Area and 12th CAB, to be able to better fight fires on the ranges here,” said wildland fire program manager Maj. Robert Stettler, 7th ATC. “If it gets too large, it can threaten the infrastructure, we have the potential of losing targetry, losing ranges.”

The exercise emphasized the importance of rapid response and integration to mitigate fires before they become a threat to infrastructure, ranges or the surrounding community.

The ranges at Grafenwoehr are vital for training across Europe, U.S. Army Europe and Africa. Protecting these ranges from fire damage ensures their continued availability for military readiness.

“We can put fires out before they become a problem–that’s going to keep us all safe, whether it’s through smoke issues, the actual fire itself threatening Grafenwoehr, the town, Tower Barracks, Rose Barracks,” Stettler said. “The more integrated we are, the quicker we can do that, and the less risk to the greater community.”

The training was conducted in two parts:During the week prior, all parties involved reviewed procedures and protocols during a tabletop exercise. On March 24, during the practical part, controlled fires were set by the fire department within the training area and extinguished using helicopters equipped with water buckets.

The trainingusedthe CH-47 Chinook, the Army’s only heavy-lift helicopter, equipped with a Bambi Max Bucket capable of holding close to 12,000 pounds of water.

The helicopters dipped their buckets into designated water sources. In this case water was extracted from theSchlatterweiherwithin the training area. These dip zones are carefully planned to ensure safety and efficiency during operations.

The exercise highlighted the importance of coordination among the U.S. Army, Germanarmedforces, and the Federal Forest Service.

“Cooperation must function reliably, especially in an emergency,” said Alexander Richter, USAG Bavaria assistant fire chief (operations). “To ensure this, responsibilities must be defined, and procedures and tactics must be discussed and practiced….Through these exercises, solutions are developed collaboratively that can be implemented in an emergency.”

The training also tackled challenges such as language barriers and complex coordination processes.

“Communication is a huge topic,” said Marvin Leistner, liaison for the Bundesforst. “Of course, there’s the language issue, but the coordination processes are very complex. We are not pilots, and the pilots are not firefighters, so we have to practice ensuring everything works well together.”

Pilots and crew members also gained certification during the exercise to perform water bucket drops.

“With us today, we have six pilots, and we have five non-crew members, the flight engineers and the crew chiefs,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Riedel, pilot in command of the water drop exercise. “The qualification is water bucket operations. The challenge [is] carrying the 12,000 pounds of water approximately 30 feet below the helicopter and just getting used to how the bucket of water will fly as well as how to employ that water against the fire with the various conditions, altitudes, and speeds. Then after this qualification, we can send them out as the crew without an instructor to fight fires.”

By bringing together multiple agencies, certifying crews, and practicing real-life scenarios, the wild land fire exercise strengthens readiness, enhances safety, and fosters collaboration across U.S. and German organizations.