Category: US Army

Source: United States Army

FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kansas – This year’s 951 graduates of U.S. Army Command and General Staff College’s Command and General Staff Officer Course have jumped tracks on a railroad their careers from direct to organizational leaders.

This year’s class experienced reformed and modernized curriculum that reflected the rapid technological and tactical advancements dictated by the current operational environment.

They navigated unexpected learning environment and academic calendar shifts.

With more than 30 years of military and leadership experience, Lt. Gen. Jim Isenhower, Commanding General, U.S. Army Combined Arms Command and Fort Leavenworth, explained to the class, the responsibility placed on them as graduates of CGSOC is to be the conductor of the track, prepared through the academic rigor they conquered over the last 10 months.

“. . .You can influence all the way down to a private every day as a Battalion S3 or XO. And you’ve also got the opportunity and will be expected to influence all the way up to the senior leaders of our Army. You’re at the center. You are the most important demographic in our Army,” Isenhower said.

During his commencement address, Isenhower reflected on his leadership transition following his own CGSOC graduation.

Field-grade leadership was something he’d only observed, but quickly learned the impact, good or bad, would have lasting impressions on more than just his career.

A single conversation, and high-performing Soldier’s decision to leave service directly impacted Isenhower’s leadership style and view of field-grade officers.

He challenged each of the graduates to approach their next assignments with courage to challenge the late-night work parties, and missed bedtime stories.

The graduates are at pivotal times not only in their careers, Isenhower explained, but also in their lives.

Early in his own field-grade time Isenhower explained establishing non-negotiable working hours to ensure his teams were home, putting in their second shift of life, on a regular, predictable basis.

“… I realized field grades are stewards of the profession, and they have an obligation to inspire future service, not to discourage it…that shaped how I approached my field grade time,” Isenhower said.

The inspiration of service doesn’t stop within the walls of the unit headquarters, extending to those of the home.

According to Isenhower, nearly 30% of the Army’s volunteer force comes “from the Army”, emphasizing the example being set by graduates of true work-life balance.

Isenhower concluded with a reiteration of expectations of the graduates’ new leaders, which included performing at levels far beyond those of their peers, but also to establish leadership philosophies that focused on work-life balance and implemented through their own unwavering example.

“I’m already proud of what you’re going to do,” he said. “I think you and our families for taking this on and investing in all of our Soldiers and their families.”

The following individuals were recognized for their dedication to stewarding the Army profession:

BIRRER-BROOKES AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING MMAS THESIS

Major Prabhat Mishra, India

MAJOR GENERAL HANS SCHLUP AWARD

Lieutenant Colonel Taleh S. F. H. H. Alrashid, Kuwait

MAJOR GENERAL JAMES M. WRIGHT MASTER SUSTAINER AWARD

Major Andrew L. Scholl, TC

GENERAL GEORGE S. PATTON, JR. AWARD

Major Jordan J. Downey, FA

HOMELAND SECURITY STUDIES AWARD

Major Shaun A. Kennedy, MS

EXCELLENCE IN JOINT SERVICE WARFARE AWARD

Major Alaina M. Brooks, USMC

BRIGADIER GENERAL BENJAMIN H. GRIERSON AWARD

Major Tara C. Santon, FA

FATHER DONALD W. SMYTHE MILITARY HISTORY AWARD

Major Luke F. Donaldson, FA

SIMONS CENTER INTERAGENCY WRITING AWARD

Major Scott A. Lovejoy, CH

GENERAL GEORGE C. MARSHALL AWARD

Major Andrew L. Scholl, TC

GENERAL DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER AWARD

Major Aleksander Granberg, Norway

GENERAL DOUGLAS MACARTHUR MILITARY LEADERSHIP WRITING AWARD

Major Prabhat Mishra, India

ARTER-DARBY MILITARY HISTORY WRITING AWARD

Major Paul D. Mackey, IN

ARTER-DONIPHAN AWARD

Major Aleksander Granberg, Norway

GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING AWARD

Major Aloysius J. Hunter, EN, USAR

IRON MAJOR AWARDS

Major Andrew W. Stoafer, IN (Male)

