Category: US Army

Source: United States Army

SEMBACH, Germany – The senior leaders of Medical Readiness Command, Europe and Defense Health Network Europe, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Roger Giraud and Command Sgt. Maj. Kalani Kalili, hosted a townhall meeting at the Sembach Chapel Feb. 19 for members of both headquarters.

The town hall meeting was part of an ongoing communication effort by the senior leaders to keep the military and civilian staff of Medical Readiness Command, Europe and Defense Health Network Europe informed and to maintain transparency.

As part of the town hall meeting, awards were presented to several civilian staff members of Defense Health Network Europe in recognition of their commitment to excellence, dedication and achievements.

The awardees were as follows:

Adriane Carney, Defense Health Network Europe Employee of the Quarter – 1st Quarter FY25

Elaine Martin, Defense Health Network Europe Employee of the Quarter – 2nd Quarter FY25

Jamie Moore, Defense Health Network Europe Employee of the Quarter – 3rd Quarter FY 25

Max Boulton, Defense Health Network Europe Employee of the Quarter – 4th Quarter FY25 (Category 1)

Glenton Atwell, Defense Health Network Europe Employee of the Quarter – 4th Quarter FY 25 (Category 2)

Headquartered at Sembach, Germany, the Defense Health Network Europe (DHNE) proudly serves 220,000 beneficiaries across Europe. The Network delivers health care and supports medical readiness in 22 strategically located military hospitals and clinics in Bahrain, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.

Source: United States Army

BETHEL, Alaska – An Alaska Army National Guard aircrew assigned to Bethel conducted a successful search-and-rescue mission to locate and extract an overdue snowmachiner during a mission coordinated through the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center.

The mission began Feb. 15 in response to a request for assistance from the Alaska State Troopers to search for an overdue snowmachiner who had been riding north of Pilot Station. The Alaska Army National Guard accepted the mission through the AKRCC and launched a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter from Bethel to search the area.

The aircrew searched for approximately three and a half hours, covering more than 100 square miles of terrain before locating the individual about 110 miles north of Bethel, roughly 30 miles east of his last known location.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Nick Lime, one of the aircrew members involved in the mission, said the team first located the individual on the evening of Feb. 15 but was unable to immediately extract him because of challenging terrain and fuel limitations.

“We located him that night, and another crew member and I snowshoed about half a mile trying to link up with him,” Lime said. “But with fuel running low and the deep snow conditions, we couldn’t make it all the way in, so we dropped a survival radio and some water to make sure he could stay in contact and had what he needed overnight.”

On the morning of Feb. 16, with a storm approaching, the Army Guard aircrew returned to the area to deliver additional supplies.

“There was a storm coming in, so we flew up to drop supplies,” Lime said. “We were concerned about him being able to hold out in those conditions.”

Using the previously dropped radio, the aircrew reestablished communications with the stranded snowmachiner. He had managed to free his snowmachine but reported that his feet were hurting and freezing.

“We got him to ride it about 100 to 150 yards closer to the trail we had made the night before,” Lime said.

The crew then dropped a set of snowshoes to help him continue moving. When the snowmachine became stuck again, members of the aircrew transitioned to movement on foot.

“Once on the ground, I snowshoed another quarter mile to him,” Lime said. “I was able to link up with him and walk him back to the hawk.”

As Lime made his way toward the stranded snowmachiner, the Black Hawk pilots remained in radio communication with the individual, encouraging him to keep moving and work his way closer to the aircraft.

After reaching the aircraft, the crew brought the individual aboard and transported him to a medical facility in Bethel for evaluation.

The mission highlights the close coordination between the Alaska State Troopers, the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center and the Alaska Army National Guard, as well as the aircrew’s ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions in remote winter terrain.

