Category: Security

Source: United States Army

AKARTA, Indonesia — The sounds of Hawaiian melodies and Indonesian songs echoed through classrooms, diplomatic receptions and community venues in Surabaya and Jakarta as Soldiers from the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band, Na Koa, joined Hawaii National Guard leaders June 8-12 to strengthen military, cultural and disaster response ties with Indonesia.

The visit marked the 20th anniversary of the Hawaii-Indonesia State Partnership Program and supported events commemorating the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. Through military-to-military exchanges, disaster response discussions and cultural performances, the delegation highlighted how professional collaboration and personal relationships continue to deepen ties between Hawaii and Indonesia.

Established in 2006, the Hawaii-Indonesia State Partnership Program has supported hundreds of exchanges focused on disaster response, aviation, medical readiness, cybersecurity and professional development. During the visit, Hawaii National Guard leaders met with Indonesian military and government officials to explore future collaboration, while Soldiers from the 111th Army Band served as cultural ambassadors, connecting with communities through music.

“The State Partnership Program is called the State Partnership Program, but it really is the State Friendship Program,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan, the adjutant general of Hawaiʻi. “The relationships and friendships we’ve built over the years support both of our countries. Those personal connections are what make this partnership so strong. As we celebrate 20 years together, we’re also looking forward to the next 20.”

The delegation’s first official engagements took place June 8 at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, where Hawaii National Guard leaders met with embassy representatives to discuss regional priorities and opportunities for future collaboration. Discussions focused on reserve force development, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and the continued growth of the Hawaii-Indonesia partnership as both nations work to strengthen security cooperation and regional stability.

Discussions continued with leaders from Indonesia’s National Reserve Component Agency, known as BACADNAS, focusing on reserve force development and professional military exchanges. During the engagement, Logan provided an overview of the Hawaii National Guard and shared best practices for developing and sustaining a reserve force capable of supporting national defense and domestic operations.

Beyond security cooperation, Hawaii and Indonesia face many of the same challenges, particularly in responding to natural disasters and emergencies that threaten communities and critical infrastructure.

At Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency, known as BNPB, officials briefed the delegation on the nation’s disaster risk environment and emergency management framework. Discussions focused on disaster preparedness, response coordination and lessons learned from recent disasters affecting both Indonesia and Hawaii.

“Technology plays an increasingly important role in disaster management, from risk mapping and forecasting to early warning and response coordination,” said Lt. Gen. Suharyanto, head of Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency, known as BNPB. “These capabilities help us take preventive action, strengthen preparedness and reduce the impact of disasters on our communities.”

Indonesian leaders highlighted the nation’s vulnerability to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, floods, landslides and wildfires due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. They also outlined the country’s National Disaster Management Plan 2025-2029, which emphasizes science-based risk reduction, technological innovation and whole-of-government preparedness.

Following the briefing, Logan invited BNPB leadership to participate in Vigilant Guard 2027 to further strengthen humanitarian assistance and disaster response cooperation between the two organizations.

The partnership also created opportunities for military professionals to exchange knowledge, share best practices and learn from one another’s experiences.

During a visit with Kodam Jaya/Jayakarta, the delegation attended a large-scale static display of riot control equipment and capabilities at Jakarta’s National Monument, known as Monas. Featuring more than 500 Indonesian National Armed Forces personnel, the demonstration showcased the Indonesian Army’s ability to rapidly organize, equip and employ forces in support of public order and contingency operations.

The event included a briefing on riot control procedures, operational concepts and specialized equipment used to support civil disturbance response missions. Delegation members then inspected personnel equipment, support vehicles and other capabilities used during crowd management operations. Following the demonstration, leaders from both organizations exchanged commemorative gifts as a symbol of the enduring partnership between the Hawaii National Guard and its Indonesian military and civilian counterparts.

While professional exchanges strengthened military and government relationships, cultural engagements helped foster connections between the people of Hawaii and Indonesia.

Throughout the visit, Soldiers from the 111th Army Band performed at venues across Surabaya and Jakarta, including SMK Negeri 12 Vocational Arts School; events commemorating the 250th anniversary of America’s independence hosted by the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya and the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta; and a public performance at @america, a U.S. Embassy-operated cultural center.