Major JaLyssa J. Walker, TC (Female)

AFCEA INFORMATION WARFARE WRITING AWARD

Major Ryan D. Menge, USAF

LIEUTENANT COLONEL BOYD MCCANNA “Mac” HARRIS LEADERSHIP AWARD

Major Christopher A. Watson, IN

CGSOC Class of 2026 in Numbers

Total graduates: 951

Army (Active, Reserve, National Guard): 718

Air Force: 68

Navy: 12

Marine Corps: 25

Coast Guard: 1

Space Force: 5

Civilian: 2

International Military Students: 120

Degrees awarded

Master of Military Arts and Science: 54

Master of Operational Science: 860

Advanced Warfighter Certificate: 155

To view the full ceremony visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIH2jhqk_xU&t=2926s

Photos of the event can be found here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usacgsc/albums/72177720333990065

Source: United States Army

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany- Sgt. Elijah Campbell, a public affairs mass communication specialist assigned to the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, was officially inducted into the Noncommissioned Officer Corps at Tiger Theater on Sembach Kaserne, Germany on May 29, 2026.

Originally from Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, his father, who also served in the Army, inspired Campbell to enlist in the Army in 2022 and completed basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He later graduated from the Defense Information School at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, before serving assignments that led him to Germany.

Reflecting on the milestone, Campbell said, “I faced a lot of obstacles becoming an NCO, but I persevered. The most rewarding part of my job is taking care of my Soldiers.”

This induction marks Campbell’s transition into the Army’s professional NCO Corps and reinforces his commitment to leadership, mentorship, and service.

Source: United States Army

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany- Sgt. Oscar Ayala, a transportation management coordinator assigned to the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, was officially inducted into the Noncommissioned Officer Corps during a ceremony held at Tiger Theater on Sembach Kaserne, Germany on May 29, 2026.

Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Ayala began his Army career by completing basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, followed by Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Lee, Virginia. He is currently assigned to 21st Theater Sustainment Command, based in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Since joining the Army, he has focused on developing the skills and experience necessary to support mission success and prepare for positions of greater responsibility.

As he transitions into his role as an NCO, Ayala is eager to embrace the opportunities and challenges that come with leadership.

“As a new NCO, I’m looking forward to developing my leadership skills and taking care of soldiers so I can make a positive impact in the Army,” he said.

Ayala views this milestone as the beginning of a new chapter in his career, one centered on mentorship, professional growth and serving those entrusted to his leadership.

Source: United States Army

POZNAN, Poland — U.S. Army soldiers partnered with Polish elementary students for a day of athletic competition here June 1, reinforcing community ties in the NATO-allied nation during a local Children’s Sports Day celebration.

This visit is part of a growing relationship between U.S. Army Garrison Poland and local schools. Last holiday season, students and staff performed a Christmas carol concert during the garrison’s tree lighting ceremony, a gesture deeply appreciated by military personnel and their families.

This year’s sports day, organized by the school, brought together 200 students ranging from ages 7 to 14, alongside teachers and parents. All were eager to experience a day in the life of a U.S. Soldier.

“Today was a very special day to bond with the Polish school children,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Javonte Smith, a religious affairs non-commissioned officer with the 510th Regional Support Group. “They were all so welcoming, and it is a blessing to share this experience with them.”

The day’s events included a military-themed fitness circuit adapted for children, culminating in a highly anticipated, friendly volleyball match.

To warm up, Soldiers led the children through a set of pushups. The students then completed jumping jacks and cardio drills, with some even trying on military tactical gear to experience the added weight.

The main event took place in the school gymnasium, where students lined the court to watch their peers face off against the Soldiers in a best-of-three volleyball match. While the students ultimately defeated the Soldiers, the scoreboard took a backseat to the camaraderie in the gym.