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Source: United States Army

VICENZA, Italy – Five soldiers, who are more accustomed to military exercises, are now displaying their artistic abilities in a new exhibit at the Java Café and 5:01 Bistro on Caserma Ederle. The event marks the return of the “Artist of the Month” program, and it is the first time the work of Soldiers from the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program is being showcased in such a public venue.

“Typically, this event would be to highlight one artist,” said Michelle Sterkowicz, U.S. Army Garrison Italy Program Manager for Morale, Welfare and Recreation Ederle Art Center.

According to her, this time, though, the event was special, “because it is coming back after a pause and the location is the biggest difference, as previous ‘Artist of the Month; exhibits were within the Art Center.”

Sterkowicz envisions that from now on there will be space for a variety of mediums and will give the Java Café and 5:01 Bistro an opportunity to host local artists and have rotating displays.

“Just like you see in bars and cafes in Centro, [downtown Vicenza] we too will have local artists on display within USAG Italy,” she continued.

The collaboration between the BOSS program and the Ederle Art Center created a supportive outlet for Soldiers and the VMC to display their art to the local community, explained Cathy Towers, USAG Italy MWR Special Events & BOSS advisor.

“This initiative provides a non-verbal medium for self-expression and encourages the development of new skills and personal interests,” she said. Towers also highlighted that the Soldier community on post is incredibly talented. “We encourage all Soldiers to display their artwork and connect with the community.”

Participants in this first event included: Spc. Harry J. Burgos Santiago, 3rd Platoon, 108th Military Police Company; Spc. Alex Smith and Spc. Jacob Commodari, MOD, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade; Pfc. Josue Martinez, C Company MOD, 173rd Abn. Bde.; and Maj. Jon Vandeveer, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa.

All of them share an interest in photography, while exploring local areas, such as the Dolomites, Lake Garda or Vicenza.

“I got into photography as a way to slow time down, capturing details, emotions and stories that might otherwise be overlooked,” said Martinez, one of the participants. “What started as curiosity became a way of seeing the world more clearly and intentionally through my lens.”

While explaining his image “Sforza Castle” to attendants at the Feb. 4 opening night, Vandeveer, another participant, said that he has pursued photography for many years as a creative outlet, focusing on nature and architecture. His image was taken in Milan, during an Outdoor Recreation trip.

“I am drawn to capturing unique perspectives that encourage others to see familiar places in new ways,” said Vandeveer.

“Living in Vicenza has strongly influenced my work, particularly the city’s historic architecture and the moments discovered while exploring on foot.”

For those interested in participating in the upcoming “Artist of the Month” events, reach out to the Art Center at EderleArtCenter@gmail.com

The next “Artist of the Month”:

*March will be focusing on “National Crafting Month,” so anyone who has a craft to share is welcome to participate (as space allows).

*April will be focusing on “Month of the Military Child” with a youth and teen exhibit. (instead of the first Wednesday, the meet & greet for April will be on the second Wednesday due to spring break)

*June will be dedicated to the annual “Gallery at the Garrison.”

**May TBD

Source: United States Army

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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

DAKAR, Senegal — U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Daniel Cederman, engaged with Senegalese senior military leaders, U.S. Department of State officials, and U.S. service members in late January as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen professional military relationships and maintain close coordination with regional partners.

During the visit, Cederman, the deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), met with Senegalese army Gen. Mbaye Cissé, chief of the General Staff for Senegalese Armed Forces, and Senegalese air force Brig. Gen. El Hadji Niang, chief of staff for the Senegalese air force. Discussions focused on military-to-military cooperation, professional engagement and the importance of clear communication and coordination between partner forces.

Discussions Cederman held with State Department officials and U.S. military personnel in Senegal featured ongoing collaboration and the role of integrated diplomatic and military efforts in supporting shared objectives.

Cederman also attended a ceremony at Dial Diop Barracks recognizing Cissé’s induction into the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College International Hall of Fame, located in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. This distinction honors international graduates who have reached senior leadership positions in their respective military organizations.

