Category: US Army

Source: United States Army

BEMOWO PISKIE TRAINING AREA, Poland – U.S. Army Capt. Harold McMurrin quickly stood out in the Field Artillery Squadron (FAS), 2d Cavalry Regiment (2CR), for his technical skills and innovative ideas. As commander of the Launched Effects “Demon” Battery, he was tasked with building the unit from scratch and introduced advanced, unmanned aerial systems — remotely piloted aircraft with cameras and sensors — to the regiment. His experience, leadership, and vision have placed the Launched Effects Battery at the center of the Army’s modernization efforts.

“He’s got a long, varied background… very smart, very growth-minded,” U.S. Army Lt. Col. Steven Huckleberry, commander, FAS, 2CR. “Giving him this ambiguous problem set and creating a new capability that fills a gap — he’s the right person for this.”

Huckleberry said McMurrin was hand-selected six months ago to form and lead the unit, tasked with implementing multiple unmanned armed systems within 2CR’s FAS.

McMurrin graduated from the Cavalry Leaders Course and served as a squadron fire support officer (FSO). He brings reconnaissance, armor, and fire support experience. This mix helped him build a functional battery from limited equipment and an ambiguous mission set.

Throughout the combined-arms live-fire exercise during Saber Strike at the Bemowo Piskie Training Area (BPTA), Poland, McMurrin was seen testing drones with his team, conducting arms rehearsals and moving between the tactical operations center (TOC) and the field.

These early actions highlighted McMurrin’s hands-on approach and commitment to integrating advanced technologies into real-world training. His visible leadership during Saber Strike not only demonstrated the potential of UAS in a dynamic environment, but also set the tone for how Demon Battery would operate under his command.

His unique role — possibly the only one in the Army — means he wears two hats: commanding the launch effects battery and, filling a staff position in the TOC, managing the regiment’s firefight as the assistant FSO.

McMurrin’s path into field artillery is a family tradition. Both his mother and father served as field artillery officers, and he has served for eight years in the Army. He held prior jobs as a biologist and a truck driver before committing to a career in the military.

He participated in exercise Saber Strike, a multinational training event, while his first sergeant and other Soldiers of the battery took part in Project Flytrap 5.0, a joint initiative at the Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania.

Launched Effects Battery’s first sergeant, 1st Sgt. Mohammad Bihamta said, “Capt. McMurrin is a key contributor to the regiment’s success during Saber Strike 26 and Flytrap. His ability to connect teams, systems, and capabilities across the formation ensures Demon Battery delivers effects that directly support the regiment’s mission. He thrives in complex environments. He leverages relationships and a persistent, solutions-oriented mindset to overcome friction and maintain momentum.”

Across the regiment and U.S. Army Europe, launched effects batteries like “Demon” Battery and another in the 25th Infantry Division are among a growing number of units experimenting with UAS integration in field artillery.

McMurrin stated that the work done during Saber Strike and associated experiments helps shape standard operating procedures and informs how emerging technologies will be employed in future engagements.

Both Project Flytrap and Saber Strike, part of Sword 26, are exercises that turn investment into capability. Soldiers integrate unmanned systems such as AI-enabled command and control and live data networks to move, decide, and fight more effectively across all domains. Sword 26 demonstrates how U.S. Army Europe and Africa drives transformation at scale while strengthening deterrence.

Thanks to McMurrin’s dedication and strong communication skills within the battery, the Launched Effects Battery demonstrated precision during Saber Strike. In just six months since creation, they used several types of reconnaissance drones: medium, long-range, short-range, and a few first-person-view drones. This showcased the battery’s strength and versatility.

“UAS provides the Soldier on the ground the ability to look further than ground-based sensors have — so further than their binoculars, their mark-one eyeball (eyes), the sights on their weapons, and other sensors that they carry on their person,” said McMurrin. “It lets them go further; it lets them naturally go beyond terrain that would block their view — the other side of a hill, the other side of a wood line — and it lets them see the enemy before the enemy can gain ground and observe them.”

His role as commander of the battery is essential to providing this type of support to the troops of the Field Artillery Squadron of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment.

“The regimental operating concept is to be able to deploy and fight upon arrival,” McMurrin said. “Training in Poland and Lithuania simulates the conditions the regiment could face if employed in crisis, whether for deterrence, presence, or combat operations.”