“Being able to have this experience really gave me a taste of home that I miss by being away from my own kids,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Callaway, a signal support sergeant with the 418th Civil Affairs Battalion, 308th Civil Affairs Brigade, 353rd Civil Affairs Command. “Seeing the smiles on their faces and how much fun they were having made it all worth it. I look forward to more community engagements in the future.”

As the day wrapped up, proud parents watched their children interact with the service members, with many students lining up to take photos with their new American friends.

The 510th Regional Support Group, 7th Mission Support Command, is headquartered in Kaiserslautern, Germany, and co-located in Poznan, Poland, where it provides base operation support to seven installation sites across the Baltics. As a rotational unit, the 510th RSG sustains the readiness of V Corps and NATO forces defending the eastern flank

Source: United States Army

ANSBACH, Germany — USAG Ansbach holds its next Community Leaders’ Information Forum (CLIF) Wednesday, June 17, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Von Steuben Community Center.

The CLIF is held quarterly and open to the USAG Ansbach community. The intent is to enable communication between Ansbach community spouses, unit FRG leaders, Garrison leadership, and key service partners.

The CLIF will be live-streamed on the Garrison Facebook page at Facebook.com/USAGAnsbachCommunity.

The CLIF addresses garrison services, community updates, and provides community members the opportunity to interact directly with directorates and service providers. Information is shared, feedback is heard, and conversation is encouraged.

The March 2026 CLIF slides are available at: https://go.mil/ansbach-clifslidesmarch2026. Updated slides for June 2026 will be made available here.

Source: United States Army

ANSBACH, Germany — USAG Ansbach holds its next Community Leaders’ Information Forum (CLIF) Wednesday, June 18, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Von Steuben Community Center.

The CLIF is held quarterly and open to the USAG Ansbach community. The intent is to enable communication between Ansbach community spouses, unit FRG leaders, Garrison leadership, and key service partners.

The CLIF will be live-streamed on the Garrison Facebook page at Facebook.com/USAGAnsbachCommunity.

The CLIF addresses garrison services, community updates, and provides community members the opportunity to interact directly with directorates and service providers. Information is shared, feedback is heard, and conversation is encouraged.

The March 2026 CLIF slides are available at: https://go.mil/ansbach-clifslidesmarch2026. Updated slides for June 2026 will be made available here.

Source: United States Army

SAN ANTONIO – The Texas Military Department participated in the 2026 Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) May 18-21, marking twelve years of interagency partnership.

SAREX focuses on disaster response preparedness for search and rescue organizations to better prepare for natural disasters and improve interagency coordination between state and federal partners. This year’s exercise integrated rotary-wing rescue assets with unmanned aircraft systems teams to improve situational awareness and communication between agencies.

“One of the rescue sites, Camp Bullis, provided a realistic disaster environment that first responders could face including power lines, trees, roof extractions and more,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Rob Meischen, a SAREX planner from the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade. “Collectively this training is exactly what aircrews, hoist personnel, ground teams, and UAS operators need to help validate training and processes so we are better prepared for the next Kerrville or Hurricane Harvey.”

There were 22 aircraft from 13 different agencies, including the U.S. Air Force 41st Rescue Squadron, National Guard units and Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Teams (HART) from Arkansas and Indiana, and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. With over 335 attendees, there were 275 hoists, 339 personnel moved, and over 84 hours flown.

“Last year, SAREX was held less than two months before the catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country and central Texas during the July Fourth weekend, which claimed the lives of 136 people,” said Brett Dixon, the assistant chief of Texas A&M Task Force 1 and SAREX director. “The local, state, and federal aviation coordination that rescued and evacuated flooding victims is a testament to the training at SAREX. Our goal is to make sure that all aviation resources in Texas are ready to respond in a coordinated way to help Texans on their worst day.”

