V Corps News

1st Infantry Division Conducts Close-Quarters Combat Training at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria

Spc. Breanna Bradford — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

NOVO SELO TRAINING AREA, Bulgaria – The rapid sound of gunfire from M4A1 Carbine firearms pierced the air as Soldiers enagaged targets within the training walls. Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, conducted squad live-fire exercises during close-quarters combat training in Bulgaria, Oct. 28, 2025, emphasizing overall lethality and warfighting readiness along NATO’s Eastern Flank.

U.S. Army and Lithuanian Forces Strengthen Partnership in Joint Training Exercise Unified Partners 26

Sgt. Devin Klecan — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Soldiers from the U.S. Army's 407th Civil Affairs Battalion, in coordination with members of the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union, successfully concluded the joint training exercise Unified Partners 26, held from January 14-17, 2026.

NATO Secretary General and Allied Defense Leaders Visit Bemowo Piskie Training Area

Sgt. Eric Allen — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Bemowo Piskie, Poland — NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte with Polish Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defence John Healey thank troops of Allied nations for their continued service during the holiday season at Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Dec. 18, 2025. NATO SecGen Rutte spoke frankly of the Alliance’s commitment to NATO’s collective defense during a press conference later that day. “As a defensive alliance, we are ready to deter and defend from the Black Sea to the High North and beyond, " he continued saying, “Bottom line, NATO stands united and ready to deter aggression and defend our freedom and security,” he said. The leaders met with Lt. Gen. Dariusz Parylak, commander of Multinational Corps- Northeast and Maj. Gen. Jarosław Gromadziński, commander of Multinational Division-Northeast with representatives from the U.S. Army V Corps to discuss regional security, readiness, and ongoing multinational operations. A significant focus of the visit centered on the service members stationed at Bemowo Piskie, and other locations in Poland during the holiday season. Senior NATO and Allied leaders took time to speak directly with Soldiers, expressing their appreciation and thanking them for their professionalism, sacrifice, and continued readiness while deployed away from home in support of the Alliance. “We were here to thank the service members who serve as part of NATO’s Forward Land Forces…,” Rutte made sure to acknowledge the day-to-day missions of those serving, saying, “Many of them would spend the holiday period away from their families, standing watch, keeping us all safe, and enhancing deterrence and defense along NATO’s eastern flank." The visit underscored the importance of allied unity and interoperability in maintaining deterrence and readiness amid evolving security challenges. NATO’s persistent forward presence in Poland and across the eastern flank remained a cornerstone of collective defense and reassurance for Allied nations. Forward Land Forces units, including U.S. and allied elements , operated in coordination with the Polish Armed Forces and NATO partners to sustain combat-credible readiness, strengthen multinational integration, and demonstrate collective resolve. (U.S. Army article and photos by Sgt. Eric Allen)

1-16th Infantry Regiment Conducts Live Fire Exercise with Romanian Forces

Sgt. 1st Class Richard Perez — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In early February 2026, U.S. Soldiers from the 1-16th Infantry Regiment and Romanian land forces conducted a joint live-fire exercise in Smardan, Romania, to synchronize their respective main battle tanks—the American M1A2 Abrams and the Romanian TR-85M1 Bizonul. Despite the freezing winter conditions, the combined armored and infantry forces successfully executed situational training and live-fire drills, demonstrating their ability to communicate and operate together effectively. The exercise was a key opportunity for the NATO allies to exchange operational knowledge, build cohesion, and prove their joint capability to project combat power, thereby strengthening security in the Black Sea region.

Precision and Power: U.S. and Lithuania Strengthen the Eastern Flank through Integrated HIMARS Live Fire

Capt. Regina Koesters — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In a display of military readiness on NATO's eastern flank, U.S. Army soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Regiment, and the Lithuanian Armed Forces conducted a joint HIMARS live-fire exercise in Lithuania on February 3, 2026. This exercise was the culmination of the HIMARS Apprenticeship Program, which was designed to prepare Lithuanian soldiers for the fielding of their own HIMARS units later in the year. The successful training demonstrated the crews' proficiency in providing long-range precision fire and validated the seamless integration between the two forces, reinforcing their collective defense capabilities and commitment to regional security.

NATO Force Integration Conducts School Project in Lithuania

Spc. Kemarvo Smith — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

On December 10, 2025, U.S. Army soldiers from the 407th Civil Affairs Battalion and the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, partnered with NATO Allies to host a community event for high school students in Pabradė, Lithuania. As part of the NATO Force Integration School Project, the soldiers organized a static display of military equipment and vehicles, allowing students to interact with them and learn about the U.S. Army's role in their country. The engagement was designed to foster a strong community partnership, showcase the U.S. commitment to regional security alongside its allies, and connect with the future generation of Lithuania, reinforcing a shared goal of maintaining safety and freedom in the region.

