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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

ARCHERS POST, Kenya — U.S. service members, Kenya Defence Forces and local civilian medical teams delivered critical healthcare to Samburu County communities during a Medical Civic Action Program, MEDCAP, as part of Justified Accord 2026, Feb. 26–27, 2026.

The combined team of U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and KDF treated approximately 1,200 patients across two days at Archers Post Sub-County Hospital and Laresoro Dispensary, providing essential role one care while strengthening multinational partnerships and improving crisis response readiness.

The MEDCAP served as a practical training opportunity during the multinational exercise, allowing medical professionals to operate in austere conditions while delivering direct care to underserved communities.

“This year we doubled the size of the team and for the first time had a joint team of Army and Air Force from components one, two and three, increasing overall Department of Defense interoperability and readiness,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Amanda Owens, civil affairs officer assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF).

Owens also highlighted how new medical technology enhanced patient care during the mission.

“The portable ultrasound machines, which to my knowledge weren’t brought to previous MEDCAPs, enhanced the level of care the team was able to provide to the community, which otherwise has no ultrasound capability,” she said.

Medical providers used the portable ultrasound systems to diagnose conditions that might otherwise go undetected in remote environments.

In addition to general medical services, dental providers addressed a significant gap in local healthcare access. The Massachusetts National Guard dental team delivered oral hygiene instruction, triaged patients for preventive and restorative care, and performed extractions on teeth deemed non-restorable.

U.S. Army Maj. Diana Li, a dentist assigned to the Massachusetts Army National Guard Medical Detachment, worked alongside KDF Capt. Daniel Arusho, a dentist with the Kenya Defence Forces, to treat patients who often have limited access to dental care.

“No dental services are currently available at Archers Post Hospital or Laresoro Health Centre,” Li said. “Our team was honored to provide essential dental care to the local communities.”

U.S. Army Capt. Elijah Taylor, a physician assistant with the Massachusetts Army National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, said the technology proved critical in evaluating serious conditions.

“Dr. [Lt. Col.] Benjamin Krainin and I also did cardiac and lung ultrasounds to evaluate for, and identify heart failure,” Taylor said.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Benjamin Krainin, MD, brigade surgeon for the 173rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), added that the equipment enabled providers to diagnose and monitor patients in a resource-limited setting quickly.

“I performed a few dozen bedside ultrasounds, predominantly to assess fetal well-being in pregnant patients — and found twins,” said Krainin. “Every provider likely saw between two and three times the patient load that would have been handled on a typical emergency room shift.”

Beyond improving diagnostic capability, the MEDCAP exposed U.S. providers to diseases and conditions rarely encountered at home.

“MEDCAPs are an opportunity for U.S. providers to be exposed to disease processes that are rare or nonexistent in the United States, enhancing our deployed clinical skills,” said U.S. Army Maj. Ryan Haug, a physician assistant with Special Operations Detachment–Global, Rhode Island Army National Guard. “The opportunity to engage with partner forces and collaborate to care for people in need enhances interoperability and reinforces our country’s dedication to an important ally.”

Haug’s participation also highlighted the National Guard’s ability to leverage partnerships across multiple states through the State Partnership Program, bringing together expertise from across the force.

For Air National Guard medics, the mission offered training opportunities unavailable in most stateside settings.

“In JA26, I play the role of an aerospace medical technician, also known as a medic,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kyle Kendall with the 104th Medical Group, Massachusetts Air National Guard. “It’s extremely important that we bring our airmen to Africa because there are so many skills we aren’t able to train on [in a military setting] back in the United States, such as caring for pediatric, geriatric and pregnant patients.”

Kendall said ultrasound technology proved especially valuable in diagnosing conditions during the mission.

“In the medical world, ultrasound is continuing to grow in its usage and could potentially replace a stethoscope,” he said. “We were able to diagnose many different conditions that we normally would not have.”

At Laresoro Dispensary, the team treated approximately 585 patients in a single day, providing assessments, medications and follow-up care to residents from nearby communities.

KDF personnel emphasized that the MEDCAP also reinforced professional military cooperation and operational readiness.

“Today we are conducting a medical camp as a culmination of joint training activities with the U.S. military and other partner nations in exercise Justified Accord 26,” said KDF Col. Mohammed Omar, a MEDCAP organizer. “We are learning new skills, sharing experiences and preparing ourselves for operational activities. Training is a continuous process so that we remain ready for missions.”

Members of the Massachusetts National Guard highlighted the dual benefit of humanitarian assistance and professional development during the exercise.

“Kenya has been our state partner for the past decade, so we’re strengthening the relationship we have with Kenya while also strengthening our medical skills,” said U.S. Army Capt. Bridget Keefe, a medical-surgical nurse with the Massachusetts Army National Guard Medical Detachment. “Here I was able to fully immerse myself in hands-on patient care and bring the skills I use as a surgical intensive care unit nurse in my civilian job into this mission.”

Medical leaders overseeing the mission said the MEDCAP demonstrated how joint and multinational teams can rapidly deliver care during humanitarian crises while improving readiness across the force.