SAREX 2026 enables local, state and federal government search-and-rescue aviation to develop better coordination mechanisms for responding to hurricanes and natural disasters in real-world scenarios. The Texas Military Department plays a critical role in disaster response exercises by providing rapid aerial response, personnel transport, and coordinated aviation support alongside civilian emergency agencies, strengthening interagency partnerships that are essential to lifesaving operations.

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

FORT HOOD, Texas — Fort Hood held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the brand new Barrack 101 on May 19, the latest addition to the improvements to housing and quality of life for Soldiers at The Great Place.

The barrack is part of a project authorized and funded by Congress in fiscal year 2022. Congress appropriated $80 million, but the barrack was completed under budget at $65.5 million.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to deliver this first-class facility for the Soldiers of 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade,” said Brian Dosa, director of the Directorate of Public Works. “We had about 50 Soldiers in formation at the ceremony. When complete, they all made a beeline for the barracks, kind of like kids on Christmas morning! Their excitement and appreciation were evident and that’s why we serve. We now have 101 barracks on post, and this is the very best one.”

Sgt. Ramiro Soto Gomez, narrator for the ceremony and Soldier assigned to 69th ADA Bde., thanked the partners who assisted in the construction of the barrack during his remarks.

“We appreciate the hard work and dedication of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Cerris Builders, Dominion Energy and American Water to deliver this new facility for our Soldiers, on time and below budget,” he said.

The new barrack will house Soldiers assigned to 69th ADA Bde. It can house 248 Soldiers in 124 rooms. Each room features two separate bedrooms with their own walk-in closets, and a shared bathroom and kitchenette. The kitchenette features a convection microwave, along with an electric stovetop with two burners.

There are three floors, each with its own laundry rooms and communal lounge rooms. Additionally, the first floor features a pool table, foosball table and a fully equipped fitness room while the second and third floors offer balconies.

In addition to the new barrack, there are also seven covered areas nearby complete with a grill and an outdoor fitness area for Soldiers to use.

Command Sgt. Maj. Javier Casanova, command sergeant major of 1st Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 69th ADA Bde., noted Soldiers have expressed significant satisfaction regarding the transition into Barrack 101. Pfc. Kiresten Smith, 69th ADA Bde., agreed.

“It makes me feel more comfortable mentally,” she said of the updated rooms. “It puts me in a better space because I can make this more of my home space.”

The amenities provide a variety of new opportunities, convenience and boost morale, Smith expressed.

“It gives us the opportunity to meet other people and to talk to other people in the lounge room,” she said. “Then I like the built-in weight room; that’s nice. It saves us time, gas, money from going to the gym. We could just go downstairs and work out.”

The upgraded amenities significantly improve support for unaccompanied Soldiers’ quality of life, Casanova said.

“The completion of the new barrack facility has driven an immediate increase in morale across 1-44 ADAR, positively impacting both the Soldiers residing in the building and unit leadership,” Casanova, said. “Furthermore, its placement within the Lightning Brigade’s footprint facilitates greater leader presence and enables more effective barracks oversight.”

Barrack 101 is far from the last of the improvements to housing for Soldiers. Dosa said the next project is a 224-bed barrack planned in the 10000 block, near the 1st Cavalry Division Artillery Headquarters.

Source: United States Army

ANSBACH, Germany — U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach offered an in-depth overview of the U.S. Army’s approach to family support for representatives of the German Federal Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) Family Care Organization during a community outreach event at the garrison’s Storck Barracks in May 2026.

The visiting group included 55 directors and staff from the Bundeswehr, which operates 32 full-time Family Care Centers and up to 50 part-time Family Care Points throughout Germany.

This event introduced the U.S. Army Family Support System to its German counterparts, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration in supporting military families.

German Lt. Col. Danila Dubrau, head of the Lead Family Care Center at the Bundeswehr Operations Command, pointed out that while there are things the two militaries may do differently, taking care of Soldiers and families is the same.

“We have the same goal: to take care of our families, and by doing that, we make sure their Soldier is able to concentrate on the mission,” Dubrau said.

