Photo By Pfc. Makayla Panzer | U.S. and Bulgarian soldiers discuss courses of action as part of an evacuation...... read more read more
HOHENFELS, Germany – At the Joint Multinational Readiness Center’s (JMRC) Hohenfels Training Area, U.S. Army Reserve soldiers with the 418th Civil Affairs Battalion (CAB), the 13th Psychological Operations Battalion (PSYOP), and multinational partners from Bulgaria and North Macedonia were tested in a high-pressure, civilian displacement scenario during Exercise Saber Junction 25.
This inject tested more than just tactical response. Designed and executed by JMRC’s Operational Environment (OE) specialists, this scenario aimed to develop critical skills in synchronization, cross-functional planning, and multinational coordination, all under battlefield pressure.
The scenario simulated a convoy of displaced civilians, tired, hungry, and separated from loved ones, seeking refuge in NATO-controlled territory after rapidly evacuating a contested combat zone. While fictional, the scenario replicates real-world challenges soldiers may face when civilian populations are caught in or near active military operations.
“There are two outcomes,” said Ben Serbicki, OE specialist, JMRC, who helps design the civil component of the exercise. “Outcome one is they do nothing, and there’s an uncoordinated movement of civilians and convoys coming across during an attack. Outcome two is they actually work with those civilian partners to find a window to get supplies in and people out to safety.”
This is a critical training point for Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations soldiers. Stabilizing the environment through civil-military engagement enables maneuver units to operate freely without escalating risks or creating humanitarian crises.
“Keeping civilians calm and in place by understanding the situation and working to help them stabilizes the environment,” added Serbicki. “Allowing soldiers to maneuver and engage their enemies without disrupting operations ensures the safety of both civilians and soldiers by mitigating potential issues.”
The training scenario also forced participants to integrate quickly with unfamiliar partners, reflecting the multinational nature of modern operations. Soldiers worked closely with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CR), the primary training audience for the event, who were conducting combat operations outside the town, while simultaneously acting as a link to civil authorities managing the incoming displaced population.
“They’re integrating with their maneuver task board, which is 2CR,” said Maj. Christian Grams, the Observer-Coach Trainer for the 13th PSYOP. “They don’t have much experience working with their allies in multinational settings, so this has been fantastic integration there.”
“Getting to see how our counterparts do it from their side is super beneficial for us to see how we can frame different scenarios in the future,” Grams added. “There’s a possibility of a different understanding.”
For exercise participants, this wasn’t just a box-checking scenario; it was a demonstration of how civil and psychological operations directly support mission success by enabling freedom of movement, maintaining legitimacy, and reducing the likelihood of tactical or strategic missteps.
“Our mission is always to assist the operation,” said Sgt. Joe Kuenstle, a civil affairs specialist with the 418th CAB. “Civil affairs can be a great asset to utilize, connecting the community with the military.”
| Date Taken: | 09.12.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.12.2025 08:41 |
| Story ID: | 547856 |
| Location: | HOHENFELS, BAYERN, DE |
| Web Views: | 40 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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