Category: Security

Source: United States Army

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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

Togo’s National Civil Protection Agency conducted a field training exercise with North Dakota disaster-relief experts and civil affairs Soldiers assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) in Agome-Glozou, Togo, June 15-17.

The three-day activity focused on incident response and disaster preparedness. It was the culminating event for Operation Lignite Coast 2026, the overall training exercise that took place June 8-18, which sought to improve the NCPA’s capacity to handle a variety of emergency situations.

“One of the hardest things for civilian and military agencies to do is get together in a whole-of-government approach,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Al Roehrich, Lignite Coast lead planner for the North Dakota National Guard and deputy director of the North Dakota Domestic Operations Branch. “This venue allows us, whether it’s the fire department, the military, the police [or other organizations] to come together in a setting that would happen in a real-world scenario.”

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitchell Johnson, the adjutant general for the North Dakota National Guard and director of the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, toured the training area and spoke with several NPCA officials engaged in the practical exercise. Johnson also visited a local hospital on the exercise’s first day when the North Dakota delegation donated medical supplies, specifically syringes and surgical gloves, as well as sunglasses for patients recovering from recent cataract surgery.

Togo and the North Dakota National Guard have been partners through the National Guard’s State Partnership Program for over 12 years. This relationship allows North Dakota’s emergency-response officials to work with the NCPA (Togo’s equivalent of the Federal Emergency Management Agency) to replicate real-world scenarios for training purposes. Like North Dakota’s emergency-response community, the NCPA is a mixture of civilian and military personnel.

“The more you practice with all the players together, the better it will be when a real-life event happens,” Roehrich said.

NCPA participants responded to various training situations, such as an incident involving multiple, large-capacity canoes capsizing, a major traffic accident on a bridge, and a displaced-persons scenario following a flood — which also subsequently caused a notional malaria outbreak — among others.

“Collaborating to build those kinds of relationships were among the exercise’s operational goals and objectives — ‘engaging stakeholders’ — and we’re happy it’s happening,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mandy Iverson, a plans officer with the North Dakota National Guard Domestic Operations Branch.

Iverson added that the incident-response training the Togolese completed was very similar to the training the North Dakota National Guard normally conducts.

“We’re here to help facilitate and foster an environment of continued relationship building, and the Lignite Coast mission makes that possible,” Iverson said. “This event brings together government, community members and NGOs working on disaster response. Multiple NGOs came to the event and worked with different sections or clusters, some of them for the first time.”

While emergencies requiring a comprehensive, government response can happen almost anywhere, the nature of those emergencies can be unpredictable. The agencies and skill sets necessary for an effective response, from both the military and civilian sides of the spectrum, can vary depending on the situation.

“Civil affairs Soldiers specialize in a multitude of areas – humanitarian aid, disaster response, civil-military integration and civil-military coordination,” said U.S. Army Capt. Euston Harp, team chief for Civil Affairs Team Togo, Alpha Company, Civil Affairs Battalion, SETAF-AF. “Those aspects are important during these types of exercises and in real-world events.”

Prior to the field exercise, CA Team Togo conducted a subject matter expert exchange with NCPA personnel to assess and evaluate their ability to apply civil affairs in a real-world training scenario. This exchange not only highlighted the significance of civil-military integration in a disaster response, it also underscored the benefits his team received in improved readiness.

“Lignite Coast is a great opportunity for us to get some training reps to improve our own posture when it comes to humanitarian aid and disaster response,” Harp said. “Training exercises like these allow us to approach [our work] from a different angle, and they demonstrate our commitment to partners and allies.”

During the displaced-persons scenario, NCPA administrative staff processed approximately 180 local villagers who roleplayed as the displaced persons. Military personnel and federal law enforcement officers stood watch nearby to simulate providing physical security for the “refugees,” while civilian NCPA members erected temporary housing. Iverson explained that this involvement demonstrated the power of “collaboration and community” that made this incident-response training effective.

