To deter adversaries, the U.S. maintains a strong military and close relationships with allies through treaties such as NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization). Should an ally call for support, U.S. forces must be ready to respond efficiently. Conducting regular training exercises is one way to improve readiness for such a response.
The Georgia Army National Guard is participating in a multinational exercise to improve its readiness. The exercise is called Dynamic Employment of Forces to Europe for NATO Deterrence and Enhanced Readiness (DEFENDER 24), which started on March 28, 2024. The 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery Regiment landed in Skillingaryd, Sweden, deploying as a battalion to shape operations for the Swedish...
Capt. Michael McLaughlin, a Firepower Control Team Leader assigned to the 2d Air Naval Gun Fire Laison Company (ANGLICO), United States Marine Corps, attached to the 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery Regiment, 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Georgia Army National Guard, discusses ANGLICO's role as forward observers during the DEFENDER 24 exercise in Skillingaryd, Sweden on May 9, 2024. DEFENDER 24 is the Dynamic Employment of Forces to Europe for NATO Deterrence and Enhanced Readiness. It is a U.S. European Command scheduled, U.S. Army Europe and Africa conducted exercises that consist of Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response. DEFENDER 24 is linked to NATO's Steadfast Defender exercise, and DoD's Large Scale Global...