Category: US Army

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.

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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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Source: United States Army

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska – When Alaska Army National Guard Land Component Commander Col. Aaron Kelsey greeted Director of the Army National Guard Lt. Gen. Jon Stubbs at the entrance of the Alaska Army National Guard Readiness Center Feb. 20, the mercury had plummeted to 6 degrees below zero with the chill condensing the air to the point the bronzed Minute Man statue standing watch over the Army officers’ meetup was festooned in a layer of frigid frost.

Standing as a representation of the 1,542 Citizen Soldiers and Arctic-capable, mission-ready forces within the Alaska Army National Guard, the statue’s symbolism as a guardian sentry over the North emerged throughout the director’s visit.

Stubbs, accompanied by Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Kendrick, met with Kelsey, Alaska Army National Guard Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 Mark Nieto and Alaska Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Baker before meeting with Alaska Army National Guard leadership and speaking to hundreds of Alaska Army National Guard Soldiers at the readiness center.

Kelsey and the Alaska Army National Guard staff shared several issues with Stubbs and his staff during the leadership meeting.

Arctic aviation is right-sized

When Alaska overlays a map of the continental United States, the vastness of the state is abundantly clear. The distance between Attu in the Aleutian Islands and Belle Bay in Southeast Alaska is 2,400 miles, nearly matching the 2,460 miles bridging New York City and Los Angeles.

Despite great distances, only a tiny fraction of the state is reachable by highway, leaving aviation as the primary means of reaching most communities. This paradigm came sharply into focus during fall 2025’s hurricane-force storms that devastated Western Alaska communities. During the 207th Aviation Troop Command’s response, the helicopter unit flew more than 330 hours, evacuating 501 civilians, transporting 741 disaster response personnel and moving more than 90 tons of cargo.

Arctic Combat Casualty Care

The U.S. military has relied on the “Golden Hour,” a time standard of evacuating critically wounded and injured troops to a higher level of medical care, for the past two decades. Maj. Titus Rund, 207th Aviation Troop Command flight surgeon, said a more realistic standard in a highly contested Arctic environment is “Golden Days,” requiring extended and effective prolonged casualty care.

“We need to accept that medical evacuation may be delayed or denied altogether in a high-end Arctic fight,” Rund said. “Momentum wins war – and casualties stop momentum. If we can’t stabilize and protect our injured in the cold, we lose more than lives. We lose initiative.”

To address the considerable challenges of providing prolonged casualty care in Arctic or extreme-cold environments, Rund submitted a patent on behalf of the Department of War for a casualty-evacuation, or CASEVAC, ecosystem.

The CASEVAC Ecosystem creates a “bubble of warmth” for the casualty and combat casualty care providers by allowing the casualty protection unit – a combined shelter and sled – to dock at a purpose-built casualty collection point shelter. The design enables rapid evacuation from the point of injury to definitive roles of care.

Rund also conceived of and leads a team in the development of an Augmented Reality TeleMentor system funded by U.S. Northern Command through Special Operations Command North in support of Special Operations Forces Arctic Medic exercises. The goal of the system is to upskill medics to perform tasks under the TeleMentor direction of surgeons who may be hundreds of feet or hundreds of miles away from the “point of need,” as demonstrated in the Ukraine conflict.

Drill travel reimbursement

Another challenge posed by the lack of roads in Alaska is getting Alaska Citizen Soldiers from their homes in rural Alaska to unit locations in Anchorage, Juneau, Fairbanks or hub communities that host armories.

The Joint Travel Regulation permits the Secretary of War to authorize travel reimbursement for Reserve Component members commuting beyond local distances for monthly drills. However, policies in place limit the identification of critical shortages, which preclude drill travel reimbursement for most Alaska Army National Guard Soldiers.

Missile Defense and the importance of Space

Stubbs boarded an Alaska Army National Guard C-12 Huron executive transport aircraft Feb. 21 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, then flew the short journey over the towering Alaska Range to Fort Wainwright. He observed infantry training there before driving to the Fort Greely Missile Defense Complex, where he met with Soldiers from the 49th Missile Defense Battalion.