“Our relationship with the Senegalese Armed Forces is built on professionalism, mutual respect and consistent engagement,” Cederman said. “Visits like this allow us to maintain open dialogue and strengthen the professional relationships that support effective cooperation between our forces.”

Senegal is scheduled to participate in African Lion 2026, U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual exercise, taking place April 20 to May 8, 2026, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia. In addition to hosting a medical readiness exercise, Senegalese soldiers will participate in a combined forces exercise in Morocco as part of a broader multinational training event, supporting continued collaboration between U.S. forces and African partners.

Through visits like this, U.S. Army leaders reinforce trust, promote shared understanding and maintain strong professional ties with partner nations. These relationships support both countries’ goals of developing capable, professional forces prepared to work together effectively through routine engagement, training and dialogue.

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About African Lion

U.S. Africa Command’s premiere and largest annual joint and combined exercise, African Lion brings together thousands of military personnel across four countries to increase interoperability while strengthening shared defense capabilities and cooperation.

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

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Army National Guard formally established a new leadership tradition Feb. 12, presenting the inaugural Lt. Gen. Herbert R. Temple Jr. Leadership Award to Chief Warrant Officer 4 Douglas Malone and Sgt. 1st Class Danielle Beasley during a ceremony at the Herbert R. Temple Army National Guard Readiness Center.

The annual award honors Soldiers who embody the 13 leadership principles championed by Lt. Gen. Herbert R. Temple Jr., the visionary leader widely regarded as the father of the modern National Guard. The ceremony marked the first presentation of what will now become a yearly recognition of excellence across the force.

Temple enlisted as a private in 1947, served in combat as a noncommissioned officer during the Korean War, and later rose to serve as director of the Army National Guard and chief of the National Guard Bureau. His leadership philosophy was forged in combat and refined through decades of service. He championed professional military education, readiness, leader development, and integration with the active component, ensuring the Guard was prepared not as a strategic afterthought, but as a capable operational reserve.

“General Temple understood that the strength of the Army National Guard rests in the leaders we develop and empower,” said Lt. Gen. Jon Stubbs, director of the Army National Guard. “This award recognizes Soldiers who do more than perform well in their duties; they elevate those around them, strengthen readiness, and carry forward the standard of excellence he established for our force.”

Retired Lt. Gen. Roger Schultz, a former director of the Army National Guard who served under Temple, said the new award reflects a legacy that continues to shape the force.

“Lt. Gen. Temple was a mentor of mine. He was with me every step of my seven-year tour as director,” Schultz said. “What is being done with the Temple Awards has a real connection with Soldiers in the ranks.”

Shultz said Temple’s leadership philosophy was grounded in his enlisted roots and focused on knowledge, mission clarity, and long-term vision. He fostered a team-centered culture, delegated authority, and ensured Soldiers at every level had what they needed to succeed.

“His influence is still visible across the Army National Guard today,” Shultz said.

Temple Award nominees underwent a rigorous selection process that included detailed applications, essays, and board evaluation centered on Temple’s 13 leadership practices: knowledge, vision, objective, offense, take charge, flatten and empower, teamwork, care for subordinates, integrity, consistency, courage of convictions, nothing is impossible, and see the fight through the fighter’s eyes.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Malone was recognized primarily for embodying the principles of knowledge and vision. He emphasized technical and tactical proficiency as the foundation of credible leadership and proposed expanding Title 10-Title 32 exchange opportunities to strengthen integration and readiness across components. His forward-thinking approach reflects Temple’s strategic foresight in preparing the Guard for emerging operational demands.

Being a recipient of the inaugural Temple Leadership Award is a profound honor,” said Malone. “Lt. General Temple’s vision, which transformed the Army National Guard from a strategic reserve into an operational force, is the legacy we strive to uphold. Our mission is to ensure every action supports the warfighter, and we achieve this by adhering to his core principle: to ‘See the fight through the Soldier’s eyes’ as we enable them to meet all state and federal mission requirements.”

