Category Archives: U.S Armed Forces in the World

An exclusive interview with MAJ. Sam K. Otto, Spokesperson of the Public Affairs, U.S. Army KFOR Regional Command East

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An exclusive interview with MAJ. Sam K. Otto, Spokesperson of the Public Affairs, U.S Army KFOR Regional Command East, conducted by Editor in Chief, Catherine S. Schmidt

Sir, it is a great honor to have you with us in this interview. Thank you very much.

Q: Since 1999 KFOR has been the pillar of security and stability in Kosovo. Could you give us an overall picture of KFOR mission and the crucial role that the U.S Army holds in it.

MAJ. Sam K. Otto, Spokesperson of the Public Affairs: The US along with NATO and Allied partners are leading a peace support operation in Kosovo to build peace and stability in the area. Under the authority of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 KFOR’s mission is to contribute to a safe and secure environment, support the development of a stable, democratic, multi-ethnic and peaceful Kosovo, support and coordinate the international humanitarian effort and civil presence in the region. Regional Command East (RC-E) is the US led team responsible for the KFOR mission in the eastern part of Kosovo. This team includes aviation, medical, and forces capable of monitoring the safety and security of Kosovo citizens along with providing a response if needed.

Q: In the last two decades the United States has been the major contributor in NATO-led KFOR operation. Please enlighten us about the U.S posture in KFOR at the present time, and its achievements in this mission so far.

MAJ. Sam K. Otto, Spokesperson of the Public Affairs: The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division from the Iowa Army National Guard is supporting NATO and operating as the US led multinational Regional Command East headquarters for KFOR. The US team is comprised of Soldiers from the Michigan, Maryland, Delaware and Washington National Guard along with US Army Reserve and Active Duty troops from Fort Hood, Texas. Our priority is to provide a safe and secure environment to build peace and stability in the area and let the people of Kosovo have freedom of movement throughout the region. Every Soldier in KFOR whether it be US, NATO or Allied Forces stand ready if called upon by the institutions of Kosovo as a third responder after the Kosovo Police and EULEX. We have full faith and confidence in the Kosovo Police, which is a fully capable force, in enforcing the rule of law throughout Kosovo.

 

 

 

 

 

Q: Iowa National Guard has a State Partnership Program with Kosovo. How the significant impacts of this partnership could be described at the military and local levels?

MAJ. Sam K. Otto, Spokesperson of the Public Affairs: The Iowa National Guard and Kosovo are state partners. There are many cities in Kosovo who have sister cities in Iowa. However, under the current mission, the forward deployed Iowa National Guard Soldiers are here to support NATO and contribute to regional security, promote stability, and ensure everyone feels safe and secure in the area. While operating under a NATO headquarters the relationship is limited between the Soldiers deployed in Kosovo with the institutions of Kosovo from a military standpoint. Some of our leadership and Soldiers have been to Kosovo before which helps with knowing the area and they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that assists in our current mission.

Q: In April 2020 the U.S.-led Kosovo Force Regional-Command East, delivered personal protective equipment to North and South Mitrovica. Could you tell us more about the role of U.S Army in mitigating the Covid-19 pandemic in region?

MAJ. Sam K. Otto, Spokesperson of the Public Affairs: Although the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division arrived in November to Kosovo, KFOR has assisted the institutions of Kosovo to deliver personal protective equipment to some of the local population and health care facilities. Restrictions were placed for the safety of our Soldiers and also for the population to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Masks have been required, gatherings have been limited to essential personnel only, hand sanitizer was been distributed and encouraged to use regularly. RC-East never wavered in our ability or readiness to accomplish our mission of providing a safe and secure environment, but we did have to modify how we conducted meetings and took more precautions to protect our force and the local people we have to interact with.

 

 

KFOR Chaplains were hosted for lunch by the KFOR Command Team, Major General Franco Federici and Command Sergeant Major Andrea Torre. Left to Right: Chaplain Cory Van Sloten (USA), Command Sergeant Major Andrea Torre (Italy), Chaplain Stephano Tollu (Italy), Chaplain Steve De Haan (USA), Major General Franco Federici (Italy), Chaplain Lukasz Siedlecki (Poland), Chaplain László Nanai (Hungary), Chaplain Joshua Twiest (USA). January 21, 2021©U.S Army KFOR RC East

 Q: Among many other outstanding tasks that the U.S Army has been performing in KFOR is its Regional Command East Religious Support Team. The KFOR RC-E Religious Support Team  has been not only a special place for the multination partners in KFOR but also a place for promoting the interfaith dialogs in support of peace and stability in Kosovo. Could you please elaborate on this U.S Army-led humanitarian effort. 