Source: United States Army

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Less than 1% of Americans serve – or have served – in the Armed Forces. Sustaining the future force means building awareness and strengthening trust among the other 99%: families, employers, community leaders, and the next generation of Soldiers willing to raise their hands and take the oath.

Bringing all of them together under one roof is no small task. Army Reserve Ambassador for Tennessee Andrew Oppmann provided the connections to make it happen. And few venues have spent a century engaging Americans with a propensity to serve quite like Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry and WSM Radio.

Leading into Memorial Day Weekend, this year’s Salute to Service gave Army Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command, the opportunity to meet with community members and Army Reserve recruiters – and to swear six young Americans into the Army Reserve on one of the nation’s most iconic stages.

The celebration carried added significance. The Grand Ole Opry marks its 100th anniversary this year as the nation continues commemorating America 250 – 250 years of American history, service and sacrifice. Throughout the evening, the Army Reserve was prominently featured alongside tributes to all branches of the U.S. military.

For Harter, the day was an opportunity to make the case for service directly. When Charlie Mattos, host of WSM Radio, asked what he’d tell someone on the fence about joining, Harter didn’t hesitate. “Go for it. Why would you want to do something easy? It’s the greatest team on the planet.” He added: “The Army Reserve allows so many of our young men and women to live a life of purpose – stay home, keep your civilian job, and we help you with the rest.”

He didn’t stop there. “Doesn’t mean the other 99 percent aren’t great,” Harter continued. “But these young men and women have made a commitment, and they’re joining at a crazy time. They see the world and what’s going on, and yet they still raise their right hand.”

The event also showcased the extraordinary talent within the force. Country music performer and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Craig Morgan performed alongside Michael Trotter, a veteran in his own right, the 100th Army Reserve Band and the 313th Army Band – the same musicians Harter had praised on WSM that morning. “People don’t realize how amazing these musicians are,” he said.

A tribute projected on the Opry’s screen honored the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center at Middle Tennessee State University – the largest veterans support center at any Tennessee college or university, serving more than 1,000 military-connected students a year. Charlie Daniels completed more than 30 tours for U.S. troops, more than half of them in combat zones. That connection to MTSU runs directly through Oppmann.

On stage, retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Huber – a 38-year Army veteran, former commander in Afghanistan and now MTSU’s Senior Advisor for Veterans and Leadership Initiatives – was also recognized.

Then, six soldiers came forward.

They stepped onto the Grand Ole Opry stage – past the lights, past the crowd gathered for country music, past a century of American performance and storytelling – and stood before the Chief of Army Reserve.

Harter raised his right hand. They raised theirs.

“I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

Before it was over, the audience had risen to its feet.

Not for the music. Not for the performers. But for six young Americans who had just joined the less than 1% – under a roof that brought together families, employers, community leaders, and a standing ovation at the Grand Ole Opry.

Source: United States Army

VICENZA, Italy — Three Vicenza High School student-athletes earned All-Tournament Team honors for their exceptional performances at the 2026 DoDEA European Soccer Championship, school officials announced May 22, 2026.

Girls’ team captains Natalia Lopez and Gabriella “Ella” Zollman led the Cougars on and off the field. Lopez concluded the tournament with four goals and five assists, while Zollman recorded three goals and four assists. On the boys’ side, Benedict Morton secured an All-Tournament selection for his standout play and leadership throughout the competition.

While the Vicenza girls’ soccer team finished fifth overall, team officials emphasized that their impact extended far beyond the scoreboard.

“Both of our girls’ captains demonstrated outstanding leadership and high-level performance throughout the tournament, and Ben represented the boys’ team with the same excellence,” said a Vicenza School Sports representative.

“These three student athletes represented Vicenza with exceptional sportsmanship, competitiveness, and pride.”

The tournament highlighted the resilience of the Vicenza teams, which battled through tight matches and relied on a strong sense of community to overcome competitive hurdles. The official noted that the athletes’ commitment to supporting one another in high-pressure moments was a testament to their character.

“We believe it’s important to highlight the positive things happening with our kids both within our community and beyond. Their accomplishments are a perfect example of that.”