After seeing the mission and training support missions at the Fire Team Readiness Facility, Stubbs spoke with Military Police Soldiers at the Security Control Center, who are responsible for patrolling the complex on even the coldest, snowiest days. Stubbs then moved to the Fire Direction Center, where 49th Missile Defense Battalion Soldiers spoke with him about how they detect, target and destroy incoming ballistic missiles that threaten America.

‘Nobody can do what we do’

Stubbs opened remarks for the Alaska Army National Guard all-call by recognizing Alaska’s Soldiers’ response during the former Typhoon Halong in Western Alaska.

“What you were doing, no kidding, saved lives,” Stubbs said. “You were in the midst of hoisting people off structures that were swept out to sea, saving lives and preserving families. It was incredible.”

Stubbs highlighted how National Guard Soldiers must be ready to respond to disasters and unrest in their states while simultaneously standing ready to deploy overseas into a combat zone for federal contingency and wartime operations.

“Nobody does what the National Guard does,” Stubbs said. “Nobody can do what we do – Citizen Soldiers out there at the tip of the spear inside your respective states.”

“Being a Soldier in the Army National Guard is a big deal,” Stubbs continued. “We’re 332,000 strong, across all 54 states, territories and the District of Columbia. Thirty-three percent of the Army is in the Army Guard. But here’s the deal: We’re the Combat Reserve of the Army, so that 42 percent of the [combat] power is in the Army National Guard.”

Stubbs commended Alaska Army National Guard Soldiers for being the Army National Guard’s and the nation’s Arctic experts.

“The things that you deal with in terms of the conditions, the tyranny of distance and the challenges that come with operating in this type of environment, whether it is just training, Warrior Battle Tasks and Drills, collective training at echelon, it’s not simple,” Stubbs said. “It speaks to the character of this great organization.”

Stubbs said he and Kendrick are confident that the Alaska Army National Guard and its Soldiers are always ready to accomplish any mission, state or federal.

“We are proud of you, we are proud of who you are, what you do and what you represent,” Stubbs said. “I leave you with this: We’re Guardsmen. We need to be proud of that. Nobody else can do what we do, nobody.”

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Source: United States Army

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. – Ninety-two teens from across North Jersey and beyond came together on Thursday, Feb. 26 to learn how to launch their own technical careers at the 11th annual “Introduce a Teen to Engineering Day.”

Those in attendance browsed tables providing information on Engineering Under Pressure, Energetics and Warheads, Fire Control for Air and Ground, Robotics, and more. The teens had the chance to discuss STEM topics with some of the nation’s best engineers and scientists and learn what goes into preparing the next generation of U.S. Army armament systems.

Several colleges were present, including the Stevens Institute of Technology, County College of Morris, Fairleigh Dickinson University and NJIT.

According to U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Armaments Center Supervisory General Engineer Jennifer Page, this event started when the Picatinny Arsenal STEM office saw a need to ensure teens were being introduced to engineering. The first year had five or six tables in the hallway, and Page said it’s been gradually growing since to the 30 tables in the conference center present this year, all the while taking suggestions from attendees on what they want to see.

“There are many ways to be an engineer, and there are many different disciplines. If they have an interest in an area, there’s probably an engineering discipline for them and a career field they can explore,” she said.

The robot dog, a program known as LoneWolf, drew many curious teens. Computer scientist Mary Falcigno noted LoneWolf’s excellent ability to keep Soldiers safe and help them complete missions while looking like “something out of science fiction.”

The teens also had the chance to name the dog, and according to Falcigno, while a name hasn’t been settled on, the team received many excellent suggestions.

“Seeing something that has been popular online in person, plus being able to contribute to naming our robot, made the table a hit with students,” she reflected.

The attendees were also enamored by two tables operated by PM Soldier Lethality. Here, the teens had the chance to lift and hold next generation individual Soldier weapons, the M7 and the M250.

