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John Vandiver

The Chinese destroyer Haikou sails into the port of Djibouti in 2017 for a visit. The base China has built in the African country is now capable of hosting aircraft carriers, U.S. Africa Command's top leader has said. <br> Liu Xin/ Chinese defense ministry
The Chinese destroyer Haikou sails into the port of Djibouti in 2017 for a visit. The base China has built in the African country is now capable of hosting aircraft carriers, U.S. Africa Command's top leader has said. <br> Liu Xin/ Chinese defense ministry

China's base in Africa now big enough to host aircraft carriers, AFRICOM boss says

China, which opened its Djibouti base in 2017, has steadily grown its footprint and operates just seven miles from Camp Lemmonier, the U.S. military’s operational hub in the Horn of Africa.

Click photo for caption and to enlarge

 

Armor troops of the Russian Southern Military District sprint to their tanks during training in March 2021. The Pentagon says Russia's military presence around Ukraine is now larger than the force used during Moscow's 2014 invasion of that country. <br>Russian defense ministry
Armor troops of the Russian Southern Military District sprint to their tanks during training in March 2021. The Pentagon says Russia's military presence around Ukraine is now larger than the force used during Moscow's 2014 invasion of that country. <br>Russian defense ministry

More Russian troops massed near Ukraine than before 2014 invasion, Pentagon says

The size of the Russian force along Ukraine’s borders “is certainly bigger” than in 2014, a Pentagon spokesman said.

A housing area at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, in 2018. Army housing in Europe broadly ranks low in customer satisfaction, a new service survey found, although some installations have improved since last year.<br>Stars and Stripes
A housing area at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, in 2018. Army housing in Europe broadly ranks low in customer satisfaction, a new service survey found, although some installations have improved since last year.<br>Stars and Stripes

Army housing in Europe gets low marks in customer survey

Military housing in Europe again fared poorly in a new Army customer satisfaction survey, which showed that garrisons on the Continent are improving but still lag behind their peers in the U.S. and the Asia-Pacific region.

Army Spc. Alyssa Lore, a UH-60 Black Hawk crew chief with the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, receives her second COVID-19 vaccine dose in February 2021 in Wiesbaden, Germany. More doses should arrive soon following a slow start to the Europe vaccination campaign, U.S. European Command's Gen. Tod Wolters told Congress on April 15, 2021. <br>Robert Fellingham/U.S. Army
Army Spc. Alyssa Lore, a UH-60 Black Hawk crew chief with the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, receives her second COVID-19 vaccine dose in February 2021 in Wiesbaden, Germany. More doses should arrive soon following a slow start to the Europe vaccination campaign, U.S. European Command's Gen. Tod Wolters told Congress on April 15, 2021. <br>Robert Fellingham/U.S. Army

Top commander says more vaccines coming to Europe after lawmakers question Pentagon planning

The Defense Department is speeding up coronavirus vaccine deliveries to overseas bases, U.S. European Command’s Gen. Tod Wolters said.

The destroyer USS Arleigh Burke gets underway from Norfolk, Va., en route to its new homeport in Rota, Spain, March 26, 2021. Gen. Tod Wolters, head of U.S. European Command, told the House Armed Service Committee on Thursday that two more destroyers are expected to be based at Rota by 2025 or 2026. <br>Kris R. Lindstrom/U.S. Navy
The destroyer USS Arleigh Burke gets underway from Norfolk, Va., en route to its new homeport in Rota, Spain, March 26, 2021. Gen. Tod Wolters, head of U.S. European Command, told the House Armed Service Committee on Thursday that two more destroyers are expected to be based at Rota by 2025 or 2026. <br>Kris R. Lindstrom/U.S. Navy

Rota to gain two US destroyers by middle of the decade, EUCOM chief says

Two more Navy destroyers are expected to be based out of Rota, Spain, within the next few years, a move that will help U.S. European Command keep closer tabs on Russian submarines, the top U.S. officer on the Continent said Thursday.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, right, and United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken address a media conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, April 14, 2021. <br>Kenzo Tribouillard, pool/via AP
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, right, and United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken address a media conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, April 14, 2021. <br>Kenzo Tribouillard, pool/via AP

NATO forces to leave Afghanistan after Biden withdrawal decision

The NATO alliance, which rushed to join the United States in Afghanistan in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, will depart the war-torn country alongside American forces in the months ahead, allies announced Wednesday.