“In JA26, I serve as the medical operations officer for the MEDCAP activities in Samburu County,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Katherine Murphy, deputy commander for administration and global health engagement liaison for the Massachusetts Army National Guard. “Our Soldiers and Airmen had the opportunity to train, validate and execute critical tasks while working directly with our KDF health partners and community health workers.”

Murphy noted that the integration of point-of-care ultrasound alongside multinational medical teams significantly improved diagnostic capability and clinical outcomes.

“Bringing our Soldiers and Airmen here helps build trust with our partner nation, increases interoperability and improves learning opportunities with our Kenyan partners,” she said.

Led by U.S. Africa Command and organized by SETAF-AF, Justified Accord 2026 is the largest U.S. military exercise in East Africa. Hosted in Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania, the exercise includes personnel from approximately 15 partner nations.

The exercise strengthens multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance and crisis response while preparing regional partners for missions with the United Nations and African Union.

For Murphy and many of the participating service members, the mission represented more than training — it was a chance to make a lasting impact.

“Getting to be part of JA26 is one of the biggest highlights of my career,” said Murphy. “This is why I joined the military — to make an impact not just on one person, but many.”

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

The tranquil sound of prayer echoed off the sterile walls of the main hall where rows of bunks were lined up for patients to rest at the aid station.

Leading the Rosary prayer was a former infantryman known affectionately throughout the Iowa National Guard as “Sully”, who along with the chaplain, selflessly brought religious support to those on sick call who were physically unable to attend the actual service due to illness or injury.

Nestled amongst the medical equipment and supplies in the cramped space were a half-dozen Soldiers who were here to support training for the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, Iowa Army National Guard (IAARNG) before they deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. They were too ill to attend the Sunday chapel service held earlier that morning at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) in Fort Polk, Louisiana, in June of 2025

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“Chaplains have to serve a wide variety of faiths,” said Army Maj. Steve DeHaan, Chaplain, Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 734th Regional Support Group (RSG), IAARNG. “Finding someone like Sully, who had a heart for and was willing to lead the Rosary and help others. I think one of the significant things from that, was that it inspired.”

Sgt. 1st Class Michael “Sully” Sullivan, Assistant Operations Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), HHC, 734th RSG, IAARNG, grew up on a 180-acre family farm in Fonda, Iowa, where both cattle and pigs were raised. There were only 22 students in his graduating class in the tiny northwest hamlet. He excelled at golf in high school, culminating in his team making state for the first time in school history.

Sullivan also played football, basketball, and baseball. As a catcher in baseball, he was scouted by colleges. Yet off the field, he began making decisions that would cost him some of those opportunities. During his senior year, he was cited for an open alcohol container violation and faced an ultimatum with his coach. Either ride the bench or quit. Sullivan chose the latter and went to work instead of suiting up for the varsity squad that season. Due to his actions, he also was not allowed to participate in the state golf tournament with the team he had helped get there.

After graduating from high school, he moved away for a few years then moved back to Fonda where he found work as a mechanic at a shop specializing in hydraulics. It was here that Sullivan was introduced to the Iowa Army National Guard.

A chief warrant officer who ran the business invited him along to drill one weekend at the Field Maintenance Shop #10 in Boone, IA. “He took me into the shop and I was like, ‘I work on trucks every day of the week. I don’t want to do it on drill weekend’,” said Sullivan. “Then he took me over to the AASF (Army Aviation Support Facility) and I saw my very first helicopter, and I fell in love, and that’s how I started my career.”

He enlisted near the end of 1989 and went to basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, then advanced individual training (AIT) at Fort Eustis, Virginia, where he trained on CH-47 Chinooks for six months. After completion of initial entry training, he found work as a mechanic at an agricultural machinery dealership. He then received further training and in the early 1990s became one of the first crew chiefs in the state on the newly fielded UH-60 Black Hawk.

By all appearances, Sullivan was on a path of success in both civilian and military life. However, that path diverged around this time. “I started hanging with a pretty rough crowd,” he said. “They were bikers, they liked to party. I got my own Harley and partied pretty hard and got into the bad side of it.”

Sullivan ultimately failed a urine analysis for a controlled substance in the autumn of 1996 and was discharged, which he said devastated him. Methamphetamines were becoming prevalent in his hometown, so he decided on a fresh start and moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where he found employment at a country club golf course.

Sullivan was thriving once again working as a mechanic at the golf course and as the shop manager. He also met his wife Tammy and started a family. He credits being a father on what helped him get clean. Then fate intervened with the attacks on 9/11.

He said he was standing inside a hole working on a sewer line on the golf course when the towers went down. A coworker expressed his desire to re-enlist with the Marine Corps, but health issues prevented it. “It got me thinking,” Sullivan said. “Well, maybe I can get back in. So, I got hooked up with a recruiter.”