Source: United States Army

52d Air Defense Artillery Brigade (52d ADA BDE) is testing and evaluating new counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (c-UAS) capabilities, including IonStrike, a radar-agnostic, low-cost kinetic interceptor designed to strengthen layered defense against Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

IonStrike, produced by DZYNE Technologies, offers a potential new mid-range intercept capability for air defense formations facing increasingly complex UAS threats. The system integrates with existing command-and-control architectures, including the Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD) System and the Integrated Battle Command System Maneuver (IBCS-M), enabling Soldiers to employ the interceptor through systems they already use to detect, track, classify, and engage one-way attack drones.

These developmental tests focused on evaluating IonStrike’s suitability for the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative (EFDI), the transformational warfighting concept that leverages unmanned and minimally manned systems, backed by an integrated mission command network that uses live data to accelerate decision-making and offset forward posture and adversary advantages in mass and momentum. The EFDI is spearheaded by the vision of the United States Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) and NATO Allied Land Command (LANDCOM).

During recent test and demonstration events this spring, DZYNE brought IonStrike to Europe and demonstrated its capabilities to senior leaders from USAREUR-AF and LANDCOM. Throughout this process, 52d ADA BDE provided Soldier touchpoints focused on operational employment, integration requirements, and feedback from air defenders who understand the realities of defending fixed and semi-fixed sites against one-way attack drones (OWAD). A follow-on operational assessment is planned for this summer.

“IonStrike is important because it does not require Soldiers to learn a new kill chain,” said Maj. Cody Davis, 52d ADA BDE Operations Officer. “It integrates with approved C2 systems, cues on existing radar feeds, and provides commanders another kinetic option within the air defense architecture,” Davis continued.

The 52d ADA BDE remains committed to rapidly identifying, testing, and integrating capabilities that strengthen air defense in depth, protect critical assets, and provide commanders with more options to counter evolving aerial threats.

IonStrike is launched from a multi-interceptor pallet and is cued by radars already integrated into approved command-and-control (C2) systems. The test configuration uses a 4-interceptor launcher, and the brigade is working with DZYNE to field a 12-interceptor configuration to increase magazine depth against larger raid profiles.

Unlike traditional interceptors, which are typically expended after launch (fire-and-forget) and require one operator per target, IonStrike offers extended range and greater operator flexibility, especially against swarm threats. If a target is reclassified as friendly or no longer meets engagement criteria, the operator can abort the engagement or reassign it to another target. This gives commanders the ability to launch earlier, extend engagement depth, and preserve decision space without automatically losing the interceptor.

At a cost below that of the threats it defeats, IonStrike sits to the left of the traditional cost curve for fully autonomous, extended-range kinetic interceptors. The system preserves higher-end air defense interceptors for more demanding threats while providing commanders with a lower-cost option against UAS targets, leveraging existing training and soldier resources to implement at scale.

The kill mechanism uses a precision terminal infrared seeker coupled with a proximity-fuzed warhead on the interceptor to increase lethality against one-way attack drones of all sizes in both day and night engagements.

For the brigade, the assessment is part of a broader effort to identify, test, and accelerate capabilities that enable Soldiers to defeat emerging UAS threats in operationally relevant conditions. The operational assessment will examine IonStrike’s integration with existing C2 systems, radar cueing, abort functions, launcher configuration, reload process, and lethality against representative one-way attack drones.

“The summer assessment will determine whether IonStrike can deliver a repeatable combat layer under operational conditions,” said Maj. Benjamin Bowman, the 52d ADA BDE Forward Operations Officer. “The questions are straightforward: can it integrate, can it be fired through existing C2, can it extend the defended area, can it be reallocated in flight, and can Soldiers sustain it in the field?”

IonStrike offers air defenders a scalable kinetic layer between electronic warfare, traditional gun systems, and higher-cost missile interceptors. The system’s combination of low Soldier burden, radar-agnostic cueing, C2 integration, and a re-taskable flight profile gives commanders greater air defense depth against UAS threats.

The 52d Air Defense Artillery Brigade provides air and missile defense capabilities in support of U.S. Army Europe and Africa. The brigade focuses on defending critical assets, protecting maneuver forces, and advancing integrated air defense capabilities across the European and African theaters.

Source: United States Army

FORT HOOD, Texas — Fort Hood hosted the first-ever professional football game played on a military installation as the United Football Leagues’ Dallas Renegades and Orlando Storm went head to head May 15 at Phantom Warrior Stadium.

The game was called “Hats off to Heroes,” and free tickets were given to those with Department of War ID cards and the first 2,000 attendees received free Dallas Renegades hats.