MAJ. Sam K. Otto, Spokesperson of the Public Affairs: Regional Command East’s Religious Support Team is led by Chaplain (Maj.) Cory Van Sloten who meets regularly with religious leaders throughout RC-East to promote dialog, peace and stability between members of all faith. He is able to bring a vast range of experience and knowledge to the organization which he is able to pass on to religious leaders. Religious freedom, religious dialog, and religious cooperation are some of the necessary themes Chaplain Van Sloten shares.

News from:  U.S KFOR Regional Command East

KFOR Regional Command East Religious Support Teams                              NATO-KFOR

* Image-1: U.S Army KFOR Regional Command East, May 2, 2019©U.S. Army KFOR RC East

* The Interview is subject to Copyright Law. ©U.S. KFOR Regional Command East/NATO-KFOR/ United States Army Europe and Africa/ U.S. Europe World Affairs. 

U.S National Guard and its State Partnership Program-2 D.C National Guard

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The State Partnership Program (SPP) initiated originally by Department of Defense in 1991, is a solid joint project with the State Department.

The program was officially established in 1993, is mainly implemented by the National Guard of every U.S States, territories, and the District of Colombia, as currently partnering with 89 nations across the different continents. 

Added to military engagements, the partnership also includes diplomatic, economic development, and capacity building plans.

The National Guard of District of Colombia has been in partnership with Jamaica (Western Hemisphere) since 1999. This partnership incorporates the completion of almost 20 engagements a year on a mutually benefited outcome.

The integral part of these engagements are highlighted as follows: 

  • Military training and exercises;
  • Military police training and domestic security, counternarcotic;
  • Border, port and aviation security;
  • Training against violent extremist organizations;
  • Detect, mitigation, and respond to natural/human-made disasters;
  • Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief;
  • Crisis management;
  • Medical, dental training, as well as the combat medical events. 

In February 2019 the D.C National Guard expanded its SPP by forming an additional partnership with Burkina Faso (West Africa).  

“The D.C. National Guard is proud to be a part of the multi-faceted relationship between the United States and Burkina Faso,”   

“I am confident that the D.C. National Guard and Burkina Faso will benefit from the extraordinary talents, skills and experiences each will bring to this exciting partnership”, expressed Army Maj. Gen. William J. Walker, D.C. National Guard Commanding General. ©U.S Army February 4 2019 ©D.C National Guard 

 

More Army news on D.C National Guard State partnership Program with Burkina Faso 

Expanded engagements in Burkina Faso, Promoting Prosperity and Growth

News from:  U.S Army Europe and Africa     U.S National Guard     U.S Embassy Jamaica

The U.S National Guard and its State Partnership Program with the World-1

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Established in 1993, the State Partnership Program (SPP) is the Department of Defense initiative that enables the National Guard of every U.S State to form a long term and mutual partnerships and a military to military engagements with a specific country across the globe. This partnership encompasses all areas of civil and military components, opening the pathway to robust engagements between the U.S Armed Forces and the military of the partner countries.  

Spanning nearly three decades of achievements and connectivity with the world, the SPP has materialized the valuable partnerships with one third of the world countries, building the most enduring international cooperation and bonds with over 89 nations in:

  • Africa;
  • Asia;
  • Central Asia;
  • Europe (Eastern, Western, Central, and the Baltic Region); 
  • Western Hemisphere.

In the framework of the National Guard State Partnership Program this time we introduce Alabama National Guard. 

From community works like building schools, bridges, hospitals, combing the medical teams of covid-19 response in 2020, to international disaster training and readiness, Alabama National Guard has been strengthening its partnership with Romania since 1993.

Through the SPP, Alabama and Romani have achieved over 200 crucial engagements which benefited both sides of the Atlantic.

 

 

 

 

 

Members of the Alabama National Guard welcome a team of specialists from the Romanian Ministry of National Defense at Montgomery Aviation. May 25, 2020

©National Guard /1SG Sandra D. Lucas. 

More news on Defense cooperation: 

European multinational disaster response exercise Blonde Avalanche 2020

Romanian defense chief visits Alabama National Guard

News from:   U.S Army Europe and Africa       U.S National Guard          U.S Embassy Romania

                                             follow us:   @USEUWAffairs     

*Acknowledgment: The historical facts in this article are from U.S National Guard

The U.S Flag Day June 14

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Uncommon, paramount and brave, for centuries the U.S flag has been standing as the pillars of the Human Rights and Democracy…..transcending every political thoughts and the form of governments.                     

