Category: US Army

Source: United States Army

ANSBACH, Germany – Col. Aaron Southard, U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach commander, hosted the garrison’s annual Spring Social on Feb. 6, 2026, to update the installation’s host-nation community and mission partners on milestones from the last year and upcoming goals.

“Events like these are important to us,” Southard said. “Because they remind us of something we never take for granted. We are guests in your communities. We are your partners in this region and friends in the shared future.”

Topics highlighted during the event included:

Safety and Emergency Response

In 2025, the Garrison Fire Department handled 666 incidents, aiding in 24 of them in the surrounding communities. A Mutual Aid Agreement is being updated to allow local fire departments to use the U.S. Army’s Installation Management Command – Europe Regional Fire Training Center. This joint training ensures a better-coordinated response during emergencies.

Economic Impact and Local Investment

The U.S. garrison community contributed significantly to the local economy in 2025, spending approximately 30 million euros overall, with 23 million euros directly benefiting Ansbach and Illesheim businesses. In September 2025, the garrison also began a $330 million modernization project at Barton Barracks. Looking ahead to 2026, projects include a $13 million elementary school, and the community anticipates the arrival of 940 additional servicemembers and their families.

Health Care and the Next Generation

The partnership extends to health care, with German medical facilities helping to welcome 66 new babies into the Army family in 2025. Local clinics, such as Ansbach Klinikum, treated 1,053 TRICARE patients, handling 844 outpatient visits and 209 hospital stays.

The event intended not only to list the garrison’s accomplishments but also to reinforce the values of communication and friendship.

“When the U.S. Army needs us, we are here, or when we need help, we train together,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Jörg Seybold of the German 1st Company, Transport Helicopter Regiment 30, who has partnered with Americans in the Ansbach area for over 15 years. “This is very important to stay together in the world. For the soldiers, all the families, all the kids, to make the world a little bit better of a place.”

The social, along with events like the upcoming 250th Independence Day Celebration, showcases the long-standing relationships the USAG Ansbach community has with its host-nation partners.

“Two hundred and fifty years of the United States is a great thing,” said Lord Mayor of Ansbach Thomas Deffner. “It’s a great nation, and we have 80 years of partnership. That’s fantastic for Europe, for the United States of America, and especially for Germany.”

Southard finished his remarks with a message on behalf of the soldiers, families and civilian employees of U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach.

“Thank you for your cooperation and thank you for the friendship that continues to define the relationship between our Army community and the people of Franconia,” he said. “Our partnership is not just ceremonial. It’s lived every day on the roadways, in the clinics, the shops, the restaurants, the classrooms, and across kitchen tables where German and American families share meals, stories and life together. Thank you.”

Source: United States Army

strong>FORT IRWIN, Calif. – At the National Training Center, Black Jack Soldiers were reminded of a fundamental truth of modern warfare: the plan rarely survives first contact, and adaptation matters more than adherence.

During NTC Rotation 26-02, Soldiers from the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division became the Army’s first armored formation to execute a full Transformation in Contact (TiC) rotation – an initiative designed to accelerate learning while units are already in contact with a thinking enemy.

“This rotation validated our warfighting methodology and our organizational changes,” said Col. José Reyes, commander of 2ABCT. “Our Soldiers learned to fight the enemy they saw, not the plan they started with.”

Unlike traditional rotations, TiC deliberately pushed the brigade to integrate emerging systems, evolving formations, and new organizational concepts under realistic combat pressure. The brigade employed multiple formation constructs and 39 modernized or emerging systems throughout the rotation.

To help units integrate unfamiliar capabilities, the Army authorized three days of early experimentation – limited-objective attacks – before the force-on-force fight began. That decision set conditions for rapid discovery and adjustment once the fight intensified.

Across the rotation, 1st Cavalry Division’s wave-based operational framework-detect, suppress, finish, and maneuver-allowed Black Jack to apply pressure across multiple points of contact and maintain tempo against a contemporary enemy.

Small observations drove major decisions.

Before crossing the line of departure, unmanned aerial systems identified enemy armor much closer than expected, forcing immediate changes to the scheme of maneuver. Later, when heavy winds grounded UAS, losses increased-reinforcing both the fragility and the decisive importance of unmanned reconnaissance in modern combat.

Other formations adapted internally.

By consolidating all 120mm mortars under a single headquarters troop, the reconnaissance squadron massed fires faster and more accurately. Leaders said the organizational change improved responsiveness while simplifying maintenance and training by concentrating expertise in one formation.

The opposing force added friction throughout the fight.

The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment aggressively jammed communications, forcing units to execute PACE plans and fight through degraded command and control. A real-world generator failure at a cellular tower further reduced communications for several hours.

Even in that contested environment, division and brigade leaders credited emerging network capabilities-such as Starshield satellite transport and Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) enabled cross-banding radios-with preserving voice and data connectivity across the NTC footprint and sustaining operational tempo.

While Black Jack executed the fight and the division provided the operational framework, the U.S. Army Operational Evaluation Command played a critical enabling role-helping commanders understand what was happening, why it mattered, and what required further experimentation while the rotation was still underway.

