Category: Security

Source: United States Army

WIESBADEN, Germany — Col. Ringo L. Midles assumed command of U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden from Col. Troy D. Danderson during a change of command ceremony, June 17, at Allen Field on Clay Kaserne.

Wesley Leisinger, Installation Management Command-Europe Chief of Staff, was the first to welcome the new garrison commander during the ceremony.

“While today’s ceremony marks the accomplishment of one commander, and welcomes another, it gives us an opportunity to recognize the outstanding team that serves, supports and cares for this community every single day,” Leisinger said.

During the ceremony, the garrison flag was passed from Danderson to Leisinger, who in turn passed the colors to Midles, symbolizing his assumption of command of the garrison.

After two years as the USAG Wiesbaden garrison commander, Danderson relinquished command to Midles in this time-honored tradition, representing the Army’s trust and loyalty in the incoming commander as he accepts the transfer of authority and responsibility.

“I’m proud to have been part of a team that built a warfighting-ready garrison to match our warfighting teams,” Danderson said. “It’s been the honor of a lifetime to work and live at U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden. It truly has become a home for us.”

Midles, who has three generations of family ties to the area, reflected on the significance of his new command and his commitment to the mission and community.

“Wiesbaden is very much our home,” said Midles, who was previously stationed at USAG Wiesbaden.

Looking ahead to his time in command, Midles expressed his commitment to the mission and the community.

“I respect and understand that to whom much is given, much is required,” Midles said. “I look forward to being a preferred partner — enabling our troops, maintaining quality services and supporting the units and organizations.”

The ceremony was attended by numerous guests ranging from local community leaders, tenant unit leadership, the Bundeswehr, garrison staff and community members.

Source: United States Army

FORT HOOD, Texas – Candidates from the 1st Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment, Texas Army National Guard, completed the squadron’s Spur Ride June 8-11, earning their place in the Order of the Spur.

The Spur Ride dates back more than 200 years to the early U.S. Cavalry, when new troopers had to demonstrate they could handle a horse and survive in the field before a unit would trust them with spurs. Over the years, the standards have remained unchanged. Today’s candidates work through graded lanes covering land navigation, weapons handling, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, vehicle identification and squadron history, all while spur holders evaluate every move.

Candidates moved through the lanes in small teams created by the spur holders at the start of the course. Each lane was carefully evaluated by the spur holders, who provided the necessary stresses to test the candidates under pressure.

“The Spur Ride gives our troopers a chance to demonstrate the standards we expect of every cavalry Soldier,” said Capt. Ian Cannon, commander of B Troop, 1st Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment, and the officer in charge of the Spur Ride. “Watching these candidates push through each lane and lean on each other tells you why this tradition is still around.”

The four-day challenge featured a final day with little rest between tasks. Candidates were pushed to their limits, performing on tired legs with limited sleep.

“It was one of the toughest things I’ve done since joining the Guard,” said Pvt. Matthew Vasquez, a Spur Ride candidate assigned to the 1st Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment. “That last day wore everybody down. Finishing it with my team made it worth every minute.”

“Traditions like the Spur Ride bind a cavalry squadron together, and every trooper who finished it is sharper for it,” said Lt. Col. Nicholas Moran, commander of the squadron.

The squadron inducted the successful candidates into the Order of the Spur at a ceremony following the final events. Squadron leadership and spur holders looked on as each new member received a set of the coveted silver spurs.

The 1st Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment is headquartered in Waco, Texas. The Spur Ride is one of several training events the squadron uses to sharpen warfighting skills and keep cavalry tradition alive in the Texas Army National Guard.

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

POMOZOTIN, Kosovo — Iowa National Guard communications personnel participated in Exercise Sentinel Sica, a multinational communications exercise designed to test interoperability, mission command and network operations while members of the Kosovo Security Force observed.

The exercise brought together Airmen from the 132d Communications Squadron and 185th Communications Squadron, Iowa Air National Guard, along with Soldiers from the Iowa Army National Guard G-6 to establish and maintain communications capabilities across multiple locations throughout Kosovo.

The exercise built upon the Iowa National Guard’s partnership with Kosovo through the State Partnership Program, which has connected the two organizations since 2011 and fostered regular subject matter expert collaboration across a range of military specialties.

The training began with mission briefings and intelligence updates that introduced a simulated operational environment involving hostile cyber activity and contested communications. Teams were assigned areas of operation, received equipment and deployed to locations across the country while a main operating base served as the central hub for command and control.

As operations commenced, participants worked to establish communications networks and restore connectivity while responding to a steady flow of mission requirements and requests for information. Exercise controllers introduced evolving scenarios designed to create uncertainty and test participants’ ability to adapt under pressure.

