Category: US Army

Source: United States Army

ANSBACH, Germany — U.S. Army Health Clinic (USAHC) Ansbach conducted a mass casualty (MASCAL) exercise at USAG Ansbach’s Urlas Kaserne Wednesday, March 23, 2026.

USAHC Ansbach conducted the MASCAL exercise to validate months of intensive medical treatment and evacuation training. The event showcased Soldiers’ proficiency in responding to emergencies in accordance with established medical treatment and evacuation guidance.

The exercise brought together USAHC Ansbach’s medical troops and personnel from the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade (12 CAB), as well as 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (1-57 ADAR) and the garrison. This collaborative effort simulated a large-scale emergency, testing the participants’ ability to respond effectively under pressure.

The MASCAL exercise featured a hybrid training environment, combining tactical field conditions with operations in a fixed medical treatment facility. This setup allowed participants to evaluate and treat simulated casualties with varying levels of injuries, prepare patients for evacuation, and load and unload both standard and non-standard medical evacuation platforms.

The exercise emphasized the importance of teamwork and interoperability among units. In addition to the medical Soldiers showcasing their skills, personnel from 12 CAB provided air evacuation support, and 1-57 ADAR contributed ground evacuation capabilities, while the garrison played a critical role in logistical coordination, ensuring seamless incorporation of all participating units.

“The multi-dimensional partner integration was critical to our efforts in ensuring a cohesive understanding of our roles when responding effectively to a mass casualty incident or any real-world contingencies,” said Lt. Col. Maggie Fitzpatrick, Chief Nursing Officer, United States Army Health Clinic Ansbach.”The ability to respond effectively to mass casualty incidents is critical to mission success, and today’s performance validates months of rigorous training and preparation.”

By simulating high-pressure scenarios, USAHC Ansbach ensures its personnel are equipped to save lives and mitigate the impact of crises. The training also reinforces the clinic’s commitment to maintaining high standards of medical readiness and safeguarding the well-being of the USAG Ansbach community.

Source: United States Army

KINGSTON, New York — New York Army National Guard Major Corbin Lounsbury’s Soldiers fight their battles with laptops.

“Our computer is our weapons system,” explained Lounsbury, the commander of the New York and New Jersey National Guard’s Cyber Protection Team 173, or CPT 173 for short.

From February 23 to 26, the CPT Soldiers fought an online campaign against a simulated “threat actor” who executed a blended cyber operation against an electrical utility.

The Soldiers were physically located at the Kingston Armory, but their battle took place inside the U.S. Cyber Command’s Persistent Cyber Training Environment. This is a national-level computer simulation that replicates the challenges a CPT Soldier faces.

“The system can be programmed to provide cyber-Soldiers with varying threat levels, adversaries, and scenarios”, Lounsbury explained.

The scenario was built around a classic attack against a computer network, said Major William Mackey, the officer in charge of the New York National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters’ Defense Cyber Operations Element.

In the exercise scenario, the attackers conducted “reconnaissance” by identifying security weaknesses in the computer network, stole user logins and passwords in an operation known as “credential harvesting~~”,~~” Mackey said.

That information was then used to gain access to the computer and shut down key systems, he added.

The mission for CPT 173 was to determine how the “bad actor” got into the system, close those holes in the defenses, find the malware – in the case “ransomware”—and end the threat, Mackey said.

The members of Lounsbury’s Cyber Protection Team were also joined by the Division of Military and Naval Affairs Critical Infrastructure Response Team and the Defensive Cyber Operation Element in battling the simulated threat.

Thirty-four Soldiers took part in the exercise.

Ransomware is software that is placed on a system to shut it down. The hackers offer to remove the software once money—the ransom—is paid.

According to the FBI, in 2024, there were 3,156 ransomware attempts against American businesses and individuals, which cost over $12 billion.

Healthcare organizations have been especially susceptible to these attacks, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Report for 2024, but utilities—charged with providing electricity, water, and natural gas to hundreds of thousands of households – are also a concern.

A likely mission for a National Guard CPT is to help local governments and critical infrastructure companies counter these threats, Lounsbury said.

~~.~~Fortunately, most of the CPT 173 members work in the computer security field in their civilian jobs, he said. As Guardsmen have always done, they use their civilian skills to further the mission.

Lounsbury, for example, has worked for General Dynamics in network protection since 2018.

