U.S. Army Vermont National Guard Infantry Battalion Proves Lethal Readiness with NATO Allies during Immediate Response 25 as a part of DEFENDER 25 [Image 17 of 17]

KRIVOLAK, NORTH MACEDONIA

05.31.2025

Photo by Staff Sgt. Michaela Granger 

U.S. Army Europe and Africa     

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont National Guard, fire mortars downrange during a combined arms live-fire exercise as a part of Immediate Response 25 during DEFENDER 25, Krivolak Training Area, Krivolak, North Macedonia, May 31, 2025. The platoon, whose motto is “Dreadnought”, used M252 81mm and Soltam K6 120mm mortar systems throughout the iterations. Demonstrating global deterrence and the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S.-based combat power in Europe and the Arctic region alongside Allies and partners, DEFENDER 25 brings U.S. troops together with forces from 29 Allied and partner nations to build readiness through large-scale combat training from May 11-June 24, 2025. DEFENDER 25 increases the lethality of the NATO alliance through large-scale tactical training maneuvers and long-range fires, builds unit readiness in a complex joint, multinational environment, and leverages host nation capabilities to increase the U.S. Army’s operational reach. During three large-scale combat training exercises—Swift Response, Immediate Response, and Saber Guardian—Ally and partner forces integrate and expand multi-domain operations capability, demonstrating combined command and control structures and readiness to respond to crisis and conflict. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Michaela C.P. Granger)

• Date Taken: 05.31.2025
• Date Posted: 06.04.2025 06:37
• Photo ID: 9078623
• VIRIN: 250531-Z-HS328-1311
• Resolution: 2472x3708
• Size: 2.14 MB
• Location: KRIVOLAK, MK