UITC

USAREUR-AF International Tank Challenge

U.S. Army Europe and Africa, along with our NATO and Partner Allies, annually host a Tank Challenge. This training event is designed to give participating nations a dynamic and productive environment in which to foster military partnerships, form Soldier-level relationships, and share tactics, techniques and procedures.

The European International Tank Challenge was formerly known as the Strong Europe Tank Challenge. Images, video and stories that are older will appear under that name further down the timeline.

For more imagery, videos and news visit our DVIDS feature page at: USARUER International Tank Challenge

Read the Press Release here.

Images

Videos

Video by Pfc. Carlos Marquez

Thunderbolt Convergence: Cold load training on Ramstein Air Base

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

March 24, 2025 | 1:33

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment and U.S. Airmen assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing conduct cold load training with a U.S. Army M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 24, 2025. The training supported Operation Thunderbolt Convergence, a multinational HIMARS Rapid Infiltration exercise designed to enhance precision fires, NATO interoperability, and rapid deployment capabilities across contested environments. (U.S. Army video by Pfc. Carlos Marquez)

Shot list:
00:00:06:00 – U.S. Soldiers and Airmen conduct a pre-load inspection of a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.
00:00:12:00 – Airmen measure the HIMARS tire and axle dimensions to ensure compatibility with aircraft loading standards.
00:00:18:00 – Soldiers position themselves atop the HIMARS to conduct communications and operational checks.
00:00:22:00 – Corner-angle view of Soldiers continuing pre-load procedures from the top of the launcher.
00:00:28:00 – Airman places an axle scale beneath the HIMARS tire for weight verification.
00:00:33:00 – HIMARS carefully drives onto the axle scale for load balance assessment.
00:00:38:00 – Panning shot of Airmen coordinating and discussing vehicle dimensions for loading configuration.
00:00:46:00 – Airman lays down the aircraft ramp in preparation for vehicle ingress.
00:00:51:00 – Soldier observes Airmen finalizing HIMARS measurements prior to cold load.
00:00:56:00 – Soldier manually releases air from a HIMARS tire to ensure proper height clearance for loading.
00:01:01:00 – Airman signals the HIMARS operator for alignment and movement guidance.
00:01:05:00 – HIMARS reverses onto the C-130 ramp under ground guide direction.
00:01:10:00 – HIMARS is positioned inside the C-130 aircraft cargo bay.
00:01:15:00 – Airman attaches a cargo chain to the HIMARS chassis for restraint.
00:01:19:00 – Airmen secure the HIMARS inside the aircraft using multiple chains for transport stability.
00:01:24:00 – Close-up shot of chains being fastened to the floor of the aircraft.
00:01:29:00 – Final chain is applied, completing the HIMARS securement process.