Sgt. 1st Class Beasley was selected for exemplifying care for subordinates and integrity. She described leadership as service, emphasizing the importance of setting a confident tone, standing with, not above, her team, and proactively shaping outcomes. Her philosophy mirrors Temple’s belief that empowered and cared-for Soldiers are central to mission success.

“Our role as leaders is to serve alongside our Soldiers and create conditions for them to thrive and accomplish the mission,” said Beasley. “I’m grateful for the leadership principles Lt. Gen. Temple established, and to the Army National Guard for the opportunity to continue to lead and serve.”

Each recipient received a statuette of Temple, a reserved parking space at the Arlington Readiness Center for one year, and a permanent inscription on the Temple Leadership Award plaque displayed at the center.

Temple once reflected that any progress achieved during his tenure belonged not to one man, but to the National Guard itself, to the Soldiers and leaders who carried the work forward. Decades later, that same spirit endures. His influence is evident not in monuments or memory alone, but in the professionalism, readiness, and character of the citizen-Soldiers who continue to build on the foundation he helped lay.

Retired Maj. Gen. Raymond “Fred” Rees, a former senior National Guard leader who served alongside Temple, said, “Lt. Gen. Temple wanted to be remembered as a citizen-Soldier. From service as a young NCO in the Korean War to his retirement as chief of the National Guard Bureau, he was a zealous believer of the citizen-Soldier and all that meant to our nation,” Rees added that Temple’s strategic vision during the defense buildup of the 1980s helped transform the Guard at the national level and shaped generations of leaders who carried that vision forward. He said the Temple Leadership Award serves as a lasting reminder of the value of committed and competent leadership.

With the presentation of the inaugural Temple Leadership Award, the Army National Guard did more than recognize two exceptional Soldiers; it set a standard. The ceremony affirmed that Temple’s principles are not confined to history but are alive in formations across the 54 states and territories. As new leaders rise and new challenges emerge, the legacy he forged endures in those who choose knowledge over complacency, service over self, and action over hesitation.

In honoring Malone and Beasley, the Army National Guard reaffirms its commitment to developing leaders of character, competence, and courage; leaders ready to fight, win, and defend the nation whenever called.

Moving forward, the Temple award will be extended to the 54 states, territories, and the District of Columbia.

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Source: United States Army

JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. – With millions of soccer fans expected to descend on the Pacific Northwest for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Washington National Guard and public safety leaders are preparing for the potential of drones falling into the wrong hands.

On Feb. 11 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the Washington National Guard supported a FIFA Field Ready Range Day focused on countering unmanned aerial system threats. The training brought together military, law enforcement and interagency partners to sharpen their ability to detect, track and respond to potentially hostile drones ahead of major international events, including multiple World Cup matches scheduled in Seattle.

“I spent the last two years as the I Corps chief of staff and I have been all over the Pacific Theater trying to ensure readiness for large-scale combat operations,” said Col. Phillip Lamb, senior Army advisor for the Washington National Guard. “And what I’ve come to determine is that we’ve defined readiness improperly up until this point in time. What we’re doing here now is the future of real readiness.”

Lamb said events like the range day promote the next level of readiness.

“As you look at defense of the homeland as the priority for this administration and for the Department of War, what we’re doing out here is the beginning of generating real readiness to defend critical infrastructure, like installations and ports, from flying unmanned systems while defending and protecting critical war fighting functions,” Lamb continued. “This is now becoming the priority of effort in what we really mean when we talk about generating readiness.”

The event built on momentum from a Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems Summit hosted by the Washington National Guard in November, which examined drone threats during large-scale public gatherings. Discussions during the February training reinforced the Guard’s role in supporting civil authorities, particularly in detection and monitoring, while operating within federal and state legal frameworks.

Those legal authorities were also a focus during recent testimony before state legislators, where National Guard leaders spoke in support of House Bill 2462. The bill is designed to clarify how the National Guard and Washington State Guard can assist law enforcement in responding to credible drone threats.