“In the North Dakota National Guard we serve our communities, and here in Togo, Lignite Coast helped bring Togolese communities together to practice, prepare and execute their domestic response to disasters,” Iverson said. “It’s incredible to watch communities come together and see that sense of service, both from a North Dakota perspective and that of our partner country. We’re working to build relationships within our community, between our two countries, and with our NGO partners and other entities. Even though we’re half a world away, we’re very much alike.”

Roehrich also noted how his organization benefited from seeing different approaches to disaster response beyond U.S. borders, which provide “a two-way street” in learning from colleagues. Observing the different techniques the Togolese bring into their planning sessions and execution for domestic operations and emergency response, enables Roehrich’s team to take lessons learned back to Peace Garden State.

“Exercises like these are everything,” Roehrich said. “We take a lot of pride in coming here and working with our Togolese hosts, and they’re always happy to see us. They get to see how we do business, we get to see how they do business, and there are a lot of familiar faces in the crowd when we come back [and] that’s where the relationship building occurs. Relationships are everything, and longevity builds those relationships.”

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

KERKRADE, The Netherlands – Once every four years the city of Kerkrade becomes the stage for the World Music Contest (WMC), one of the biggest wind music events and competitions in the world. Between July 9 and Aug. 2, 2026, around 20,000 musicians from all over the world participate and over 300,000 visitors attend the numerous concerts, shows and competitions.

The WMC hosts a wide variety of musical genres and cultural influences as wind, brass, marching, concert and percussion bands all participate in their respective categories. Military bands also participate in the contest, such as the Musikkorps der Bundeswehr (Music corps of the German Armed Forces) and the Marinierskapel der Koninklijke Marine (Dutch Marine Band).

Kerkrade, much like many places in South Limburg, has a special and historical relationship to wind music. When coal was discovered in the 19th century, brass and harmony bands became a cultural and social backbone for the region.

They offered a foundation for future traditions such as the WMC. The concept of an international festival for wind music first came about during the recovery phase following World War II and turned into reality in 1951, when the first edition took place. Local Mining corporations often had their own bands which also participated in the early iterations of the WMC. It has since developed into a leading festival with a significant role in the development of wind music worldwide. The winners of the competitions are considered the world champions in their respective categories for the next four years.

Alongside the contests there are non-competitive and free events as well. “Blow! WMC óp d’r maat, WMC in ‘t sjadspark” and “WMC Fringe”. Blow! takes place in Kerkrade’s market square, WMC in ‘t sjadspark takes place in Kerkrade’s city park. WMC Fringe has multiple venues with shows at different times.

With such a large audience, the city center will be much busier, particularly near the main concert venues and around the concert performance times. Roads may be congested and parking difficult to find. Make sure to follow the directives given by traffic controllers when they are present. Stay vigilant when visiting crowded places and report any suspicious activity to local security or law enforcement agents.

Source: United States Army

BAUMHOLDER, Germany – U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz teamed up with the District and City of Baumholder to host a three-day festival honoring 75 years of German-American partnership in the region and 250 years of U.S. independence, July 3-5.

The festival took place at the former Baumholder Airfield, which is now a U.S. Army training area located inside a German military training area. The event drew crowds of Germans and Americans alike, with upwards of 20,000 guests estimated to have attended on July 4. Fest goers enjoyed live music and entertainment, fair food, carnival rides, military displays and a fireworks display to mark America’s 250th Independence Day.

The event made headlines. A crew from ABC News produced several live shots from the fest throughout the day on July 4 as part of Disney’s America 250 25-hour live broadcast. Local news SWR produced a lengthy piece featuring interviews from fest attendees, local leaders and event organizers.

To demonstrate the unique friendship between Americans and Germans in Baumholder, each nation hosted a day of the fest. On July 4, the Americans led the celebration in honor of Freedom 250, while on July 5, the German community took the helm, showcasing the culture, heritage and hospitality of the region.

“This back-to-back celebration perfectly captures the essence of our relationship, standing side by side, sharing our cultures, our history and our future,” said Col. Jeffery Higgins, USAG Rheinland-Pfalz commander.

While the garrison always marks the 4th of July with an on-post event open to servicemembers and their families and escorted guests, this was the first time the event stretched across three days and took place outside the fence.

Higgins noted that putting the event together was “no small lift.”

