U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 555th Fighter and Fighter Generation Squadrons prepare and operate F-16 Fighting Falcons to practice integrated air missile defense during Combat Archer U.K. at RAF Lakenheath, England, April 9, 2025. Combat Archer U.K. provided live-fire air-to-air experience against threat-representative unmanned systems. By hosting Combat Archer U.K. in Europe, U.S. Air Forces Europe saved millions of dollars, allowing them to enhance the mission while staying on the right side of the cost curve. (U.S. Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Zachary Jakel)

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division conduct joint training alongside Norwegian Armed Forces, British Parachute Regiment soldiers, and U.S. Marines at the Setermoen Training Area during Exercise Defender 25 at Setermoen, Norway, on May 15, 2025. The multinational training enhances interoperability, readiness, and Arctic warfighting capabilities among NATO partners.

In a combat zone, every second counts—and every drop of blood can save a life. That’s why U.S. Army paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade are testing a new method to get blood to the battlefield faster and safer: drones. During Swift Response 2025, a multinational exercise under the larger DEFENDER 25 series, the 173rd’s Charlie “Lifeline” Company, 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, integrated drone-based blood resupply into a full-scale Hospital Exercise (HOSPEX) at Pabrade Training Area, Lithuania, May 15, 2025. “Aerial resupply of blood is pretty cool for us,” said Capt. Jessica Knoll, commander of Charlie Company. “One big initiative we’re working on is getting whole blood as far forward as possible. Having drone capability means we’re not risking soldiers driving into hostile areas just to deliver blood. A drone—not to say it’s expendable—but it’s more expendable than a soldier’s life.” The TRV-150 drone was used to deliver simulated blood to Role 1 field care locations, bridging the gap between point of injury and higher-level medical care. This innovation reduces risk to medics while improving survivability in austere environments. “This is our third time working with Flying Basket to drop blood using drones,” Knoll said. “We’ve tested a few methods—paratroopers jumping with blood at Saber Junction, pushing blood out of airplanes—but this drone delivery is really buying down risk. Instead of sending an entire medic crew forward, we can now send a drone with Class VIII supplies or blood.” The exercise included U.S. Army units such as the 160th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment (FRSD), 519th Field Hospital, 68th Theater Medical Command, and the 7384th Blood Detachment. NATO Role 2 Enhanced medical teams and Lithuanian Armed Forces medics joined in trauma lanes and mass casualty drills, enhancing multinational medical interoperability. “So far, we’ve flown about 3 kilometers with the drone, but it’s capable of more,” Knoll added. “That’s just what we’ve trained for now.” Knoll emphasized the importance of preparing for large-scale combat operations (LSCO), where forward medical capabilities are crucial. “It’s about saving lives, reducing risk, and making sure our warfighters stay in the fight,” Knoll said. RAW SOUND BITES BELOW “Aerial resupply of blood is pretty cool for us,” said Capt. Jessica Knoll, commander of Charlie Company, 173rd Brigade Support Battalion. “One of our big initiatives is getting whole blood as far forward as possible. Having drone capability means we’re not sending soldiers toward the forward line of troops, where their FLAs or whatever vehicle they’re in could be taken out by enemy fire." “We have a drone—not to say it’s expendable—but it’s more expendable than a soldier’s life. By dropping blood with the line medic or Role I, we can get it forward without as much risk as we’re used to.” “We didn’t drop with a drone at Saber Junction, but we did have paratroopers jump with the blood,” she said. “We’ve also pushed blood out of airplanes on our jumps. This is our third time working with Flying Basket to drop Collins boxes or other types of containers with blood.” “We’re going to see an LSCO fight—that’s the next fight we’re looking at. Lots of people are going to get hurt,” she said. “We need to treat at the point of injury, evacuate quickly, and save as many lives as possible to get them back into the fight. We have to keep the warfighter in the fight and get as many return-to-duties as we can.” “Drone delivery really buys down risk,” Knoll said. “Instead of sending an entire medic crew forward, we can send the drone with Class VIII supplies or blood.” “Being in the 173rd and being in Europe, it’s awesome that we get to work with so many partner units—not just NATO allies, but also the 160th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment, 519th Field Hospital, 68th Theater Medical Command, and the 7384th Blood Detachment,” she said. “So far, we’ve been able to fly it about 3 kilometers,” she said. “It can go farther than that, but it’s just not something we’ve trained yet.” The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army video by Capt. Jennifer French)