TV and movies portray cyber experts defending a computer system by feel and instinct. But in real life, everything is much more methodical, Lounsbury said

Just as any other unit would do when they are given a mission, the CPT 173 leaders spent two days using the Military Decision-Making Process and Joint Planning Process to plan their response to the threat, Lounsbury .

The CPT Soldiers determine how to counter a computer threat and then help the threatened firm’s computer technicians make the right moves, he said.

“Actions are very planned and very deliberate, and nothing is done without approval,” he said. “There are a lot of reporting and tracking processes we need to follow,” he added.

Along with the specialized hardware and software installed on their computers, the CPT Soldiers also have access to a portable server kit~~,~~ that includes a collection of devices loaded with incident response tools.

The Soldiers can use these to identify and neutralize the threats to a network, he explained. The mission normally breaks down into “hunt the threat, clear out the adversary, then harden the system against further attacks,” Lounsbury said.

The 173 Soldiers were very successful in countering the cyberattack during the exercise, Mackey said.

The team determined what actions the simulated attacker took, found the malware, and then “hardened” the network defenses and set up a system to monitor for further attacks, Mackey said.

This was the first time a National Guard cyber unit conducted this type of simulation exercise and they still wrapped up their mission a half-day earlier than expected, Mackey said.

Source: United States Army

ZAGAN, Poland – 82 years after one of history’s most audacious prison breaks, the legacy of the “Great Escape” from Stalag Luft 3 was remembered at the POW camp – turned museum in Zagan, Poland, March 24, 2026. Delegations of American, Polish and other nations honored the Airmen who escaped and those who lost their lives in the attempt. A moment in World War II history that continues to tie the U.S., Poland and the 13 different nations who were represented in the break out.

“In Stalag Luft 3 [on] 1944 March 24th, the whole idea was a mass escape of over 200 prisoners, and for that the POWs were digging three tunnels at the same time. These tunnels were code named Tom, Dick, and Harry; and unfortunately, Harry was the only one completed,” said Marek Lazarz, Director of the POW Camps Museum at Zagan. “Due to so many technical problems and difficulties, instead of 200 only 76 escaped, but of the 76 only three made it to England. The other prisoners were recaptured and 50 were murdered.”

The Great Escape took place on the nights of March 24-25, 1944 during World War II in present-day Zagan, Poland, and was established in March 1942 near the town of Sagan, Lower Silesia in then Nazi Germany, to hold Allied air force prisoners of war. Just over 10,000 Allied Airmen were held captive at Stalag Luft III, including about 7,500 American and 2,500 Commonwealth Airmen. The prisoner self-administer day-to-day life in the camp, while German guards, mostly older WWI Luftwaffe veterans patrolled its perimeter. The Germans chose this specific location, ironically because its sandy soil made it difficult for POWs to escape by tunnelling. And while no American’s took part in the actual escape, many played a role in its year-long planning and tunnel digging until German forces segregated them to a different part of the camp.

“For me, it’s a very personal and historical event, and to actually be here and experience it is a lot more meaningful than just watching it on a movie”, said Maj. Daniel Maiuro, U.S. Army Garrison Poland’s executive officer citing the 1963 film The Great Escape. “I would say what resonates with me more is the support from the community, and just seeing the overall number of representatives here, not only the various Polish armed forces, but from other countries too.”

The 82nd anniversary was not just a day of remembrance and celebration for the service members who were captured and risked everything against the enemy, but an opportunity to share history with the community through presentation of rare artifacts in museums and tours around the Luft 3 Camp, said Lazarz.

“Our mission as a museum is to educate.” said Lazarz. “Especially younger generations today. We had all these students from the local schools… and today I hope they learned something about the Great Escape.”

Maiuro who spent much of the day exploring and touring the site that held many more memories than just that of the Great Escape, echoed his sentiment.

“I would say it would be important for us to continue to host and participate in these events because it’s a part of our history – not only our history, but the history of Poland.” said Maiuro. “History of other countries that have lost soldiers during these times, it’s something that I think helps teach us about the events that have happened in the past, and helps shape us going forward.”

Source: United States Army

ASSISI, Italy – From the hilly streets of Assisi to the historic Basilica of St. Francis, U.S. Army Garrison Italy community members are finding that Outdoor Recreation (ODR) trips offer a bridge to Italian culture. A Feb.-28 excursion there allowed participants to witness a special event linked to the history of the Italy’s patron saint.

The trip was part of a broader MWR effort to connect Soldiers with Italian historical heritage, and the chance for participants to build community outside the gates.