The Indonesia engagement marked only the third overseas performance mission in the band’s history and its first international engagement in 34 years. The band’s previous overseas performance took place in Papua New Guinea in 1992, and its first known overseas mission occurred in 1944, when band members performed on Guadalcanal during World War II.

At SMK Negeri 12 Vocational Arts School in Surabaya, band members performed for students and participated in a question-and-answer session about military service, music careers and personal development. The interaction allowed students to learn firsthand about military musicians while fostering cultural understanding between the two countries.

“Representing Hawaiʻi in Indonesia was an honor for our Soldiers,” said Sgt. 1st Class Charifel Mateo, lead vocalist for the 111th Army Band. “Music allowed us to connect with people in a way that transcends language and reminds us that partnerships are ultimately about relationships.”

Audiences across Indonesia responded enthusiastically to Na Koa’s performances, particularly the band’s renditions of songs sung in Bahasa Indonesia. The performances demonstrated cultural appreciation and reinforced the relationship between the United States and Indonesia.

At the U.S. ambassador’s residence in Jakarta, Na Koa performed before diplomatic, military and government leaders from both nations during a reception commemorating the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.

The visit concluded June 12 with a public performance at @america in Jakarta. The event brought together community members, embassy personnel and senior officials, including U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, highlighting the role cultural diplomacy continues to play in strengthening relationships between the United States and Indonesia.

Through strategic dialogue, disaster preparedness collaboration, professional exchanges and the universal language of music, the Hawaii National Guard and Indonesia continue to strengthen a partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared purpose and enduring friendship.

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

DORNSTADT, Germany— Machine-gun fire echoed across the safety line. On one side of that line, Soldiers and police officers, German and American, talked about work and the weekend. On the other side, they locked in for a friendly competition.

Members of U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart’s Directorate of Emergency Services competed with German Polizei, and the Bundeswehr from Ulm at their local shooting range. The joint shooting competition was a great opportunity for personnel to test new weaponry while strengthening their bond with host-nation counterparts.

Participants competed with several German service weapons, including the G36 rifle, the P8 pistol, and the newly fielded MG5 machine gun.

Twelve teams from 10 units competed. Teams from Göppingen Police Headquarters took first and third place. Aalen Police Headquarters took second. USAG Stuttgart placed fourth.

For many, the competition was a welcome break from daily routine and a chance to share tactics.

“A competition like this is a good opportunity to come together and get out of the normal day-to-day routine,” said Sgt. 1st Class Julian of the German military police’s 7th Corps. German military rules restrict using his last name. “Strengthening the relationship is great. These are my favorite kind of days, being outside in nature, being here with your comrades, whether they are German or American. There aren’t better days than these.”

On the drive back to Stuttgart, the USAG Stuttgart team talked about the competition.

“I think we would do better if we were using our own guns,” said Eric Frasier, chief of Physical Security Division at USAG Stuttgart.

Master Sgt. Carlos Boggs, provost sergeant for the Directorate of Emergency Services, enjoyed the challenge.

“I want to beat them at their own game,” Boggs said. “I want to learn how to shoot with them.”

Source: United States Army

VICENZA, Italy — Community members at U.S. Army Garrison Italy are mourning the loss of Charles L. Braxton III, a U.S. Army veteran and longtime member of the Vicenza Military Community whose presence, kindness and steady dedication left a lasting mark on those around him.

Braxton, 45, was born in Amherst, Virginia, and enlisted in the Army in March 2002. He completed airborne training and served as a parachute rigger, a role that reflected the discipline and reliability he carried throughout his life. After leaving active duty in 2005, he continued serving the Vicenza community in a civilian capacity at Caserma Ederle, working at the bowling alley, the post office and, for many years, as a maintenance supervisor at the Ederle Inn.

His colleagues remember him as a dependable professional who took pride in supporting Soldiers, families and visitors who passed through the installation. U.S. Army Master Sgt. Jonathan Malone, a USAG Italy operations noncommissioned officer, first met Braxton more than two decades ago when both were junior Soldiers in Vicenza. Their friendship endured across years and assignments.

