GRAFENWÖHR, Germany —
Six U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade and one German emergency responder were injured July 1, during a scheduled airborne training exercise on Grafenwöhr Training Area.
During the exercise, several Soldiers landed in trees and sustained non-life threatening injuries. The German emergency responder was injured during recovery operations.
Three U.S. Army personnel remain in regional German hospitals for further evaluation or treatment. All other U.S. Soldiers have been released to the unit and returned to duty. All injured Soldiers are expected to fully recover.
The 7th Army Training Command and the 173rd Airborne Brigade are grateful for the quick reaction of the German medical providers and the emergency responders who provided assistance. Our concern remains with the injured emergency responder and we hope for a speedy recovery for him.
The cause of the incident is still under investigation by U.S. Army authorities.
Airborne operations carry inherent risks. This is precisely why we practice all phases of jumping regularly and ensure our paratroopers jump often to keep their skills sharp. For this same reason, we ensure robust medical support is available to get our paratroopers healthy as soon as possible.
For further information, media should contact 173rd Airborne Brigade Public Affairs Officer Maj. Chris Bradley at Christopher.b.bradley.mil@mail.mil, or 7th ATC PAO Andre Potzler at andre.n.potzler.ln@mail.mil.