“Everyone’s interested in actually touching what the Soldiers carry, and they’re impressed with how heavy the weapon is,” said Maj. Mark Fischbach. “It hits home that you got to be in shape in the military, and all the things the Soldiers have to go through to be combat effective.”

Jocelyn Lovins, a Morris Catholic High School student, was among the young attendees. Lovins has been accepted to study mechanical engineering at Fairfield University in Connecticut, and will intern at Picatinny Arsenal next summer, helping to package artillery.

“I’ve visited here a few times for other events, and seeing how electricals, mechanicals and chemicals work together to make something, big or small, it has a big impact,” the physics lover explained. Yesenia Lovins, her mother, vividly recalled how excited her daughter was when she came home and spoke of how she wanted to go into engineering.

Jackson Oatley and Ryan Burke came as members of the North Warren Regional High School Robotics Team. Oatley was one of those fascinated by the PM Soldier Lethality table, while Burke was captivated by the COMET Advanced Manufacturing Center’s printing displays.

“I thought it was really cool how they were able to print out different textures and materials. They were able to print out a metal cube, which I thought was very cool,” said Burke.

Reilly Irish of Wallkill Valley High School said he was invited by a teacher, and that while he’s not sure what he wants to do for his career, he found many of the tables intriguing. He said he was most fascinated by the display on area denial munitions.

“It’s the material that they’re made of, I think I’d expect them to be a little heavier than they are,” he quipped.

Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Agile Sustainment and Ammunition and Commanding General of Picatinny Arsenal, spoke from the stage. He noted how important the arsenal’s work is and how critical engineering is in both preserving global stability and in ensuring Soldiers return home.

Reim encouraged the teens to ask questions, to network and explore, and to be aggressive in their pursuits.

“The next piece of technology that will power our Army’s transformation and protect America for the next 250 years might be an idea that starts in your mind right here tonight,” Reim said. “The future isn’t something we just wait for. It’s something we build, and we are counting on you to build it.”

Source: United States Army

ALASKA — In the unforgiving Arctic environment, where extreme cold, distance and terrain impose relentless demands on Soldiers and equipment alike, sustainment operations must function with precision, adaptability and speed.

During Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) Alaska, the Logistics Support Element (Division), assigned to the 402nd Army Field Support Brigade under Army Sustainment Command, served as a conduit between the 11th Airborne Division and the Army Materiel Command enterprise — accelerating solutions that extended beyond the tactical level.

The 402nd AFSB, as Army Sustainment Command’s theater Army Field Support Brigade for U.S. Army Pacific, delivers enterprise sustainment across the Indo-Pacific through its Army Field Support Battalions in Alaska and Hawaii. For Army Field Support Battalion–Alaska, JPMRC represents a large-scale validation of its ability to integrate installation support, enterprise reach and field-level responsiveness in one of the Army’s most demanding environments.

Rather than acting as an additional layer of command, the LSE (D) provides access to enterprise-level capabilities designed to resolve sustainment challenges that exceed division-level capacity. By synchronizing with the 11th Airborne Division G-4 and working alongside AFSBn–Alaska sustainment professionals, the team translates operational friction into actionable requirements addressed through Life Cycle Management Commands and subject-matter experts across the Army.

“Our role during JPMRC was to connect division-level challenges to enterprise-level solutions,” said Maj. Makar. “When a problem exceeded the tactical level, we leveraged the Army Materiel Command network to resolve it rapidly.”

Lt. Col. Eric J. Erickson, commander of AFSBn–Alaska, explained that the LSE (D) provides capabilities not organic to the division’s sustainment structure.

“The LSE provides direct synchronization of Life Cycle Management Command representatives and enables effective command and control of enterprise-level sustainment capabilities,” Erickson said. “It connects the division to specialized expertise and resources that are not organic to the formation.”