It was a several yearlong process, but he was finally sworn back into the military on January 11, 2005. On that day, he committed to himself to never being a bad Soldier ever again. However, due to his past indiscretion he was barred from rejoining aviation. The only option was a 25C-Radio Operator-Maintainer and then later he reclassed as an 11B-Infantryman to gain an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) full-time position in 2008.

He has been AGR ever since which included a deployment in 2010-11 to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, as part of Task Force Red Bulls with the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, IAARNG.

Sullivan takes full ownership of his battles with substance abuse. “I took the drug abuse way too far,” he said. “That was all on me. It wasn’t on anybody that I was with. I just got addicted to it. I found out where I can continue to get it and just continue to abuse.”

Sullivan, a lifelong Catholic, credits his faith for helping him stay sober and contributing to him being a better Soldier. He rarely went to church but at the urging of a friend he went to mass at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Des Moines. Sullivan said, “I stepped into St. Anthony and I just started bawling. I found it. I found that happy place and I’ve been at St. Anthony ever since.”

Sullivan has faced other adversities as well. Since childhood he has had a form of shakes or trembling that got progressively worse over time. Doctors at one point thought he had Parkinson’s disease. Finally, after an MRI a neurologist informed him that he had an extremely bad case of tremors. His mother, brother, and son all have the same hereditary condition.

The good news was that it was treatable. The bad news was that the surgery, called Deep Brain Stimulation, was very dangerous and intrusive which in rare cases results in death. “They drill holes in your head”, said Sullivan. “They shove wires down into your brain then they hook it up to a little module, kind of like a pacemaker. It gets activated and then you can control it from a phone”

After consulting with family, Sullivan opted for the two-stage surgery which was undertaken in July and August of 2025. It was a success, albeit with a few side effects like slurred speech or the inability to say certain words. Overall, he was happy he went through the complex surgery saying, “I wish I had done it 20 years ago. Yeah nice. It’s incredible!”

Besides this most recent health turnaround, another significant milestone was fast approaching for Sullivan. After 29 years of military service he will officially retire in March of 2026. Asked what he will miss the most, he said, “The laughter. How a Soldier can get put into some of the [expletive] conditions in the [expletive] place on the face of the earth and they can still find laughter, still find something humorous. I’ll miss that.”

Sullivan also said he would miss being able to interact with all kinds of people from all different kinds of places that do all kinds of different things. He said each one of them has their own special story.

His institutional knowledge will be greatly missed once he hangs up his uniform for the last time in March. It pales in comparison to those interactions Sullivan described with fellow Soldiers. Whether it is offering spiritual guidance to those in need or helping those who may be struggling with substance abuse. Sullivan’s commitment to his brothers and sisters in arms was unwavering and an inspiration to so many who have crossed paths with him.

Sullivan’s inspiration and impact will have a lasting impact on the organization, one that he may not even know the full extent of. Maj. Dehaan reflected on that morning at JRTC right before the Middle East deployment where no Catholic priests or services were available.

“I think one of the significant things from that was it inspired a number of chaplain assistants who were Catholic that were going to deploy”, said DeHaan. “It opened their eyes, ‘Oh, this is something I can do’, to fill the need particularly for Catholic Soldiers that were about to deploy.”

According to DeHaan, several chaplain assistants – stateside and down-range – have emulated Sullivan’s example and started leading the Rosary Prayers in the absence of Catholic priests. “That was an unintended gift”, said DeHaan. “But it was still a gift that he was able to show a number of Soldiers.”

Speaking on Sullivan’s authentic and proactive care for Soldiers, Dehaan explained, “He has that magnetic personality for people who are hurting and in need and he’s there for them. It was his heart from his experiences. He had a heart to help others.”

Sullivan’s journey from struggle to redemption stands as a testament to hard work and unwavering faith. His ability to share some of his darkest moments with humility and vulnerability reflected a hope that others might avoid the same self‑destructive path he had experienced.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Military Crisis Line at 988, then press 1, or access online chat by texting 838255.

Source: United States Army

RAYONG, Thailand – The joint annual military Exercise Cobra Gold 2026, held in Thailand, has successfully concluded after two weeks of intensive training, humanitarian efforts and cultural exchanges.

The United States and Thailand co-hosted the 45th annual Exercise Cobra Gold, bringing about 8,000 troops from 30 nations together to participate in military training and humanitarian civic assistance projects from Feb. 24 to March 6. Cobra Gold allows allies to strengthen their partnership by working together and demonstrates the U.S. commitment to regional security in the Indo-Pacific.

“The region’s security is dependent upon and determined by all of us,” said Gen. Ukris Boontanondha, chief of Defense Forces Thailand.

Cobra Gold is the largest joint exercise in mainland Asia. It is a testament to the enduring U.S.-Thai alliance and a powerful platform for building partner military capabilities. The exercise exemplifies the U.S. commitment to advancing improvements in multinational speed of crisis response, mission effectiveness and combat capability.

“The U.S.-Thai alliance is one of America’s oldest and most enduring defense partnerships,” said U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Sean K. O’Neil during the opening ceremony.

Washington National Guard and Thailand are partners in the Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program.