“It allows the governor, through the adjutant general, to set clear rules for how agencies respond to drone threats and authorizes the governor to use the National Guard to support law enforcement when needed,” said Lt. Col. Denny Frey, the adjutant general’s command action group lead. “In short, it improves coordination, closes capability gaps, and gives the state additional tools to protect the public.”

During the range day event, National Guard subject-matter experts outlined how counter-UAS support typically works during major events. Local law enforcement agencies remain responsible for establishing temporary flight restrictions through the Federal Aviation Administration, while requests for National Guard assistance are coordinated through the State Emergency Operations Center.

“The primary role of the National Guard during these missions is detection and monitoring of potentially hazardous drones,” said Lt. Col. Wes Watson, former commander of the 10th Civil Support Team. “That capability is critical when local agencies are stretched or facing a complex threat environment.”

The 10th CST has extensive experience supporting large-scale public events across the region, regularly working alongside the Seattle Police and Fire departments at professional sporting events and concerts at Lumen Field. That established relationship, officials said, will be essential as planning accelerates for World Cup security operations.

As drone technology becomes more accessible and adaptable, Washington National Guard leaders emphasized that training events like FIFA range days are vital to staying ahead of potential threats.

“We’re using FIFA as an example, as a springboard to generate that readiness. But there are other events coming up, like with Los Angeles hosting the Olympics in 2028,” said Lamb. “Defense of critical infrastructure around the entirety of this nation is so important and we are in the business of making sure that we can protect the homeland.”

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Source: United States Army

ELLINGTON FIELD JOINT RESERVE BASE, HOUSTON-75th U.S. Army Reserve Innovation Command’s Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment commander and first sergeant provided their fiscal year 2027 annual training brief to Maj. Gen. Michelle Link, commanding general, 75th USARIC, and to her command staff both virtually and in-person at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, in Houston, Texas, Jan. 24, 2026.

The HHD FY27 YTB allowed discussions to improve their detachment’s training, readiness and status, allowing for Link’s guidance and input to build long-range training plans.

Source: United States Army

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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

AGADIR, Morocco – More than 40 technology vendors will test cutting-edge military capabilities alongside U.S. military forces from April 20 to May 08, 2026, as part of an effort to close the gap between emerging innovation and the warfighter in Morocco during African Lion 26.

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa’s (SETAF-AF) Advanced Capabilities Directorate leads the initiative, serving as the command’s front door for the innovation ecosystem.

“Our ultimate purpose is to translate the senior leader’s vision for transformation into tangible, battlefield-ready capabilities in the hands of our Soldiers,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ramon Leonguerrero, innovation division project manager for ACD.

African Lion, U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual training exercise, provides the scale and complexity needed to test how new technologies perform alongside multinational partners and allies.

The exercise prioritizes delivering practical solutions to the warfighter over simply showcasing innovation.

The directorate handles technical scouting and external coordination with industry and academia, filtering for the most promising solutions. This approach brings more than 40 U.S.-based vendors into the exercise to address specific needs, including 10 mission command systems, four deep attack capabilities, 12 defense-in-depth enablers and 15 counter-attack integrators.

Morocco provides unique advantages with expansive ranges, unrestricted airspace and an open electromagnetic spectrum that enable realistic experimentation.

“Our goal is to close the gap between emerging technology and the warfighter, using African Lion 26 to rapidly field and validate the tools and technology needed for a decisive edge,” Leonguerrero said.

A primary focus for SETAF-AF during the exercise is transforming how the combined joint task force headquarters processes data and executes strikes. By shifting from manual reporting to automated, real-time analytics, the command is breaking down information silos.

“The shift is most evident in the accelerated speed of decision-making,” Leonguerrero said.

This acceleration is critical for deep attack operations. By leveraging advanced artificial intelligence, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tools, and launched effects from six key vendors, the headquarters is fundamentally shortening the kill chain.