That enterprise reach proved decisive when an electrical issue rendered a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle non-mission capable. After unit-level troubleshooting and evacuation procedures were completed, the LSE (D) engaged a Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Logistics Assistance Representative to diagnose and correct the failure. The vehicle was restored to operational status within 24 hours, preserving combat power during a critical phase of the rotation.

Enterprise integration extended beyond ground platforms. When communications degradation threatened connectivity across dispersed training areas, the LSE (D) exercised a call forward to engage Communications-Electronics Command subject-matter experts.

“We exercised a call forward and physically drove into the exercise area to work on a Very Small Aperture Terminal, or VSAT,” Makar said. “Due to the satellites’ equatorial positioning, the dish required precise re-triangulation. Until formations fully transition to next-generation systems, those terminals remain critical to operations.”

By rapidly connecting units to specialized expertise, the 402nd AFSB ensured communications — and therefore mission command — remained uninterrupted during the rotation.

Beyond resolving individual equipment failures, the LSE (D) and AFSBn–Alaska contribute to enterprise-wide readiness by identifying trends that extend beyond a single formation or rotation.

“We have the ability to operate at the enterprise level,” Makar said. “For aviation systems, we observed recurring issues with blower motors inside AH-64 cockpits. Those failures followed a predictable cycle. By providing that trend analysis to the Army Materiel Command enterprise, we help drive solutions that impact the entire fleet — not just one unit.”

Through digital tools and shared visibility platforms, the LSE (D) translates operational data gathered during exercises like JPMRC into actionable insights. Leveraging platforms such as Vantage and Maven, the team aggregates maintenance data, identifies recurring failure patterns and strengthens predictive sustainment efforts. Rather than reacting to equipment breakdowns, sustainment planners can anticipate demand signals and adjust support posture before readiness is degraded.

This enterprise feedback loop ensures lessons learned in Alaska strengthen readiness far beyond the Arctic.

While sustainment processes remain consistent between garrison and exercise environments, the Arctic amplifies every variable.

“In Alaska, temperature changes everything,” Erickson said. “Extreme cold impacts maintenance timelines, equipment reliability and the way we manage personnel. We’ve conducted operations in temperatures as low as minus 50 degrees, with wind chills reaching minus 56. At those levels, work-rest cycles become critical — you might spend 15 minutes outside and require 45 minutes inside to recover. Even receiving a HIMARS system overnight requires thawing the equipment before we can safely begin maintenance. Sustainment here requires anticipation, adaptation and respect for the environment.”

These realities transform sustainment into a matter of survivability as much as readiness, underscoring the importance of AFSBn–Alaska’s daily mission in support of the 11th Airborne Division.

Looking beyond the current rotation, Erickson said JPMRC provides measurable feedback for both installation-level support and enterprise integration.

“From an installation perspective, we’re examining policies and processes — particularly in areas like Central Issue Facility operations — to identify opportunities to streamline support and remove friction,” Erickson said. “From the LSE perspective, maintaining a fully integrated Logistics Support Element during JPMRC demonstrates measurable value to the division. It reinforces the importance of enterprise synchronization and positions us to refine that model moving forward.”

Exercises like JPMRC serve as validation points for both the battalion and the broader 402nd AFSB network, testing equipment endurance, sustainment systems and operational processes under extreme conditions.

Ultimately, the LSE (D) and AFSBn–Alaska enable the warfighter by preserving time and combat power.

“It saves time, preserves readiness and allows units to focus on warfighting skills,” Makar said. “We are strategic enablers, solving Army-wide problems at the point of friction.”

For leaders across the force, the message is clear: the 402nd Army Field Support Brigade and its subordinate battalions provide scalable, enterprise-connected sustainment designed to meet the combatant commander’s demand signal — in Alaska and across the Indo-Pacific.

Source: United States Army

ANSBACH, Germany — USAG Ansbach holds its next Community Leaders’ Information Forum (CLIF) Wednesday, March 17, from 2:30-3:30 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 December 2025 CLIF slides are available at: https://go.mil/34b8w39yt5. Updated slides for March 2026 will be made available here.