News | U.S. Army Central

Task Force Spartan hosts first large-scale exercise since COVID-19, Iron Union 14
February 11, 2021 — ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – Soldiers from the United States’ Task Force Spartan and the United Arab Emirates Land Forces gathered from Jan. 24 to Feb. 6, 2021, at Al Hamra Training Center in the United Arab Emirates for Iron Union 14, the first bi-lateral training exercise between the forces since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic... MORE

U.S. Army M-1 Abrams tanks assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, provide security after simulating a breach of a mine-wire obstacle during a situational training exercise part of Iron Union 14, Jan. 31, 2021, at Al Hamra Training Center in United Arab Emirates. Events like Iron Union enhance military-to-military partnerships by allowing Soldiers from the U.S. Army and UAE Land Forces to learn the tactics, techniques, and procedures of a key partner and to increase their readiness and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Daryl Bradford, Task Force Spartan Public Affairs.)

310th ESC CG looks back on successful mobilization to Kuwait under COVID-19 protocols
February 10, 2021 — The commanding general of the 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command said it was a tremendous challenge to successfully mobilize and deploy his Army Reserve unit here under a strict COVID-19 environment... MORE

Commanding General of the 310th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Brig. Gen. Justin Swanson said he is convinced from his experience mobilizing the 310th ESC to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait under COVID-19 conditions was that many of the COVID-19 mitigations will continue after the pandemic has passed. Swanson first enlisted in the Louisiana National Guard and served there as a combat medic before he was commissioned in 1993.

COVID-19 vaccine rollout ongoing in U.S. Army Central footprint
February 10, 2021 — The COVID-19 vaccination program in the U.S. Army Central’s area of operations is underway... MORE

Spc. Michael Meza and Spc. John Cera, healthcare specialists with the 228th Combat Support Hospital, draw doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine from vials at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Jan. 18, 2021. Camp Arifjan is utilizing a phased distribution of the vaccine, as specified by the Department of Defense, beginning with medical personnel and first responders.

U.S., Italian soldiers train to save lives and equipment
February 1, 2021 — Elements of the U.S. and Italian armed forces, currently serving in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, recently trained together in a downed aircraft recovery exercise in northern Iraq. Soldiers with the U.S. Army’s Task Force Gambler and the Italian army’s Airmobile Task Group Griffon came together to respond to a simulated emergency where an Italian NH90 tactical transport helicopter went down in enemy territory... MORE

U.S. Soldiers with Task Force Gambler and Italian soldiers with Airmobile Task Group Griffon respond to a downed aircraft scenario during an aerial reaction force exercise. The exercise ensured the coalition partners’ cohesiveness in responding to downed aircraft emergencies in hostile environments. (DoD photo by Lt. Col. Alessandro Campiello, Italian Army)

Connecticut Army National Guard Soldier Promoted
January 28, 2021 — JORDAN- Staff Sgt. Joseph Nowak received the promotion to Staff Sergeant in a brief ceremony at the Joint Training Center, on January 28, 2021, surrounded by members of the 143rd Regional Support Group and tenant units... MORE

Sergeant Major Alex Young pins Joseph Nowak to Staff Sergeant at Joint Training Center in Jordan on January 28 2021. Staff Sgt. Nowak provides mobility support and accountability to all units to facilitate personnel and equipment onward movement and integration within Jordan.

Halfway through deployment, 28th ECAB remains focused
January 25, 2021 — Soldiers with the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade recently passed the midway point of their deployment to the Middle East... MORE

A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter operated by Soldiers with the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade takes off from an airfield in the 28th ECAB's area of operations in the Middle East.

1185th Sentinels Stand Ready to Support Iron Union 14
January 23, 2021 — SHUAIBA PORT, Kuwait – For the Army to support hundreds of missions across the globe, they rely on specialized distribution battalions such as the 1185th Deployment and Distribution Support Battalion (DDSB) located at the Port of Shuaiba, Kuwait... MORE

Humvees, M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles and other vehicles are staged for transfer at the Port of Shuaiba for the upcoming Iron Union exercise Jan. 21, 2020 at the Port of Shuaiba, Kuwait. The recurring, bilateral exercise between the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates strengthens relationships and increases interoperability between the two nation's military forces. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Zoran Raduka, 1st TSC Public Affairs)

