U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 2nd Platoon, Chosen Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, stage their Bradley Fighting Vehicles in support of Unified Partners '26, Jan. 17, 2026 on Camp Taurus Training Area, Pabradė, Lithuania. Unified Partners '26 continued to strengthen the enduring partnership between the U.S. and Lithuania, reaffirming a shared commitment to collective defense, regional security, and the strength of the NATO Alliance. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Asher Atkinson)

Feb. 23, 2026

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

PABRADĖ, Lithuania — 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 Mark Rutte shakes hands with U.S. Army Lt. Col. John Nimmons during a holiday dinner at Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland, Dec. 18, 2025. The engagement allowed Allied leaders to thank forward-deployed service members and recognize their role in supporting NATO’s mission. Senior NATO and Allied leader engagements demonstrate continued support for Soldiers serving their countries and the Alliance during the holiday period. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Eric Allen)

Feb. 23, 2026

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

Bemowo Piskie, Poland — 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)

Romanian land force member assigned to the 284th Armored Battalion prepare ammunition before heading onto the range on Smârdan Training Area, Romania, Feb. 2, 2026. Through realistic, combined training, U.S. and Romanian Land Forces shared tactical knowledge and enhanced combat readiness. The joint live-fire exercise contributed directly to NATO’s collective defense posture and reinforced security in the Black Sea region. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Adel Pacheco Alvarez)

Feb. 20, 2026

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

SMARDAN TRAINING AREA, ROMANIA — 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.

U.S. Army Soldiers from Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Regiment, 75th Field Artillery Brigade, assigned to Task Force Pergalė, conduct a live-fire exercise alongside Lithuanian partners employing the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, Feb. 3, 2026 in Klaipėda, Lithuania. The exercise marks the culminating event of the HIMARS apprenticeship program, during which the U.S. Soldiers trained Lithuanian forces in the operation, maintenance, and sustainment of the HIMARS. The event underscores Lithuanian’s investment in defense modernization, demonstrating how advanced capabilities provide credible deterrence and strengthen the Eastern Flank Deterrence Line. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Asher Atkinson)

Feb. 16, 2026

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

KAIRIAI TRAINING AREA, Lithuania — 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.

U.S. Army Soldiers and NATO Allies take a group photo with Lithuanian high schoolers, Dec. 10, 2025, on General Silvestras Žukauskas Training Area, Pabradė, Lithuania. U.S Army Soldiers partnered with NATO Allies to conduct the NATO Force Integration School Project, a community relations program that allowed the community to understand the U.S. Army's role in Lithuania. (U.S Army photo by Spc. Kemarvo Smith)

Feb. 13, 2026

NATO Force Integration Conducts School Project in Lithuania

PABRADE, Lithuania — 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.

U.S. Army Spc. Miguel Amason, a mortar gunner, and Spc. Christopher Klapkowski, an assistant mortar gunner, both assigned to 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, disassemble the M120 Mortar at the conclusion of a fire mission to conceal their firing positions on Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, Dec. 8, 2025. 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment strengthens V Corps’ posture of persistent presence as they execute live fire exercises in Bulgaria– reassuring Allies, deterring aggression, and reinforcing the U.S. commitment to collective defense. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Adel Pacheco Alvarez) .

Feb. 9, 2026

1st Infantry Division Conducts Platoon Live Fire Exercise in Bulgaria

NOVO SELO TRAINING AREA, BULGARIA — 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.

U.S. Army Sgt. Anthony Karl (left) and Staff Sgt. Jacob Owens, assigned to the 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, test fly the Skydio X10 during the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Dec. 10, 2025. The competition assesses unmanned aerial systems operator capabilities from the U.S., Spain and Italy, and reinforces the U.S. Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, and builds esprit des corps and camaraderie. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Collin Mackall)

Feb. 6, 2026

Innovation Takes Flight at The Best Drone Warfighter Competition

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — 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.

U.S. Army Pfc. Jack Hajewski, a military police Soldier with the 327th Military Police Battalion, 102nd Military Police Company, waits for a cargo vehicle to enter the camp to conduct a Random Antiterrorism Measure at Camp Adazi, Latvia, on Dec. 10, 2025. RAMs provide a visible security presence and help safeguard personnel, equipment, and facilities, supporting force protection efforts and contributing to overall readiness among U.S. and NATO allies. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. James Garcia)

Feb. 3, 2026

Deployed U.S. Military Police strengthen overall security

ĀDAŽI, Latvia — 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.

U.S. Army Sgt. Thriska Smith assigned to the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division displays an American flag to the crowd from a CH-47F Chinook helicopter during the 4th Annual Black Sea Air Show at Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport, Romania, August 2, 2025. The air show displayed military aircraft, vehicles, and equipment from the United States, Romania, Italy, and Germany for exhibitors, visitors, and military delegations. This event provided an opportunity for Army aviation crews to demonstrate their elite flying skills and abilities while also demonstrating the U.S. commitment to providing forward deployed combat-credible forces in the region. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Regina Koesters)

Aug. 18, 2025

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

MIHAIL KOGĂLNICEANU AIR BASE, Romania — 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.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airmen Reese Riccardo, a tactical air control party serving as the joint terminal attack controller assigned to 15th Air Support Operation Squadron, supporting 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, Fire Support Team, 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, fires a mortar round during a Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX) July 25, 2025, at the Central Training Area near Camp Tapa, Estonia. This CALFEX served as a way to increase lethality and effectiveness, and improve the interoperability between NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Nathan Morse)

Aug. 15, 2025

5-7 Cav Conducts Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise

Camp Tapa, Estonia — 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.