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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

VICENZA, Italy — Italian and U.S. Soldiers accepted the challenge of earning the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge at various locations throughout Caserma Del Din, Feb. 2-6.

The GAFPB is a German Bundeswehr (armed forces) decoration that is one of the few foreign awards approved for wear on formal U.S. service uniforms.

Over 110 candidates reported for the assessment. U.S. participants included 99 Soldiers representing the 173rd Airborne Brigade, 207th Military Intelligence Brigade (T), 517th Geospatial Planning Cell, 79th Theater Sustainment Command (FWD), 21th Theater Sustainment Command, and U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). Italian soldiers with the Esercito Italiano’s “Folgore” Parachute Brigade also tested for the badge.

German soldiers assigned to Support Battalion 8, 10th Panzer Division, proctored the assessment that determined whether candidates met the standard to wear one of the badge’s three qualification levels: gold, silver or bronze.

The evaluation’s intended goals included strengthening bonds between SETAF-AF directorates and adjacent units, building partner-nation military relations, and promoting esprit de corps while showcasing military and physical preparedness.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Mitchell Hansen, executive officer for SETAF-AF’s intelligence and sustainment company, considered earning the GAFPB to be an important accomplishment at SETAF-AF, considering the extensive work his team does with allies and partners in Europe. Hansen also tested for his own badge while serving as officer in charge during the assessment, primarily acting as liaison.

“It builds trust and camaraderie working with our German partners… so we can complete our mission both in Europe and in Africa,” Hansen said. “This training has really opened my eyes, working with our Italian and German partners, because they each have different processes for completing the mission.”

Over four days, participants completed the Bundeswehr’s Basic Fitness Test, swimming and pistol marksmanship assessments, as well as a road march ranging from 3.72 to 7.45 miles (6 to 12 kilometers per German military regulations) with a 35-pound pack. Academic testing required participants to demonstrate first-aid competency and proficiency in chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear training.

Hansen considered the 100-meter swim to be the most challenging single event, which requires candidates to swim the distance in full uniform, then take off their blouses and trousers and throw them out of the pool.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michelle Alvarado, an all-source intelligence analyst assigned to the 17th Military Intelligence Company, 173rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), concurred with Hansen on the difficulty of the badge’s swim requirement. Having previously earned her U.S. Army Expert Soldier Badge, Alvarado said that the swim presented “a different type of challenge,” highlighting it as an example of skill sets candidates had to improve for GAFPB testing.

“I would usually never be [swimming] for my occupation,” Alvarado said. “Training with allied forces teaches us how differently they operate in different environments, what they’re proficient in, and what we can learn from them.”

Bundeswehr Capt. Stefanie Mayer, executive officer for 2nd Company, Support Battalion 8, led the team that administered the GAFPB testing and noted that both American and Italian candidates were “very fit and very trained.” She also pointed out other benefits of allies forming personal bonds while rising to meet the same challenges together.

“Especially notable was the camaraderie between the candidates,” Mayer said. “They were cheering each other on and having fun with these disciplines. We are looking forward to repeating this event again, maybe forming a lasting partnership [with the I&S company], and hopefully having the opportunity to come back or have a team do something with an American proficiency badge for German soldiers.”

The week’s assessment ended with an awards ceremony Feb. 6, when GAFPB candidates received recognition for their efforts. After organizers calculated the final scores, U.S. recipients had earned 11 gold, 30 silver and 19 bronze GAFPBs. The Italian cohort received six gold and six silver badges.

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

CINCU, ROMANIA – In the rolling hills of central Romania, eight NATO nations gathered at the Land Forces Combat Training Center Getica with their eyes fixed on the virtual battlefield for the initial phase of Dynamic Front 2026.

This year, U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Multi-Domain Command Europe had the unique opportunity to train alongside NATO Allies and partners as they executed a command post exercise utilizing the Romanian simulation center in Cincu.

Modern warfare continues to shape artillery operations and requires a multi-domain approach to effectively fight and win. Exercises like Dynamic Front 26 are critical to test capabilities that counter anti-access/ area denial (A2/AD), and counter mass and momentum through multi-domain kill webs.

Through numerous years of training, NATO Allies and partners have proven their ability to execute live-fire missions together. As a result, Multi-Domain Command Europe has now shifted the strategic focus to simulation and command and control to test multinational integration of fires across a distributed battlefield.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Caleb Ayers, master gunner for launcher fires and a lead planner for the exercise assigned to Multi-Domain Command Europe, emphasized how Dynamic Front leverages technology to increase interoperability and maintain the advantage.

