HOHENFELS, Germany – As global conflicts become ever more complex and diverse, exercise Allied Spirit, at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC), Hohenfels Training Area, brings nations together as a cohesive military force. This is no easy task, considering over 10 different nations using different systems, equipment, tactics and languages must plan, execute and display success on the battlefield as one. Allied Spirit, a recurring exercise at JMRC, is unique in that it provides a dynamic training environment for NATO Allies and Partners to train. This year’s rotation, from Feb. 22 - March 24, 2025, has tested Lithuania’s Infantry Brigade – Griffin, as the primary training unit.
“We are very proud to be here in this training environment because each day our units are challenged,” said Brig. Gen. Arturas Radvilas, Lithuanian Land Force Commander. Radvilas continued to describe how essential it is to coordinate defense plans, and to train hard today so we can succeed tomorrow.
Brig. Gen. Steven P. Carpenter, Commanding General of the 7th Army Training Command, which oversees JMRC, agreed with Radvilas and quoted Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, “The more we sweat in peace, the less we bleed in war.”
Carpenter referred to Radvilas as his good friend as they fielded questions from the media during the exercise. The two senior leaders have not only developed a personal bond, but Lithuania’s competency on the battlefield has been clear, which Carpenter recognized.
“I’ll tell you right now, the Griffin Brigade has been extremely impressive,” said Carpenter. “They’re learning every day and they’re one of the best formations that we’ve seen come through this combat training center.”
Col. Christopher J. Kirkpatrick, Commander, Operations Group, Joint Multinational Readiness Center, described some areas where the Lithuanian brigade has thrived as he briefed senior leaders visiting the training area. Some of these areas included relocating the tactical operations center over 30 times, rapidly securing command posts using extensive mine fields and wire, incorporating joint fires across the battlefield, utilizing close air support and attack aviation, and many other tactics and procedures.
Soldiers in various capacities, at every level, recognized the positive impact such a large-scale exercise can have on their individual and unit proficiency.
“Allied Spirit is coming together and working with our NATO alliances,” described Pvt. Mason Hatton, 88th Battery, Arracan, 4th Regiment, Royal Artillery, United Kingdom. “Getting to know them, working together, and learning how we both operate… I think that’s very important because if anything did happen in the world, we would need to know how to work with each other.”
“It’s a more real scenario, and you can experience some things that you don’t usually get,” described Maj. Juliana Romoslavskaja, Artillery Battalion, Chief of Staff, Lithuanian army.
She explained that this is the first time Lithuania has come with their own artillery battalion and maneuver units. This helps them train on a deeper level as they plan and execute logistical, personnel and equipment reconstitution operations. “We have to try to bring everybody to the same page. It’s not easy, but it’s interesting. It’s challenging and I see that every day we improve. It’s not perfect, but with every day of practice it gets better. This is the main goal.”
Allied Spirit ’25 continues to demonstrate year after year that differences are overcome when nations across Europe are united to accomplish the same mission. Commanders across nations recognize the importance of joining in a shared commitment to global security and stability. JMRC will continue to serve as a complex forward combat training location in Europe.
“We're always open here, because at the end of the day, if we can all get together and learn from each other, we'll be better as a coalition,” said Carpenter.
When asked by the media about world conflicts that continue to rage and rampant rhetoric on foreign policy, Carpenter affirmed, “collectively, we'll be ready to blunt and defeat any attack… As you know, the U.S. position, the NATO position, in collective defense, it’s peace through strength. And right now, we have that strength.”
Allied Spirit is a recurring training exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, the U.S. Army’s only forward stationed combat training center, which includes Partners and Allies in Europe. This year’s rotation includes forces from the following countries: Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit https://www.7atc.army.mil/AlliedSpirit/ or https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/AlliedSpirit.
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