Ukrainian soldiers carry a recoilless rifle during a training exercise led by troops from the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, in November 2016 at a range near Yavoriv, Ukraine. A rapid Russian military buildup along the Ukrainian border in recent weeks has sparked fears of an invasion. <br> Elizabeth Tarr/U.S. Army
Ukrainian soldiers carry a recoilless rifle during a training exercise led by troops from the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, in November 2016 at a range near Yavoriv, Ukraine. A rapid Russian military buildup along the Ukrainian border in recent weeks has sparked fears of an invasion. <br> Elizabeth Tarr/U.S. Army

Analysis

Putin’s Ukraine buildup leaves US and its allies in search of a strategy

Russia’s rapid military buildup in recent weeks has sparked fears that a large-scale invasion of Ukraine looms, but confusion over Moscow’s aim has the U.S. and its European allies grasping for a coherent strategy to avert a potential crisis.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recognized U.S. European Command service members and civilian personnel during a visit to Stuttgart, Germany, April 13, 2021. While there, Austin also met with U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command leaders to discuss U.S. military activities in Europe and Africa. <br>Twitter/EUCOM
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recognized U.S. European Command service members and civilian personnel during a visit to Stuttgart, Germany, April 13, 2021. While there, Austin also met with U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command leaders to discuss U.S. military activities in Europe and Africa. <br>Twitter/EUCOM

US to add 500 new Wiesbaden-area soldiers in Germany, Austin says

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday announced plans to permanently base hundreds more U.S. troops in Germany, where the former Trump administration wanted to withdraw nearly 12,000 service members.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, right, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba put on their protective face masks after addressing a media conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Tuesday, April 13, 2021. Stoltenberg and Kuleba met to discuss Russia's troop buildup troops along the frontier with Ukraine.<br>Francisco Seco, AP/Pool
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, right, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba put on their protective face masks after addressing a media conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Tuesday, April 13, 2021. Stoltenberg and Kuleba met to discuss Russia's troop buildup troops along the frontier with Ukraine.<br>Francisco Seco, AP/Pool

EUCOM boss confident Ukraine could blunt a new Russian offensive

The top U.S. commander in Europe on Tuesday said he is confident Ukraine could repel a new Russian invasion “over time” even though Moscow has massed a large force around the country.

U.S. Army soldiers, assigned to the East Africa Response Force, 101st Airborne Division, exit a C-130J Super Hercules, at Manda Bay Airfield, Kenya, on Jan. 5, 2020. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered an independent review of the attack that day by militants that killed three Americans and wounded at least three others at the small U.S. base. <br>Sean Carnes/U.S. Air Force
U.S. Army soldiers, assigned to the East Africa Response Force, 101st Airborne Division, exit a C-130J Super Hercules, at Manda Bay Airfield, Kenya, on Jan. 5, 2020. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered an independent review of the attack that day by militants that killed three Americans and wounded at least three others at the small U.S. base. <br>Sean Carnes/U.S. Air Force

Austin orders probe of attack that left three Americans dead in Kenya

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said he wants a deeper look into a deadly 2020 ambush at the small Manda Bay outpost.

Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III talks to reporters at Resolute Support Headquarters, Kabul, Afghanistan, March 21, 2021. <br> Lisa Ferdinando/Defense Department
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III talks to reporters at Resolute Support Headquarters, Kabul, Afghanistan, March 21, 2021. <br> Lisa Ferdinando/Defense Department

Austin heads to Europe where US troop presence in Germany is on the agenda

In Europe, Austin is slated to meet with commanders at U.S. European and Africa Command headquarters in Stuttgart and also hold talks with his German counterparts in Berlin.

Col. Michael Schoenfeldtt, who commanded the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, has been relieved of duty for bullying subordinate officers, resulting in “a loss of trust and confidence” in his ability to lead, the 1st Cavalry Division said in a statement.<br>U.S. Army
Col. Michael Schoenfeldtt, who commanded the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, has been relieved of duty for bullying subordinate officers, resulting in “a loss of trust and confidence” in his ability to lead, the 1st Cavalry Division said in a statement.<br>U.S. Army

Fort Hood-based commander fired for bullying his staff

Col. Michael Schoenfeldt, commander the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, has been reassigned and is now performing administrative duties, the division said.