O’Neil highlighted the partnership, saying, “Cobra Gold would not be possible without our Thai allies.”

This annual exercise, co-sponsored by the Royal Thai Armed Forces and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, brought together a robust multinational force to address shared goals and security commitments. Some of the partner nations were Thailand, the United States, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea and Singapore.

“What makes Cobra Gold 2026 unique is its the 45th iteration,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Prendergast, commander of the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard. “It’s great to bring all these multinational players in to build partnership, readiness and regional stability.”

Cobra Gold 2026 included more than 15 training events with the goal of strengthening the partnership between the U.S. and Thailand, while also improving regional security by investing in readiness, posture and advanced capabilities to increase combined deterrence in contested environments.

The Cyber Exercise, or CYBEREX, was part of Cobra Gold that brought together more than 150 cyber personnel from eight participating nations, all working together against a fictitious enemy seeking to disrupt computer systems and gain the upper hand in combat.

A scenario simulated during CYBEREX involved coordinated cyberattacks shutting down an air defense radar and an electrical grid within moments. An air traffic control tower was overwhelmed in a distributed denial-of-service attack. Logistics were interrupted, the flow of information was staunched and a cruise missile slipped past and hit its target.

The opposing force for the exercise was made up of participants from all partner nations. They employed a curated set of recent, common exploits and attack types to replicate what cyber personnel may face in a real-world scenario.

“Tactical Cyber Operations have operational-level impact. It’s really important to translate tactical cyber operations into the operational level,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Paul Lucero, assistant director of operations, with 262d Cyberspace Operations Squadron, 252d Cyberspace Operations Group, 194th Wing, Washington Air National Guard. “If not, it’s cyber doing it for the sake of cyber, not to support the commanders’ mission.”

Lucero said this year’s theme for the CYBEREX was integration, translation and realism.

“It’s no longer a matter of if you will be breached,” Lucero said. “It is when.”

U.S. Army National Guard Capt. Antonio Montez, an aviation liaison officer at Cobra Gold 2026, said the exercise presents an opportunity for U.S. service members to work jointly with national forces, leveraging each other’s assets and expertise to overcome whatever problems arise.

“The benefit of being a Guardsman is that we have these long-standing relationships with a lot of the Thai military already from the state partnership exchanges,” Montez said. “Having these relationships already has us working with a good flow, and we can better overcome these problems that we encounter.”

Prendergast also enjoyed the engagement with the Royal Thai Armed Forces partners.

“They are welcoming, they want to build readiness and partnership. It’s just great to be with them on all the different events, from the [command post exercise] to the marine strike, to the amphibious landing, to the counter amphibious landing, our Thai partners have truly been wonderful to work with,” Prendergast said.

Exercise Cobra Gold 2026 reinforced the U.S.-Thailand alliance and demonstrated the collective commitment of 30 nations to a free and open Indo-Pacific through enhanced interoperability, rapid crisis response and shared humanitarian values. The enduring partnerships and friendships forged on the training fields and in the communities will continue to strengthen regional security and readiness for years to come.

Even as units return home in the coming days, military planners already are looking to Cobra Gold 2027 to continue building on this regionally important exercise. As Boontanondha said during the opening ceremony, “Cobra Gold 26 is more than just training, it’s forging everlasting friendships.”

Contributing to this report: Sgt. Matthew Sprowl and Spc. Christopher Chavero

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Source: United States Army

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska – In a state where communities are separated by vast terrain, and severe weather can isolate regions without warning, resilient communications are essential. More than 30 radio operators positioned at 28 locations across Alaska participated in Exercise Arctic Connect, linking a network of federal, state and volunteer organizations.

Participants represented elements of the Alaska Organized Militia, including the Alaska Army and Air National Guard and the Alaska State Defense Force, alongside members of the Civil Air Patrol, the State of Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and representatives from the National Guard Bureau. Together, they worked to validate high-frequency radio pathways and strengthen Alaska’s statewide communications plan.

“High-frequency communications are inherently influenced by environmental conditions,” said Lt. Col. Herbert Gladwill, Alaska National Guard joint staff director of communications and cyber. “Weather, space weather and propagation variability all play a role, especially in Alaska. Arctic Connect allowed us to identify those challenges, communicate through them and strengthen the network before we need it in a real-world event.”

A simple exchange becomes a radio check in the exercise.

“Harpoon 1-2, this is Midnight Sun 1, radio check, over.”

A brief pause spans the 545 miles of Arctic terrain, mountains, and tundra between Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Nome.

“Midnight Sun 1, this is Harpoon 1-2. I read you loud and clear. How me?”

The response cuts clean through the static.

That exchange is reassurance that when distance, weather or infrastructure fail, communication does not. Exercise Arctic Connect was designed to test exactly that.

Some stations established strong connections immediately. Others required adjustment.

Signal personnel inside the Joint Operations Center at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson could clearly receive transmissions, but outbound traffic was not initially confirmed, a reminder that in high-frequency operations, antenna alignment and power output determine whether a signal carries cleanly or fades into static.