Family assistance remains a major focus for the German army, particularly as it establishes garrison-style bases in Eastern Europe.

The Lithuania Brigade, a panzer brigade officially commissioned in April 2025 in Lithuania, represents a permanent Bundeswehr combat unit of about 5,000 personnel, strengthening NATO’s defense posture in Eastern Europe.

With the unit’s formation, Germany now maintains a permanently deployed brigade, increasing the likelihood of more troops serving abroad.

The establishment of Armored Brigade 45, the official designation of the Lithuania Brigade, is a top priority for the German government, according to Dr. Jörg Krämer of the Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces, who said this applies “not only to military matters but also to issues concerning family support.”

The delegation from the German family care organizations visited USAG Ansbach to learn from and exchange best practices with the garrison’s family care experts.

Those experts have more than 80 years of institutional experience supporting Soldiers families in Europe.

The U.S. Army is committed to continuously enhancing the quality and reach of services that support its families and, by extension, its Soldiers.

“It’s about how we take care of our Soldiers and their families when the soldiers are on extended training missions or deployed,” said Bruce Griggs, USAG Ansbach Deputy to the Garrison Commander.

The orientation tour and exchange with the Bundeswehr’s family care organization underscore the importance of international cooperation in supporting military families.

Source: United States Army

CENTENNIAL, Colo. — After a winter marked by record-low snowpack and persistent drought, the Colorado Army National Guard is shifting its focus from seasonal support to a year-round mission to help fight the state’s growing wildfire threat.

During a March 30 press conference held by Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, state officials said the past winter’s lack of moisture left Colorado’s forests and grasslands dangerously dry and ready to burn much earlier than usual.

Mike Morgan, director of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, said these conditions are no longer rare.

“These are conditions that we used to think were unprecedented or anomalies, and the reality of it is it’s happening every year,” Morgan said during a recent state press briefing. “It is not unprecedented. It is our new normal.”

To prepare for that reality, the Colorado Army National Guard recently joined the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the city of Longmont and local fire teams from Boulder for the annual Colorado Fire Aviation Summit. The Guard’s firefighting program is fully certified by the Forest Service, providing federally validated skills to support the state’s emergency response.

A major focus of the training involved using helicopters to drop water on simulated active fire lines. The difference in aircraft capability is significant: A heavy-lift CH-47 Chinook helicopter can carry 2,000 gallons of water, while a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter can carry 660 gallons.

To support upcoming missions, the Colorado Army National Guard will prioritize a team of two Chinooks and a mobile refueling team. While Black Hawk helicopters are available for short-term in-state fire response, their primary mission is high-altitude search and rescue.

Lighter UH-72 Lakota helicopters are also on standby to direct aerial traffic in and around restricted areas during large fires and move crews and equipment for up to a week at a time.

“Our collaborative aerial firefighting training with civilian and interstate partners is designed to ensure our air and ground crews are prepared to protect our communities from wildfires,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Muriel Missler, director of aviation and safety. “This rigorous training not only enables safe and effective operations in Colorado’s challenging environments but also enhances our combat aviation skills and planning capabilities.”

The Colorado Army National Guard is prepared to sustain potential high-intensity operations for about two weeks at a time. If a fire lasts longer, backup support may be requested from other states to ensure there are no gaps in coverage.

The urgency of that coordination was highlighted by Polis, who said state-managed aircraft had already dropped nearly 200,000 gallons of fire suppressant in the first four months of the year.

“We talked about the increase in the number of fire events that are likely,” Polis said during the briefing. “It makes a big difference whether there’s 4,000 or whether there’s 8,000 in a given year. This year looks like it could be closer to 8,000.”

In the event of a wildfire, the Colorado Army National Guard’s ability to integrate with local, state and federal partners is a critical advantage for Coloradans. As the state moves deeper into the year, this collaborative, year-round approach helps ensure Colorado’s aerial firefighting capabilities are ready to respond when the next fire ignites.

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