A U.S. Soldier observes a combined arms live fire exercise

A U.S. Soldier observes a combined arms live fire exercise at the Bucierz Range as part of Phase II of DEFENDER-Europe 20, Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, August 10, 2020. DEFENDER-Europe 20 was designed as a deployment exercise to build strategic readiness in support of the U.S. National Defense Strategy and NATO deterrence objectives. In response to COVID-19, DEFENDER-Europe 20 was modified in size and scope. Phase I of the modified DEFENDER-Europe 20 was linked to exercise Allied Spirit, which took place at Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, June 5-19 with approximately 6,000 U.S. and Polish Soldiers. In phase II of the modified DEFENDER-Europe 20, a U.S.-based combined arms battalion will conduct an emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise to Europe July 14-Aug. 22.
(U.S. Army photo by Jason Johnston.)