“What the military does for us and the ultimate sacrifice they make is so much more important than anything we’re doing so to be able to have this opportunity to play on a military base and be able to play in front of our men and women who serve is obviously a blessing for sure,” Dallas Renegades quarterback Austin Reed said in a sideline interview with Jake Butt, a reporter for Fox.

The Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation hosted the End of Spring Bash as part of pregame activities concurrently with the UFL Fan Fest. There were activities from face painting to personalizing bandanas to rock climbing. There were also static displays of Army vehicles for attendees to check out.

The 1st Cavalry Division Band kicked off the game with the national anthem, followed by Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, III Armored Corps and Fort Hood commanding general, presenting the game ball and conducting the coin toss.

Storm began with possession of the ball, but it was the Renegades who scored first with a field goal in the first quarter. The second quarter ended tied at 10-10, but it was ultimately the Storm that clinched the win and a spot in the playoffs with a combined total of three touchdowns in the third and fourth quarter to the Renegades’ two, bringing the final score to 31-24.

Staff Sgt. Edward Geyer, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, said the game was a breath of fresh air to Fort Hood.

“Morale is everything in the Army,” Geyer said. “Active-duty members spend a lot of time away from home, a lot of time training, a lot of times deployed. So, being able to do things like this with our families, or supporting families while their husbands or their wives are deployed, it’s huge. It keeps morale, it keeps people motivated and it’s probably one of my favorite things about the Army.”

Col. Brian Green, commander of 7307th Medical Training Support Battalion, 3rd Medical Training Brigade, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, loved watching the game, as one of his sons, Seth Green, actually plays tight end for the Dallas Renegades. Seth caught the Renegades’ second touchdown of the game.

“It’s phenomenal that the UFL thought enough to bring it to the troops and to honor the heroes,” Brian expressed. “I’m honored to be a part of the military. I’m honored to be here to support my son.”

Coach Anthony Becht, head coach for Orlando Storm, said it was a blessing to play at Fort Hood.

“This was a great idea by (Mike) Repole (co-owner of UFL) and all the execs to make this happen,” he said, “from the meals to the hospitality to the fans showing up, that’s one thing you can say about military fans, they show up.

“So, just blessed and honored to be able to get out of here with a win,” he added.

“We call this place The Great Place for a reason,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Loyd Rhoades, U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Hood command sergeant major, in a sideline interview with Jenny Taft, another reporter for Fox. “It’s not just what happens on Fort Hood, it’s what happens outside of our gates at Fort Hood when we bring everything together, so this is awesome.”

Source: United States Army

VÕRU, Estoina – U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 603 Military Police Battalion, 418th Civil Affairs Battalion and 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, partnered with the Estonian Defence Forces for the EDF memorial restoration day event at Lounalaagri Lõkkekoht in Võru, Estonia, May 20, 2026.

As part of ongoing community engagement efforts during exercise Spring Storm, the U.S. collaborated with the EDF to support the repair of the historic Petseri Southern Camp Seitsmãgi, a landmark with deep-rooted connections in Estonia’s military history. The site, once home to Estonia’s 7th Infantry Regiment following the Estonian War of Independence, remains an important symbol of the nation’s military heritage. This restoration effort was a meaningful opportunity to help preserve Estonia’s history for their future generations.

Throughout the project, U.S. Army Soldiers and Estonia service members worked together to clear overgrown vegetation, paint and move rocks, and improve the overall landscape of the site. Their efforts not only contributed to the preservation of an important cultural landmark, but also strengthened relationships between U.S. forces and the southeastern Estonian community.

“Restoring this site is important because it’s a way for us to strengthen our bond with our Estonian counterparts,” said 1st Lt. Jack Everett, assigned to Charlie Troop, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment. “It helps us with teamwork and building cohesion between both of our armies, and NATO as a whole.”

This year marks the centennial founding of the former southern camp. In recognition of the anniversary, restoration efforts are underway to preserve the campgrounds and surrounding historical landmarks.

While the restoration effort focused mainly on preserving Estonia’s history, the partnership behind the project highlighted the strong bonds built through shared service and cooperation. The collaborative effort served as a reminder that partnerships extend beyond training events and exercises. Through hands-on work and community involvement, U.S. Army Soldiers and EDF members came together to help preserve a piece of Estonia’s history, reinforcing the United States’ enduring commitment to its allies and the strength of the partnership between the two nations.

