Category: Security

Source: United States Army

ROME, Italy — U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) hosted the African Land Forces Summit 2026 in Rome, Italy, March 22-24, bringing together land force commanders from nearly 40 African nations, partner nations, industry representatives, capital investors and academic thought leaders for two days of dialogue on shared security challenges.

Sponsored by the U.S. Army chief of staff, ALFS 26 centered on the theme, “Empowering Shared Security Through Intelligence, Innovation and Industry.” For the first time in the summit’s history, a dedicated Industry Technology Pavilion ran concurrently with military plenary sessions, giving African defense leaders direct access to small technology companies and investors presenting emerging dual-use solutions.

“The 2026 African Land Forces Summit in Rome represents a significant milestone as a U.S. Army-led forum intentionally designed to connect African senior leaders with global industry expertise,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey, commanding general of SETAF-AF. “As the first U.S. Army summit of its kind to emphasize the integration of dual-use technology and capital investors with African land forces, we are looking beyond traditional procurement models to address an evolving security environment through mutual defense and innovation.”

Four plenary sessions guided summit discussions: Defining the Threat in Africa, moderated by Chidi Blyden; Intelligence-Driven Operations, moderated by Dr. Daisy Muibu; Drone Use and Counter-Drone Use, moderated by Dr. Nate Allen; and Industrial Base Collaboration, moderated by Mvemba Dizolele of the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Throughout the two-day summit, land force commanders engaged with subject-matter experts on the range of threats facing African partners, intelligence-sharing approaches, unmanned systems tactics, and opportunities for defense industry collaboration on the continent.

“Our goal is to create an environment where meaningful exchanges between defense leaders, industry innovators and investors lead to tangible cooperation, shared responsibility, and a more secure future for both America and the African continent,” Gainey added.

This year’s summit marked the first time AFLS has ever taken place in Europe. Organizers have held previous summits in the United States and across Africa, including Accra, Ghana (2025), Livingstone, Zambia (2024), and Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire (2023). SETAF-AF, headquartered in Vicenza, Italy, hosted the 2026 edition on behalf of the U.S. Army chief of staff.

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Media contact: setaf_mediarelations@army.mil | Follow: #ALFS | www.army.mil/africa

Source: United States Army

FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kansas — The Fort Leavenworth Spouses’ Club will help recognize and celebrate some of the post’s historic homes and architecturally significant landmarks with the Historic Homes Tour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 11, 2026, with check-in for the tours beginning at 10:45 a.m. at the Old U.S. Disciplinary Barracks complex on McPherson Avenue at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The homes and landmarks on the tour represent pieces of military, social and American history. All proceeds from the tours go to the FLSC’s scholarships and grants program.

To purchase tickets for the Historic Homes Tour, visit https://www. zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/fort-leavenworth-historic-tour-of-homes–2026. Tour goers can choose a single ticket for $20 or two tickets for $35.

Attendees must be at least 10 years old. Photography, food and drinks are not permitted inside the homes. Attendees should check in at the Old USDB courtyard at least 15 minutes before their scheduled time to receive a map, wristband for home entry and additional information. Self-guided tours take place as a group per time slot.

Homes and landmarks on the tour:

Thomas Custer House 220 Pope Ave.

This house, identical to the one at 624 Scott Ave., illustrates the popularity of machine-carved wooden decorative features of the 1880s. This building was named after Capt. Thomas Ward Custer, brother of Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer. Thomas Custer was the first American to receive two Medals of Honor. Constructed in 1883 at a cost of $8,247, the house today contains three guest suites and three single-room suites where VIPs stay when visiting Fort Leavenworth.

212 Pope Ave.

One of seven brick double sets of captains’ quarters finished between 1905 and 1908, 212 Pope Ave. shares its architectural heritage with 210 Pope Ave., 410-516 Grant and 608 Scott. Ave. Built during Fort Leavenworth’s post-Spanish-American War boom, this home is one of the many buildings that was constructed on the recommendation that a comprehensive building plan be created to accommodate students of the School of Application for Cavalry and Infantry, as well soldiers in artillery, cavalry, Signal Corps and Medical Corps units assigned on post.

No. 1 Scott Ave.