“This provides the CJTF headquarters with the ability to detect, track and engage targets with greater speed — and at extended ranges, revolutionizing deep reconnaissance and attack operations,” Leonguerrero said.

The result is increased standoff distance and lethality that enables credible ground deterrence. It equips the land component with cost-effective, faster engagement options, freeing joint forces to concentrate on other strategic priorities. Technologies like the Maven Smart System help build a common operational picture by bridging operational and tactical sensor data across formations.

By integrating these vendors into the exercise, the joint force creates a collaborative ecosystem where developers work side-by-side with operational units.

Units including the 19th Special Forces Group, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the 207th Military Intelligence Brigade (Theater), Army Test and Evaluation Command, and Army Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate are taking these tools from industry into a realistic field environment.

This setup allows for immediate validation. If a piece of equipment fails in the heat and dust of Morocco, the vendor knows immediately. This transparency ensures that solutions are effective for U.S. forces and scalable for coalition warfare.

“We need the ability to scale or make changes to technology rapidly,” Leonguerrero said. “This exercise allows us to test, fail, fix and validate these emerging technologies in an operational environment.”

During the exercise, warfighters will complete digital surveys evaluating equipment performance. The assessment generates real-time data and graphics, producing scorecards for each vendor. This dashboard is sent to the vendors and U.S. Army Europe and Africa to inform development and procurement decisions.

Related Stories

About African Lion

African Lion is U.S. Africa Command’s largest, premier, joint, annual exercise. This joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employs a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants and build readiness to respond to crises and contingencies in Africa and around the world.

For more imagery, video and news from African Lion visit 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

BAUMHOLDER, Germany– For some, the path to service is a straight line, for Veterinary Readiness Activity, Rheinland Pfalz, veterinarian and officer in charge of the Baumholder Veterinary Treatment Facility it had its twists and turns.

Maj. Paulynne Bellen took an unconventional path to her commission, entering the U.S. Army at an age when many are well-established in their careers. Her journey involved leaving a corporate job to return to school at 34, driven by a lifelong goal of becoming a veterinarian.

Originally from the Philippines, Bellen developed an early interest in animal care, often rescuing and rehabilitating injured animals she found. At 20 years old, Bellen moved to the United States with her sister and began a career as a staffing coordinator in New Jersey. However, her ambition to work with animals persisted, so she volunteered at an animal shelter.

At 34, she made the decision to pursue her original dream. The choice meant starting over academically and financially, a risk she fully accepted.

“I gave everything, I had no safety net,” Bellen stated. “I pulled my 401K and quit my career. Giving up was not an option.”

Before applying to veterinary school, she gained international experience by volunteering with World Vets for two years in Nicaragua and Ecuador. Her commitment resulted in acceptances to ten veterinary schools. She ultimately attended The Ohio State University, earning both a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a Master of Public Health.

The idea of joining the Army had always lingered in the back of her mind, partly inspired by her brother who had been passionate about enlisting but never got the chance. While it was not her primary plan, it remained a possibility. After earning her veterinary degree, she sought new experiences and applied for a non-appropriated fund veterinary position on a military installation.

The interview for the NAF job proved to be a pivotal moment. The interviewing military veterinarian pointed out that at 39, her time to commission as an Army veterinarian was limited. She was presented with a choice: take the civilian position or enlist.

She chose the latter, commissioning in 2018 after making the decision in 2017. Her recruiter, Sgt. 1st Class (ret.) Erica Rough, provided crucial support and they remain in contact.

“I call her on my good days and I call her on my bad days,” Bellen said. “Joining the military just felt right for the very first time and she made it happen.”

Since joining in 2019, Bellen’s assignments have included stops like First-Year Graduate Veterinary Education at Fort Bragg and being the officer in charge of the Naples Veterinary Treatment Facility at Naval Support Activity in Naples, Italy. She now serves as the OIC in Baumholder, Germany, and is slated to move to Korea to become the 106th Medical Detachment Veterinary Service Support Chief of Operations.