“For this rotation, OEC wasn’t just collecting data-we were providing ongoing assessment,” said Bill Rabena, lead OEC operations research and systems analyst. “That allowed leaders to adjust focus and refine learning objectives while the event was still unfolding.”

Historically, operational testing followed a deliberate, linear model: collect data during an event, archive it, and deliver results months later. TiC demanded something fundamentally different.

“The Army is changing rapidly, and the old model was simply too slow and too resource-intensive for where we’re headed,” said Lt. Col. Dan Ferenczy, a senior test analyst with OEC. “Transformation in Contact requires relevance now, not months later.”

Rather than evaluating individual systems in isolation, OEC shifted toward continuous assessment and immediate feedback. Analysts delivered daily reports and structured analysis to senior leaders, highlighting emerging trends, system performance, and formation-level implications without disrupting training or slowing the fight.

A central challenge was translating Soldier experience into decision-quality information without overburdening the formation.

OEC refined division-developed surveys and applied established methodologies-including the System Usability Scale (SUS) and Usability Metric for User Experience (UMUX-LITE) – to capture Soldier assessments across the brigade. Results were standardized on a 0-100 scale, enabling commanders to quickly compare trends across multiple systems and formations.

“Our job is to decompose learning objectives into measurable data without drowning the unit,” Ferenczy said. “Collect too little and you miss the story. Collect too much and you slow the formation.”

Artificial intelligence tools assisted with survey development and analysis, but experienced analysts remained essential.

“AI can help speed things up, but it doesn’t understand context,” Rabena said. “You still need a human in the loop to catch bad assumptions and misleading trends.”

As commander priorities evolved, OEC analysts adjusted databases, survey timing, and collection methods to stay aligned with learning demands. Within 72 hours, OEC delivered additional data collectors, an operations research analyst, and a data manager to reinforce brigade learning objectives.

For Black Jack Soldiers, TiC reinforced a simple truth: modernization only matters if Soldiers can employ new capabilities under pressure and improve in stride.

For the Army, NTC 26-02 demonstrated that operational testing must evolve alongside modernization-shifting from delayed evaluation to continuous learning.

“Transformation in Contact has become a mindset,” Ferenczy said. “The Army is changing fast, and OEC’s core skills-measurement, validation, and Soldier feedback-are more relevant than ever.”

Together, Black Jack and Operational Evaluation Command showed that learning at speed is not just possible-it is essential to adapting faster, fighting smarter, and maintaining advantage against a contemporary enemy.

Source: United States Army

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: United States Army

LANDSTUHL, GERMANY — Native of San Antonio, Texas, serves as the Entomology Chief for Public Health in Europe, where his work plays a critical role in protecting the health and readiness of U.S. service members.

As a subject matter expert supporting the United States European Command region, Capt. Jordan Cornell provides assistance through vector surveillance, arthropod identification, and mitigation strategies that reduce disease risk for the warfighter.

Entomology, the study of insects and related arthropods, is a field many people rarely consider until its absence is felt. From pest control and vector-borne disease prevention to agricultural and environmental support, Cornell’s expertise spans far beyond a single specialty.

“There are so many crossover applications,” he explains. “Entomology touches more areas than people realize and it can do a lot of good.”

That passion began early. Cornell knew from a young age that he wanted to be an entomologist, even when others assumed it was a phase he would eventually outgrow. He never did. Instead, he sought out opportunities to learn more, including programs in Texas that allowed him to work alongside entomology professionals. Asking questions in the field and seeing real-world risk mitigation solidified his decision to pursue the career.

While he always knew he wanted to serve in the Army, it wasn’t until his freshman year of college that everything aligned. Hearing military entomologists speak about their role in public health and force protection made it clear that his two passions, science and service, could coexist.

“That’s when it clicked,” he said. “Entomology in the Army is preventative medicine. It directly impacts the lives of Soldiers.”

Cornell commissioned into the Army Medical Service Corps and later completed a master’s program at Texas A&M University. While academically challenging, he pushed through by focusing on the mission and the people his work would ultimately protect.

“School was hard,” he admits, “but I knew I had to do it. I wouldn’t be able to help to my full potential if I didn’t push through those tough moments.”

Education remains one of his greatest passions. He frequently volunteers with schools and Department of Defense programs, sharing his knowledge and helping others understand the importance of entomology.

“Entomology is intriguing because you can never know everything,” he said. “You’re always learning.”

Service also runs deep in his family. Cornell’s grandfather, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and Medical Service Corps officer, helped build and redesign Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. He, too, earned a master’s degree from Texas A&M and shared a deep love of learning.

Their careers share striking parallels—from early assignments in the Washington, D.C. area to service in Germany. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his grandfather had the honor of commissioning him, a moment Cornell describes as profoundly meaningful.

Now continuing his Army career in Europe, Cornell looks forward to his grandfather visiting Germany so they can tour the old barracks where his grandfather once served.

Reflecting on his journey, the advice he would give his younger self is simple but powerful: be willing to show up, step up and continually work to better yourself and those around you.