V Corps is the U.S. Army’s only forward-deployed corps, serving as the senior tactical headquarters for Army forces in Eastern Europe to deter conflict and provide combat-ready forces alongside our NATO allies. V Corps is operationalizing and expanding the Eastern Flank Deterrence Line with Allies, rapidly integrating emerging technologies into training and tactical plans.

Source: United States Army

WIESBADEN, Germany – U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden’s Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation trained its ability to provide emergency family assistance and shelter during a mass care exercise, May 21 at the Wiesbaden Sports and Fitness Center at Clay Kaserne.

Annual emergency exercises are essential for garrison readiness and community safety. These drills help personnel and residents practice response procedures, clarify roles, and improve coordination among agencies.

Coordinated response in action

During this exercise the DFMWR tested the capabilities of both the Emergency Family Assistance Center and Safe Haven to provide services during an emergency setting.

“Both have been exercised before but at separate locations. Setting up mass care (safe haven) together with the EFAC in the gym is a first,” said Jason E. Conrad, a DFMWR project planner.

An EFAC is a dedicated facility established during emergencies to support families and individuals affected by crises. EFACs provide a range of services, including information, counseling, legal and financial assistance, and access to essential resources. Their main purpose is to help families recover, stay informed, and access the support they need to navigate challenging situations.

“[We] set up a location where service members, family, [and] civilians can come and receive the essential services that they may have lost,” explained Jeremy Plumley, Army Community Service division chief and EFAC chief. “For instance, if there was a house fire and somebody loses all their identification, their credit card, their passports, we have service providers present that can assist them with all those things.”

A Safe Haven or Mass Care Operation is a coordinated effort to provide temporary shelter, food, water, and basic necessities to people displaced by emergencies. The goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of affected individuals until they can return home or find alternative accommodations.

“If there is ever an emergency like natural disasters, or severe security threats, we want the community to know that the garrison has a plan. Their safety is [our] top priority and we as a garrison have the capabilities to handle any situation,” said Israel Rivera, mobilization and deployment program manager. “These exercises are done for the community’s wellbeing in mind. Our agencies need to be trained and proficient to deal with any situation.”

The goal is to make sure that military families are always taken care of, and ensuring specific accommodations are available for pregnant or breastfeeding woman, families with small children, elderly people, and persons with medical situations.

Putting plans into practice

Early in the morning, a notification triggered the start of the exercise. Agencies responded by setting up operations in the gym, where displaced individuals—portrayed by role players — signed in to the Safe Haven and EFAC. Role players presented various issues during the exercise to further challenge and assess the effectiveness of the operations.

Throughout the exercise, participants practiced and evaluated setup, timing, planning, and administrative tasks. Supporting directorates and agencies like the Red Cross, Army Emergency Relief, the Legal office, Community Bank, and the Religious Support Office were all onsite to provide assistance and resources.

The safe haven in the gym provided mobility support, a rest area, logistics hub, an area for children and pets, and an area for food and drink supplies. The EFAC also provided a waiting area, tailored to families with children.

During this exercise 18 displaced family units were taken care of. In a real emergency the gym could hold up to 500 people with additional capacities in the schools and the Wiesbaden Entertainment Center on Hainerberg.

Plumley also explained why regular training is important, “Staff changes constantly, so we lose a lot of experience every time somebody PCSes. So we do a lot of exercises to make sure that new staff are caught up in the protocols and procedures to make sure that we are always ready at the drop of a dime.”

A testament to how important exercise operations are, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart took the opportunity to send some of their ACS staff to observe the Wiesbaden exercise in person, providing insight and preparation for their full-scale exercise in September.

Exercises like this, along with other more theoretical tabletop exercises, are part of the garrison’s ongoing commitment to readiness and continuous improvement. These efforts help prepare the community for the Army’s triennial exercise cycle, which will bring another full-scale installation exercise to Wiesbaden in 2027.

Source: United States Army

CAMP ZAMA, Japan – Members of the community here traded their “busy work” for something more vital: themselves.

A Mental Health Awareness Day event held May 20 and led by the Army Substance Abuse Program served as a necessary detour from the daily mission. The Camp Zama Community Club was transformed into a hub of connection, lined with several subject-matter experts and community support agencies dedicated to holistic wellness.

