Photo By Staff Sgt. Daniel Yeadon | U.S. Army Spc. Howard Westhoff, an automated logistical specialist assigned to...... read more read more
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KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 21st Special Troops Battalion, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, joined U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz for its annual force protection exercise at Panzer Kaserne in early August 2025.
The multi-day event tested security forces’ ability to detect and respond to potential threats during elevated force protection conditions. Soldiers worked alongside garrison security personnel to operate vehicle checkpoints, conduct searches, and respond to simulated incidents, all in temperatures topping 90 degrees.
“This exercise is about more than procedures; it is about stress testing our systems, assessing ourselves and validating our ability to protect our communities when it matters,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Lalor, commanding general, 21st TSC, and senior responsible officer for USAG Rheinland-Pfalz. “Our Soldiers, working alongside the garrison, joint and host nation partners displayed the expertise, adaptability, and teamwork needed to accomplish the mission.”
As the General Officer for Force Protection for U.S. Army Europe and Africa, Lalor oversees security planning and execution across the Kaiserslautern, Baumholder, and U.S. Army Garrison Benelux areas of responsibility, with a focus on countering potential terrorist threats.
In the months leading up to the event, 21st TSC troops completed diversion training covering tactical search procedures, checkpoint protocols, and threat identification drills. Leaders said this preparation gave Soldiers the baseline skills needed to respond effectively during the exercise.
“The training Soldiers receive is a baseline they could rely on during the exercise,” said Capt. Christian Rivera, commander, HHC, 21st STB. “They already had the muscle memory to act quickly, whether it was spotting a suspicious modification in a vehicle or recognizing indicators of an explosive device.”
Scenarios included dismounted vehicle inspections, static security post operations, and explosive hazard recognition using simulated improvised explosive devices. Soldiers applied controlled entry procedures and identified threats in high-pressure situations.
“Exercises like this push you to think beyond your daily role and apply core Soldier skills,” said Sgt. Seth Thomas, a human resources specialist with the 21st TSC G1. “It’s a chance to lead, react, and make decisions that matter for the safety of the entire installation.”
Daniel Pedersen, operations officer and emergency manager with the USAG Rheinland-Pfalz Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security, said integrating 21st TSC Soldiers into the exercise enhanced the garrison’s readiness posture.
“This exercise reinforces the garrison’s readiness with regards to force protection. With the support and guidance of the 21st TSC, especially the General Officer for Protection, our garrison is staying vigilant to protect the community. Exercises like this are key to making sure we’re ready to face any threat together.”
Col. Jeffery Higgins, USAG Rheinland-Pfalz commander, emphasized the value of unified defense.
"Creating a shared understanding between the garrison, Army senior leaders, the 86 Airlift Wing, and host nation defense partners is critical to meeting any threat", said Higgins. "When we have a collective awareness, we move faster, make smarter decisions, and stand ready to protect our people and our mission.”
Rivera added experience reinforces the link between home-station security and operational readiness.
“Training like this ensures our teams are ready,” Rivera said. “Protecting our installations not only safeguards military assets, but also our families and fellow service members.”
| Date Taken: | 08.13.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.15.2025 01:21 |
| Story ID: | 545534 |
| Location: | KAISERSLAUTERN, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, DE |
| Web Views: | 47 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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