Through dedication, expertise, and a passion for teaching, Cornell carries forward a vital mission and a proud family legacy.

Source: United States Army

TALLINN, Estonia – The Maryland National Guard participated in Crossed Swords, a comprehensive cyber defense exercise, with their Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program Estonian partners at the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, or CCDCOE, last fall.

The exercise, held Oct. 27 through Nov. 7, 2025, hosted 240 participants from about 45 countries, including Airmen from the 175th Cyberspace Operations Group. Participants shared tactics and procedures to contribute towards a cohesive collective-defense strategy.

CCDCOE’s Crossed Swords is an annual cyber warfare training exercise that centers on operational-level military command elements and the enhancement of offensive and defensive cyber capabilities through simulated operations and crisis response. The exercise also focuses on advancing multi-domain operational competencies, including information warfare operations, legal perspectives and cooperation with Special Operations Forces.

This year, participants focused on two cyber headquarters, simulating fictional nations for the scenario.

“The combination of strategic decisionmaking, tactical AI‑assisted execution and immediate coordination with critical infrastructure owners created a drill that felt less like a training scenario and more like an actual national defense operation, something no previous exercise that we have participated in had ever achieved,” said Maryland Air National Guard Lt. Col. Bob DeLuca, flight commander for the 175th Cyberspace Operations Squadron.

The exercise focused on five objectives related to simulating the life cycle of a modern cyber conflict. These included strategic‑level command and control, tactical cyber operations, multi‑domain integration, public‑private partnership testing and technology validation.

“Exercises like this continue to build upon and expand the partnership of over 30 years,” DeLuca said. “The Estonian Defense Force led the Command Headquarters and led many of the team leader positions as well as staffing many technical roles, while our Guardsmen were participants on their teams.”

Maryland Airmen, alongside their Estonian counterparts, had the chance to step outside their comfort zones by operating in two emerging domains: information operations and AI‑driven cyber tools.

“We have to adapt to the reality of today’s cyber threat landscape, where complex, multi-domain operations and hybrid tactics are the norm. It has become clear that in cyberspace, we need to adopt a wartime mentality, including strong offensive cyber capabilities,” said Tõnis Saar, director of NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence.

This year, teams had the opportunity to adapt in stressful scenarios where their capabilities were tested, ultimately elevating NATO’s alliance’s abilities from initial cyber threat detection to critical action and preserving crucial online services and functions.

“This exercise provided a means for our members to measurably improve their leadership, planning, detection, assessment and response to sophisticated cyber-attacks,” DeLuca said. “Participating in CrossedSwords2025 sharpened our unit’s mission‑readiness on every level, and the team performed amazingly.”

http://www.nationalguard.mil

https://www.facebook.com/TheNationalGuard

https://x.com/USNationalGuard

https://www.nationalguard.mil/Leadership/Joint-Staff/J-5/International-Affairs-Division/State-Partnership-Program/

Source: United States Army

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — For Soldiers assigned to the Wyoming National Guard’s Training Center Command, understanding how a wildfire moves can mean the difference between a controlled response and a dangerous situation that shifts without warning.

That reality was at the center of the S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior course held at the Southeast Wyoming Wildland Academy in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Feb. 7–8, 2026. The 40-hour course strengthened participants’ ability to safely evaluate and predict wildfire behavior during emergency operations, skills that directly support missions across the state.

Developed by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, the course focuses on how weather, topography and fuels interact to influence fire behavior — factors that can change rapidly and place firefighters at risk if not properly understood.

“Understanding fire behavior is about keeping Soldiers safe while they accomplish the mission,” said Craig Heilig, spokesman for the Southeast Wyoming Wildland Academy. “This course gives our personnel the tools to make informed decisions in rapidly changing wildfire environments.”

Soldiers from Training Center Command operations and firefighting sections attended the training, building a shared understanding that strengthens coordination during real-world wildfire response efforts. Those skills are particularly critical at Camp Guernsey, where Guard personnel routinely support firefighting and emergency operations during wildfire season.

The S-290 course emphasizes recognizing early indicators of changing fire behavior, helping firefighters anticipate hazards before they escalate. This advanced level of situational awareness is a key factor in reducing risk on the fireline and preventing accidents during suppression operations.

Beyond immediate safety benefits, completion of S-290 also supports long-term professional development. The course is a prerequisite for leadership positions such as Firefighter Type 1, Crew Boss, Engine Boss, and Incident Commander Type 5, preparing Soldiers to assume greater responsibility during complex incidents.

As a nationally recognized qualification under the National Interagency Incident Management System, S-290 ensures Wyoming National Guard Soldiers can integrate seamlessly with local, state and federal partners during multi-agency wildfire responses.

Ultimately, the training supports a mission that extends beyond the fireline. By applying these skills during wildfire operations at Camp Guernsey and across Wyoming, trained Soldiers help protect lives, property and the natural landscapes communities depend on.

http://www.nationalguard.mil

https://www.facebook.com/TheNationalGuard

https://x.com/USNationalGuard

Source: United States Army

Back to

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

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

Source: United States Army

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: United States Army

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: United States Army

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

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

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

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

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