1st Infantry Division Conducts Platoon Live Fire Exercise in Bulgaria

Sgt. Adel Pacheco Alvarez — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In December 2025, the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division completed its final live-fire exercise of the year at the Novo Selo Training Area in Bulgaria. This training was the culmination of four months of progression from individual to collective skills, focusing on enhancing the unit's lethality and efficiency. The exercise simulated realistic large-scale combat operations, requiring the mortar platoon to coordinate indirect fire to support infantry units as they breached and cleared trench systems. Soldiers faced and overcame challenges posed by adverse weather and difficult terrain, which stressed the importance of deliberate communication, coordination, and equipment maintenance. This training ultimately strengthens the U.S. commitment to NATO's Eastern Flank by ensuring the unit is adaptable, cohesive, and ready for stressful combat conditions.

Innovation Takes Flight at The Best Drone Warfighter Competition

Pentagon News — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In December 2025, the U.S. Army Europe and Africa held a multinational Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Grafenwoehr, Germany, to test and improve unmanned aerial system (UAS) skills among allied forces. Ten teams, including U.S. and European partners, competed in realistic scenarios involving reconnaissance, strike missions, and navigation through difficult terrain and weather. A team from Spain’s Legion Brigade secured first place, demonstrating exceptional readiness and adaptability which they credited to their rigorous daily training rather than specific preparation for the event. The competition highlighted the importance of hands-on, collaborative training in austere environments to drive innovation, refine tactics, and ensure that NATO forces are prepared to integrate advanced drone capabilities for modern warfare.

Deployed U.S. Military Police strengthen overall security

Sgt. James Garcia — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:50:00 GMT

Military Police in the U.S. Army serve a dual role as both soldiers and law enforcement professionals, responsible for maintaining order and discipline. Their missions are diverse, ranging from protecting senior leaders and conducting criminal investigations to patrolling in various environments and coordinating with allied forces, such as in Latvia during Operation Atlantic Resolve. U.S. Army Spc. Mark Garcia, a Military Police Soldier, highlights the significance of his career through experiences like the Best Squad Competition, which tested his squad's physical and mental capabilities. He emphasizes that the role of an MP extends beyond enforcement to include being a standard-bearer, building community, and fostering communication. Working with NATO partners has been a particularly rewarding aspect of his deployment, enhancing interoperability and reinforcing the collective commitment to regional stability. Garcia advises those considering a career as an MP to be open-minded and adaptable, as the experience itself provides invaluable lessons in resilience and personal growth.

Black Sea Air Show 2025: Strengthening NATO Presence through Allied Aviation Demonstrations

Capt. Regina Koesters — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Under vast Romanian skies, a multinational spectacle took flight as United States, Romanian, and German aircraft participated in the 4th edition of the Black Sea Air Show at Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport in Romania on August 2, 2025. With a record attendance of over 20,000 spectators, leaders and Soldiers from the 1st Armored Division and 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) had the unique opportunity to showcase the capabilities of vehicles, equipment, and aircraft to the local community alongside our NATO Allies and partners.

5-7 Cav Conducts Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise

Spc. Nathan Morse — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Camp Tapa, Estonia — Nestled deep within the Baltic country of Estonia, Soldiers with the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, alongside allied forces, executed a combined arms live fire exercise, or CALFEX, July 21-25, at the Central Training Area.

FPV Drone Training in Germany Continues drumbeat of the Army's Transformation Initiative

Maj. Brian Sutherland — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 13:00:00 GMT

In the wet and rainy woods of Germany, drone blades whirr and cut through the drizzle as Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division test newly minted First Person View (FPV) drones. These drones are part of the US Army's armored brigade combat team TiC (Transformation in Contact) training progression and experimentation, which tests new, low-cost, and portable methods for defeating adversaries utilizing small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS). The drones Soldiers are testing are designed to be one-way single munition-drones that strike a moving or stationary target. As weapon systems, these small FPV drones are inexpensive and portable, allowing individuals to deploy them in combat without relying on larger, more expensive weapon systems.

USAG Poland Change of Command anchors garrison on Eastern Flank

Bethany Huff — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 13:00:00 GMT

U.S. Army Garrison Poland turned the page on its next chapter of leadership July 15, 2025, as Col. Jeremy McHugh assumed command from Col. Jesse Chace. McHugh will be the first commander with a two-year tenure.