The tantanmen soup at Umami, a new Japanese style ramen restaurant in Stuttgart, delivers on flavor. But with indoor dining off limits because of the coronavirus, the meals must be taken away. <br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
The tantanmen soup at Umami, a new Japanese style ramen restaurant in Stuttgart, delivers on flavor. But with indoor dining off limits because of the coronavirus, the meals must be taken away. <br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

Umami’s flavorful Japanese-style ramen adds to Stuttgart’s tasty takeout options

Miraculously, there are still chefs out there opening up when life in much of Germany is still locked down.

An F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft takes off at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 30, 2018. The Government Accountability Office said in a report released April 7, 2021, that damages caused in 2018 by Hurricane Michael put limits on the use of the Air Force’s F-22 fleet. <br>Kelly Walker/U.S. Air Force
An F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft takes off at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 30, 2018. The Government Accountability Office said in a report released April 7, 2021, that damages caused in 2018 by Hurricane Michael put limits on the use of the Air Force’s F-22 fleet. <br>Kelly Walker/U.S. Air Force

Combat readiness weakened after decades of conflict, government watchdog agency says

The Navy was especially hard hit, seeing declines in availability of resources and ship maintenance backlogs, the GAO said.

Capt. Aaron Sanborn injects Francis Holinaty on the first day of clinical testing of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research's spike ferritin nanoparticle (SpFN) vaccine. Pre-clinical studies have found that SpFN induces highly potent antibody responses against the virus that causes COVID-19 and three major variants. <br>Mike Walters/WRAIR
Capt. Aaron Sanborn injects Francis Holinaty on the first day of clinical testing of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research's spike ferritin nanoparticle (SpFN) vaccine. Pre-clinical studies have found that SpFN induces highly potent antibody responses against the virus that causes COVID-19 and three major variants. <br>Mike Walters/WRAIR

Army-developed COVID vaccine could ‘stop variants in their tracks,’ scientist says

The U.S. Army this week began testing a vaccine that could protect against “major variants” and new strains of the coronavirus, one of the vaccine's developers said.

A Common Access Card is returned to an airman in 2017, at an undisclosed location in southeast Asia. The cards are ''vectors of disease,'' said the Army, which is looking for an alternative that uses biometrics. <br> Preston Webb/U.S. Air Force
A Common Access Card is returned to an airman in 2017, at an undisclosed location in southeast Asia. The cards are ''vectors of disease,'' said the Army, which is looking for an alternative that uses biometrics. <br> Preston Webb/U.S. Air Force

Coronavirus concerns have Army looking at biometrics to replace plastic ID cards

The U.S. Army is looking for alternatives to traditional military identification cards, which are “known vectors of diseases,” a service bid announcement said.

Nearly half of the roughly 50,000 military personnel surveyed in a Defense Department Inspector General report released April 1, 2021, reported higher levels of production while teleworking. <br>Mike Smith/U.S. Air National Guard
Nearly half of the roughly 50,000 military personnel surveyed in a Defense Department Inspector General report released April 1, 2021, reported higher levels of production while teleworking. <br>Mike Smith/U.S. Air National Guard

Rise in military telework boosted productivity but added security risks, IG says

Nearly 50% of the roughly 50,000 military personnel surveyed reported higher levels of production while another 41% said their effectiveness remained the same, the Pentagon IG said.

Ukrainian troops prepare to conduct company-level battle drills at Combat Training Center-Yavoriv, Ukraine, Nov. 14, 2020. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley contacted his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts Wednesday following reports of Russian troops headed toward Ukraine.  <br>Gregory Glosser/U.S. Army
Ukrainian troops prepare to conduct company-level battle drills at Combat Training Center-Yavoriv, Ukraine, Nov. 14, 2020. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley contacted his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts Wednesday following reports of Russian troops headed toward Ukraine.  <br>Gregory Glosser/U.S. Army

EUCOM raises threat level for Ukraine as Russia builds up forces

U.S. European Command has raised its threat level over worries that Russia is massing forces around eastern Ukraine, where the Pentagon says tensions have escalated in recent weeks.