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, alongside multinational medical teams, integrated drone-based blood resupply as part of the multinational Hospital Exercise (HOSPEX) during Swift Response 2025 at Pabrade Training Area, Lithuania, May 15, 2025. The TRV-150 drone delivers simulated blood to field care locations, enhancing survivability and speed in austere conditions. The exercise validates forward medical operations in a realistic, multinational environment, tactical medical evacuation, and damage control surgery from Role 3 to Role 1. U.S. units participating include the 173rd Airborne Brigade, 160th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment (FRSD), 519th Field Hospital, 68th Theater Medical Command, and the 7384th Blood Detachment. NATO Role 2 Enhanced medical teams and Lithuanian Armed Forces medics conduct joint trauma lanes and mass casualty drills, building interoperability and combat medical readiness across the Alliance. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army video by Capt. Jennifer French)

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BLAZ, Guam (May 15, 2025) -- U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Greg Huffman relinquishes command of Joint Task Force - Micronesia to U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Josh Lasky during a ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, Guam, May 15. (U.S. Navy video by Reynaldo Rabara)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. government military officials participated in the closing ceremony for Exercise Balikatan 25 at Camp Aguinaldo in the Philippines. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the U.S. and Philippine Armed Forces designed to strengthen the alliance, showcase the capable combined force, and demonstrate the commitment to regional security and stability. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Mitchell Johnson)

B-roll footage captures Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, Oregon Army National Guard, conducting a gun salute with M119, 105 mm howitzers during the Armed Forces Day celebration at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem, May 14, 2025. The event honored currently serving military members with performances by the 234th Army Band, static displays of military equipment, and concluded with an Oregon Air National Guard F-15 Eagle flyover. Led by Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of Oregon, the celebration highlighted the Oregon National Guard's ongoing commitment to service despite federal budget constraints and preparations for both overseas deployments and domestic operations.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the New Jersey Army National Guard participated in a the New Jersey National Guard Best Warrior Competition. The following is a promotional video encouraging Soldiers to compete in the Best Warrior Competition following this years season of best warrior preparation and participation. The Best Warrior Competition tests Soldiers’ physical fitness, tactical proficiency, and warrior skills, identifying the most capable and resilient warriors in the unit. This video is part of a social media campaign to inspire participation and highlight the spirit of competition within the Army National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Sgt. Seth Cohen)

U.S. Army Soldiers with the New Jersey Army National Guard participated in a the New Jersey National Guard Best Warrior Competition. The following is a promotional video encouraging Soldiers to compete in the Best Warrior Competition following this years season of best warrior preparation and participation. The Best Warrior Competition tests Soldiers’ physical fitness, tactical proficiency, and warrior skills, identifying the most capable and resilient warriors in the unit. This video is part of a social media campaign to inspire participation and highlight the spirit of competition within the Army National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Sgt. Seth Cohen)