Navigating the Path to Wellness Together

Throughout the day, participants moved through the space, gathering tools to strengthen their mental and emotional “rucksacks.” Key organizer Maria N. Ortiz said the event offered a comprehensive look at wellness, including stress management and resilience, substance abuse prevention, and emotional and family support.

“We had nearly 100 participants who actively interacted with the subject-matter experts, participated in activities, and engaged in meaningful conversations,” Ortiz said. “The event was very well received by the community.”

In an environment defined by constant readiness, it can be easy to forget that the most important weapon system is the human mind, Ortiz said.

“Setting aside time to focus on mental health is important because mental wellness directly impacts overall health, readiness, relationships and quality of life,” she said.

Building a Stronger Home for All Who Serve

By prioritizing self-care and open dialogue, the Camp Zama community took a significant step toward reducing stigma often associated with mental health. The event served as a reminder that while life transitions and work responsibilities affect us all differently, the community stands ready to support.

“We hope that this event has helped everyone realize that support is available within the community whenever it is needed,” Ortiz said.

Source: United States Army

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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

AGADIR, Morocco — U.S. Africa Command accelerated battlefield innovation through the integration of the Mobile Ad Hoc Network–Cloud High Mobility Radio system during African Lion 26, the largest multinational exercise held in Africa, April 20-May 8.

By bridging critical communication gaps between industry capabilities and operational forces, MCHMR (pronounced “MC Hammer”) reshapes how data moves, processes and drives decisions across the joint and combined force.

“We identified a critical gap [of] no unified pathway to integrate industry-provided data, from geolocation to full-motion video, into our operational systems,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ramon N. Leonguerrero, African Lion future operations chief, chief of fires, and innovation division project manager for U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). “MCHMR solved that problem by creating a streamlined information pathway that connects the tactical edge directly to the combined joint task force headquarters through a shared common operational picture.”

Through MCHMR, allied and partner nations participating in AL26 accessed and contributed to a shared common operational picture, significantly improving interoperability and collective decision making.

“AL26 integrates readiness, lethality and innovation by placing emerging technologies directly in the hands of the warfighter alongside our allies and partners,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Daniel L. Cederman, deputy commanding general–reserve, SETAF-AF. “By testing and refining these capabilities in a multinational environment, we are strengthening interoperability and ensuring we are prepared to meet evolving threats.”

This convergence drove the rapid fielding and refinement of systems like MCHMR, turning experimentation into operational advantage.

“MCHMR integrates operational and tactical sensor data across the formation, ensuring leaders at every level have access to comprehensive, real-time information,” Leonguerrero said. “That connectivity enables faster, more informed decisions in complex environments.”

MCHMR directly supports USAFRICOM’s priorities to strengthen partner capacity and operational effectiveness throughout the theater.

“We are enhancing partner integration into the common operational picture by leveraging a hardware-agnostic platform that can securely share diverse data types across multiple partners,” said U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bryan G. Duncan, J6 chief technical advisor for U.S. Africa Command. “Our focus is on building resilient data pathways that enable seamless collaboration in both connected and disconnected environments, ultimately empowering decision dominance at the tactical edge.”

Several first-of-their-kind achievements during AL26 underscored the system’s impact.

“In a breakthrough for coalition communication, USAFRICOM, in coordination with SETAF-AF, validated a multilanguage artificial intelligence capability that delivers real-time, Arabic-to-English translation over MPU5 radios integrated into the MCHMR network,” Leonguerrero said. “This advancement reduces reliance on human translators and enables faster, clearer communication during multinational operations.”

Building on this advancement, the system also expanded how coalition partners share and access real-time intelligence.

“In another milestone, the innovation team successfully integrated Moroccan ‘WanderB’ unmanned aerial system feeds into the MCHMR cloud environment and next-generation command and control systems, marking the first time partner-nation intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data has been directly shared across the network,” Leonguerrero said. “The integration allows full-motion video to move from ground control stations to CJTF operations centers and connected end-user devices, enhancing shared situational awareness across the coalition.”

At the tactical level, joint service members directly enabled these capabilities by integrating hardware and systems across multiple nations in real time.

“We’re integrating MPU5 radios with multiple U.S. and partner systems, including unmanned aerial platforms, to push real-time data across different networks and classification levels,” said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Caleb Hilton, a radio frequency transmission operations specialist for 355th Communications Squadron, 355th Mission Support Group, 355th Wing. “This is the first time we’ve successfully tested real-time, Arabic-to-English translation on these systems, and seeing different services and nations work seamlessly together to make that happen has been a huge step forward.”