Built around 1861 on the former site of the Enlisted Soldiers’ Burial Ground, No. 1 Scott Ave. is built from locally produced red brick. The original cost of the three-story, 9,500-square-foot structure was $14,000. Extensive modifications were made from 1870-1906. The home is on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as one of the central highlights of the post’s historic district. Famous Army commanders who have occupied this home include Generals Franklin Bell, Frederick Funston, Lesley J. McNair, William R. Richardson, Carl E. Vuono, Robert W. RisCassi and David Petraeus.

605 Scott Ave.

This house was completed in 1883 as part of a trio of homes, with 220 Pope Ave. and 612 Grant Ave. They were built for the officers on the staff of Maj. Gen. John Pope, who was instrumental in Fort Leavenworth’s rapid expansion in the 1880s. Pope pushed for both the transfer of the Headquarters of the Department of the Missouri from St. Louis to the post, and for building accommodations for the personnel who would have to accompany such a significant relocation.

610 Scott Ave.

The home at 610 Scott Ave., built in 1894, exemplifies the Italianate style and the post’s transition to a center of military education. Home to figures such as Lt. Charles W. Abbott Jr. and Capt. Samuel L. Woodward, the residence reflects the fort’s pivotal role in shaping the modern U.S. Army.

620 Scott Ave.

Previously the style of a single-story log building, this home was likely a parsonage. It was designated for the staff officers of the Department of the Missouri until 1890 when the headquarters left Fort Leavenworth. For the past 70 years, it has been the home for British liaison officers and their families. It is built partly in stone and clad with wood. The kitchen was added in 1887. Most of the furnishings, some of which came from the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., stay with the house from occupant to occupant.

Old. U.S. Disciplinary Barracks, 310 McPherson Ave.

The U.S. Military Prison opened in 1875 in buildings that were part of a quartermaster depot. The prison closed when a new USDB opened in 2002 near the northwest corner of post. The largest building in the USDB, known as “The Castle,” was demolished in 2004, but other portions of the old USDB have been remodeled and put back into use. The front of the old USDB is currently home to several Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation activities, including the 12th Brick Bar and Grill, which is open to the public.

Memorial Chapel

Memorial Chapel at 626 Scott Ave. stands as a solemn tribute to the men and women who lived and served at Fort Leavenworth. Originally built in 1878 using locally quarried stone and prison labor, this cherished landmark houses 90 plaques commemorating about 100 individuals and units, including soldiers from the Battle of Little Bighorn. Memorial Chapel remains an active house of worship today, fostering spiritual connection across generations.

Editor’s note: Descriptions of the homes were adapted from Lamp archives, which include several years of Historic Homes Tour brochures prepared by the Friends of the Frontier Army Museum, the organization that hosted the tour before FLSC.

Source: United States Army

CAMP DARBY, Italy – The Army Community Service hosted a class at the on-post coffee bar March 30 to teach the basics of making Italian espresso.

Barista Ursula Muscillo explained that the quality of the drink usually comes down to the grind of the beans. She pointed to a cup where the coffee looked thin and bubbly.

“If it looks watery like this, the water is moving through the beans too fast,” she said. “That means the grind is too coarse. You need to grind the coffee finer to slow it down.”

On the other hand, she warned about coffee that drips out too slowly or looks dark and oily.

“If the espresso tastes too strong or burnt, the grind is likely too fine,” she said. “The beans need to be ground more coarsely to let the flavor balance out.”

After the espresso lesson, Ursula moved on to the milk. She showed how to perfectly froth a pitcher for a cappuccino, positioning the steam wand just below the surface to create a smooth, velvety foam rather than large bubbles. She explained that the goal is a creamy texture that blends into the coffee.

“The hardest part of the class for me was learning how to froth the milk,” said Kristen Cockman. “I had to learn the type of milk to use, how to position the pitcher, and how to listen for the ‘right’ sound. After three or four tries, I am a lot more comfortable with the process.”

Throughout the session, Ursula watched the machine closely, adjusting the settings to show how small changes affect the final drink. By the time the lesson ended, the focus was on the consistency needed to make a professional-grade cup of Italian coffee.

For those looking to master the local culture, the class proved that with the right grind and a bit of practice, a perfect Italian morning is only 30 seconds away.

Source: United States Army

GREENVILLE, Ky. – Soldiers with the 103rd Brigade Support Battalion strengthened combat readiness March 20-21 at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center, qualifying on weapons systems and refining the logistical capabilities essential to sustaining operations in any environment.