A Russian Tu-95 Bear aircraft is escorted by a U.K. Royal Air Force Typhoon during an intercept in September 2014. NATO fighter jets scrambled 10 times on Monday, March 29, 2021, to shadow Russian bombers and fighters over the North Atlantic, North Sea, Black Sea and Baltic Sea. <br>Fenwick/U.K. Ministry of Defense
A Russian Tu-95 Bear aircraft is escorted by a U.K. Royal Air Force Typhoon during an intercept in September 2014. NATO fighter jets scrambled 10 times on Monday, March 29, 2021, to shadow Russian bombers and fighters over the North Atlantic, North Sea, Black Sea and Baltic Sea. <br>Fenwick/U.K. Ministry of Defense

NATO planes shadow Russian bombers from Arctic to Black Sea

NATO fighter jets launched a flurry of intercepts Monday stretching from the Arctic to southern Europe as allies countered a “an unusual peak” of flights by Russian warplanes, the alliance said.

Polish Maj. Gen. Adam Joks will serve as deputy commander of the U.S. Army’s recently reestablished V Corps headquarters, which oversees soldiers along NATO’s eastern flank. <br>NATO
Polish Maj. Gen. Adam Joks will serve as deputy commander of the U.S. Army’s recently reestablished V Corps headquarters, which oversees soldiers along NATO’s eastern flank. <br>NATO

Polish general joins US Army’s reestablished V Corps

Maj. Gen. Adam Joks was appointed as deputy commander of the U.S. Army’s recently reestablished V Corps headquarters.

Col. Michael Schoenfeldt, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division commander, was relieved of command for health reasons while on rotation to Europe. The Fort Hood, Texas-based division is investigating allegations against Schoenfeldt of toxic leadership and violating coronavirus quarantine rules. <br>U.S. Army
Col. Michael Schoenfeldt, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division commander, was relieved of command for health reasons while on rotation to Europe. The Fort Hood, Texas-based division is investigating allegations against Schoenfeldt of toxic leadership and violating coronavirus quarantine rules. <br>U.S. Army

Fort Hood-based brigade commander under investigation after allegations of toxic leadership, flouting coronavirus rules

Col. Michael Schoenfeldt, who led the 1st Armored Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, until he departed Germany for Texas in February, faces numerous allegations by subordinate officers related to what they described as a bullying leadership style.

Dutch Defense Minister Ank Bijleveld delivers remarks at the 405th Army Field Support Brigade's Army Prepositioned Stock-2 site at Eygelshoven in the Netherlands on March 24, 2021. The Dutch government has agreed to spend more than $40 million on upgrades and new construction at the site, Bijleveld said. <br>Twitter/405thAFSB
Dutch Defense Minister Ank Bijleveld delivers remarks at the 405th Army Field Support Brigade's Army Prepositioned Stock-2 site at Eygelshoven in the Netherlands on March 24, 2021. The Dutch government has agreed to spend more than $40 million on upgrades and new construction at the site, Bijleveld said. <br>Twitter/405thAFSB

Dutch invest millions to expand US Army weapons depot in Europe

The Netherlands will spend more than $40 million to expand a U.S. Army weapons depot in the country, where gear is pre-positioned for soldiers to draw from in a crisis, defense officials said.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a moderated discussion with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, March 23, 2021. Blinken is at NATO headquarters in Brussels for two days of talks with alliance foreign ministers. <br>Screenshot/NATO
Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a moderated discussion with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, March 23, 2021. Blinken is at NATO headquarters in Brussels for two days of talks with alliance foreign ministers. <br>Screenshot/NATO

US pushes to revitalize NATO, but dispute persists with key ally Germany

Germany’s plan to open a new gas pipeline with Russia poses a threat to European security, America’s top diplomat said.

A poster featuring three male speakers for a Women's History Month program at U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart drew criticism from community members and an apology from the garrison's commander. The program is also scheduled to include senior female officials. <br>U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart/Facebook
A poster featuring three male speakers for a Women's History Month program at U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart drew criticism from community members and an apology from the garrison's commander. The program is also scheduled to include senior female officials. <br>U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart/Facebook

Flyer featuring three men for Women’s History Month event prompts Stuttgart garrison apology

The marketing of a virtual seminar dubbed: “Workplace Allies ... Partnering to Break the Glass Ceiling” raised concerns.

A screenshot of NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, March 16, 2021, during the release of the alliance's 2020 annual report. It included a poll commissioned by NATO on attitudes toward the 30-member security pact. <br>NATO
A screenshot of NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, March 16, 2021, during the release of the alliance's 2020 annual report. It included a poll commissioned by NATO on attitudes toward the 30-member security pact. <br>NATO

NATO enjoys strong public support among allies, but Americans less sure of benefits

NATO on Tuesday released its 2020 annual report, which included a poll commissioned by the alliance on attitudes toward the 30-member security pact.

U.S. special operations forces and Mozambican marines assemble, after the two countries launched a two-month anti-terrorism training program on March 15, 2021.<br>U.S. Embassy Mozambique
U.S. special operations forces and Mozambican marines assemble, after the two countries launched a two-month anti-terrorism training program on March 15, 2021.<br>U.S. Embassy Mozambique

US special operations forces train Mozambique troops to counter ISIS threat

U.S. special operations troops have launched a mission to assist counterterrorism forces in Mozambique, where there are growing concerns about escalating violence by Islamic State militants.

A German holding an American flag greets U.S. vehicles assigned to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division as they move from Grafenwoehr Training Area to Hohenfels, Germany, in 2018. Germany contributed $118 million to support foreign troop missions in the country in 2020. <br>Dustin D. Biven/U.S. Army
A German holding an American flag greets U.S. vehicles assigned to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division as they move from Grafenwoehr Training Area to Hohenfels, Germany, in 2018. Germany contributed $118 million to support foreign troop missions in the country in 2020. <br>Dustin D. Biven/U.S. Army

Germany spent far less than other major allies on cost-sharing for US bases last year

Germany spent $118 million last year on hosting foreign forces, a fraction of what other major allies spend on cost-sharing and far less than the billions the U.S. military pumps into the Germany economy.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas says the practice of local tax offices attempting to levy income tax penalties on U.S. troops in the country is doing damage to relations with Washington and putting the American troop presence at risk. <br>Jesco Denze/German government
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas says the practice of local tax offices attempting to levy income tax penalties on U.S. troops in the country is doing damage to relations with Washington and putting the American troop presence at risk. <br>Jesco Denze/German government

American ‘irritation’ over taxing of US troops must be dealt with, Germany’s top diplomat says

Germany's top diplomat said he has become personally involved in the issue of some US troops in Germany being taxed by local authorities and that he will “stand up for a solution in this important question.”

<br>TNS
<br>TNS

Army in Europe starts new resume database to make it easier for spouses to get jobs

The EURCivJobs site aims to simplify how job seekers find work in the European theater.

Maj. Gen. David Tabor, left, head of U.S. Special Operations Command Europe, looks at diving equipment during a visit to Serbia this week. <br>Facebook/U.S. Special Operations Command Europe
Maj. Gen. David Tabor, left, head of U.S. Special Operations Command Europe, looks at diving equipment during a visit to Serbia this week. <br>Facebook/U.S. Special Operations Command Europe

US Special Forces train in Serbia, where China and Russia have strengthened military ties

A contingent of Green Berets arrived this week in Serbia, where U.S. military commanders are looking to strengthen ties even as Belgrade deepens its connections with rivals China and Russia.

A screenshot from a U.S. Africa Command video shows airstrikes on an al-Shabab compound in Somalia on Jan. 1, 2021. AFRICOM now needs White House approval to launch airstrikes against militants in the country, The New York Times reported, citing unnamed U.S. officials. <br>U.S. Africa Command
A screenshot from a U.S. Africa Command video shows airstrikes on an al-Shabab compound in Somalia on Jan. 1, 2021. AFRICOM now needs White House approval to launch airstrikes against militants in the country, The New York Times reported, citing unnamed U.S. officials. <br>U.S. Africa Command

AFRICOM needs White House approval for airstrikes, report says

The restrictions were applied while the White House examines former President Donald Trump’s policy, which delegated decision-making on strikes to combatant commanders, unnamed U.S. officials said.