This expanded data-sharing capability sets the conditions for further advancements in C2 integration.

“Additionally, following an intensive six-day development cycle, the team achieved the first integration of full-motion video into next-generation C2 systems operating on Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network architecture within the USAFRICOM area of responsibility,” Leonguerrero said. “This capability provides critical support for target identification and battle damage assessment, accelerating the decision-making process.”

Together, these innovations highlighted the rapid pace at which new capabilities are developed and fielded in a live training environment.

“African Lion demonstrates that service members can rapidly adopt and employ emerging technologies,” Leonguerrero said. “Through iterative cycles of testing, failing, fixing and validating, we are delivering capabilities at the pace modern warfare demands.”

Rather than relying on traditional acquisition timelines, these efforts emphasized rapid experimentation and immediate operational feedback to refine capabilities in real time.

“USAFRICOM and SETAF-AF drive meaningful, cost-efficient innovation for the joint and combined force,” Leonguerrero added. “We integrate artificial intelligence, robotics and next-generation digital technologies to dominate today’s complex challenges. Our purpose is to translate vision into battlefield-ready capabilities that are intuitive, scalable and immediately impactful.”

MCHMR carried AL26’s momentum forward, enabling integrated, data-driven operations that will define future coalition success.

About African Lion

African Lion 2026 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Co-led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security.

African Lion content can be found on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS).

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

DRAWSKO, Poland — Soldiers with the 30th Medical Brigade conducted a rail casualty evacuation exercise during SWORD 26, May 11-15, to prepare Army medicine for the realities of large-scale combat operations across Europe.

The training, conducted under the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, tested the use of rail transportation as a casualty evacuation platform while integrating multinational medical personnel, host-nation rail systems and NATO interoperability standards.

“We need to make sure that we’re looking at multimodal transportation for casualty evacuation during large-scale combat operations,” said Col. Crystal Belew, commander of the 519th Hospital Center. “We had overwhelming success in what we called the golden hour. We had air superiority. We were able to use rotary-wing evacuation. Moving into large-scale combat operations, we need to use all forms of evacuation methods.”

The exercise reflected a shift in Army medicine’s focus from counterinsurgency operations to preparing for high-intensity conflict against near-peer adversaries, where contested airspace may limit the use of helicopters for medical evacuation.

According to Belew, Europe’s extensive rail network provides an opportunity for NATO allies to train together while testing the challenges of moving casualties across multiple countries and transportation systems.

“Training with rail assets improves NATO interoperability with our host-nation partners,” said Belew. “Europe has one of the most extensive rail networks in the world, and we get to use NATO standards, standardized agreements and transload node agreements when we’re crossing different country borders.”

The rail exercise incorporated multinational cooperation at every level, from medical treatment to transportation logistics.

“The true interoperability would be an American Soldier being treated by a Polish medical provider going to a German facility,” said Belew. “Using a rail asset and training through those different means and methods really brings the interoperability piece to full success.”

In addition to the rail platform, the exercise also tested a casualty staging unit concept, an innovation modeled after systems used by NATO partners. The casualty staging unit is designed to stabilize patients before they are moved onward for additional treatment, helping reduce strain on emergency medical facilities during mass casualty events.

“This is a concept we’re experimenting with that, by doctrine, does not exist in Army medicine,” Belew said. “This is where we are stabilizing stable patients for onward evacuation.”

The training scenario focused on preparing Soldiers and medical personnel for the scale and complexity expected in future conflicts.

“Large-scale combat operations have an expectation of mass casualties and complexity that has not been seen in our generation,” said Belew. “Exercises such as SWORD 26, where we’re focused on larger scales, mass casualties and stressing the system, are training Soldiers for those real-world expectations.”

The exercise also supported the broader sustainment mission of the 21st TSC by ensuring medical forces remain prepared to care for wounded personnel during future operations.

“Army medicine sustains the warfighter,” said Belew. “This training will sustain the warfighter by preparing for large-scale combat operations and preparing our medical professionals to take care of Soldiers.”

By integrating multinational partners, testing emerging medical concepts and expanding casualty evacuation capabilities beyond traditional air evacuation, SWORD 26 demonstrated NATO’s continued commitment to readiness and interoperability across the European theater.