Teams collaborated in real time, refining configurations, adjusting frequency tuning and working methodically to move yellow indicators back to green.

The exercise became less about a single transmission and more about a network of professionals learning, adapting and reinforcing one another.

That collaboration reflects Alaska’s broader emergency response framework. Each mission partner plays a distinct role in supporting communities during disasters and contingency operations.

“Our responsibility is to the people of Alaska,” said Col. Christy Brewer, Alaska National Guard director of joint operations. “That means ensuring we can maintain command and control across a state where terrain, weather and distance test every system. This exercise validates the partnerships and redundant pathways that allow us to respond decisively when communities need us.”

Arctic Connect reinforced the Guard’s role as a communications bridge across Alaska’s vast and often unforgiving landscape. The exercise ensured that leaders and responders can remain connected when it matters most.

“Resilience in communications isn’t accidental,” Gladwill said. “It’s built deliberately. Every antenna we tune, every alternate pathway we validate, and every adjustment we make strengthens the architecture that supports our mission.”

When the next call goes out, “Midnight Sun 1, this is Harpoon 1-2,” the answer will not rely on perfect conditions. It will rely on preparation.

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Source: United States Army

Back to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

VICENZA, Italy — A U.S. Army civil affairs team assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) recently completed a civil-military engagement in Cotonou, Benin, conducting a weeklong assessment of humanitarian assistance projects and strengthening relationships with U.S. Embassy personnel, partner forces and local communities.

The mission, led by Bravo Company, Civil Affairs Battalion, marked the unit’s initial civil affairs engagement in the country. The visit served both an immediate operational need and a long-term strategic purpose.

“The purpose of this mission was to assess seven OHDACA [Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civil Aid] projects in order to evaluate the overall country program, fulfilling a request from the U.S. Military Group in Benin,” said U.S. Army Maj. Kevin Klenk, civil-military operations chief for Bravo Co.

The visit laid the foundation for further engagements with the U.S. Embassy, the partner force and the Beninois people.

“The assessments are crucial to ensure Benin achieved their intended goals,” said U.S. Army Capt. Gerald Pascal, CA Team Benin’s team chief. “The seven projects we assessed were all successful, from the five classrooms we observed, to much needed COVID-19 supplies, as well as APORA [African Partner Outbreak Response Alliance] training which brought together countries from all over Africa.”

The team saw clear evidence that the partnership was thriving.

“Benin and U.S. flags were posted at all locations, and the Beninois people the team met with were uniformly appreciative of the projects and the U.S.–Benin relationship,” added Pascal.

Just as important, the children, school faculty and staff were all benefiting from the newly constructed classrooms and facilities, such as latrines.

“Smiles were abundant!” said Pascal. “We enjoyed speaking with the children about the classrooms, getting firsthand knowledge from the students that use them daily. The team would engage in conversations with the students studying English and would emphasize the importance of staying in school to build a foundation for their future.”

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Forrest Dyer, CA Team Benin’s team sergeant, indicated there were also secondary benefits to the construction.

“The teachers and administrators reported increases in school attendance following the projects,” said Dyer. “Everyone – the students, teachers, staff and administration – was grateful for the improvements to their school.”

Additionally, the mission left a positive impression on the members of the civil affairs team involved, reaffirming their commitment to this military field.

“Seeing the huge community impact reminds me why I made the switch to civil affairs,” said Dyer. “This makes what we do worth the sacrifices of leaving our homes and families. There’s not only the long-lasting impact, but the amount of gratitude and appreciation from the community is inspiring and renewing.”

Klenk also credited close cooperation with the embassy’s U.S. Military Group in Benin, which oversees the OHDACA program in the country, as a key factor in the mission’s success.

“The U.S. Military Group was amazing. They coordinated the schedule and logistics for this mission, provided an orientation brief, facilitated our engagements and provided us with interpreters to set us up for success,” said Klenk. “We’re exploring further opportunities that mutually support the U.S. Embassy, SETAF-AF and U.S. Africa Command objectives in the strategic West Africa region.”

The mission was funded by U.S. Africa Command’s J56, the Strategic Resilience and Stability Division. It coincides with expansion of a bilateral security cooperation between Benin and neighboring Nigeria, to counter violent extremist organizations operating along their shared border.

Senior military leaders from both countries met in Cotonou on Feb. 27 to advance a cross-border security framework that may include coordinated patrols, intelligence sharing and joint operations, according to reports from Radio France Internationale. The discussions reflect growing concern over attacks in northeastern Benin and northwestern Nigeria necessitating an integrated regional response.

As Benin works with regional partners to strengthen security, U.S. civil affairs engagements help reinforce stability by supporting essential services, building community trust and enhancing the capacity of local institutions. The team’s assessments of school construction projects and medical readiness highlight the role of humanitarian assistance in addressing underlying conditions that extremist groups often exploit.