“This is the most complex operation that United States Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz has ever conducted,” he said. “It required a full year’s worth of intense planning, coordination, sheer hard work and a handful of last-minute ‘Hail Marys’.”

Joe Wucik, USAG Rheinland-Pfalz operations officer in Baumholder, served as the lead planner for the massive undertaking. He said a highlight of the planning was meeting the challenge of integrating the processes and capabilities of organizations from two nations across military, government and commercial enterprises.

“The biggest challenge was the location of the event,” Wucik said. “The location was somewhat remote and required a thorough plan for parking and transportation to the site.”

He added that the team worked out a “robust” security plan that incorporated U.S. and German Army military police and Polizei capabilities to assure a safe and secure experience for all fest attendees.

“The event was a true success, providing quality food and entertainment to both U.S. personnel and our German partners,” Wucik said.

Higgins said the festival means more than mere entertainment.

“It is a celebration of American Independence and all those who defend those ideals,” he said, “and it is a testament to 75 years of shared lives, shared challenges and shared triumphs here in Baumholder.”

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

Connect with us: https://linktr.ee/usag_rp

Source: United States Army

CLAY KASERNE, Germany — U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden raised more than $115,000 during its annual Army Emergency Relief campaign, the most ever collected at the installation. On July 1, the garrison recognized its top representatives and units for their efforts.

Army Emergency Relief is a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to active-duty and retired Soldiers, their families, and the orphans and spouses of Soldiers. Its mission is to help service members overcome unexpected financial challenges and promote long-term financial stability.

During the 2026 campaign, community members in Wiesbaden raised about $115,000, including roughly $106,000 in active-duty donations, with 56.82percent active-duty participation, the highest in the United States Army and Europe and Africa area of responsibility.

“I cannot be prouder. I am moved,” said Briana Johnson, the garrison’s AER officer. “I have been here for four years and did not think that we could ever reach something this big. We started out at $30,000. That was amazing for us. Now we’re at $115,000.”

The garrison placed first in Europe for the fourth consecutive year and earned third place Army-wide in the medium category, despite competing against larger training bases.

“It means that our community understands the value of AER and the reason for the campaign,” Johnson said. “In Wiesbaden, we don’t chase standards, we set them.”

Johnson credited the campaign’s success to its network of unit representatives, who collect nearly all donations by speaking with Soldiers in person.

The garrison trained more than 50 representatives and placed them in every company in an effort to reach every Soldier.

Command Sgt. Maj. Andre Brown emphasized the importance of spreading awareness.

“We have to get the word out. We can’t stop just right now. We have to educate our formation. We have to educate our troops. AER gives way more than what we give to AER,” Brown said. “One hundred percent of us should be able to give something. It doesn’t have to be a lot, but something.”

AER operates on a donation-based model, with all contributions going directly to support Soldiers and their family members in need. During this campaign period 1,270 Soldiers contributed through online donations, organizations and AAFES.

“AER is unlike any other program that we have,” said Garrison Commander Col. Ringo Midles. “If you’ve been in the Army and you’ve been in a leadership role, you know that there is going to come a moment where people can find themselves in need. And AER is one of those places where you go where there’s assistance, and they’re built for that. They’re built to help.”

Since June 2025, 160 people in the Wiesbaden community have received a combined $575,994 in assistance. The most common needs were initial rent and security deposits, emergency travel, and privately owned vehicle repairs.

“We make sure that they have those resources to get where they need to be, or to fulfill those obligations, to take care of those people that mean most to them,” Midles said. “We are taking care of our own, and we are going into our own pockets to do that.”

Johnson reiterated that Soldiers and families in need can always reach out.

“This is your ACS team. When you have problems, when you have situations that you’re not sure how to help your Soldier, this is the team you need to come see. We will find some way to support you with wraparound services. That’s what AER and financial readiness, ACS, is. What we are here for, for you guys. So, remember us,” Johnson said.

She also highlighted several lesser-known AER benefits.

“AER also offers scholarships for dependent children, grants for Soldiers in the Career Skills Program transitioning out of the Army, and a one-time loan credit for Soldiers who complete a course at financialfrontline.army.mil,” Johnson said.

