Conference of European Armies brings senior U.S., European land forces leaders into discussion of common ideals, strategies, partnerships

Photo By Sgt. Daniel Cole | Lt. Gen. Rrahman Rama, Chief of Staff of Kosovo’s Army, speaks with Lt. Gen. Danilo Errico, Chief of Staff of the Italian army, Oct. 27, during the 23rd annual Conference of European Armies held in Wiesbaden, Germany. The conference was hosted by Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, commander of U.S. Army Europe, and focused on the current security environment, how to win in a complex world and freedom of movement throughout Europe.  

WIESBADEN, HE, GERMANY

10.28.2015

Story by Sgt. Daniel Cole 

U.S. Army Europe and Africa     

WIESBADEN, Germany -- Senior land forces commanders from more than 30 European partner nations, the U.S. and Canada convened here Oct. 26-28, to discuss the future of cooperative European security operations during the 23rd Annual Conference of European Armies.

The conference was hosted by Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, commander of U.S. Army Europe, and focused on the current security environment, how to win in a complex world and freedom of movement throughout Europe.

Most of the participants are their nations’ equivalent to the U.S. Army Chief of Staff. In addition to their partnership with U.S. Army Europe for regional security, most of the countries participating in CEA have provided forces to NATO’s International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan and more recently in many of the Operation Atlantic Resolve exercises.

Gen. Mark Milley, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, engaged the leaders throughout the conference, highlighting the dynamic structure of U.S. Army Europe and reemphasizing the U.S.’s commitment to NATO.

The conference sessions, led by officer participants from across the spectrum of nations represented, included presentations and discussions on current and future transatlantic and European security threats. In addition, Hodges spoke about the five pillars of ‘Strong Europe,’ which include empowering junior leaders, the use of the reserve and national guard, our allies and partners, the regionally allocated forces and lastly having a dynamic presence.

Wrapping up, Milley had two key points he wanted attendees to take away from the conference.

“One, is the United States is very, very committed to NATO. No one should mistake that,” he said. “The existence of NATO is a vital national security interest of the United States of America. Also, the United States is also committed to deterring war. It is in no one’s interest to go into armed conflict with Russia.”

The CEA was established in 1988 and provides a venue for creating shared training opportunities and establishing relationships between European ground forces and contributing to regional and global understanding, peace and stability.

• Date Taken: 10.28.2015
• Date Posted: 10.28.2015 11:56
• Story ID: 180145
• Location: WIESBADEN, HE, DE