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 Spc. Elijah Magana

Five nations participate in the USAREUR-AF International Tank Challenge

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Feb. 15, 2025 | 1:07

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Armored Division share their experience on Feb. 15, 2025 as a part of the U.S. Army Europe and Africa International Tank Challenge at 7th Army Training Command’s Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The USAREUR-AF International Tank Challenge builds tactical skills and enhances esprit de corps across the 11 crews from five participating Allied and Partner for Peace nations. Tankers from Denmark, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland and the United States compete against each other across 10 graded events conducted during seven days as part of the USAREUR-AF International Tank Challenge.

-SOUNDBITES-

(00:05) U.S. Army Spc. Fue Vang, M1 tank crew member assigned to 1st Armored Division:
“The challenges overall in the UITC (USAREUR-AF International Tank Challenge) have been physical, mental, emotional. It’s a high pace. Day to day waking up, going after it. The rest is very minimal, so you’re high-stress. And all of the other nations are going at it every day. I just hope the best for all five nations, may the best man win. But at the end of the day, we’re here to fight, we’re here to train, and we’re here to do damage.”

(00:35) U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Detre Varju, M1 tank commander assigned to 1st Armored Division:
“The International Tank Challenge, currently we have 11 teams here. Very professional subject matter experts across the board.”

(00:47) U.S. Army Spc. Jesus Mejia, M1 tank crew member assigned to 1st Armored Division:
“It’s been really fun out here. Great learning experience seeing all these other countries and their vehicles as well.”