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Key leaders and subject-matter experts from U.S. Army Europe, the 21st Theater Sustainment Command and allied nations across Europe converged on Rhine Ordnance Barracks May 27 for a table-top exercise designed to explore theater logistical support capabilities and contingencies.
Gen. Ben Hodges, USAREUR commanding general, Maj. Gen. John R. O’Connor, 21st TSC commanding general, their key staff officers, partners and allies from across the region participated in the daylong training event.
“The goal of the TTX is to explain current and future logistical capabilities and requirements to members of U.S. European Command, USAREUR and our NATO allied partners in order to prepare for future combined training exercises,” said Lt. Col. Michael Ricciardi, 21st TSC support operations distribution management center deputy. “By looking forward and getting the inputs from our leadership and our partner nations, we can better support a ‘Strong Europe.’”
During the exercise, 21st TSC subject matter experts outlined three hypothetical training scenarios and what would be required to support each exercise. After each scenario, the floor was opened to discussion from the audience, said Sgt. Gregory Tomusko, 21st TSC intelligence NCO.
“We have members of the U.S., German, Dutch, British, Latvian and Lithuanian militaries here,” Tomusko said. “It is important that we let everyone give their expertise here so we can figure out the best way ahead for future European training
operations.”
The exercise took more than a month to prepare for, using information gathered from previous training exercises including Atlantic Resolve and Combined Resolve. Key leaders and event organizers said USAREUR, the 21st TSC and partner nations will collaborate in future planning and training events.
“You are the foundation of the future of ‘Strong Europe,’” O’Connor told participants. “We are building the base with today’s ROC drill. Logisticians need to understand location, relationships and readiness of troops.”
Hodges described the event as an innovative training tool that will contribute to essential regional missions. USAREUR, he said, operates from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea and beyond, supporting EUCOM, U.S. Africa Command and other combatant commands. Troops in Europe must provide deterrence to enemies and assurance to allies.
“This has been a great exercise, and I am very happy with what the 21st TSC has accomplished,” Hodges said. “We have some of the best and brightest members of our military and our partner militaries here. By working together, we can find the best way forward for Europe.”
Hodges then outlined a vision for future exercises in Europe.
“American tanks crossing German bridges carried by British vehicles and being refueled by Polish logistical assets,” Hodges said. “We have a lot of logistical work to do for the new security environment.”