Braxton was known for his ability to see the good in people and for treating everyone with honesty, kindness and respect. Those fortunate enough to know him well found a loyal, genuine friend who offered unwavering support. Malone said Braxton took immense pride in the roles he held in life — “a devoted son, loving husband, proud father and trusted friend.”

His family was always at the center of his heart, and he expressed his love through generosity, encouragement and a willingness to help others without hesitation, Malone said.

Though often quiet and serious at first glance, Braxton quickly revealed a warm spirit and gentle humor. He loved his work and cherished his life in Italy, embracing both the daily rhythm of the community and the opportunities to explore Europe. He enjoyed cooking, singing along to music, watching TV and spending time with his family — especially his son, Maddox, who brought him immeasurable joy. He danced when the moment felt right and found peace in fishing.

His hobbies reflected his creativity and playfulness. He began playing Pokémon GO with his son and continued long after, enjoying the simple fun it brought. Drawing and art gave him calm and satisfaction. Sports were another passion: he loved watching his son play soccer and followed his favorite basketball and football teams closely.

Travel became one of his greatest joys. Living in Europe allowed him to visit Kraków, Croatia, Venice, London and Hungary – his home away from home. Madrid also held a special place in his heart; a family trip there became one of his most cherished memories.

Braxton is survived by his wife, Virag Endredi; son Maddox L. Braxton; mother Mary J. Braxton; father Pastor Charles L. Braxton Jr.; and sisters Katherine B. Thomas and Martha Renee Braxton.

A funeral will be held Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 10:45 a.m. at Parrocchia della Madonna della Pace – Chiesa S. Maria Regina della Pace, Str. dei Pizzolati 2, Vicenza. Community members are welcome to attend the service in the Stanga neighborhood near the Il Fauno restaurant.

Source: United States Army

ARLINGTON, Va. — U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Daryl Plude assumed responsibility as command senior enlisted leader to the director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency during a ceremony at DSCA headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, July 1.

Plude’s assumption of the role marks the second time a National Guard member has filled what is traditionally an active-component role at the agency. The first was Plude’s predecessor, U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Mikael “Mack” Sundin, who assumed the role in 2023.

“It is an honor to serve in this role and continue to represent the National Guard as part of the larger joint force enterprise,” Plude said. “I owe the Guard a tremendous debt of gratitude for preparing me to serve in this pivotal role.”

Plude will serve as a strategic adviser to the DSCA director, helping translate national security objectives into operational reality while advising on agency workforce development, morale and personnel issues. He will also help advance the agency’s global security cooperation mission by strengthening partnerships with allies and partner nations worldwide.

Guard members’ back-to-back selection for the role affirms the component’s value as an operational force, said Senior Enlisted Advisor John Raines, senior enlisted adviser to the chief of the National Guard Bureau.

“His assumption of responsibility underscores the National Guard’s continued impact across the Department of War and reflects the professionalism, experience, and readiness our Soldiers and Airmen bring to every mission,” said Raines. “He is a proven leader at every echelon up through the division level and brings a wealth of experience managing the National Guard State Partnership Program’s 116 global partnerships.”

Mary Beth Morgan, acting director of DSCA, agreed.

“The transition that we mark today is about continuity, trust, and the relentless evolution of how we support our nation and our allies,” said Morgan. “Command Sgt. Maj. Plude, you are uniquely qualified to take up this mantle. You bring a raw tactical grit, a builder’s mindset, and a deep strategic joint fluency to this agency and our mission.”

Morgan said Plude will play a key role in helping DSCA meet the growing demands of security cooperation.

“Your charge is single focused,” she said. “We have to accelerate our efforts and ability to deliver our capabilities and our programs to our allies and partners.”

These priorities reflect Sundin’s work during his tenure, including highlighting the National Guard’s contributions to security cooperation.

“Being able to tie broader defense efforts in the security cooperation space to what the National Guard already brings to the fight was incredibly rewarding,” Sundin said, adding that he often reminded senior leaders that they have an extra tool in their toolbox when they leverage the talent, education and deep relationships of the Guard.

Plude said he looks forward to the challenges ahead and continuing Sundin’s work.

“I couldn’t be prouder of Command Sgt. Maj. Plude and look forward to seeing what he’ll accomplish in this new role,” said Raines.