The U.S flag not only illustrates the red, white, and the blue blended with the splendorous stars, but above that it presents and magnifies the ideal of Freedom and Liberty on the world-dimensional setting. It is the  unparalleled, first… and the final aspirations of hope.

June 13, 2018 © U.S Army

News from:   U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria              News from U.S Army Europe and Africa 

The Story of the United States Armed-Forces in Europe

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Happy Birthday U.S. Army Europe

 

 

The Story of the United States Armed-Forces in Europe,

…….is the story of General George Washington’s continental Army …..and the French idealistic commander, Gen. de Lafayette.                                                                                                                                                         It is the story of greatest Army in the World, the United States Army,  who has defended Europe from long centuries ago…..until the present time in an unconditional ways. 

It is the story of the greatest partnerships of U.S-European Armed-Forces, the formation of the closest allies fighting in the same battlegrounds for keeping the light of freedom …….and humanity alive.  It is the story of U.S-European shared values….shared ideals and belief that unite us beyond the time and the geographical regions.

The story of the United States Armed Forces in Europe is the story of Freedom Defenders, …the tale of bravery….sacrifices….and heroism that project the well destined triumph, the winning of the hearts and minds.        

                

U.S Army Europe and its 7th Training Command

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Activated first in 1943,  the 7th Army Training Command  is the largest U.S Army Training Command outside of the United States, based in Germany, Europe.   With its leading role in training the Military Forces of allied and partner nations, the 7th Army Training Command has an expanded scope that goes well beyond the NATO– covering the globe. 

The 7th Army Training Command trains how to enhance the joint multinational interoperability, it trains to maintain the high readiness in the event of land operations, it trains how to combat…….how to liberate……, how to place the lasting cornerstone that asserts and upholds the global Security and Peace in every region.  

 

@7thATC

 

Article by Catherine S. Schmidt, Editor in Chief

The National Day of Prayer in the United States 2017

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Excerpt from President Trump’s speech on the National Day of Prayer  

Excerpt of the President’s speech at National Prayer Breakfast  in Washington DC, February 2, 2017

“Freedom is not a gift from government, but that Freedom is a gift from God” 

“But we are all united by our faith in our Creator and our firm knowledge that we are all equal in His eyes.  We are not just flesh and bone and blood.  We are human beings, with souls.  Our Republic was formed on the basis that freedom is not a gift from government, but that freedom is a gift from God.”

“It was the great Thomas Jefferson who said,  

 “The God who gave us life, gave us liberty.”  

Jefferson asked, “Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God?

Among those freedoms is the right to worship according to our own beliefs.  That is why I will get rid of, and totally destroy, the Johnson Amendment and allow our representatives of faith to speak freely and without fear of retribution.  I will do that — remember.”

“America will succeed as long as our most vulnerable citizens — and we have some that are so vulnerable — have a path to success.  And America will thrive as long as we continue to have faith in each other and faith in God.

That faith in God has inspired men and women to sacrifice for the needy, to deploy to wars overseas, and to lock arms at home, to ensure equal rights for every man, woman and child in our land.  It’s that faith that sent the pilgrims across the oceans, the pioneers across the plains, and the young people all across America to chase their dreams.  They are chasing their dreams.  We are going to bring those dreams back.  

As long as we have God, we are never, ever alone.  

Whether it’s the soldier on the night watch or the single parent on the night shift, God will always give us solace and strength and comfort.”

 “That’s why President Eisenhower and Senator Carlson had the wisdom to gather together 64 years ago to begin this truly great tradition.  But that’s not all they did together.  Let me tell you the rest of the story.  Just one year later, Senator Carlson was among the members of Congress to send to the President’s desk a joint resolution that added “under God” to our Pledge of Allegiance.

That’s a great thing. Because that’s what we are and that is what we will always be, and that is what our people want:  one beautiful nation, under God.”

 

Acknowledgments: Excerpts of President Trump’s speech on the National Day of Prayer May 2017 ©The White House. Image: President Donald Trump Inauguration January 20, 2017 @ Fox News. Article by Catherine S. Schmidt, Editor in Chief. 

The U.S Army Europe and the 7th Army Training Command in Combined Resolve VIII

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The U.S-European Armed Forces are participating in one of the most crucial exercises of the U.S Army Europe:                                                             Combined Resolved VIII

The exercise is launched on April 19th and is under leadership of the United States 7th Army Command based in Germany, will be continued through June 16.  The participants of over 3,400 Soldiers are from the Armed Forces of  Albania, Finland, Hungary, Kosovo, Lithuania, Macedonia, Romania, Slovenia, Ukraine, and the United States. 