Commanding General of Task Force Spartan, Major General Patrick Hamilton and Chief of Staff, Colonel Michael Hunt Operate the Theater Engineer Brigade's Massive D9 Dozer.
January 23, 2021 — On a chilly Saturday morning, a group of Soldiers from the Theater Engineer Brigade's 891st Engineer Battalion Forward Support Company (FSC) drove up to a Zone 6 lot on Camp Arifjan. At the head of this group was a D9 Dozer operated by Sgt. Jeremiah Hoesli... MORE

Erbil Air Base among first locations in CENTCOM to receive COVID-19 Vaccine
January 21, 2021 — ERBIL AIR BASE, Iraq – Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) recently received its first initial shipment of COVID-19 vaccines and distributed them throughout the Combined Joint Operations Area (CJOA). ... MORE

The U.S. Navy's expeditionary medical unit along with medical personnel from the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team administer COVID-19 vaccines to Service members at Erbil Air Base (EAB), Iraq. Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) received 300 vaccines for the Combined Joint Operations Area, 110 of those were administered at EAB. At this time, like many locations, CJTF-OIR’s supply of the vaccine is limited and will be administered to prioritized personnel. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Noshoba Davis)

Task Force Iron Castle and 891st Engineer Battalion's 996th Engineer Construction Company begin a joint training mission with engineers of the Kuwait Land Forces at the Land Force Institute, constructing a Forward Operating Base and Command Post Exercise
January 17, 2021 — During the week of Jan. 17, the 996th Engineer Construction Company begin a joint training mission with troops of the Kuwait Land Forces at the Land Force Institute. Engineers of the 996th ECC and the Kuwaiti soldiers met early Sunday, Jan. 17 to conduct a brief about the day’s training. This process made easier by the presence of Spc. Joseph Wahballa, a Soldier of the 996th ECC who aided as a translator between U.S. forces and the Kuwaiti soldiers. ... MORE

Diamond Brigade Soldier Receives Battlefield Promotion While Deployed To The Middle East
January 11, 2021 — Sgt. Brandy Lopez, an Information Technology (IT) Specialist assigned to 75th Field Artillery Brigade of Fort Sill, OK, was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on December 28, 2020, while deployed in support of Operation Spartan Shield... MORE

Sgt. Brandy Lopez, an Information Technology (IT) Specialist assigned to 75th Field Artillery Brigade, stands at the position of attention after being promoted to the rank of sergeant while deployed to the Middle East on December 28, 2020. For the past nine months, Lopez had provided countless hours of IT support and troubleshooting to every Diamond Brigade Soldier deployed to the Middle East and was selected as the only Specialist to be promoted through Battle Field Promotion within Area Support Group - Jordan. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Dustin D. Biven / 75th Field Artillery Brigade)

Sgt. Kha'lee Gooden Recognized by FCoE and Fort Sill SJA
January 5, 2021 — While deployed to the United States Army Central area of responsibility, Sgt. Kha'lee Gooden, the National Security Law Paralegal non-commissioned officer assigned to the 75th Field Artillery Brigade, the “Diamond Brigade," of Fort Sill, OK, was recognized for his hard work and dedication... MORE

Sgt. Kha'lee Gooden, the National Security Law Paralegal Non-commissioned officer assigned to the 75th Field Artillery Brigade, the “Diamond Brigade”, of Fort Sill, OK, poses with a coin he had just received from Col. Tonya Blackwell, the Staff Judge Advocate for the Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill, while deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve, December 15, 2020. Sgt. Gooden has continued to demonstrate outstanding leadership both within and outside of the Diamond Brigade. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Dustin D. Biven / 75th Field Artillery Brigade)

SABOT Academy graduation in Kuwait
January 5, 2021 — CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team held a SABOT Academy socially distanced graduation ceremony for Kuwaiti Land Force Soldiers, Kuwaiti National Guardsmen, and Soldiers within the unit, near Camp Buehring, Kuwait on January 5, 2021. ... MORE

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division held a SABOT Academy socially distanced graduation ceremony for Kuwaiti Land Force Soldiers, Kuwaiti National Guardsmen, and Soldiers within the unit, near Camp Buehring, Kuwait on January 5, 2021. “This course is intended to prepare Soldiers for the rigors of Master Gunner School,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jackson Leflar, SABOT Academy instructor and 2ABCT Abrams Bradley fighting vehicle master gunner. “SABOT Academy was designed more as a crash course and personal assessment of the ability to process and retain the information that is being taught.” (U.S. Army photo by: Staff Sgt. Michael West)