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

Senior military leaders from the Republic of Angola, the Ohio National Guard and U.S. Africa Command opened a new chapter in U.S.-Africa security cooperation during the State Partnership Program Adjutants General Conference and formal partnership signing ceremony, June 29, prior to the 2026 African Chiefs of Defense Conference.

The conference brought together National Guard adjutants general and representatives from 10 U.S. states, African military leaders and U.S. Africa Command officials to align the SPP with broader theater security objectives before ACHOD officially began. Throughout the day, leaders discussed expanding military cooperation, strengthening partner capacity and building enduring relationships that support regional stability.

“This is more than a ceremony, it is a commitment,” said Shannon Nagy Cazeau, chargé d’affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Luanda. “A commitment between two peoples, two militaries and two nations to build something lasting together.”

The agreement, signed by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Matthew S. Woodruff, adjutant general for the State of Ohio, and Angolan Aviation Gen. Altino Carlos José dos Santos, chief of the General Staff of the Angolan Armed Forces, reaffirmed the Ohio National Guard’s partnership with Angola and established a framework for decades of sustained military, governmental and institutional collaboration. The ceremony also established priorities for future cooperation in professional military education, leadership development, disaster response, medical readiness, cyber capabilities and joint planning.

“This is a historic day,” Woodruff said. “Ohio has maintained successful State Partnership Program relationships for more than three decades, and we are honored to begin this journey with Angola. Together we will exchange techniques, tactics and procedures, grow our capabilities and build relationships that will endure for generations.”

The partnership builds upon years of growing cooperation between the United States and Angola while laying the foundation for sustained institutional relationships that extend well beyond traditional military engagements. Rather than focusing on one-time events, both nations committed to recurring exchanges designed to strengthen readiness and develop long-term interoperability.

“Relationships lead to trust, and trust leads to meaningful cooperation,” Woodruff said. “Every engagement must build capacity for both organizations so that each exchange is mutually beneficial.”

The SPP, administered by the National Guard Bureau on behalf of the Office of the Secretary of War and executed by state National Guards in support of U.S. geographic combatant commands, has connected U.S. states with partner nations since 1993. Today, more than 100 partnerships strengthen military readiness while fostering cooperation across government, industry and civil society.

“That’s where a state partnership pays huge dividends because of that consistency over years to build a relationship and develop something deliberately,” said U.S. Air Force Gen. Dagvin R. Anderson, commander of USAFRICOM. “Nobody else brings this. This is a unique capability that is purely American.”

Holding the SPP Adjutants General Conference immediately before ACHOD allowed National Guard leaders and African chiefs of defense to synchronize priorities before broader discussions on regional security began. Organizers said integrating the two events reinforced how state-level partnerships support theater objectives while complementing strategic engagement across the continent.

“It ensures our state leaders understand the combatant commander’s priorities and can reinforce those priorities directly with their counterparts,” said U.S. Army Col. Anthony Passero, a senior National Guard advisor for USAFRICOM. “At the same time, every engagement increases readiness for both the partner nation and the National Guard unit.”

The Angola-Ohio partnership officially began in August 2025 when Angola became Ohio’s third State Partnership Program partner, joining Hungary, partnered since 1993, and Serbia, partnered since 2006. A letter of intent signed in Columbus, Ohio, in April 2026 established the governmental framework for cooperation, while the June 29 ceremony formally activated the military component of that agreement.

“This represents not only the strengthening of bilateral cooperation but the activation of a shared vision for security, stability and development,” said retired Angolan army Gen. Lucio Gonçalves Amaral, head of Angola’s Ministry of National Defense, Former Combatants and Veterans of the Homeland. “Military-to-military cooperation remains at the heart of this partnership through personnel exchanges, operational experience, joint training and professional development.”

Angolan leaders said the partnership extends beyond defense cooperation, to include creating opportunities for collaboration between military and civilian institutions in emergency management, healthcare, infrastructure protection, education and economic development, while strengthening regional resilience.

“What makes this program unique is the National Guard’s dual civilian-military identity,” Cazeau said. “Ohio’s citizen-Soldiers and Airmen bring not only military expertise, but also the experience of professionals who serve their communities every day as doctors, engineers, emergency responders and educators.”