Top unit (top dollar amount contributed)

B Company,24th Military Intelligence Battalion, 66th Military Intelligence Brigade– $17, 254

Unit representative awards (active-duty Soldiers dollar amount contributions)

1st Place: Chief Warrant Officer 2 Senan Zangana, B Company, 2nd Military Intelligence Battalion,66th Military Intelligence Brigade–$17,254 (installation record)

2nd Place: 1st Lt. Feleisha Wright, Multi-Domain Command – Europe– $14,108

3rd Place: Sgt. Daniel Urbauer, A Co, 24 MI BN, 66th MI BDE–$9,097

Unit representative awards (Active-duty Soldiers participation)

1st place: Sgt. John Hollar, B Co, 24th MI, 66th MI BDE–207 Active-Duty Soldiers

2nd place: Sgt. Jordan Allen, B Co, 24th MI, 66th MI BDE–133 Active-Duty Soldiers

3rd place: Sgt. Anisa Allison, 228th Brigade Support Company –96 Active-Duty Soldiers Participation

Top unit (active- duty Soldiers participation)

B Co, 24th MI, 66th MI BDE

Unit representative spotlight excellence award:

Sgt. 1st ClassExavier Flores-Perez, 102nd Signal Battalion – Fordedication, creativity and optimism

Individual active-duty Soldier award: top dollar contribution (individual Soldier)

Sgt. 1st Class Trevonn Fuller – Highest dollar amount contributed: $2,100 (Empowering Soldiers, Enhancing Lives)

Source: United States Army

SMYRNA, Tenn. — Twelve Tennessee Army National Guard Soldiers became the first graduates of the Tennessee Army National Guard’s inaugural Small Unmanned Aircraft System Master Trainer Course at the Volunteer Training Site in Smyrna, June 29, establishing a new capability to expand unmanned aircraft expertise across the force.

Conducted by the 1st Battalion, 117th Military Police Regiment, the two-week pilot course prepared experienced SUAS operators to return to their units as instructors, evaluators, and program managers capable of building and sustaining unit-level unmanned aircraft programs.

“This is the most advanced training we’ve ever provided to Soldiers on these systems, and it’s just the beginning of what we are capable of,” said Jeffery Barber, chief instructor for the course.

Unlike the Army’s Basic SUAS Operator Course, which focuses on safe operation and employment of unmanned aircraft systems, the Master Trainer Course develops Soldiers to certify new operators, advise commanders on system capabilities, oversee training programs, and integrate SUAS into mission planning.

“Everybody attending the course already knows how to fly and has attended a pilot’s course or equivalent,” Barber said. “We dive deep into training methodology and understanding various platform capabilities so our graduates can train others and brief commanders on capabilities, what’s possible, and what risks they’re accepting.”

While most students previously completed the Army’s operator course, commanders could also nominate Soldiers with equivalent military or civilian experience, including those holding Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate certification, allowing experienced operators to enter the advanced program.

Throughout the course, Soldiers received instruction in SUAS doctrine, advanced meteorology, crew coordination, airspace management, risk management, Army regulations, instructor methodology, training management and flight proficiency. During the culminating field exercise at Volunteer Training Site Tullahoma, students planned missions, conducted aerial reconnaissance, analyzed terrain, collected imagery, and demonstrated their ability to safely employ unmanned aircraft systems in realistic operational scenarios.

“We ensured that all our graduates were tested and capable of flying and teaching any mission they may be called to perform in combat,” Barber said.

Students trained primarily on the Skydio RQ-28A, a lightweight quadcopter that provides infantry units with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities during day and night operations. They also received familiarization training on the Skydio RQ-28C and the Neros Archer.

“The technology and systems are changing so rapidly that we designed this course to remain flexible,” Barber said. “Our Soldiers must be able to quickly incorporate new platforms into their units while using the newest doctrine and lessons learned from current conflicts. It is our responsibility to ensure they return to their units with the best training and information available.”

For Travis Robinson, commander of the Multi-Purpose Company, 3rd Battalion, 278th Cavalry Regiment, the course represented more than advanced flight instruction.