Alpha Battery Deploys in Response to Diamond Tempest
January 3, 2021 — When a quick-response exercise is initiated, the unit commander receives a warning order to immediately prepare his soldiers and equipment for movement. Such an order was received by Capt. Andrew Brown, commander of Alpha Battery 1st of the 14th Field Artillery Regiment, 75th Field Artillery Brigade. Exercise Diamond Tempest, designed to demonstrate the unit’s ability to dynamically deploy munitions for response operations, was now underway... MORE

Soldiers from 1-14th Field Artillery Regiment, 75th Field Artillery Brigade, receive instructions on loading the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System onto an Air Force Cargo aircraft model 17, or C-17, before departing to Udari Range, to fire the HIMARS as part of live-fire exercise Diamond Tempest in Kuwait, Dec. 22, 2020. Soldiers mobilized for the exercise to demonstrate the battalion's ability to dynamically deploy troops in response operations throughout Southwest Asia. After receiving an initial alert, Soldiers had 24 hours to prepare their equipment for movement to conduct the air-land raid live-fire exercise.

Sgt. James Whitlock named Warrior of the Month for Task Force Spartan
December 31, 2020 — It is often said that “communication is the key to success,” and while serving in the United States Army in a combat zone, that statement couldn’t be more accurate... MORE

Sgt. James Whitlock, right, a multichannel transmission system operator-maintainer assigned to 75th Field Artillery Brigade, Fort Sill, OK, poses for a photo while deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve, December 18, 2020.

Citizen soldier receives special call for the holidays
December 30, 2020 — The holidays are a time to show gratitude for those who’ve made a difference. In honor of the holiday season, an Army Reserve Soldier from New York, who wears two uniforms, recently received recognition from New York City Police Commissioner Dermot Shea... MORE

New York Police Officer and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Samuel Garcia, intelligence analyst noncommissioned officer, 719th Movement Control Battalion, poses for a photo after a special holiday call from New York City Police Commissioner Dermot Shea at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Dec 23, 2020. During the call Shea thanked Garcia for his continued service to the nation as he serves his country in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

Active Shooter and Mascal Exercise in Jordan
December 16, 2020 — Joint Training Center, Jordan - Task Force Spartan Soldiers with Alpha Company, 1-35th Armored Regiment, sound the base alarm known as the “Big Voice’ to tell Soldiers to shelter in place during an active shooter mass casualty exercise, Dec. 16, 2020. ... MORE

Staff Sgt. Terrell Echols, 1-35th Armored Regiment, searches room by room during Active Shooter exercise at the Joint Training Center in Jordan, Dec. 16, 2020. The purpose of the exercise was to validate the readiness of the JTC emergency response staff, and test how they respond to an active shooter event on post with multiple injuries and mass casualties, known as a MASCAL. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mark Scovell)

U.S. Army Central announces Career Counselor of the Year
December 9, 2020 — SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, South Carolina – U.S. Army Central leadership congratulated Staff Sgt. (P) Abelardo Gonzalez of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, for earning the USARCENT 2020 Career Counselor of the Year title, Dec. 8... MORE

U.S. Army Central leadership congratulated Staff Sgt. (P) Abelardo Gonzalez of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, for earning the USARCENT 2020 Career Counselor of the Year title, Dec. 8.

The announcement followed the Army Service Component Command’s two-day virtual competition held Dec. 7-8, which featured a packet evaluation to include a previously completed Army Combat Fitness Test, a written examination, and a virtual board.

The 2020 CyberBowl
December 9, 2020 — Camp Arifjan, KUWAIT – The 2020 Best Cyber Warrior competition came to a close on Thursday, December 3, 2020. Participants from multiple countries took place in the event, which was possible to accomplish with lower risk of COVID-19 contamination because it was virtual... MORE

The 2020 U.S. Army Central Best Cyber Warrior Competition concluded on Dec. 3, 2020, and took place virtually over a three-day period. The competition focused on the partnership between cybersecurity experts from USARCENT, coalition and regional partners and fostered a competitive learning environment through multiple challenges including reverse engineering, web security, digital forensics and network security. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Osburn)

KNG Bushmaster Course
December 7, 2020 — CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – In a socially distanced ceremony full of senior military leaders from the Kuwait National Guard and 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Soldiers of the KNG were awarded course completion certificates near Kuwait City, Kuwait on December 7, 2020. ... MORE

In a socially distanced ceremony full of senior military leaders from the Kuwait National Guard and 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Soldiers of the KNG were awarded course completion certificates near Kuwait City, Kuwait on December 7, 2020. 2ABCT is deployed to southwest Asia in support of Operation Spartan Shield to support regional partners and sustain stability in the region. (U.S. Army Photo by: Staff Sgt. Michael West)

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