As the SPP Adjutants General Conference concluded and ACHOD 2026 began, leaders committed to developing an annual engagement plan to guide future exchanges between the Ohio National Guard and the Angolan Armed Forces through professional military education, medical and cyber collaboration, disaster preparedness initiatives and senior leader engagements.

“The State Partnership Program opens the door for everything good that follows U.S. military engagement,” Passero said. “It strengthens military-to-military relationships while creating opportunities for cultural exchange, industry engagement and foreign military sales that benefit both partners.”

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

LANDSTUHL, Germany — By day, U.S. Army Preventive Medicine Specialist Beethova Aspilaire protects the health and readiness of the force as a Preventive Medicine Specialist at Public Health Command Europe. But after hours, he trades his uniform for a coach’s whistle, dedicating his time to shaping the next generation of athletes.

Recently, Aspilaire teamed up with his coworker, Sean Starr, to volunteer as basketball coaches for a local youth team in the Kaiserslautern Military Community. The team, proudly named the Thunder Nuggets, consisted of nine eager 7- and 8-year-olds from various schools across the community.

The coaching partnership began organically. Starr initially stepped up to coach because his son was on the team and shared this with Aspilaire. Aspilaire, who does not have children of his own, saw the perfect opportunity to give back to the community and share his lifelong passion for the game. Having played basketball since he was eight years old, he wanted to help the kids build confidence and learn the fundamentals.

“I enjoy seeing the kids running around, giving them different tips and seeing them improve,” said Aspilaire.

Over the course of several games, the Thunder Nuggets dominated the court and the season was a success. The coaches praised the children’s eagerness to learn. If the kids didn’t know a play or a fundamental skill, the coaches showed them and the improvement was undeniable.

Coaching a team of high-energy children requires more than just basketball knowledge; it requires intense patience and emotional intelligence, skills Aspilaire refined in the military.

When asked what the kids taught the coaches, the answer was unanimous: patience.

Aspilaire credits his military training for giving him the tools to handle the chaotic moments on the court. The Army taught him how to control his emotions, a lesson he passed directly to his young players. He emphasized to the kids the importance of controlling their mental state during a game.

“If you’re emotionally charged, you play harder, but you also make more mistakes,” Aspilaire observed. He taught the children how to use their energy and frustration to motivate themselves without losing their cool.

Starr agreed that this military-honed emotional control allowed them to pause, think about what they wanted to say, and effectively guide the players. When the kids got nervous before a big game, the coaches were able to patiently talk them through it, building their confidence step by step.

The success of the Thunder Nuggets wasn’t just down to the kids and the coaches; it was a community effort. The parents were incredibly supportive, stepping in to help with practices whenever needed and expressing deep appreciation for the time Aspilaire and Starr volunteered.

In the end, the season was about much more than winning games. It was about community building, mentorship, and proving that the skills Soldiers learn in the military, like patience, emotional control, and leadership, have a profound impact both on and off duty.

Source: United States Army

TORBOLE, Italy — Long before the sun rose on America’s 250th birthday, a dedicated group of U.S. service members stepped off on a grueling 40-mile trek along the shores of Italy’s largest lake.

Driven by history and camaraderie, Soldiers from U.S. Army Veterinary Readiness Activity, Rheinland-Pfalz and an Airman from the 52nd Fighter Wing embarked on a do-it-yourself version of the Darby 40-Mile Challenge. The march honors the legacy of Brig. Gen. William O. Darby—the founding commander of the Army Rangers—and the Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division who lost their lives in the frigid waters of Lake Garda on April 30, 1945.

“We definitely came away with a few blisters, but every step was worth it,” said Army Capt. Javier Pino, Veterinary Officer in Charge of the Spangdahlem Air Base Veterinary Treatment Facility and Benelux Branch. “To spend the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence walking in the footsteps of the men of the 10th Mountain Division was a privilege.”

The official Darby 40-miler, historically held in late April, was discontinued in its traditional supported format this year. In its place, founder and retired Soldier Rick “Ranger Rick” Tscherne opened a DIY window.

Rising at 2:00 a.m. for a 3:30 a.m. start, the team departed from Peschiera del Garda. Unlike the traditional April event, which features cooler upper-60s weather and dedicated aid stations, the July 4th team faced an unsupported route with temperatures soaring into the high 80s.