“This course is very different from the Operator Course,” Robinson said. “It teaches us how to train Soldiers, manage records, control airspace, and understand the requirements behind building a successful program. If we, as leadership and command teams, don’t understand what it takes to be proficient at these systems, then it becomes a wasted asset.”

Robinson said unmanned aircraft systems provide commanders with greater situational awareness while reducing risk to Soldiers operating on the ground.

“Instead of putting eyes on, we can put eyes over,” Robinson said. “It gives us a different angle to see threats and provides us with a safer means to acquire valuable, real-time intelligence on the battlefield.”

The course directly supports the 278th Cavalry Regiment as it continues its transition from an Armored Brigade Combat Team to a Mobile Brigade Combat Team. As one of the Army National Guard’s first brigades selected for the transformation, the regiment is fielding emerging capabilities including the Infantry Squad Vehicle, advanced unmanned aircraft systems, extended-range precision fires, and electronic warfare.

“This training isn’t something you learn once and walk away from,” Robinson said. “The technology changes. The battlefield changes. If you don’t do this on a regular basis, you’re going to be left behind. Tennessee and the 278th are at the forefront of this new technology and will remain leaders in this field.”

The Tennessee Army National Guard plans to conduct another SUAS Master Trainer Course in 2027, pending evaluation of the pilot program by the National Guard Bureau.

Source: United States Army

Rockaway Twp., N.J. — Community members, military veterans, and local elected officials gathered July 2 to commemorate the opening of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall, paying tribute to the more than 58,000 Americans who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.

The opening ceremony marked the beginning of the Moving Wall’s several-day stay in Rockaway, where visitors will have the opportunity to reflect, remember, and honor those whose names are etched into the memorial.

Serving as the keynote speaker, U.S. Army Garrison Picatinny Arsenal Garrison Commander Lt. Col. Craig A. Bonham II, emphasized the importance of preserving the legacy of Vietnam veterans while recognizing the enduring sacrifices made by service members and their families.

“As we stand before the moving wall, we see thousands of names,” said Bonham. “But those names are far more than letters carved into stone. Each represents a life. A dream. A family. A story left unfinished.

“Some were sons and daughters. Some were husbands and wives. Some were brothers, sisters, classmates, teammates, and neighbors. They laughed, hoped, planned for the future, and loved those around them. Their sacrifice reminds us that the true cost of war is measured not only in battles fought, but in lives forever changed.

The garrison commander also acknowledged the unique role the Vietnam generation played in shaping today’s military.

“When many Vietnam veterans returned home, they often did not receive the welcome they deserved,” Bonham said. “Instead of parades and celebrations, some faced misunderstanding, criticism, and indifference. Despite these challenges, they carried on. They built families, strengthened communities, and continued serving their nation in countless ways.

“Today, we have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to ensure that their service is never forgotten.”

The ceremony featured the presentation of colors, the national anthem, an invocation, and remarks from community leaders who helped bring the exhibit to the town. Representatives from veterans organizations joined local officials in welcoming visitors to the memorial, underscoring the community’s commitment to honoring those who served.

Among those attending were members of the local veteran community, active-duty Soldiers, civic leaders, first responders, and residents spanning multiple generations. Families walked quietly among the panels following the ceremony, many pausing to locate the names of loved ones, friends, and fellow service members.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall is a half-size traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Since its creation, the exhibit has visited hundreds of communities across the United States, allowing those unable to travel to the nation’s capital an opportunity to experience the memorial closer to home.

For many veterans in attendance, the exhibit served as a deeply personal reminder of friendships forged in combat and lives forever changed by war. For younger visitors, it offered a powerful lesson in American history and military service.

“As the moving wall comes to our community, let it serve as a place where remembrance overcomes division, where gratitude replaces silence, and where honor is paid to those who gave so much for our country,” Bonham said.

“May we leave here committed to preserving their legacy, telling their stories, and ensuring that future generations understand the sacrifices made by the men and women of the Vietnam era.”

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall will remain on display in Rockaway through July 6, where it is open to the public 24 hours a day. Organizers encourage residents, schools, veterans’ groups, and visitors from surrounding communities to take time to experience the memorial and pay their respects.