The battalion focused on maintaining overall readiness through a series of demanding exercises.

“This weekend we had our Soldiers qualify on their rifles, pistols, and crew-served weapons,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Emily O’Conner, the battalion’s personnel officer. “Staying qualified and skilled at shooting is a basic soldiering task that improves our unit readiness.”

Sixty-seven Soldiers qualified on the M4 carbine, M17 pistol and crew-served weapons throughout the weekend. Weapons qualification remains a fundamental soldiering task critical to ensuring operational effectiveness and lethality.

“We completed our officer evaluation reports, as well as our non-commissioned officer evaluation reports this weekend, which let us evaluate leaders in the organization and guide their development,” she said.

The training also tested the battalion’s logistical capabilities, with Soldiers successfully managing supply, maintenance and distribution operations under demanding conditions.

“It’s this behind-the-scenes work that truly enables the rest of the units we train to support focus on warfighting tasks,” said O’Conner. “I’m grateful for the hard work of our Soldiers; their dedication to mastering these essential support roles is the foundation of our success.”

The training reinforced that mastering the fundamentals is the foundation of readiness. The successful execution of logistics, maintenance and range operations reflected a shared commitment to excellence from every Soldier. That dedication to the basics ensures the 103rd BSB remains a ready, lethal and prepared force capable of meeting missions at home and abroad.

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

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. (Apr 1, 2026) – The Presidio of Monterey Chaplain Family Life Center recently expanded its counseling services to include neurofeedback brain optimization therapy. The noninvasive brain-training approach supports service members and their families facing stress, trauma and high performance demands.

Neurofeedback therapy uses real-time monitoring of brain activity to help regulate brainwave patterns associated with focus, sleep, stress and emotional regulation. The therapy is offered through the Chaplain Family Life Center, a professional counseling center within the Religious Support Office that provides confidential, non-medical support to service members and their families.

Maj. Daniel Melin, PoM’s family life chaplain and a licensed marriage and family therapist, said the decision to pursue neurofeedback training grew out of his professional education and research on trauma and neurodivergence while attending the Chaplain Family Life Training Center. Neurofeedback rose to the top as a tool that could help address challenges commonly faced by military members and families in high-stress environments.

“Neurofeedback gives us another way to support people whose brains are working overtime,” Melin said. “Many of the challenges we see in a military environment like sleep disruption, chronic stress and difficulty concentrating, are tied to how the brain is functioning, not a lack of effort or motivation.”

At the Presidio of Monterey, home to the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, service members face academically rigorous training and sustained performance demands. Neurofeedback therapy complements existing counseling services by supporting cognitive performance and emotional regulation, contributing to increased readiness and resilience within the military community.

Participants who engaged in twice-weekly sessions for several weeks reported benefits such as improved focus, reduced stress and increased daily confidence.

“When I first started neurofeedback training, I felt defeated, like my brain and life were fundamentally broken,” said one foreign area officer language student. “Neurofeedback training gave me hope that I could change the narrative. By trusting the system and working with Chaplain Melin, I have regained my footing and rediscovered the confidence I feared was lost.”

One DLIFLC faculty member reported being surprised with how much neurofeedback helped improve her chronic headaches and lower her anxiety and stress levels.

“I would strongly encourage other students or faculty in similar situations dealing with headaches, attention difficulties, stress, anxiety, or sleep issues to give neurofeedback a try,” she said. “It has been a valuable and supportive tool for both well-being and performance.”

Neurofeedback therapy aligns with the chaplain mission to provide holistic support for spiritual, emotional and relational well-being. Army Regulation 165-1 authorizes family life chaplains to provide clinical counseling interventions in support of Soldier and family readiness. Melin said the long-term goal is to continue expanding the capability to keep up with the demands of the Monterey military community, including military spouses.

“I consider the neurofeedback program to be a great blessing to our whole family,” said one military spouse. “Getting into the neurofeedback program has helped me navigate the challenges of military life with much more calmness and focus and it has improved my relationship with my family.”

Another military spouse credited neurofeedback with regaining her confidence and sense of regulation.

“For anyone considering neurofeedback, I would want them to understand that functioning well under pressure is not an absence of emotion, but the absence of dis-regulation. There is no substitute for learning to self-regulate; thankfully, there is hope and a faster way to feel better with neuroscience.”