“We showcased our ability to rapidly deploy, establish, and defend critical communications in a highly contested environment. The seamless integration between our Airmen and Army G6 partners showcased the Iowa National Guard’s joint-force interoperability capability at the tactical edge,” said Maj. Dylan Staples, 132d Communications Squadron commander.

The exercise required close coordination between Army and Air National Guard personnel, who combined their technical expertise to troubleshoot network issues, maintain communications and support mission objectives. Members of the Kosovo Security Force also provided local communications support and assisted with coordination efforts.

To further challenge participants, exercise planners incorporated simulated personnel losses and other operational disruptions. As a result, junior Airmen and Soldiers were required to assume additional responsibilities and fill critical roles to sustain operations.

Personnel were reassigned between locations as mission requirements changed, requiring teams to maintain communications capabilities while operating with limited manpower across multiple sites.

Reflecting on the exercise, Staples said, “Not only did this exercise serve as a proof of concept for scaling agile, dispersed operations into larger exercises in the future, but it also demonstrated a clear way forward for validating essential capabilities for our Kosovo Security Force partners. We tested our expeditionary skills under intense, realistic friction, and I can say with absolute confidence that my Airmen are better prepared, more resilient, and ready for any real-world fight.”

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

CHIÈVRES AIR BASE, Belgium – The U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Benelux Safety Office recently hosted a Unit Safety Officer (USO) course that brought together military and civilian personnel from across the theater, strengthening safety through collaboration.

Around 22 students learned about the Army Safety Program, program requirements, risk management principles, accident reporting procedures, workplace inspections, hazard identification techniques, and leader responsibilities in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.

“We’ve been learning how to identify different risks to our environment – how to identify the risk and how we mitigate the risk on behalf of the commander,” said Sgt. 1st Class Zachary Williams, USAG Benelux Religious Support Office (RSO) non-commissioned officer in charge. “We’ve learned how to complete inspections, fill out the Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheets (DRAW) and what the reporting chain looks like if we were to have an incident.”

The attendees all serve as Unit Safety Officers, a commander’s principal advisor on safety concerns at the unit level. Their role is to identify hazards, conduct risk assessments, promote accident prevention programs, investigate incidents and ensure unit compliance with Army safety regulations.

The USAG Benelux Safety Office invited instructors from U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) Safety Office to facilitate the course.

“We’re facilitating the Unit Safety Officer Course, which develops civilians and Soldiers to become advisors to their commands in terms of safety and to run the safety program more efficiently,” said Stefanie Diaz, HQ USAREUR-AF safety and occupational health manager. “Throughout the year, we have nine permanent scheduled classes that are done in at the schoolhouse in Vilseck and then throughout the year we send out Mobile Training Teams (MTT), as requested throughout the theater.”

By bringing critical training directly to the local workforce, the Garrison Benelux Safety Office continues to support readiness, accident prevention, and the well-being of the Benelux community. As operational environments grow increasingly complex, trained Unit Safety Officers remain essential to fostering a proactive safety culture that protects personnel, preserves resources, and enhances mission effectiveness.

Source: United States Army

HONOLULU – As Hawaii enters another wildfire season, the Hawaii National Guard has launched Operation Hoʻopauahi 2026, an annual mission that prepares Army aviation assets to support county, state and federal partners in responding to wildfires across the islands.

Named after the Hawaiian phrase meaning “to extinguish fire,” the operation enhances the state’s ability to protect lives, property and natural resources.

A key component of Operation Hoʻopauahi is the Hawaii Army National Guard’s aviation capability. Aircrews assigned to UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters train and remain ready to conduct aerial firefighting operations using water drop buckets, providing critical support to county fire departments.

Behind each flight mission is a team of maintainers, logistics specialists and support personnel who ensure aircraft and crews can respond safely and effectively when called upon.

For the Guardsmen participating in the operation, the mission is deeply personal. Many live in the communities they are preparing to protect, making their commitment particularly meaningful.

Staff Sgt. Albert Iokepa, a crew chief with the 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation Regiment (MEDEVAC), said serving during wildfire season is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a Guard member.

“Knowing that we’re out there helping our community and actually being a part of the team and doing our part, there’s no greater feeling,” Iokepa said. “It’s what we do here at the National Guard, it’s what we all sign up for.”

That sense of service is shared across the formation. Sgt. 1st Class Brian Hinkle of the 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment (MEDEVAC), reflected on his decades of service to the state.

“This is my 24th year in the Hawaii Army National Guard and every day I come to work. I’m just ecstatic to be able to help the people of Hawaii,” Hinkle said.

As Operation Hoʻopauahi 2026 gets underway, National Guard personnel stand ready to respond whenever needed. Their dedication, combined with strong partnerships across government and emergency response agencies, helps ensure Hawaii remains prepared for the challenges of wildfire season.