“Our team’s work reflects the broader mission of SETAF-AF civil affairs forces,” said Klenk. “To build enduring partnerships, support U.S. diplomatic efforts and enhance multinational readiness in regions facing complex security challenges.

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.

Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS

Source: United States Army

Ramstein Air Base, Germany – In a powerful display of the enduring alliance between Germany and the United States, approximately 400 U.S. service members gathered to test their military skills and physical prowess in the 2026 German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge competition. The demanding five-day event, held from February 23-27 as a highlight of the German American Friendship Day festivities, concluded with around 220 participants earning the coveted badge.

The competition was more than just a test of individual skill; it was a symbol of the deep partnership forged over decades between the two nations. Co-hosted by U.S. Army Public Health Command Europe and the U.S. Air Force’s 86th Airlift Wing, the event brought together U.S. Army Soldiers, U.S. Airmen and German Bundeswehr soldiers in a spirit of camaraderie.

Master Sergeant Benjamin Angel, the Senior German Officer of the German element at NATO’s Allied Air Command, reflected on the event’s remarkable growth.

“Initially, it was a small event between Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and one of the Bundeswehr troops stationed at Ramstein,” Angel said. “We started out with a handful of people and this year more than 300 people stepped up to earn the coveted badge. It is great seeing everyone together and being an ambassador for their country.”

This sentiment was echoed by event planners, who emphasized the competition’s role in fostering friendship and improving interoperability.

“What makes this event special is that participants aren’t competing against each other; they are competing against themselves,” said 1st Sgt. Dana Cavazos from Veterinary Readiness Activity, Rheinland Pfalz. “Watching them push past what they thought were their limits while everyone cheers them on is an incredible sight.”

The Six Pillars of Proficiency

To earn the GAFPB, candidates had to prove their competence in a series of grueling events designed to test their comprehensive military readiness:

• First Aid: Candidates were required to have completed a Combat Lifesaver Training (CLS) Level 1 course or an equivalent.
• NBC Test: Participants had to demonstrate their ability to quickly and properly do a full set of Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) protective gear.
• Basic Fitness Test: A three-part test completed within 90 minutes, including a minimum five-second flexed-arm hang, a 1000-meter sprint and a chin-up test.
• Marksmanship: Proficiency was tested with a German weapon, requiring soldiers to meet the standards of the Schützenschnur qualification through various shooting exercises.
• Foot March: A timed endurance test carrying a rucksack weighing at least 15 kg (33 lbs). Distances varied for each badge level.
• Swimming: A challenging 100-meter swim in full military uniform, immediately followed by the task of removing the outer uniform while treading water.

Showcasing Excellence and Determination

The competition showcased the outstanding readiness of both U.S. and German troops.

Among the standout performers were Sgt. Brody Kufahl, veterinary technician from the Veterinary Readiness Activity, Rheinland Pfalz, who earned the title of fastest swimmer with a remarkable time of 2:02 min and Sgt. 1st Class Marissa Henson, Food Inspection Noncommissioned officer in charge at Veterinary Readiness Activity, Rheinland Pfalz, who was the top overall female performer.

The event also highlighted stories of personal determination.

Air Force Master Sgt. Deborah Townsend decided to compete on a whim after seeing a poster for a swim class. “I signed up for the GAFPB the day before registration and made it onto the waitlist,” she explained. “Based on luck, I was able to get a spot. I’ve come across the opportunity to earn the GAFPB only a few times in my career, but when I came across it in Germany, I had to try. It’s extra special earning it here.”

Ultimately, the annual competition serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment to security that has defined the transatlantic alliance for decades. The demanding standards of the GAFPB ensure that those who earn it represent the peak of military preparedness, embodying the shared strength and dedication of the Allied Nations.

Source: United States Army

FUJISAWA, Japan – “This was a gateway to a new life overseas.”

Staff Sgt. Paulo Dasilva, recently assigned to U.S. Army Medical Department Activity – Japan at Camp Zama, had that to say after participating in the installation’s “Step Into Japan” program.

The program, part of the installation’s suicide prevention efforts, is meant to guide newly assigned Soldiers and their families outside the gates and into Japan. Moving beyond traditional classroom briefings, the program is designed to transform the anxiety of being in a new place into connection by having participants familiarize themselves with Japan’s railway system and explore their community.

Leslie Noel, Camp Zama’s Army Substance Abuse Program specialist, said the ASAP team recognized a silent challenge in the community: For some Soldiers and families, the world beyond Camp Zama could feel out of reach. Isolation and the stress of a foreign environment were more than just inconveniences, Noel said — they could become risks to mental health and resilience.

“The program aims to strengthen protective factors such as connections, a sense of being understood and supported, reduced isolation, and a sense of belonging and purpose,” Noel said. “It is in direct alignment with the garrison commander’s priority of building community trust.”

As Noel observed during last month’s “Step Into Japan” trip, the impact was visible. Attendees exchanged contact information with each other and began building the very support systems Noel says help prevent high-risk behaviors.

Noel said the program serves the dual purposes of “providing practical skills to navigate a new country while fostering community trust.”

“I signed up to bridge the gap between the familiar and the unknown, seeking to immerse my family in their new surroundings,” Dasilva said. “In doing this, we gained more comfort and confidence in using the rail system that Japan offers.”

The experience proved to be transformative, Dasilva said. While the breathtaking scenery of Enoshima Island captured their hearts, the true value laid in the newfound confidence he said he and his family gained.

“The ‘Step Into Japan’ program showed us that there is an abundance to do in Japan, and we are truly blessed to be here to experience the culture,” he said. “Exposure to the world instead of what’s familiar is a treasure that we cherish that our son is getting to see.”

Capt. Britney Gray, assigned to the 765th Transportation Battalion since October 2025, said the program provided her with the meaningful first step necessary to begin her tour in Japan in earnest.

Through the trip, Gray said she gained many connections while also enjoying the sightseeing and gaining a deeper understanding of things like Japanese etiquette. More importantly, the value of the program for her came with the realization that she is part of a community that cares.

“This program is proof to me that there are people in this community who care enough to educate others on what’s around them,” she said. “It was an introduction to the life I can enjoy here in Japan for the next few years.”

“‘Step Into Japan’ is more than a tour,” Staff Sgt. Joshua Nelson, the co-organizer of the program, said. “The purpose is to help integrate new and existing community members into the Camp Zama community, build confidence, develop relationships, explore destinations in Japan, and educate people on the culture of Japan.”

Since the program’s inception in March 2025, Nelson has watched the program transform many formerly hesitant people into those who are now eager to explore.

This was on full display during the most recent tour in early February. Despite a forecast of snow and freezing temperatures on the day, a record-breaking 24 participants joined the journey. Nelson said he witnessed a powerful shift as both newcomers, long-term residents and volunteers started to shed their apprehensions and began bonding with each other.

“The best part of the event was witnessing the smiles, laughs and the ‘Wow!’ expressions throughout the day as the participants saw the unique landscapes, shrines, temples and architecture, and truly ‘stepped into Japan,’” he said.

In bringing the community together and breaking down the barriers of rank, culture and language, the program has successfully empowered community members to find support systems, friends and the courage to navigate their new home, Nelson said.

Source: United States Army

CHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaiʻi — Military leaders, state officials and community partners gathered overlooking the Waiʻanae Coast to sign a memorandum of understanding ensuring coordinated emergency access through Kolekole Pass, reinforcing a partnership designed to protect communities along Oʻahu’s leeward coast.

The agreement between the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and the City and County of Honolulu establishes procedures for opening Kolekole Pass to civilian traffic during life-threatening emergencies, providing an additional evacuation route for residents of the Waiʻanae Coast.

The signing followed a joint emergency access exercise conducted the day prior, led by Navy Region Hawaiʻi in coordination with U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi. Personnel from the garrison’s Directorate of Emergency Services and Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security joined state and county partners to rehearse procedures for opening the pass and managing evacuation traffic during a crisis.

Capt. Samuel White, commander of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, said the training highlighted the importance of coordination among agencies responsible for emergency response.

“Just yesterday we conducted another exercise where we pushed vehicles through the pass with support from the Department of Transportation and our emergency management partners,” White said. “These rehearsals strengthen relationships and coordination so when the request comes, our response is automatic and focused on moving people to safety.”

Col. Rachel Sullivan, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi, said the renewed agreement formalizes a process that has already proven successful during previous emergencies.

“Today marks the official signing of a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and the City and County of Honolulu, codifying an agreement for coordinated access to Kolekole Pass as an emergency evacuation route for the Waiʻanae Coast of Oʻahu,” Sullivan said.

Although the pass has been used during past emergencies, Sullivan said the agreement ensures the procedures remain in place beyond individual leaders.

“Our sincere hope is that this agreement — one that transcends individual commanders and personalities — will give peace of mind to our community,” she said.

Maj. Gen. James Bartholomees, senior commander of U.S. Army Hawaiʻi and commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division, said the partnership reflects the military’s commitment to both national defense and community support.

“We are blessed to live here in Hawaiʻi and blessed to serve,” Bartholomees said. “With that comes the responsibility to care for the land we steward and the communities around us.”

Rear Adm. Brad Collins, commander of Navy Region Hawaiʻi, said the agreement reflects years of collaboration between military and civilian partners.

“Today’s signing is more than a document,” Collins said. “It is a reaffirmation of trust, partnership and cooperation.”

Collins noted the pass proved critical during the July 2025 tsunami warning when hundreds of vehicles safely transited the route ahead of the projected wave arrival.

“This worked because of the relationships, planning and trust we have built together,” he said.

James Barros, administrator of the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, said the agreement demonstrates a shared commitment to protecting residents.

“Our preparedness as a state requires everyone,” Barros said. “This memorandum establishes clear procedures for requesting and opening the pass when circumstances warrant. It is about protecting lives.”

Following the remarks, representatives from participating agencies signed a ceremonial version of the memorandum, symbolizing their continued commitment to coordinated emergency response and community safety across Hawaiʻi.