“The purpose of the exercise at this moment is to test artillery cooperation across Europe. Dynamic Front helps everyone to operate in a distributed battlefield through the Artillery Systems Cooperation Activities (ASCA) connections,” said Ayers.

ASCA is a software program designed to allow shared data using the same tactical internet network across multiple nations. The technology creates a common digital language, increasing the speed and accuracy of multinational fire mission processing and reducing the likelihood of errors.

“You can have missions going across multiple countries with one control. For Dynamic Front 26, we have our control here in Romania, but we have missions that can go to Germany, Poland, and Spain. We can disperse across the entire theater and maintain that communication,” said Ayers.

During execution of the command post exercise, ASCA served as the universal translator and allowed NATO participants to act as a unified front to protect the Alliance. Regardless of nationality or location on the battlefield, the exercise confirmed U.S. and NATO’s ability to share information instantly and accurately to deliver precision fires.

Spanish Armed Forces Lt. Col. Francisco Morejón, commander of the 1-63 Multiple Launch Rocket System Battalion, Field Artillery Command Spain, spoke on how his unit effectively utilized these systems to communicate over 1500 miles away.

“This exercise is very important because it demonstrates the interoperability we have in terms of fires and command and control systems. We receive fire missions from 8th Brigade (Romania) and we translate it into real targets using the same command and control systems to connect to our platoons in Spain,” said Morejón.

Through the simulation, NATO forces replicated realistic scenarios and tested their ability to operate collectively in complex, contested operational environments. The command post exercise affirmed U.S. and NATO’s commitment to deterrence and stability across the European theater.

Ultimately, Dynamic Front continues to demonstrate how Allied forces fight as one team when it matters most. U.S. and NATO forces have now transitioned to the live fire portion across four different countries to validate the digital command and control with tangible, real-world effects.

Source: United States Army

RAMSTEIN, Germany — More than 400 students at Ramstein Elementary School recently received a hands-on lesson in science thanks to volunteers from Public Health Command Europe.

Over the course of one week, entomologist Captain Jordan Cornell and Preventive Medicine Sergeant Devin Gay spent Monday and Wednesday mornings visiting first- and second-grade classrooms, introducing students to the life cycle of insects and the role entomology plays in public health. Through interactive discussions and real-life examples, Cornell and Gay explained what defines an insect, what insects do in the environment and why understanding them matters.

For many students, the highlight of the visit came when the team brought live cockroaches to the classroom. Students were given the opportunity to observe and touch the insects if they wished. The experience sparked excitement, curiosity, and plenty of questions.

“The kids truly enjoyed it,” Cornell said. “I’m always amazed by the questions children ask. They’re curious, engaged, and genuinely excited to learn. Seeing that enthusiasm, especially when they discover they share a passion for bugs, is incredibly rewarding.”

The visit also gave students a rare opportunity to meet a subject matter expert from Public Health Command Europe. In addition to teaching about insects, Capt. Cornell spoke about his profession and how entomology supports public health by helping prevent the spread of insect-borne diseases.

Teachers at Ramstein Elementary School welcomed the opportunity. Beatrice Whitely, a teacher at the school, said both staff and students had been eagerly anticipating the visit.

“We were all very much looking forward to this experience,” she said. “Students were able to relate to Capt. Cornell’s presentation about insects and the types of life cycles as they have studied life science as part of the curriculum.”

Students echoed that excitement. Olivia, a second grader who participated in the lesson, said she loved learning about insects, even if some of them were a little unsettling. “It was so cool to learn about bugs,” she said. “The cockroaches were huge and kind of creepy, but I hope they comes back soon.”

The entomology team volunteered their time to reach more than 400 children during the week, reinforcing lessons they had already begun in the classroom and expanding their understanding through real-world examples.

Looking ahead, Cornell is working toward establishing a more robust volunteer partnership between Public Health Command Europe and Ramstein Elementary School. His goal is to eventually invite students to visit the laboratory and entomology department, allowing them to see firsthand how insects are studied and how that work supports the health and safety of the military community.

Source: United States Army

WASHINGTON — Feb. 4, 2026 — The Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401) announced today it has awarded a $5.2 million agreement to Perennial Autonomy for the Bumblebee V2 counter-drone system to provide U.S. forces with a low-cost, low-collateral kinetic interceptor to defeat illicit drones at home and abroad.