Two Mark VI patrol boats attached to Coastal Riverine Squadron 2 maneuver near Apra Harbor, Guam, in 2019. The Defense Department announced March 1, 2021, that two patrol boats are included in a $125 million military assistance package for Ukraine. <br>John Philip Wagner Jr./U.S. Navy
Two Mark VI patrol boats attached to Coastal Riverine Squadron 2 maneuver near Apra Harbor, Guam, in 2019. The Defense Department announced March 1, 2021, that two patrol boats are included in a $125 million military assistance package for Ukraine. <br>John Philip Wagner Jr./U.S. Navy

Pentagon sends $125 million in arms aid to Ukraine

The most recent equipment included two Mark IV patrol boats, tactical gear, radars and other equipment to improve command and control capabilities, medical treatment and combat evacuation.

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Michael E. Langley, right, and U.S. Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel, commander, U.S. Central Command, left, depart to visit the USS Essex Amphibious Ready Group, Oct. 26, 2018. Langley now commands U.S. Marine Forces Europe and Africa. <br>U.S. Central Command Public Affairs
Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Michael E. Langley, right, and U.S. Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel, commander, U.S. Central Command, left, depart to visit the USS Essex Amphibious Ready Group, Oct. 26, 2018. Langley now commands U.S. Marine Forces Europe and Africa. <br>U.S. Central Command Public Affairs

How an early promotion kept a young Black Marine on the path to become a general

Maj. Gen. Michael Langley said his decision to stick with the Marine Corps was based on trust won more than 30 years ago.

Three Chinese warships steam in formation during a training exercise in the South China Sea on Jan. 4, 2021. China spent the second most on defense worldwide, after the U.S., according to an International Institute for Strategic Studies report released Feb. 25, 2021. <br>Zhang Bin/Chinese defense ministry
Three Chinese warships steam in formation during a training exercise in the South China Sea on Jan. 4, 2021. China spent the second most on defense worldwide, after the U.S., according to an International Institute for Strategic Studies report released Feb. 25, 2021. <br>Zhang Bin/Chinese defense ministry

Global defense spending, led by US and China, hits new high

The U.S. and China led the growth in global defense spending, which hit a new high in 2020 despite the economic stress brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, a report said Thursday.

Gen. Christopher Cavoli, U.S. Army Europe and Africa commander, left, meets with Maj. Gen. William Gayler, U.S. Africa Command chief of staff, at AFRICOM headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, Nov. 24, 2020, to discuss how the merger of USAREUR and U.S. Army Africa will benefit partner engagements in Africa. Cavoli said on Feb. 23, 2021, that the consolidation of the two commands has led to significantly faster contingency response times on both continents. <br>Patrick Loch/U.S. Africa Command
Gen. Christopher Cavoli, U.S. Army Europe and Africa commander, left, meets with Maj. Gen. William Gayler, U.S. Africa Command chief of staff, at AFRICOM headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, Nov. 24, 2020, to discuss how the merger of USAREUR and U.S. Army Africa will benefit partner engagements in Africa. Cavoli said on Feb. 23, 2021, that the consolidation of the two commands has led to significantly faster contingency response times on both continents. <br>Patrick Loch/U.S. Africa Command

Merged US Army Europe-Africa command boosts crisis response, general says

The consolidation of U.S. Army Europe and Africa headquarters is a “very big advance” that will enable troops to move more rapidly between continents in times of crisis, the general in charge of Army missions on the two continents said Tuesday.

''Stronger Together'' is the new U.S. Army Europe and Africa command slogan, replacing the nearly 7-year-old ''Strong Europe,'' the Army announced Friday. <br>U.S. Army Europe and Africa
''Stronger Together'' is the new U.S. Army Europe and Africa command slogan, replacing the nearly 7-year-old ''Strong Europe,'' the Army announced Friday. <br>U.S. Army Europe and Africa

Army 4-star headquarters has new motto for Europe, Africa mission

“Stronger Together” is the new command slogan, replacing the nearly 7-year-old guiding mantra of “Strong Europe,” the Army said.