Vermont National Guard conducts a demolition range in order to instruct infantryman from the U.nited States, North Macedonia and Asutria on their job. [Image 2 of 3]

KRIVOLAK, NORTH MACEDONIA

05.31.2025

Photo by Pfc. Raul Boamah 

U.S. Army Europe and Africa     

U.S. Army Capt. Michael Pickney, 572nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont National Guard, delivers a safety brief to his unit prior to conducting training on a demolition range as part of Immediate Response 25 during DEFENDER 25, Krivolak Training Area, Krivolak, North Macedonia, May 31, 2025. Soldier safety is the first consideration leaders take when planning and executing training.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 Pfc. Raul Boamah)

• Date Taken: 05.31.2025
• Date Posted: 06.05.2025 09:43
• Photo ID: 9085918
• VIRIN: 250601-A-EQ822-2635
• Resolution: 4519x3007
• Size: 1.22 MB
• Location: KRIVOLAK, MK