The agreement was awarded January 30, 2026, with deliveries scheduled to begin in March. The Bumblebee V2 is a next-generation FPV multirotor drone. The system is designed to physically intercept and neutralize hostile small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). This is achieved through a drone-on-drone collision when the Bumblebee V2 directly engages the threat, rendering both aircraft inoperable. This method provides a precise countermeasure that minimizes collateral damage, making it a safe and effective option for protecting troops on the battlefield and critical infrastructure in the homeland.

“This decision puts kinetic Counter-sUAS capability into the hands of our troops immediately,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Matthew Ross, Director, JIATF-401. “The Bumblebee V2 provides a cost-effective, reliable interceptor that can neutralize threats without endangering our own forces or surrounding infrastructure. On the modern battlefield, where drones are a constant threat, having a low-collateral kinetic option is not just an advantage, it is increasingly becoming essential for protecting our forces.”

The Bumblebee V2 will be operationally assessed by the Army’s Global Response Force in support of the recently established Lieutenant General Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost (JIOP). This assessment will ensure the system meets the nation’s toughest demands for units who train to rapidly deploy on high-stakes missions across the globe, aligning with the JIOP’s goal to accelerate the delivery of top-tier technology to warfighters.

“The Bumblebee V2 is fully NDAA compliant and is equipped with cutting-edge software that allows it to identify, track, and collide with other drones,” added U.S. Army Maj. Cole Price, Assistant Capability Manager, JIATF-401. “This provides a crucial capability for our forces to counter the growing threat of autonomous systems.”

Source: United States Army

SCOTTSBURG, IN – The U.S. Army and Conco, Inc. opened a new facility in Scottsburg, Indiana on Feb. 5, dedicated to producing metal packaging containers for the 155mm Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS). The ceremony, hosted by Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Agile Sustainment and Ammunition, marks a critical step forward in expanding the nation’s 155mm artillery ammunition production capacity and an enhancement of the nation’s domestic industrial base. Scottsburg Mayor Terry Amick along with representatives from Senators Banks and Young and Congresswoman Houchin were also in attendance.

The Scottsburg facility is a critical component of the Army’s comprehensive strategy to modernize and increase its production of artillery munitions. The cylindrical metal containers produced at this facility play a major part in ammunition survivability in the harshest conditions worldwide. At full operational capacity, the plant will produce 80,000 MACS containers monthly, more than doubling Conco’s previous output. This increase from the current capacity of 30,000 containers per month is the direct result of a substantial investment of $98 million in non-recurring engineering and production capabilities.

“Acquisition speed is being accelerated both by policy shifts within the DOW and global events which are placing significant pressure on the Defense Industrial Base. This necessitates the need for surge capabilities for critical munitions,” said Reim. “After investing millions of dollars of their own money to grow capacity, our project team issued a multi-year contract to Conco to further expand and workload their capacity. This facility is a testament to the strength of the partnership between the Army and American industry.”

The facility is part of the Army’s rapid acquisition reforms and represents the latest in technology and manufacturing capabilities. It marks the 12th ribbon cutting in the Army’s ongoing campaign to strengthen the Arsenal of Freedom through munitions production modernization and expansion. The multi-year contract awarded to Conco is a cornerstone of the ongoing acquisition reform which focuses on speed of procurement and production. By using a multi-year contract, the Army can reduce program cost growth and introduce stability into the acquisition process.

The metal containers produced at the new plant are essential for the safe and reliable delivery of 155mm artillery MACS, a cornerstone of sustaining modern ground warfare. The new facility employs both traditional manufacturing operations and new technology. The state-of-the-art equipment and processes used are key to unmatched production efficiency, enabling swift accomplishment of the Army’s mission. This expansion of production capacity directly supports the Army’s commitment to providing lethal capabilities to joint warfighters and international partners.

“Victory on the battlefield often hinges on the small things that most people don’t think about, like ammunition packaging. But successfully designing new metal packaging containers has been a serious limiting factor for industry to deliver at scale,” explained Reim. “The simple fact is nothing beats MACS for getting much needed 155mm artillery rounds to the frontlines safely and ready for action. The work done here in Scottsburg is vital to ensure our Warfighters and allied partners have the overmatch they need on the battlefield.”

For more information, please contact the Portfolio Acquisition Executive Agile Sustainment & Ammunition Public Affairs Office at usarmy.pica.jpeo-aa.mbx.jpeo-aa-public-affairs@army.mil.

Source: United States Army

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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

HINDI, Kenya — Soldiers assigned to Civil Affairs Team Kenya, Alpha Company, Civil Affairs Battalion, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) engaged with multiple Kenyan civilian and military organizations to increase interoperability by conducting a medical camp, Dec. 11, 2025.

U.S. Army Capt. Andrew Hunt, team chief for CA Team Kenya, explained that a medical camp is an organized event that provides essential medical services to communities that would otherwise not receive treatment. Medical camps are significant for civil affairs efforts because they address the lack of access to medical treatment in underdeveloped regions — a core vulnerability CA teams have identified that can make local populations susceptible to recruitment by violent extremist organizations.

The CA team’s partners included the Kenyan navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation personnel, Kenyan naval medical professionals, the Kenyan Red Cross, Safari Doctors and the Lamu County Department of Health Services. The team worked as a liaison with these agencies to organize the event, while U.S. Soldiers assigned to Task Force Bataan and Kenyan army rangers provided security.

This event focused on increasing opportunities for medical treatment for civilians in Forward Operating Site Manda Bay Kenya’s area of operations, improving local perceptions of U.S. and Kenyan naval forces, and planning future joint activities. Medical and dental professionals treated approximately 250 patients during this one-day medical camp.

Hunt emphasized that the civil affairs mission seeks to minimize — or ideally, eliminate —negative impacts of military operations on civilians and help whenever possible. The information gathered during engagements like medical camps helps achieve these goals. These efforts not only provide humanitarian aid to underdeveloped regions, the goodwill generated from these events also improves the Army’s overall readiness if combat forces need to mobilize.

“Civil affairs teams provide critical information to the combatant commander to develop a detailed picture of the civil considerations in the area when planning kinetic operations,” Hunt said.

Doctrinally, the civil affairs mission set is intentionally about disarming, Hunt noted.

“If I took the perspective of a host-nation civilian who doesn’t have frequent interactions with U.S. forces, I would be suspicious of their intentions,” Hunt said. “The nature of our mission allows us to be upfront about our intentions and simply state that we’re here to listen to concerns of the community, identify existing vulnerabilities that can be exploited by bad actors, find solutions that address vulnerabilities, and reinforce that the U.S. military wants the same things the host nation wants: peace and security.”

According to Hunt, this event gave the CA team in Kenya a deeper understanding of the capabilities each partner provided. Such initiatives exemplify civil affairs’ role in sustaining Camp Simba’s mission and fostering positive relations with the local population.

“This collaboration helped identify potential civil vulnerabilities within the area and helped further develop a robust civil network,” Hunt said. “This will ultimately lead to improved coordination and enhanced security measures for U.S. military personnel assigned to Camp Simba. Engagements like these cultivate community support for U.S. efforts and mitigate threats posed by violent extremist organizations.”

CA Team Kenya’s future efforts will include maintaining the strong relationships it has established with the organizations that made the medical camp a successful event.

“Representatives from the groups we worked with said they would like to plan another medical camp,” Hunt said. “Going forward, we’re confident that the continued collaboration and dedication from these entities and others will help provide essential medical services until more permanent and accessible facilities become available.”

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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

AUSTIN, Texas — Soldiers assigned to the 36th Infantry Division gathered with family members, friends and community leaders Jan. 31 at Camp Mabry for a farewell ceremony as they prepare to deploy to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

The ceremony marked a key milestone in the division’s deployment process, recognizing the dedication of service members and the sacrifices their families made. Following the event, the division will continue readiness training and final mission validation before deploying.

Maj. Gen. John “Brad” Bowlin, commander of the 36th Infantry Division, addressed service members and families during the ceremony, emphasizing readiness, leadership and the critical role families play throughout the deployment cycle.

“As we prepare to deploy, we do so grounded in a legacy that began in 1917 and continues today,” Bowlin said. “This moment reflects months of preparation and the unwavering commitment of our service members and their families as we move forward ready, disciplined and focused on the mission ahead.”

Beyond marking a deployment milestone, the ceremony underscored the people behind the formation — the Soldiers preparing to deploy and the families who support them.

“This deployment gives me the opportunity to contribute in a way that directly supports national defense initiatives and strengthens partnerships with host nations,” said Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Caldwell, a senior intelligence analyst with the division. “Working across staff sections to support commanders and the mission is something I take pride in, especially as a first-generation service member.”

Family members in attendance reflected on the significance of the moment and the support required throughout the deployment.

“This deployment brings a mix of emotions, but I know it will be a meaningful season of growth for both of us,” said Katrina Bondoc, wife of 2nd Lt. James Bondoc. “It gives him the opportunity to grow, serve his country and step into the leader he is becoming.”

The 36th Infantry Division will deploy as part of Task Force Spartan, supporting U.S. Army Central’s enduring mission to strengthen regional security, reassure allies and partners, and maintain a ready and forward-postured force in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

The deployment continues the division’s long history of overseas service, following its most recent mobilization in 2020 in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

Created in 1917, the division first saw combat during World War I. During World War II, its amphibious assault at Salerno, Italy, made it the first American division to land on the European continent. Throughout the Cold War, the division maintained a continuous overseas presence, followed by peacekeeping missions in the Balkans and Kosovo and multiple deployments in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn and Spartan Shield.

Operation Spartan Shield promotes stability across the region and reinforces the United States’ enduring commitment to its allies and partners in the Middle East. The deployment highlights the National Guard’s ability to provide trained and ready forces in support of global operational requirements.

An official casing of the colors ceremony is scheduled for March at Fort Hood following completion of training and readiness validation.

“We are Texans, we are Guardsmen, and we are ready,” Bowlin said. “We go as a team, we serve as a team, and we will all come home as a team.”

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Source: United States Army

FORT McCOY, Wis. — About 200 Soldiers assigned to the Wisconsin National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery Regiment trained at Fort McCoy Jan. 21–31 to complete individual Soldier tasks and conduct cold-weather operations on M777 and M119 howitzers.

The training reinforced the battalion’s readiness to operate artillery systems in extreme cold while maintaining individual proficiency, teamwork and safety in austere conditions.

Army Command Sgt. Maj. Nicholas Kletzien, the battalion’s senior enlisted advisor, said the training was designed to mirror elements of previous cold-weather exercises, including Exercise Northern Strike at Camp Grayling, Michigan, but on a smaller scale.

“Those were good training opportunities,” Kletzien said. “What we wanted to do here was conduct similar training, but at a smaller scale.”

Kletzien said just over half of the battalion participated, as many Soldiers were supporting deployments or attending institutional training typically scheduled this time of year.

“Because we were training with a smaller number of troops, we decided to conduct the training at Fort McCoy, and it worked out great,” he said.

Army Lt. Col. Rustin Billings, the battalion commander, and Kletzien said the 11-day training event focused on multiple operational objectives, including equipment proficiency, basic Soldier skills and teamwork in extreme cold.

“We find this type of training resonates with Soldiers more than when we make training artificially hard,” Kletzien said.

During the exercise, Soldiers set up arctic 10-person tents equipped with heaters to maintain warmth while operating howitzers and during a sling-load training event Jan. 28.

Kletzien said practicing cold-weather techniques and wearing proper cold-weather gear helps ensure Soldiers are prepared to operate in any environment.

In October, Joe Ernst, an instructor with the Cold-Weather Operations Course at Fort McCoy, demonstrated proper use of cold-weather equipment to unit members, helping prepare them for the winter training.

“When Joe came to talk with our unit, he showed us how to use that equipment, and it really helped us prepare for this training,” Kletzien said.

Throughout the event, Soldiers trained in snow showers and temperatures at or below zero.

“Our goal was to test the equipment while focusing on individual tasks and training,” Kletzien said. “That was accomplished.”

Kletzien also said Fort McCoy’s location and range options make it an ideal training site for extended combat training, weekend drills and annual training.

“Fort McCoy offers a wide array of firing points for our unit,” he said. “That flexibility helps us build realistic training scenarios for our Soldiers.”

Planning is already underway for future training in 2027.

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Source: United States Army

GRAYLING, Mich. — More than 450 U.S. Soldiers and Airmen braved freezing temperatures and extreme winter conditions during the winter iteration of Northern Strike 26, Jan. 26-29. An Army-sponsored, National Guard Bureau exercise, Northern Strike provides service members from across the total force the opportunity to train to meet the objectives of the Department of War’s Arctic strategy.

The winter iteration of the exercise focuses on one of the most unforgiving aspects of warfighting: surviving, moving, and fighting in extreme cold.

Held across more than 14,000 acres at the National All-Domain Warfighting Center in Northern Michigan, the event pushed service members to operate in sub-zero temperatures while training in a complex, contested environment — conditions leaders say are essential for meeting Department of War priorities and preparing for potential conflict against rival competitors.

“Northern Strike replicates the complexity of the modern environment and it’s an outstanding learning opportunity,” said U.S. Army Col. Todd Fitzpatrick, officer in charge of the Northern Strike plans team, Michigan National Guard. “It’s a very robust scenario that answers the call.”