“It’s a full circle moment,” she noted. “I moved from Asia to the US and now I’m heading back to Asia to continue my service.”

Bellen describes her military service as a positive experience defined by its dynamic nature and sense of community.

“The Army is an experience for me,” she said. “I love the people, the travel and my job. It’s exciting and you never really know what’s next.”

She identifies the collaborative spirit as a key component of her satisfaction with Army life.

“The best part of the Army is that we all come together and support together,” she explained. “We laugh through the tough times and come out stronger.”

Reflecting on her journey, Bellen believes the service has helped her grow personally and professionally. “The Army pushes you to discover a potential you never knew you had,” she concluded.

Source: United States Army

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — Soldiers assigned to the 512th Field Hospital trained to move wounded troops across Europe during a recent field training exercise, testing casualty evacuation procedures across extended distances during large-scale combat operations.

The 512th Field Hospital is subordinate to the 519th Hospital Center, 30th Medical Brigade, and executed the training to maintain hospital-level care while transporting patients over long distances.

SWORD 26, the U.S. Army’s multinational exercise series formerly known as DEFENDER-Europe, focuses on rapid deployment, interoperability with NATO allies, and sustaining forces across the European theater. Medical support plays a critical role in preserving combat power.

Medical teams rehearsed long-distance casualty movement, coordinated with host-nation support partners, and maintained care from the point of injury through evacuation.

Training occurred in two phases. The first tested core procedures and equipment. The second phase challenged medical teams to adapt treatment methods while working with limited supplies.

“The first phase is proof of concept, and the second phase is our innovation phase where we’re trying things we haven’t done before,” said Army Capt. Bethany Blankenship, executive officer and lead planner for the 512th Field Hospital. “They told us they want us to get creative with how we would treat patients’ long term with minimal supplies and resources.”

Soldiers convoyed from Rhine Ordnance Barracks to Sembach Kaserne and back, moving nine vehicles in the medical convoy and additional transport for personnel. In total, 208 Soldiers from the 512th Field Hospital and the 519th Hospital Center participated.

“We’re moving 100 percent of our equipment by ourselves,” Blankenship said. “The field hospital is doctrinally supposed to move 30 percent of its equipment. We’re moving all of it.”

Planners established a 32-bed field hospital expandable to 48 beds. Capabilities included two operating rooms, intensive care, intermediate care wards, and emergency medical treatment, along with pharmacy, laboratory, dental, and medical logistics support.

Future large-scale combat operations may involve extended evacuation timelines, increasing the importance of prolonged field care.

“If we’re simulating a war environment, we expect mostly trauma patients,” Blankenship said. “We’re expecting gunshot wounds, head injuries, amputations, and then a few lower-acuity injuries.”

Patients are triaged in the emergency medical treatment area before being moved to surgery, intensive care, or intermediate care. Stabilized patients can then be prepared for evacuation and onward transport.

Col. Crystal L. Belew, commander of the 519th Hospital Center, said exercises like this help identify risks before they affect real-world operations.

“This is the time to test those capabilities and identify the gaps and risks associated with them, not during the time of war,” Belew said. “We need to identify the challenges, the power sources we need, and the types of patients that are safe to move on this platform.”

Training also included coordination with host-nation support partners along potential evacuation routes.

“We need to identify the resources our host nations may be able to provide along a long evacuation route,” Belew said.

Planning revealed friction points, including changes to medical supply ordering procedures and generator licensing requirements that required additional training before movement.

“We should have started PMCS and planning much earlier than we did,” Blankenship said. “There are a lot more pre-exercise training requirements than people realize.”

Belew said the exercise reinforces the role of Army medical teams in sustaining troops during combat.

“We are here, we will care for them, and we will get them home,” she said.