Task Force Iron, Maryland National Guard join NATO allies in Estonia’s Victory Day Parade

Staff Sgt. Joseph Novak — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 13:00:00 GMT

On June 23, 2025, U.S. Army soldiers from Task Force Iron and the Maryland National Guard joined NATO allies in Estonia’s Victory Day parade in Pärnu. This parade commemorates Estonia’s 1919 victory in its War of Independence and celebrates the nation’s freedom. The U.S. participation – including a color guard and a flyover of Black Hawk helicopters – was meant to demonstrate strong support for Estonia and NATO’s commitment to Baltic security. The event also highlighted the importance of international cooperation, with soldiers practicing cross-border operations. The Maryland National Guard has a long-standing partnership with Estonia, dating back to 1993, and has been instrumental in helping Estonia build its defense capabilities and join NATO. The parade was attended by the President of Estonia, who thanked the U.S., UK, and French soldiers stationed in Estonia.

Baltic Viking enhances Michigan Army National Guard's readiness to support NATO and Latvia

Staff Sgt. Joseph Novak — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 13:00:00 GMT

From June 1-13, 2025, U.S. Army soldiers from the Michigan National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment participated in Exercise Baltic Viking in Latvia, training alongside NATO allies from Denmark and the Latvian Armed Forces. The exercise focused on enhancing combat skills, particularly in preparation for large-scale combat operations and modern trench warfare. Soldiers practiced live-fire exercises, machine gun training, and maneuvering within a realistic trench system. A key benefit was the opportunity to learn from and improve interoperability with allied nations. This deployment to Latvia – part of a larger Michigan National Guard mobilization exercise involving over 2000 personnel – demonstrated the state’s ability to rapidly deploy forces and integrate with NATO partners, boosting overall combat readiness and strengthening the alliance. Leaders emphasized the unique value of the training environment in Latvia, which couldn't be replicated elsewhere.

U.S. troops join forces with NATO Allies in a show of unity

Staff Sgt. Christopher Saunders — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:00:00 GMT

On May 31, 2025, U.S. Army soldiers from Task Force Iron, along with NATO allies from the U.K., Romania, Croatia, and Poland, participated in a parade celebrating the 600th anniversary of the city of Ełk, Poland. The event was a way for the multinational battle group – stationed nearby to enhance NATO readiness – to connect with the local community. Hundreds of residents came out to interact with the soldiers and view military vehicles. Leaders from both the U.S. Army and the city of Ełk emphasized the importance of building strong relationships and demonstrating a commitment to Poland’s security and NATO’s collective defense. The parade and festivities highlighted the camaraderie and shared values between the U.S., Poland, and other NATO allies. It underscored the importance of these partnerships in maintaining stability and security in the region.

V Corps, NATO Leaders Showcase Allied Modernization at LANDEURO Warrior’s Corner

Sgt Tyler Brock — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 17:00:00 GMT

Senior leaders from V Corps and NATO partner forces came together Thursday during LANDEURO’s Warrior’s Corner to discuss how they’re building allied warfighting capability in Europe.

Leaders highlight multinational innovation and integration at LANDEURO

Lt. Col. Cain Claxton — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Bulgaria army and U.S. Army leaders discussed their shared effort to spearhead innovation on NATO’s Eastern Flank at LANDEURO here July 16. Bulgaria army Maj. Gen. Deyan Deshkov, Bulgarian Land Forces commander, and U.S. Army Col. Donald Neal, commander of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment based in Germany, teamed together to deliver the first Warriors Corner presentation at the Association of the United States Army LANDEURO symposium and exposition in the RheinMain CongessCenter.

NCOs at LANDEURO Stress Back-to-Basics Leadership on NATO’s Eastern Flank

Sgt. Tyler Brock — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Senior enlisted leaders from the United States, United Kingdom and Estonia gathered at LANDEURO’s Warrior’s Corner Wednesday to discuss the future of the NCO corps in Europe, emphasizing warfighting, transformation, interoperability, and the need to reinforce foundational skills.

U.S. Soldiers Receive NATO Kaitsel "Defender" Medal in Estonia

Pfc. Jaidyn Moore — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 13:00:00 GMT

U.S. Soldiers supporting Task Force Voit were awarded the Estonian Kaitsel "Defender" Medal on June 4, 2025, in recognition of their contribution to the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence mission in Estonia. The award highlights the importance of a strong NATO presence on the Eastern Flank and acknowledges the dedication of troops serving far from home. Task Force Voit played a crucial role in training the Estonian Defense Force on the use of M142 HIMARS, culminating in Estonia’s official unveiling of its own HIMARS systems in April 2025. Through exercises like Winter Camp and Hedgehog 25, U.S. and Estonian forces built trust and proficiency in utilizing the HIMARS, strengthening interoperability and collective readiness to defend against potential threats – reinforcing the alliance’s commitment to security and democracy.