The training includes conventional maneuver operations alongside modern threats such as unmanned aircraft systems, electronic warfare and complex opposing-force attacks. Northern Strike affords units the opportunity to perform these operations across each warfighting domain: land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace.

“We can train in all five domains of warfare simultaneously,” Fitzpatrick said.

The weather itself, Fitzpatrick said, becomes a crucial training tool.

“We experienced lows in the negative teens, not including wind chill, and several feet of snow on the ground,” he said. “That challenges movement and mobility. Service members get to test their individual equipment and weapon systems and understand what those extreme conditions have on their equipment.”

For Soldiers in the Michigan Army National Guard’s field artillery formations, the winter iteration offered a rare opportunity to train in conditions that cannot be replicated at home station.

U.S. Army Sgt. Stephen Nugent, a howitzer crew section chief with Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 119th Field Artillery Regiment, Michigan National Guard, said the cold forced his team to adapt quickly.

“What we’re able to do out here that we can’t do at home station is train effectively in cold weather and test our howitzers, vehicles and equipment,” Nugent said. “In case the state or the country needs us, we’re ready.”

Even basic artillery maintenance became a challenge in the extreme cold. To combat necessary liquids from freezing, soldiers implemented a cleaning, lubrication, and protection solvent, also known as CLP, mixture into their training routine.

“For our job, we definitely need water for cleaning the breech,” Nugent said. “It’s been tricky maintaining warm water, so we have to mix water and CLP so it doesn’t freeze over.”

Despite the hardship, Nugent said morale remained strong.

“This battery has, by far, the best morale you’ll ever find,” he said. “We’re suffering out here, but everyone’s keeping each other’s spirits up, joking around and talking with one another.”

U.S. Army Capt. James Stock, commander of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 119th Field Artillery, Michigan National Guard, said the winter conditions provided a critical test of survivability and combat capability.

“These are some of the coldest temperatures that Michigan’s seen in a very long time,” Stock said. “It enables Soldiers and equipment to get out and not only test their capabilities, but exercise warfighting functions like survivability and field artillery tactics.”

Stock said his unit faced equipment breakdowns and logistical challenges but continued adapting to accomplish the mission.

“We’ve been troubleshooting equipment breaking down — weapon systems, vehicles, utilities,” he said. “But we’ve come up with solutions outside the box to keep driving the mission forward. We’re adapting every day.”

As units prepared for live-fire missions, the focus remained on learning under pressure.

“This is the first time we’ve set up cold-weather tents in the field,” Stock said. “We’re working through those processes, getting maintenance squared away and carrying those lessons learned throughout the exercise.”

For Fitzpatrick, that ability to operate and improve before real-world conflict is one of the exercise’s greatest opportunities.

“Northern Strike offers the opportunity to train and struggle here before we have to do it for real,” he said. “We allow units to try, fail, reset and do it all over again.”

Northern Strike is structured to support Department of War objectives, including defending the homeland and preparing forces for large-scale combat in contested environments.

Northern Strike’s summer iteration will return in August, bringing thousands of service members to Michigan, but leaders said the winter event remains uniquely valuable.

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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

TUNIS, Tunisia — Allies representing Tunisia, the United States, France and Italy met in Tunis Jan. 21-24 for the final planning event of the Tunisian portion of African Lion 2026.

Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of U.S. Africa Command, the exercise seeks to strengthen the collective security capabilities of the United States, African nations and global allies.

“The primary purpose of AL26 is to build joint warfighting readiness, multinational interoperability and reinforce strategic partnerships in a critical region,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Corbett Baxter, lead planner for AL26. “Strong, enduring partnerships are critical to countering terrorist groups and malign actors while advancing shared international security interests.”

For the second, consecutive year, the Tunisian portion of AL26 will feature a large contingent of Italian and French special operations units that will partner directly with Tunisian counterparts to conduct airborne operations, live fire training and joint targeting and site exploitation enabled by U.S. intelligence and explosive ordinance disposal assets. AFRICOM welcomes European allies’ active participation and sees it as critical to the future of the exercise.

“AL26 is a strategic investment in the security and stability of the region,” Baxter said. “The training we execute alongside partners and allies ensures that we are collectively prepared to respond to crises across the full spectrum of conflict.”

African Lion 2026 will take place April 20-May 8 throughout Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana and Senegal. This year’s exercise involves more than 5,600 personnel from over 30 nations.

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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