Service members and families interested in learning more about neurofeedback brain optimization therapy, individual, marriage and family counseling, EMDR trauma therapy or trauma releasing exercises can contact the Chaplain Family Life Center for additional information. All CFLC counseling services are available for DoD cardholders and dependents. For contact information, visit https://home.army.mil/monterey/my-fort/all-services/chaplains-1

Source: United States Army

FORT POLK, La. — Soldiers from the Florida Army National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment trained alongside the 82nd Airborne Division during a combat training center rotation 15-20 March, marking the first time a Guard unit has integrated into an active-duty rotation under the National Guard’s new Minuteman Rotation concept.

The Minuteman concept aligns National Guard annual training with combat training center rotations, allowing units to meet their 15-day requirement while operating alongside active-duty formations. Leaders said the approach increases readiness and interoperability across the total force.

Senior Army National Guard leaders visited the rotation March 19-20, including Director of the Army National Guard, Lt. Gen. Jon M. Stubbs and Command Sgt. Maj. James (Brian) Kendrick, along with Florida Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. John D. Haas and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert F. Sweat. The visit highlighted the integration of Guard forces into active-duty training and the expansion of opportunities for Guard units to train in high-intensity environments.

“This is about building a total force that can close with and destroy the enemy,” Stubbs said during the visit. “What we are seeing here is a National Guard battalion fully integrated with an active-duty brigade, delivering a capability that is critical on today’s battlefield.”

At JRTC, often referred to as “the box,” units contend with a near-peer opposing force, limited resources and extended operations. The environment tests a unit’s ability to operate under stress while maintaining command and control across dispersed terrain.

The Florida battalion provided short-range air defense capabilities during the rotation, focusing on countering unmanned aircraft systems and low-altitude threats. Soldiers employed Sentinel radar and Avenger air defense systems while repositioning with maneuver elements to protect command posts, logistics nodes and key terrain.

A live battery moved with the brigade throughout the exercise, while the battalion headquarters operated as a division-level air defense element in a simulated environment. Leaders said the integration allowed the unit to train as it would fight in a real-world conflict.

Army Lt. Col. Adam Bailey, commander of 3rd Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery, said the unit prepared for the rotation through multiple command post exercises with the 82nd Airborne Division before arriving at JRTC.

“Coming to JRTC, we rapidly integrated into division’s scheme of maneuver and protection plan. That enabled us to execute a true Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) mission in support of a division,” he added.

The Panther Brigade’s dispersed operations increased exposure to aerial threats, particularly small drones capable of disrupting command and control or target sustainment operations.

Army Col. Daniel Leard, commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, said the Army Guard unit filed a critical capability gap.

“Air defense is a critical enabler – we could not have executed our mission without them,” Leard said. “The Soldiers of 3-265 ADA integrated with our team on the fly. They were experts on their systems and that made an immediate impact.”

The Army National Guard’s Minuteman Rotation aligns annual training with combat training center rotations, enabling units to build readiness in a high-intensity environment alongside active-duty forces.

Kendrick, who previously served as the command sergeant major of the Florida National Guard, said the training reflects how the force will operate in future conflicts.

“This is exactly where our Soldiers need to be,” Kendrick said. “Training at this level, with this kind of realism, ensures they are ready to deploy and fight as part of a larger team.”

The approach does not replace traditional Army National Guard rotations but expands access to high-end training while supporting Soldiers’ civilian careers, education and communities. Stubbs said the goal is to integrate a Guard element into every combat training center rotation.

For junior soldiers, the experience highlighted the pace and complexity of modern warfare.

Army Sgt. Jason Dumervile, Headquarter and Headquarters Battery, said the experience changed how he views his role.

“You see how everything connects,” he said. “We are not just protecting ourselves — we are protecting the whole brigade so they can accomplish their mission.”

Florida leaders said the battalion’s performance demonstrated the value of integrating Guard units into active-duty training environments as the Army adapts to evolving threats.

“I’m incredibly proud of our Florida Guardsmen,” said Haas. “They’re highly disciplined and have benefitted from great leadership to ensure they’re trained and ready.”

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

Easter Sunday lunch is the centerpiece of the holiday in Tuscany, a time when families gather to share a meal that celebrates the arrival of spring. The menu often begins with antipasti featuring local cured meats, cheeses, and crostini topped with chicken liver pâté. The first course is typically a pasta dish, such as lasagna or pappardelle al ragù di cinghiale (wild boar sauce).