Described by the U.S Army Europe/the 7th Army Training Command

The Exercise Combined Resolve VIII consists of three phases.

  • The first phase includes a combined arms live-fire exercise on the Grafenwoehr Training Area.
  • The Second phase will include a command post exercise
  • And the last phase will then include force-on-force maneuver training at the U.S Army’s Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels.  April 13, 2017 © US Army Europe/7th ATC

The central objectives: to strengthen U.S-European Armed/Rotational Forces and enhance their interoperability.  

Sources: U.S Army Europe Public Affairs/The 7th Army Training Command. 

By Catherine S. Schmidt, Editor in Chief (Copyrighted material)

The United States Military Strike on Syrian Airfield and the Global Endorsements

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The United States, historically,  has been always the ultimate hope when all others failed.                      Despite the false media propaganda of  authoritarian systems, the United States with its  enduring philosophical stance for defending Humanity—has immensely been….. the timeless Force of Liberator…..for those afflicted in suffering, imprisonment or chains.

In response to the recent chemical attack by the Syrian regime on its own people including children, President Trump  ordered  Military Strikes on Syrian airfield– sending a strong message that the United States will not stay silent where such an atrocity had been committed.     

April 2017 was not the first time that the Syrian government, with the similar pretexts or denial, fired the chemical weapons on its civilians. In the  previous years the regime in Damascus had also carried out such an internationally prohibited means.

“The use of chemical weapons against innocent people will not be tolerated.”  Stated the U.S Department of Defense April 6 2017 

The United States strike operations were launched on April 6 U.S EDT  (4:40 a.m, April 7, local  time-Syria) on Al Shayrat airfield in Syria– and were endorsed by most countries around the World, all European governments including France, Israel and Germany.                                                                                                                            

“The strike was conducted using Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs) launched from the destroyers USS Porter and  USS Ross  in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.  A total of 59 TLAMs targeted aircraft, hardened aircraft shelters, petroleum and logistical storage, ammunition supply bunkers, air defense systems, and radars.   As always, the U.S. took extraordinary measures to avoid civilian casualties and to comply with the Law of Armed Conflict.  Every precaution was taken to execute this strike with minimal risk to personnel at the airfield.                                                                                                   The strike was a proportional response to Assad’s heinous act. Shayrat Airfield was used to store chemical weapons and Syrian air forces.”  Elaborated the Pentagon Spokesman Capt. Davis. April 6, 2017 © DoD

“Tonight, I ordered a targeted military strike on the airfield in Syria from where the chemical attack was launched.  It is in this vital national security interest of the United States to prevent and deter the spread and use of deadly chemical weapons.  There can be no dispute  that Syria used banned chemical weapons, violated its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention, and ignored the urging of the U.N. Security Council.”  Statement by President Donald Trump April 6 2017 © The White House Press Secretary office

“The Syrian regime bears the full responsibility for this development. NATO has consistently condemned Syria’s continued use of chemical weapons as a clear breach of international norms and agreements.  Any use of chemical weapons is unacceptable, cannot go unanswered, and those responsible must be held accountable. NATO considers the use of chemical weapons as a threat to international peace and security.”   NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg April 7, 2017 © NATO

Minister of Defense, Claus Hjort Frederiksen of Denmark, supports the U.S Military action during the night between Thursday and Friday against an airbase in central Syria. (Unofficial translation) 

“With this action, the United States has sent a clear and unambiguous signal to the Assad-regime in Damascus that the use of chemical weapons will not be tolerated and will have clear consequences. The Danish government supports the US military action, and I consider the US reaction completely appropriate in light of the heinous and horrifying nature of the chemical weapons attack against civilians in northern Syria a few days ago,”  Stated Minister of Defense, Claus Hjort Frederiksen. April 7, 2017 © Ministry of Defense of Denmark/The Diplomatic Mission of Denmark to U.S.A  

Denmark supports the U.S response to the abuses carried out against the Syrian civilian population. (Unofficial translation) 

“The government supports the U.S reaction to the Assad regime’s gruesome abuses against the Syrian civilian population. I appreciate that the pressure on Assad is now increasing. It must be clear that attacks with chemical weapons against civilians are not acceptable.”  Expressed Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen. April 7, 2017 © MFA of Denmark/The Diplomatic Mission of Denmark to U.S.A  