“I had such great experiences that I continued to join their cultural events,” said Anna Demeter, a dental clinic employee, who began joining the ODR day trips because she was nervous about traveling alone.

“The guides are welcoming, the trips unique, and I found it to be a great way to meet people and develop friendships.”

This time, ODR picked Assisi, renowned as the birthplace of St. Francis and UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, just during the period matching the 800th anniversary of the Saint’s death, when thousands of pilgrims from all over the world had the opportunity to visit the basilica where his remains were on display to the public for the first time since his death.

Demeter explained that the town was quite crowded, “but the good weather and camaraderie between people helped make it a great experience.”

Even though some of the religious sites were not all accessible due to the high influx of visitors, the trip still gave the chance to explore historical places from Roman and medieval periods with a local tour guide, followed by a lunch break for tasting food specialties and some free time to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.

Beyond the history, the convenience of the trip stood out to Spc. Kelvin Rios, from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade. He highlighted that ODR coordinates transportation and takes people to places that are hard to reach, while they can relax, enjoy the views and interact with others.

“At ODR trips I have been able to meet and connect with members of the community and, most importantly, feel part of it,” said Rios.

“This is a good way to take your family on a day trip, whether it be in Italy or surrounding countries, cultural or adventurous, everything is taken care for you, while you get to laugh and have a great time with your loved ones, especially your children,” he added.

“Thanks to ODR, I have been able to see not only Cinque Terre, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cortina d’Ampezzo and Lago di Braies, Nice and today, Assisi, but also be certified as a ProfessionalBaristain Italy.”

For the warmer seasons, Vicenza Outdoor Recreation is planning to reach many sightseeing locations from coasts to mountain peaks, beaches and unique hamlets.

“There are more upcoming trips, like Cinque Terre, the five villages on the Ligurian Riviera, Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia, and the Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps,” said Lucia Savio, one of the ODR tour leaders, who assisted the Assisi day trip.

For joining trips like this and more, register with ODR in person or by calling 0444-71-4900.

Source: United States Army

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HONOLULU —The Honorable Jordan Gillis, assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy, and environment, participated in the Hawai‘i Military Lands Discussion hosted by the Hawai‘i Coordination Cell (HCC) on March 23, 2026, at the Ala Moana Hotel.

The event brought together 150 participants, including community advocates, activists, military officials, business leaders, and policymakers, to discuss military land use in Hawai‘i. Topics ranged from land return and restoration to unexploded ordnance and environmental impact processes.

Gillis emphasized the Army’s commitment to transparency, responsible land management, and sustained dialogue with the people of Hawai‘i. He highlighted the importance of balancing military readiness in the Indo-Pacific with community priorities and environmental stewardship.

Representatives from U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and U.S. Army Garrison Hawai‘i (USAG-HI) also participated, including Col. Rachel Sullivan, garrison commander for Hawai‘i, and Lt. Col. Tim Alvarado, commander of U.S. Army Garrison – Pōhakuloa Training Area. Army leaders engaged actively during breakout sessions and on breaks, discussing matters like the Army’s active-duty and National Guard support during the recent Kona Storm flooding and explaining the process for officially requesting such support in the future.

The event featured plenary sessions, breakout discussions, and an information exchange with military departments and community organizations. Participants provided feedback that will help shape future discussions on military land leases across the state.

The Hawai‘i Coordination Cell, established within the Department of War, convened the event to foster community engagement as long-standing military land leases approach expiration.

Source: United States Army

CAMP GUERNSEY, Wyo. – The Wyoming National Guard expanded its field artillery capability by training Soldiers March 20 in one of the Army’s most in-demand roles, the 13M High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) crew member.

At the Regional Training Institute in Guernsey, Soldiers from across the force are attending a 13M MOS transition course, learning how to operate and support one of the Army’s most lethal and mobile weapon systems. The course prepares experienced Soldiers from other career fields to serve on HIMARS crews.

“This course enables Soldiers who are already trained in another specialty to become qualified HIMARS crew members,” said Capt. Matthew Buchanan, operations officer and officer in charge at the RTI. “There’s a growing demand for this capability across the Army, and Wyoming is part of that growth.”

That demand is tied to how the Army is changing. HIMARS has proven its effectiveness in modern conflicts, increasing the need for long-range precision fires. As units expand, so does the need for trained crews, including within Wyoming’s 2nd Battalion, 300th Field Artillery Regiment.