Navigating morning spiderwebs across the trail, the team hit checkpoints through Lazise, Garda, and Malcesine, utilizing local grocery stores to restock water and grab fruit ice cream pops to combat the midday heat.

“Despite the grueling distance, everyone maintained a positive attitude, constantly motivating one another and sharing resources,” Pino recalled, noting the team finished in just over 11 hours and 15 minutes.

The joint-service team brought together service members geographically dispersed across Germany and Belgium. Participants were:

• U.S. Army Capt. Javier Pino
• U.S. Army Capt. Rachael Webber
• U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nathanial Gibbons
• U.S. Army Sgt. Danielle Peoples
• U.S. Army Sgt. Gus Poulos
• U.S. Army Pfc. Malenah Worden
• U.S. Air Force Capt. Max Leonov

Pino specifically highlighted the critical contributions of the team’s NCOIC, Sgt. Danielle Peoples, and its youngest participant, Pfc. Malenah Worden.

For the youngest member of the team, the march showed her and her team what hey are capable of.

“A hike like this teaches you that your body is capable of much more than you often realize- it’s usually your mind that starts telling you to stop before your body actually has to,” said Pfc. Malenah Worden. “Growth happens when you choose to keep moving forward, even when it would be easier to quit.”

The DIY nature of the march meant the team expected no fanfare at the Torbole finish line. However, Tscherne tipped off the Association Benàch, a historical preservation group dedicated to honoring WWI and WWII history in northern Italy.

Association co-founder Ben Appleby and treasurer Antonella Previdi surprised the team at the Darby memorial with a reception including U.S. and Italian flags and challenge coins.

“When ‘Ranger Rick’ Richard Tscherne told us that a group of U.S. service members had decided to take on the DIY Darby 40 Miler on such a historic day — and in extreme heat, without any support along the route — we felt the least we could do was be there to welcome them,” said Appleby. “Antonella and I know just how demanding it is, so we wanted to thank them for their remarkable effort.”

As Association Benàch prepares to take over coordination of future Darby 40 events, they are actively looking to partner with the U.S. military to ensure the tradition continues.

For the Soldiers of VRA-RP, the 40 miles forged a lasting bond.

“The single greatest takeaway from this weekend was camaraderie,” Pino said. “It is one of those events that we will tell the story of the time we completed 40 miles in Lake Garda on the 250th Birthday of the USA throughout our military careers and beyond.”

Source: United States Army

MORRISVILLE, N.C. — Soldiers assigned to the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade tested their ability to command and synchronize aviation operations in a contested environment during Operation Carolina Surge, a large-scale combat operations exercise held May 30-June 14 during the brigade’s annual training.

The notional exercise brought together aviation, intelligence, sustainment, fires and maneuver operations in a realistic scenario modeled on North Carolina terrain, North Carolina National Guard units and operational challenges. The training was designed to strengthen the brigade’s readiness for its federal warfighting mission while reinforcing skills that also support the Guard’s state emergency response mission.

“Large scale combat operations training is essential to ensuring the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade remains ready to fight and win in a complex and contested operational environment,” said U.S. Army Col. Daniel McAuliffe, 449th Combat Aviation Brigade commander.

Unlike previous command post exercises, planners developed a scenario that integrated North Carolina National Guard major subordinate commands. To create a more realistic training environment, they incorporated specific geographic locations and previously used training missions.

“The scenario we developed was imperative for demonstrating the interconnected nature of all warfighting functions within an aviation command post,” said U.S. Army Maj. William Harvey, brigade S3 operations officer. “While the enemy threats were notional, the airfields, objectives and friendly forces were as real as possible,” Harvey said. “Forcing intelligence to track real world terrain constraints while sustainment planned logistics for actual units on the ground completely changed how our warfighting functions synchronized.”

Throughout the exercise, Soldiers operated in a challenging, high-tempo environment. Information and communications were intentionally degraded to replicate modern battlefield conditions and force staff sections to adapt.

“The staff couldn’t just rely on standard operating procedures,” Harvey said. “They had to look at the actual capabilities existing within our formation and figure out how to employ them differently to overcome communication blackouts.”