For the Soldiers who support the mission, Operation Hoʻopauahi is more than a mission; it is a commitment to protecting their neighbors, their communities and the islands they call home.

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

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – After nearly 28 years in uniform and three years as the senior enlisted leader of the 18th Military Police Brigade, Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey R. Friebe thanked the Soldiers, leaders and Family members who shaped his Army career before relinquishing responsibility during a ceremony at Tower Barracks Parade Field, June 16, 2026.

The ceremony marked the formal transfer of responsibility through the passing of the brigade colors, a longstanding Army tradition symbolizing the authority and stewardship entrusted to a unit’s senior enlisted leader.

During the ceremony, Friebe was also awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious service as the brigade’s command sergeant major.

Col. Francisco A. Cortez, commander of the 18th Military Police Brigade, reflected on Friebe’s role as his senior enlisted advisor and partner in command.

“The role of a command sergeant major is sacred in our profession,” Cortez said. “To the Soldiers, the command sergeant major is the ultimate advocate, mentor and enforcer of discipline. To a commander, the command sergeant major is the most trusted advisor and an indispensable partner in command.”

During Friebe’s tenure, the brigade supported Operation Trident Spear, participated in two V Corps Warfighter exercises and executed missions across Germany, Italy and Belgium. The formation also played a key role in Defender 25 while providing law enforcement, corrections, explosive ordnance disposal and military working dog capabilities throughout the European theater.

Cortez said Friebe emphasized training and leader development across the formation while helping prepare Soldiers for increasingly complex missions.

Under his leadership, brigade units earned recognition for excellence across multiple mission areas, including military police operations, corrections and maintenance programs. During the ceremony, Cortez credited Friebe with helping establish the conditions for those achievements through his focus on standards, readiness and Soldier development.

“You changed Soldiers’ lives for the better,” Cortez said. “The NCOs and officers that were developed here will carry your lessons forward for the next two decades.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Denice Malave, command sergeant major of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, said Friebe’s leadership left a lasting impression on those who served alongside him.

“At the end of the day, I was very grateful to work with Jeff because he became one of the best brigade command sergeants major I have worked with in my 28 years in the Army,” Malave said. “Just a great leader, great sergeant major and, most importantly, a great human being.”

Malave also described Friebe as one of her strongest teammates and advocates within the command.

In his farewell remarks, Friebe thanked the Soldiers, noncommissioned officers, officers, civilian employees and Family members who contributed to the brigade’s success during his time with the organization.

“I want to thank the officers, NCOs and Soldiers in the best military police brigade in the Army,” Friebe said. “The Soldiers are the most important reason why I enjoyed coming to work every day.”

Friebe also acknowledged the sacrifices made by his wife, Jamie, and their children during years of deployments, overseas assignments and relocations.

“You provided me the love and support so I could continue to be in this great profession,” Friebe said. “I want to say thank you, and I love you very much.”

Following the ceremony, Soldiers, Family members and leaders gathered to congratulate Friebe and his Family, marking the conclusion of his tenure as the brigade’s command sergeant major. Friebe will depart Germany later this year for Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Source: United States Army

SEMBACH, Germany– Nine military units from U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz’ Sembach Kaserne gathered June 11 to compete in the Sembach Cup and Summer Fest, with the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command taking first place overall.

The event drew participation from across the echelons, featuring food, drinks, music and informational booths alongside the day’s main activities. Competitions included kickball, table tennis, “Just Dance,” cornhole, pickleball, a cook-off, a water balloon toss and tug-of-war. Senior leaders and junior enlisted Soldiers competed alongside one another throughout the festival.

A highlight of the event occurred outside the formal competition. During the tug-of-war, a Soldier lost a wedding ring in the grass. Competitors immediately paused the competition, the installation’s corrections team loaned a security metal detector to another unit, and personnel from multiple commands assisted in sweeping the area until the ring was recovered.

The 10th AAMDC secured the overall victory, followed by the 30th Medical Brigade in second place and the 68th Theater Medical Command in third. Other participating units included the Navy, 409th Contracting Brigade, Medical Readiness Command-Europe, American Forces Network-Europe, U.S. Army Correctional Activity-Europe and U.S. Army NATO Brigade.

Community sponsors supported the event, including the USO, Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS), Family and MWR, Kaiserslautern Landstuhl Spouses’ Association, American Legion, Stars and Stripes, the Sembach Education Center and Military and Family Life Counselors.

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

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*Editor’s note:*This courtesy article was drafted with the assistance of generative AI. It was subsequently reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by USAG Rheinland-Pfalz public affairs to ensure accuracy, compliance with DoW security guidelines, and to reflect the appropriate tone.