“Every HIMARS battalion is growing,” Buchanan said. “We’re adding batteries, and that means we need more trained Soldiers. This course allows us to build that capability here at home.”

Students arrive with a wide range of experience. Many have spent years in other military occupational specialties before transitioning into field artillery.

“We encourage them to bring that experience with them,” said Staff Sgt. Jeremy Larkey, of Riverton, Wyoming, lead instructor. “Every background adds something to the team, whether it’s maintenance, communications or logistics.”

The course blends classroom instruction with hands-on training. Soldiers learn system components, safety procedures and operational concepts before applying those skills in practical exercises.

“There’s a lot of information,” Larkey said. “But the goal isn’t to memorize everything. It’s to give them a foundation so they can continue learning when they get to their unit.”

Training builds toward a field training exercise where students operate as full HIMARS crews in a realistic environment.

“It’s about building confidence,” said Staff Sgt. Austin Paulsen, of Thermopolis, Wyoming, an instructor. “We want them to go back to their units, contribute immediately and keep improving.”

Beyond technical skills, leaders emphasize the mission’s purpose.

“HIMARS gives the Army the ability to reach targets at long distances and shape the battlefield,” Buchanan said. “When you’re part of that, you’re part of something bigger than yourself.”

As the Wyoming National Guard continues to grow its field artillery capability, the 13M transition course is preparing Soldiers for that mission.

Related Links

The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil

State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil

The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard

The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard

The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard

Source: United States Army

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs hosted the National Guard’s Presidio Endeavor wargame at the Armed Forces Reserve Center, March 11-12.

The inaugural event brought together participants from the Wisconsin National Guard’s joint Army and Air staffs, Wisconsin Emergency Management, U.S. Northern Command and the National Guard Bureau.

Ryan Kennedy and John Griese, wargame designers and facilitators supporting the National Guard Bureau’s Wargaming and Analysis Branch, led the turn-based, scenario-driven event.

“Wargames like Presidio Endeavor are great idea generators,” said Griese. “They provide planners and commanders a low-risk forum in which they can try out new ideas and concepts.”

Griese noted that National Guard members are well-practiced in supporting civil authorities during natural disasters while also maintaining combat readiness.

“The Presidio Endeavor scenarios challenge their ability to handle these dual missions simultaneously, and over extended periods of time,” Griese said. “It forces a state’s joint force headquarters to sort out ways to mitigate risk, generate and sustain combat power, and potentially uncover opportunities in what I call the ‘state-strategic’ space.”

Primary participants representing 12 military and interagency functional areas occupied a main table, surrounded by a gallery of observers. Among them was Lt. Col. Orrin Viner, the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s deputy chief of staff for operations.

Viner described the wargame as an opportunity to test the organization’s decision-making processes and plans in a complex, high-stress scenario.

“Within this demanding fictional environment, our resources were stressed to the breaking point,” he said. “It allowed us to identify key points of friction requiring immense effort and senior leader decisions.”

Viner said conducting the event annually will help refine best practices and expand participation across the force.

The integration of Wisconsin Emergency Management’s Response Planning and Support Section supervisor, Drew Werner, added a multiagency coordination element to the scenarios.

“The single greatest benefit of WEM’s participation is gaining a comprehensive understanding of interagency expectations,” said Werner. “Specifically, how federal and state government, our military partners, and civil authorities expect to coordinate during mobilization, which directly informs and strengthens our planning efforts.”

Werner added that WEM also benefited from the opportunity to rehearse domestic operations procedures alongside the National Guard — procedures that were applied just three days later, when local Soldiers were mobilized during a severe blizzard to assist the Wisconsin State Patrol in reaching stranded motorists.

The Presidio Endeavor wargame concluded with a hot wash, allowing for in-depth discussion among facilitators, players and observers.

“The point with wargaming is presenting a scenario that gets people to think, act, react, then talk about the outcome and what they’d do next time to generate a different outcome,” said Griese. “It’s a really effective and useful visualization exercise and an activity that is as old as war itself.”

Related Links

The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil

State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil

The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard

The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard

The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard

Source: United States Army

World Water Day is an annual reminder that water is one of our most critical resources—vital for readiness, community well‑being, and the health of our nation. For those living and working across the USAG Benelux footprint, understanding the water landscape is essential not just for sustainability, but also for keeping household costs in check.

