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AVIANO, Italy — For U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), readiness isn’t just a box to check — it’s a mindset that drives every action. From inspections to rehearsals, each step underscores the command’s ability to serve as a joint task force headquarters, ensuring the U.S. Army remains agile and responsive across Europe and Africa.
To put that mindset into practice, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, SETAF-AF, conducted the "Lion" deployment readiness exercise at Aviano Air Base, Nov. 3. The event tested the unit’s capacity to rapidly deploy personnel and equipment while reinforcing joint warfighting capability with the U.S. Air Force’s 31st Fighter Wing.
“Lion DRE showed that innovation and lethality go hand in hand,” Dean said. “The same digital tools such as Maven, that enhance awareness also help commanders apply combat power more effectively while protecting the force. We started tracking personnel deployability readiness, status of resources, availability of movement assets, execution checklist task completion, and holding commander’s update meetings all consolidated in the Maven system.”
Throughout the exercise, Soldiers conducted tactical vehicle outloads, equipment inspections and air movement manifesting. The event incorporated emerging digital tools such as the Maven Smart System, an artificial intelligence tool that rapidly analyzes imagery, logistics data and planning inputs. These technologies, combined with real-world deployment timelines, tested the command’s ability to respond to missions ranging from crisis response and humanitarian assistance to theater security cooperation across two continents.
Simulated operational scenarios allowed units to refine battle rhythms, communications flow and targeting synchronization — key elements in projecting combat power.
“Lion DRE showed that innovation and lethality go hand in hand,” Dean said. “The same digital tools that enhance awareness also help commanders apply combat power more effectively while protecting the force.”
The Aviano flightline provided a realistic training environment for Soldiers to work alongside Air Force air mobility units. From loadmasters to movement control teams, the joint environment reinforced the importance of interservice coordination in achieving strategic readiness.
“This is about more than moving equipment,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Emilio Villalobos, infantryman and early entry command post platoon sergeant assigned to SETAF-AF's HHBN. “It’s about every Soldier knowing their role, understanding the process and operating seamlessly with our joint teammates.”
Lion DRE is part of SETAF-AF’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a high state of readiness and flexibility. By training in realistic environments and integrating modern technologies, the command strengthens its ability to project power, deliver support and enable mission success anywhere in its area of responsibility.
“Our higher headquarters expect agility, flexibility and adaptability from SETAF-AF,” Dean said. “Whether responding to a crisis or supporting multinational allies and partners, we stand ready — anytime, anywhere, any mission.”
Lion DRE marks one of several initiatives SETAF-AF conducts to enhance expeditionary operations and theater responsiveness. Each event reinforces the unit’s commitment to maintaining a high level of preparedness to provide U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa with a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.
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About SETAF-AF
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.
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