The main course often features roast lamb or goat, symbolizing renewal and sacrifice, served with seasonal vegetables like artichokes, asparagus, or roasted potatoes.

Eggs

Eggs play a central role in Tuscan Easter traditions, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings. Hard-boiled eggs are often included in the Easter meal, either as part of a salad or as a standalone dish. In some families, children participate in decorating eggs, an activity that adds a splash of color to the festivities.

In Tuscany, as part of the Easter traditions, hardboiled eggs, and even chocolate ones are traditionally blessed during Easter Mass. These blessed eggs are then shared during the Easter meal.

Torta Pasqualina

Another Easter dish is the Torta Pasqualina, a savory pie that originates from nearby Liguria but is also enjoyed in Tuscany. This pie is made with puff pastry filled with ricotta, spinach, and whole eggs, which are baked into the filling. In many Tuscan families, the Torta Pasqualina is not just a delicious Easter dish but also a source of fun and tradition. After the pie is sliced, it often turns into a friendly competition to see who gets the slices with the most egg. The slices containing more of the baked whole eggs are considered the best and finding them is seen as a small victory at the table.

Schiacciata di Pasqua

One of the most iconic Easter treats in Tuscany is the Schiacciata di Pasqua, a sweet, aromatic bread that has been a staple of the holiday for generations. Despite its name, which translates to “Easter flatbread,” this delicacy is anything but flat. It is a tall, fluffy bread made with a rich dough of eggs, sugar, flour, and anise seeds. The dough is often left to rise multiple times, sometimes for up to 24 hours, resulting in its characteristic light and airy texture

Colomba Pasquale

No Tuscan Easter celebration is complete without the colomba Pasquale, a dove-shaped sweet bread that is the Easter counterpart to the Christmas panettone. Made with a similar dough enriched with butter, eggs, and candied orange peel, the colomba is topped with a crunchy almond glaze and pearl sugar. While it is a tradition across Italy, Tuscans take pride in sourcing high-quality, local ingredients to make their version of this dessert.

After the Easter meal, another tradition in Tuscany is the exchange of chocolate eggs and the discovery of the surprises hidden inside. This moment is exciting for children, who eagerly crack open their eggs to reveal the small gifts or trinkets inside.

Source: United States Army

TRZEBIEŃ, Poland — Soldiers at the U.S. Army Garrison Poland installation site in Trzebień, located within the Świętoszów Military Community, now have a safer and more effective workspace following upgrades to ventilation systems in maintenance tents, resolving a long-standing safety concern and improving operational conditions for rotational forces.

The issue, which dates back to earlier phases of U.S. presence in Poland, stemmed from maintenance tents that were not originally designed to support the demands of armored brigade operations. Over time, limited ventilation created potential risks for Soldiers conducting vehicle maintenance.

After multiple rotations encountered the same challenge, leaders and support partners took ownership of the issue and drove a coordinated effort to implement a lasting solution that directly supports Soldier safety and mission readiness.

The project included recanvasing Large Area Maintenance Shelter tents and installing heavy-duty fans and exhaust ventilation systems designed to support both light and heavy tactical vehicles. These upgrades eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide exposure and provide a properly ventilated environment for daily maintenance operations.

Leaders from rotational forces elevated the requirement and worked with U.S. Army Europe and Africa to secure resources, reinforcing a shared commitment to prioritizing Soldier safety and sustaining readiness across the garrison footprint.

Sustainment partners played a key role in execution. The Logistics Civil Augmentation Program team ensured technical requirements were met and coordinated contracting actions, maintaining momentum throughout the project. Installation-level coordination at Trzebień ensured alignment between supported units and higher headquarters, enabling timely completion.

The effort reflects how U.S. Army Garrison Poland delivers infrastructure and services across its distributed sites to enable V Corps readiness while operating in close coordination with contracted support systems and host-nation partners.

This improvement also demonstrates a repeatable approach for addressing similar challenges across the garrison. By aligning rotational forces, sustainment partners and installation teams, U.S. Army Garrison Poland continues to strengthen safe working environments for Soldiers while reinforcing a permanent, ready and resilient presence on NATO’s eastern flank.