Belgium’s Water Use: A Closer Look

Belgium maintains relatively sustainable national water use levels, with a Water Exploitation Index Plus (WEI+) of 5.8% in 2019, far below the EU’s 20% sustainability threshold. Continued improvements have kept this figure on a favorable long‑term trend, indicating that Belgium manages its freshwater resources more efficiently than many European counterparts.

Rising Water Prices Across Belgium

Water conservation is not only environmentally responsible, it is also becoming financially important. Belgian households in every region have been experiencing water price increases in 2025 and 2026:

In Flanders, drinking water costs increased due to tariff indexation beginning January 2025, with the price of tap water reaching €2.7516 per 1,000 liters.

In Wallonia, regulated tariffs increased in February 2025, raising the distribution cost (CVD) by 5.3% and the sanitation cost (CVA) from €2.365 to €2.615 per cubic meter.

In the Brussels region, a 12.5% rate increase took effect January 1, 2026, adding an average €41.50 per household per year.

For households, these increased prizes entail that every liter saved directly reduces your utility bill – particularly important for off‑post housing where water charges appear on monthly statements.

Water Stewardship at USAG Benelux

USAG Benelux is committed to providing safe, reliable drinking water and ensuring compliance with host nation & US environmental standards. The installation’s DPW Environmental Division assists soldiers, families, and civilian personnel with water‑related questions and it supports best practices that align with Belgian and U.S. requirements.

Additionally, U.S. and host nation authorities maintain strict oversight of water quality. This robust monitoring ensures that the water provided on base is of high quality, however using less of it still matters.

How Conserving Water Saves You Money

With water tariffs rising, reducing daily consumption is one of the simplest ways families can control household spending. Consider the below examples based on current Belgian prices:

1. Cutting shower length from 10 minutes to 5 minutes can save 40–60 liters per shower, reducing both water and energy bills.
2. Fixing a dripping tap can prevent the loss of up to 5,000 liters per year – equivalent to several euros annually (between 25 and 35 euros) depending on your region’s tariff rate.
3. Households that stay below 30 m³ of water use per year in Wallonia benefit from reduced‑rate CVD charges, directly lowering the total bill.

Practical Tips for Households and Barracks

Here are some simple, effective steps the USAG Benelux community can take:

1. Reduce indoor water use
2. Install low‑flow showerheads and aerated faucets.
3. Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full.
4. Turn off water while brushing teeth or shaving.

Maintain plumbing

1. Report leaks immediately in barracks or government housing.
2. For off‑post residents, notify landlords or repair minor leaks promptly.
3. Use efficient outdoor practices
4. Water gardens during early morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
5. Choose native plants that require less water.

A Shared Responsibility

As members of the USAG Benelux community, conserving water supports our mission, reduces environmental impact in our nation, and helps keep living costs manageable. Belgium’s water is clean, well‑managed, and closely monitored, but it is also becoming more expensive. Small steps taken by each household can collectively reduce demand, ease pressure on local systems, and lower monthly bills.

This World Water Day, let’s commit to being good stewards of the resource that sustains us all.

Source: United States Army

NEW YORK – For 175 years, Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, known as the “Fighting 69th,” have led the world’s largest and oldest St. Patrick’s Day Parade, celebrating Irish heritage.

On March 17, 2026, six hundred Soldiers from the battalion continued the tradition as they marched down Manhattan’s 5th Avenue.

The battalion’s morning began early as the Soldiers visited St. Patrick’s Cathedral, joining city and state leadership for the renowned St. Patrick’s Day Mass.

This year, the event was featured on the Fox and Friends national morning news show prior to the Mass. Host Steven Doocy interviewed Lt. Col. Andrew Prior, the battalion commander, and Sgt. Conner Battiste, and Spec. Daniel Pan, the battalion’s two best Soldiers..

Following Mass, the Soldiers marched to 44th Street, where they assembled with the 42nd Infantry Division band and others at the parade’s starting point. Joined by senior military leaders from the NYNG and the 42nd Inf. Div. band, the Fighting 69th then led 150,000 other parade participants up 5th Avenue, passing more than 2 million spectators along the nearly 2-mile route.

This year, officers from the Swedish military joined the New York National Guard leadership in the march. The New York National Guard has a partnership with the Swedish Military has part of the National Guard State. Partnership Program.

Reflecting on the significance of the day, Prior shared memories of growing up in the city and watching the parade as a child.