“The United Kingdom  supports the U.S. air strike on the Al Shayrat airfield because war crimes have consequences.”  Ambassador Matthew Rycroft, UK Permanent Representative to the UN. April 7, 2017 © UK Foreign Office

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has welcomed U.S strikes on a Syrian airfield last night, saying they were ‘limited and appropriate’. Announced the UK MoD April 7, 2017 © UK MoD 

“U.S strikes show needed resolve against barbaric chemical attacks. EU will work with the US to end brutality in Syria.”  President of European Council, Donald Tusk.  April 7, 2017

“We support the United States in that swift action. We hope and pray we will see the end of the use of chemical weapons in Syria.”  Prime Minister of Australia Malcom Turnbull  April 7 2017 © PM Malcolm’s Office

“Canada fully supports the United States’ limited and focused action to degrade the Assad regime’s ability to launch chemical weapons attacks against innocent civilians, including many children. President Assad’s use of chemical weapons and the crimes the Syrian regime has committed against its own people cannot be ignored. These gruesome attacks cannot be permitted to continue with impunity.”  Statement by PM of Canada, Justin Trudeau April 7, 2017 © Prime Minister’s office

“This week we were shocked by the horrific images coming out of Syria. Hundreds of innocent men, women and children fell victim to the devastating effects of toxic gas. Many did not survive. The use of toxic gas is a crime against humanity – the worst kind of violence and depravity. The international community cannot take too clear a stand against it. Unfortunately, this week Russia and China blocked a resolution in the UN Security Council against Syria. Once again, efforts to form a united front through international law hit a dead end.   A few hours ago  the United States sent a clear message  that, with the use of toxic gas, a line has been crossed. In the current circumstances this is a proportionate response. The Dutch government considers this understandable. It is a warning to Assad that the deployment of chemical weapons is unacceptable.”  Announcement by the government of the Netherlands April 7 2017 © MFA of the Netherlands

“The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes that the missile strikes launched by the United States on the Al-Shayrat air base in Syria are an adequate response to prevent a repeated use of chemical weapons against Syria’s civilians. This is a clear signal that the proliferation and use of chemical weapons is not to be tolerated.” Announced the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Latvia, April 7, 2017 © Communications Directorate of the MFA of Latvia 

 

Acknowledgment:  Image: The guided-missile destroyer USS Porter “Freedom’s Champion” in the Mediterranean Sea, conducting Naval Operations. April 7, 2017 © U.S Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ford Williams.

By Editor in Chief,  Catherine Stella Schmidt  (Copy righted material)       

 

U.S Naval Force in NATO Maritime Exercise Dynamic Manta 2017

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The United States Naval Force in Europe maintains a crucial role in most NATO Maritime Joint-Training…… Maneuver and Exercises — as of recent time in Dynamic Manta in the Mediterranean Sea, the southern coast of Italy.  

The exercise accentuates the aims on increasing the interoperability and proficiency in multi-dimensional-facet of the Naval capacities,  Anti-Submarine and Anti-Surface Warfare in NATO member states.  Dynamic Manta was also carried out in 2015 and 2016, with the similar objectives.                                   This time it is hosted by Italy,  led by NATO and being executed from March 13 to 25.  

    USS Porter (DDG 78) transits the Mediterranean Sea, March 9, 2017 © U.S Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ford Williams

Announced by the U.S Naval Forces in Europe/Africa, the United States has, in addition  to the Naval units, provided:

  • The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) “Freedom’s Champion”
  • A nuclear powered attack submarine assigned to Commander,
  • Task Force CTF 69, two P-8A Poseidons assigned to CTF 67
  • And one P-3 Orion from the U.S. Navy’s 6th Fleet Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11. 

“Exercise Dynamic Manta is an excellent way for NATO allies to build resilient warfare capabilities, including anti-submarine warfare capabilities, through realistic training and challenging scenarios.  The chance to participate in an exercise that enhances NATO’s overall multi-lateral operations is a tremendous opportunity, and we look forward to working with all of the participating nations.”  Highlighted Commander  Andria Slough, Commanding Officer of the USS Porter (DDG 78) March 14, 2017 ©U.S Naval Forces Europe/Africa

Participants are also Standing NATO Maritime Group 2, Task Unit U02 (SNMG2 TU02);  the Naval Forces of: Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Spain, Turkey, UK and the U.S.  

Sources: U.S Naval Europe/Africa, NATO Maritime Public Affairs   Follow us @USEUWAffairs

By Catherine Stella Schmidt (Copyrighted material) 

 

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