Source: United States Army

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – The latest class of future combat medics is nearing completion of the 68W Healthcare Specialist Military Occupational Specialty Transition course at the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 166th Regiment – Regional Training Institute.

The 68W MOS-T course is a 59-day course conducted by the 166th RTI’s Medical Battalion Training Site that prepares Soldiers transitioning from other MOSs to become combat medics.

The course takes students through three phases, with a culminating event on the last day of training. During the culminating event, the students are put into simulated combat scenarios, including a mass-casualty event.

“In the culminating event we put them in as high of a fidelity simulation as we can and have them actually practice these skills that they’ve been training to do,” said Staff Sgt. Caden Schultheis, a 68W course instructor with the 4th Battalion, 166th RTI.

During phase one, students complete the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians course and become nationally registered as EMTs.

During phase two, students transition into the 68W MOS-T course, where they are introduced to a “sick call” and a limited primary care setting.

They are then transitioned into phase three, where they are trained on field medicine and practice on-the-line care.

“Learning everything that it takes to be a certified national EMT in three weeks, that was the most challenging part of it,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Hodson of the 728th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. “Once we got past phase one, we actually started getting more hands on.”

Hodson explained his admiration for the course and the knowledge it has given him, even stating that throughout his 18 years in the Army this course was the most challenging for him yet.

“I can’t say anything but great things about my experience in the course,” said Hodson. “It was challenging and completely applicable.”

“We [combat medics] prepare you in ways that others don’t,” said Schultheis. “We’re learning all sorts of different stuff when we get to our duty station, in addition to all the medical knowledge that will accrue. So, I would say it’s the best I’ve ever been in the Army, and it’s really worth the effort.”

Source: United States Army

PHANOM SARAKHAM DISTRICT, CHACHOENGSAO, Thailand — When a disaster happens and lives are in danger, time might be the most critical asset first responders have.

“We train together, [so] we can respond together swiftly, safely and respectively, supporting Thai authorities and local communities when called,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Prendergrast, commander, 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard.

U.S. joint services and partners from the Royal Thai Armed Forces and Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department conducted a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, or HADR, demonstration Feb. 27 during Exercise Cobra Gold 2026 at the Disaster Relief Training Centre in Phanom Sarakham District, Chachoengsao, Thailand.

“Cobra Gold demonstrates our enduring partnership with the Kingdom of Thailand and our collective commitment to readiness and life-saving humanitarian cooperation. Today’s HADR demonstration embodies that commitment,” Prendergrast said. “What we saw today is joint search and rescue teams, medical partners and civil-military coordination, which reflects practical training that will save lives if and when disaster strikes.”

The humanitarian assistance and disaster relief component of Exercise Cobra Gold 2026 is designed to sharpen the ability of multinational forces to respond quickly and effectively to real-world crises. The seven fully participating nations in Cobra Gold 26 — the United States, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and the Republic of Korea — conducted combined planning and field drills that emphasize coordination, information sharing and operational awareness during disasters. A centerpiece of this effort is the HADR demonstration, where forces operate side by side in realistic scenarios such as search and rescue, medical response and urgent life-saving support.

For U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Ricky Manglona, 420th Chemical Battalion, Washington Army National Guard, training in Thailand during these events is more than just a job; it’s about ensuring his family receives assistance when they need it.

“Every time we come and train with the Thais, it’s like seeing our extended family again, like coming over for a holiday or family coming back together,” Manglona said. “So we exchange our stories, like where we’ve been, what we’ve been doing, and then we catch up pretty quick. We work as a team because we train the same, they know the U.S. standards and we know the Thai standards.”

He was just one of the U.S. Soldiers and Airmen who participated in a joint hazmat entry response with the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department, the Washington National Guard Homeland Response Force, and the Washington National Guard Civil Support Team.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kristen Retherford, 10th Civil Support Team, Washington National Guard, was one of the lead planners and the first participant to enter the obstacle during the demonstration. Her training and experience with the 10th Civil Support Team prepared her to work side by side with the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department.

“The basics of HAZMAT and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear response are the same no matter who is conducting the mission. So whether it is a commercial vehicle spill or leak from a weapon of mass destruction response, the basics are the same,” Retherford said. “You have to assess the situation, detect and monitor for any hazards and make decisions from there to save lives.”

The HADR demonstration emphasizes the integration of specialized search-and-rescue units, including teams with search-and-rescue dogs trained to locate survivors in complex environments. In parallel, Cobra Gold 2026 incorporates simulated evacuation and emergency operations, including a medical response, allowing multinational teams to rehearse the safe movement of civilians from crisis areas to secure locations.

Just as important, the HADR training strengthened relationships between military forces and civilian emergency responders, ensuring smoother coordination during floods, earthquakes and other large-scale humanitarian crises.

“We build that continuity, we build those relationships and work together to get better and learn,” Manglona said. “Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department, they’re like the best premier firefighters in Thailand. Hands down, they’re just the best, and I learn a lot from them every time I come here.”

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