“I remember one year was different because we had tickets to watch from the steps of St. Patrick’s,” he said. “It was my first memory of this unit. I remember sitting on my father’s shoulders, staring at the Soldiers marching by, and my dad looked up and said, ‘That’s the Fighting 69th.’”

Because of the regiment’s roots in Irish American history, St. Patrick’s Day also serves as the battalion’s “Unit Day,” during which Soldiers are recognized for their accomplishments.

However, this year’s recognition ceremony saw a change of venue as the battalion’s Lexington Avenue Armory home undergoes extensive modernization. In a temporary shift of traditions, the Fighting 69th gathered instead at the historic Park Avenue Armory to honor the day’s achievements.

“Now, this isn’t Lexington Avenue; it’s not the 69th Armory, but it is still an honor to be gathered here at the Park Avenue Armory,” said Chief Warrant Officer 5 William Solmo, NYNG’s state command chief warrant officer. “We would all rather be down the block in our own historic armory, but if we’re going to be temporarily displaced, we could do worse than landing here.”

This year’s celebration focused on the citizen-Soldier legacy, as leaders recognized the accomplishments of the battalion’s Soldiers with awards, promotions, and scholarships, followed by recognizing Solmo’s retirement after 40 years of service in the ARNG.

The 69th began leading the parade in 1851 because of threats of anti-Catholic and anti-Irish attacks on the procession by nativist groups.

In 2021, when the parade was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of 50 Soldiers from the 69th staged an informal parade up the route to keep the tradition alive.

The 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, supposedly earned the nickname “Fighting 69th” from Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. He is said to have referred to the Irish American unit as “that fighting 69th regiment” following the battle of Fredericksburg in 1863.

Speaking during the recognition ceremony, Maj. Gen. Raymond Shields, the New York Adjutant General, commended the battalion on hosting Swedish officers in this year’s parade.

“In 2024, we signed an agreement with Sweden under the State Partnership Program,” he said. “Sweden is a fantastic partner, and we are thrilled they got to see something very few people experience – marching in the parade today.”

For more photos of the event, go to the NYNG’s Flickr page here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCNudq.

Source: United States Army

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – The Army Emergency Relief (AER) program is conducting their 2026 annual campaign. Which began on March 1, 2026 and concludes June 14, 2026, on the Army’s birthday.

The purpose of AER’s campaign is to raise funds for AER. AER provides support to Soldiers and their families during times of financial hardship for critical needs such as rent, utilities, and medical.

This year’s campaign is broken into two goals for the Rhienland-Pfalz region. The campaign’s primary goal is to raise 100 percent awareness of the campaign and the assistance the AER program offers to Soldiers in the region. The secondary goal is to achieve 20 percent of active-duty Soldiers donating to the campaign.

The 21st Theater Sustainment Command has set the lofty goal of raising $210,000 for this year’s campaign, which equals roughly 10 percent of the entire Army’s donations last year.

A main function of AER is the issuance of zero-interest loans. According to Jessee Dean, the AER U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz program director, the loans may be used for utilities, rent, car payments, insurance, and similar needs. Assistance with personal loans, credit cards, legal fees, or taxes are not authorized in the program.

A secondary function of AER is the issuance of grants. The grant program may be used by Soldiers and immediate family for grants of up to $4,000. Additionally, AER can assist with certain expenses that go beyond the $4000 cap like rental cars, hotels, food, and fuel during events like PCS, emergency travel or funeral expenses. In instances like this it can be a combination of a grant and no-interest loan.

According to Dean, running the program is not just another job, he has an emotional tie to its success. “I’ve personally used AER twice. One time I owed €3,000 in gas and €1,500 in electricity due to billing issues,” said Dean. “I had to pay it quickly, and AER helped cover that.”

AER is completely donation driven and not government funded. Rheinland-Pfalz was heavily supported by AER throughout last year.

According to Dean, during the 2025 campaign, $2.1 million was donated, Army wide. Approximately 16 percent of Soldiers in Rheinland-Pfalz donated last year, for a total of $31,600. Due to the high costs associated with PCS moves to this region, $1.9M was distributed to Soldiers in Rhheinland-Pfalz via grants and loans.

“Seek out your unit representatives to learn about AER. You can donate online or through your unit representative,” said Dean, for personnel who are interested in donating “There are also manual methods like cash, check, or allotment forms. QR codes have been developed to allow quick digital donations using cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.”

If you would like to contribute to AER online, please visit https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/donate/ and if you would like to see any additional info go to https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/ or talk to your unit representative for AER.