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Marco Calamaco, battle captain for Operation Carolina Surge, said the brigade relied on established battle rhythm processes to maintain situational awareness across the battlefield.

“The synchronization of the warfighting functions in a high operational tempo environment was managed through the daily battle rhythm, shift change and the battle update brief,” Calamaco said.

“Once a threat was assessed to have the ability to impact the mission, the unit was deployed to counter it, allowing freedom of movement for ground forces.”

The exercise allowed Soldiers to practice mission command, refine staff processes and work through realistic challenges tied to terrain, communications and coordination across multiple warfighting functions. Lessons learned during the exercise will help the brigade improve readiness for future missions at home and abroad.

“The same mission command principles and decision-making skills developed during LSCO training directly enhance our ability to support Domestic Operations,” McAuliffe said. “This training strengthens our readiness for both our federal warfighting mission and our state emergency response mission.”

Source: United States Army

FIVE HILLS TRAINING AREA, Mongolia – Fourteen years after leaving Mongolia to pursue higher education in the United States, U.S. Army Sgt. Munk Munkhzaya, a finance technician assigned to the 125th Finance Battalion, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, returned home wearing the uniform of the country he now serves. During Exercise Khaan Quest 2026, he will also reenlist in the U.S. Army in his native country, making the ceremony a full-circle moment in his military career.

Assigned to support Khaan Quest 2026 as a translator and cultural liaison, Sgt. Munkhzaya helps strengthen relationships between U.S. and Mongolian forces by bridging language and cultural differences throughout the multinational exercise.

Growing up in Ulaanbaatar, Sgt. Munkhzaya dreamed of building a future through education. After graduating from high school, he moved alone to the United States to attend California State University, Sacramento. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics with a minor in business before entering the workforce. Although he had civilian career opportunities, he wanted something different.

“I joined the Army because I wanted the military lifestyle,” Sgt. Munkhzaya said. “I wanted more discipline. I thought it would help me grow as a person.”

Nearly four years later, that decision brought him back to Mongolia, not as a student or tourist, but as a U.S. Soldier participating in one of the Indo-Pacific region’s largest multinational military exercises.

Khaan Quest, co-hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces and U.S. Army Pacific, brings together military personnel from across the globe to improve peacekeeping capabilities, strengthen interoperability and build lasting partnerships through realistic training and cultural exchange.

“Khaan Quest gives service members from multiple nations the opportunity to meet each other, share cultures and build relationships,” Sgt. Munkhzaya said. “It also strengthens Mongolia’s partnership with the United States while supporting United Nations peacekeeping training.”

Although Sgt. Munkhzaya serves as a finance specialist, leaders selected him to support the exercise as a translator because of his fluency in both English and Mongolian. Throughout the exercise, he has translated for logistics teams, coordinated with contractors and helped U.S. and Mongolian Soldiers communicate more effectively. As one of the few Soldiers returning for a second Khaan Quest, he has become a trusted resource.

His role extends beyond translating words. He explains military customs, traditions and procedures to both sides, helping soldiers understand each other’s perspectives and build stronger working relationships.

“I explain why the U.S. Army does things a certain way, and I also explain the Mongolian perspective,” Sgt. Munkhzaya said. “It helps connect both forces.”

Returning home in a U.S. Army uniform initially made him nervous.

“I didn’t know how people would react,” he said. “But everyone welcomed me and supported me. They thanked me for sharing the Mongolian side with the U.S. Army, and that made me feel comfortable coming back this year.”

Outside the training lanes, Sgt. Munkhzaya enjoys introducing fellow Soldiers to Mongolia’s culture. During one of the exercise’s cultural events, he accompanied Soldiers on a horseback riding excursion, giving many of them their first opportunity to experience one of Mongolia’s most recognizable traditions.

For Sgt. Munkhzaya, moments like those highlight what makes Khaan Quest unique. While soldiers improve their tactical skills, they also build friendships, exchange ideas and develop mutual respect that lasts long after the exercise ends.

As he prepares for his next assignment, Sgt. Munkhzaya remains grateful for the opportunity to return to the country where his journey began while wearing the uniform of the Army that helped shape him.