FORT KNOX, Ky. —
V Corps Soldiers will participate in DEFENDER-Europe 21 beginning June 7, 2021, from both Fort Knox, Kentucky and Grafenwoehr, Germany. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is an annual large-scale U.S. Army led multinational, joint exercise designed to build strategic and operational readiness and interoperability between U.S., NATO and partner militaries. The exercise integrates approximately 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations to conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in 12 countries.
"DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a critical exercise that will provide V Corps with another great opportunity to build readiness in our march towards full operational capability, and promote interoperability as we work alongside allies and partners," said Lt. Gen. John S. Kolasheski, V Corps Commanding General. "We are looking forward to this chance to work closely with U.S. Army Europe and Africa and demonstrate U.S. resolve and commitment to Europe."
Approximately 2,000 personnel from V Corps, NATO's Multinational Corps Southeast and U.S. Army Europe and Africa, will participate in a command-post exercise during DEFENDER-Europe 21. This exercise will improve V Corps headquarters' ability to command and control multinational land forces in a combined and joint operational environment. The training is a crucial step on the Victory Corps' road to certification and assumption of mission in the European theater of operations. As America's forward deployed Corps in Europe, Victory Corps will be ready to stand with our NATO allies and partners across a wide range of military operations.
A strict COVID-19 prevention and mitigation strategy implemented by U.S. and participating nations is critical to the execution of DEFENDER-Europe 21. Accordingly, V Corps Soldiers will conduct pre-deployment COVID-19 testing, quarantine in Europe upon arrival, and conduct another COVID-19 test before travelling throughout the European continent. Sixty-four percent (64%) of V Corps Soldiers are fully vaccinated.
"While we are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation, we've proven we have the capability to train safely despite the pandemic," said General Christopher Cavoli, U.S. Army Europe and Africa commanding general. "No matter what, our nations count on our forces being ready to defend the peace."
Approximately 2,000 personnel from U.S. Army Europe and Africa, including V Corps and NATO's Multinational Corps Southeast, will participate in a command-post exercise during DEFENDER-Europe 21 alongside allied units including NATO's Multinational Corps Southeast.
V Corps, HQ
Ft. Knox. KY 40122
V Corps will have over 80 personnel forward deployed to the 7th Army Training Command's Joint Multinational Simulation Center in Grafenwoehr. The JMSC provides virtual and constructed simulation space for V Corps to exercise from Fort Knox, Grafenwoehr and allied command posts in Europe. There will be media opportunities during the DEFENDER-Europe 21 Command Post Exercise. Please direct all DEFENDER-Europe 21 questions to U.S. Army Europe and Africa at USArmyEurope.MediaDesk@mail.mil. Journalists interested in V Corps' participation and/or being added to our distribution list should email usarmy.knox.v-corps.mbx.pao3@mail.mil or call (502) 936-2829 / (502) 956-0536. Follow the latest news and information on DEFENDER-Europe 21 at www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope.