NATO Land Forces:DEFENDER-Europe 21

The annual large-scale U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led exercise, DEFENDER-Europe 21, involving 26 NATO and Partner nations, will soon enter its active phase after two months of preparatory activities.The massive effort is intended to build strategic and operational readiness and interoperability.This year, more than 28,000 troops will conduct near-simultaneous drills over more than 30 training areas in 12 countries.According to U.S. Army Europe and Africa Commander GEN Christopher Cavoli: No matter what, our nations count on our forces being ready to defend the peace.DEFENDER-Europe 21 provides us the best opportunity to hone our abilities alongside our allies and partners in the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea region so that, collectively, we are ready to respond to any crisis that may arise.* Supported by the US Air Force and Navy while utilising key ground and maritime routes bridging Europe, Asia and Africa,D-E 21 will incorporate new or high-end capabilities in air and missile defence assets,as well as assets from U.S. Army Security Assistance Brigades and the newly reactivated V Corps, which is under the command of LTG John Kol asheski.V Corps will build readiness in their march toward full operational capability and promote interoperability among Allies and Partners,LTG Kolasheski indicated. On 16 October 2020,U.S. Army V Corps reactivated at Fort Knox, Kentucky, reversing its deactivation in 2013.The reactivation at the request of U.S. European Command was meant to posture our forces to meet the obligations of the National Defense Strategy, and to compete in a dynamic battle space with our adversaries, filling a critical gap and thus setting conditions for a safe and prosperous Europe. Explained Army Chief of Staff GEN James McConville: The activation of an additional Corps Headquarters provides the needed level of command and control focused on synchronizing U.S. Army,allied and partner nation tactical formations operating in Europe.* The 2018 NDS emphasises great power competition with near-peer adversaries such as Russia and China over low-intensity conflict in Afghanistan and Iraq. On 20 November 2020,U.S. Army V Corps activated its new forward HQ in Poznan, Poland, where it can command and control NATO'S Eastern Flank.The forward HQ has a designated strength of 200 Soldiers, with 435 others stationed at Fort Knox.Full operational capability of the forward HQ is slated for November 2021.Indeed, Polish MG Adam Joks was appointed Deputy Commander of V Corps-the first ever Polish general officer to serve in such a command capacity in the US military. V Corps was founded in 1918 in Europe during World War I.Russia's aggression against Ukraine in 2014 figured in reactivation of the unit, which facilitates NATO'S enhanced Forward Presence initiative.* Equipment for D-E 21 began its journey from the US in March.This month,participating units have been drawing Army Prepositioned Stock from sites in Germany,Italy and the Netherlands. Airborne operations,live fire training,missile defence and a large-scale medical evacuation will be staged.The Airborne operations will take place in Estonia, Bulgaria and Romania from early to mid-May.D-E 21 concludes in June with the transit of US-based forces and equipment from the homeland to Europe. D-E 21 will showcase the ironclad U.S. commitment to NATO;be a prime example of our collective capabilities; and demonstrate that NATO Allies and Partners stand stronger together,U.S. Army Europe and Africa observed.*