Six teams of five competitors from 2nd Cavalry Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade, and 12th Combat Aviation Brigade complete medical lanes during the V Corps Best Squad Competition (BSC), May 14, 2025. The medical lanes were designed to test individual and team knowledge and readiness. Scores were based on knowledge and timeliness to determine who may advance to represent V Corps in the United States Army Europe and Africa BSC in August. (U.S. Army video by Spc. Hunter Carpenter) -Shot List- 00:00 - 00:06 Slate 00:06 - 00:13 U.S. Soldier checks for breathing 00:13 - 00:19 U.S. Soldier applies a chest seal 00:19 - 00:35 U.S. Soldier wraps a leg with gauze 00:35 - 00:52 U.S. Soldier applies a tourniquet 00:52 - 01:04 U.S. Soldier conducts a blood sweep 01:04 - 01:08 U.S. Soldier checks for breathing 01:08 - 01:15 U.S. Soldier applies a nasopharyngeal airway 01:15 - 01:38 U.S. Soldier writes out a 9-line Medevac 01:38 - 01:42 U.S. Soldier checks for fractures

U.S. Air Force Col. Billy Pope, Jr., 81st Training Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Ryan Taylor, 81st TRW command chief, host the Monthly Update at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, May 12, 2025. Pope and Taylor recapped the Special Olympics of Mississippi summer games and the ongoing police week. They also discussed the institution of the Real ID on May 8, 2025, as well as the Air Force Aid Society, and the upcoming changes of command throughout the base. (U.S. Air Force video by Jonathan Carter)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force and 2nd Cavalry Regiment, alongside Polish allies, execute a sensor-to-shooter scenario using unmanned aerial systems in Ustka, Poland, May 14, 2025. Arcane Thunder 25 promotes innovation, collaboration, and interoperability between Allied and partner nations, and contributes significantly to regional stability and security by improving the ability of Allied forces to operate together effectively in times of crisis or conflict. (U.S. Air Force video by Senior Airman Kyle Smith and Senior Airman Isabell Nutt)

U.S. Soldiers participating in the V Corps Best Squad Competition conduct a simulated patrol in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear environments on Grafenwoehr Training Area, Bavaria, Germany, May 14, 2025. The winners of the best squad competition will advance to represent V Corps in the U.S. Army Europe and Africa best squad competition in August. The competition tests squad proficiency in warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined, and fit squad– while demonstrating a commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos. (U.S. Army video by Spc. Sar Paw) Shot list: (00;05;00)- Title card (00;24;03)- Soldiers have come under indirect fire during simulated combat patrol in the CBRN environment. (01;00;28)- Soldiers don their Level 4 MOPP gear (01;12;04)- Soldier performs casualty care (01;56;27)- Soldiers conduct nine-line medevac request END

XVIII Airborne Corps Command Sgts. Maj. participate in a physical training and stress shoot event at Fort Bragg, N.C. on 14 May, 2025. This was an opportunity for Command Sgts. Maj. to exercise their lethality and build esprit de corps. (U.S. Army Video by Staff Sgt. Cory Reese)

Spc. Oleksandr Kimbirskyi, Airborne Innovation Lab electronics lead, works at one of the workstations in the AIL on 14 May, 2025, at Fort Bragg, N.C. the AIL is a centralized hub for Army warfighters and research partners to learn, innovate, build, and explore new ideas to solve tactical problems. (U.S. Army video by Staff Sgt. Cory Reese)

Six teams of five competitors from 2nd Cavalry Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade, and 12th Combat Aviation Brigade complete the M17 pistol range during the V Corps Best Squad Competition (BSC), May 14, 2025. This M17 range was designed to test individual and team marksmanship. Scores were based on physical abilities and marksmanship to determine who may advance to represent V Corps in the United States Army Europe and Africa BSC in August. (U.S. Army video by Spc. Hunter Carpenter) -Shot List- 00:00 - 00:06 Slate 00:06 - 03:05 U.S. Soldiers shoot the M17 pistol on an M17 range

The Minnesota National Guard's Army Capt. Sydney Boe of Savage talks about her team's efforts, helping the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fight the Camp House Wildfire near Brimson May 14, 2025. Currently, the Camp House, Jenkins Creek, and Munger Shaw Wildfires are burning North of Duluth, spreading across nearly 20,000 acres. Governor Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard to support local authorities adding more than 20 Airmen and Soldiers, and three refueling trucks, one CH-47 Chinook and three UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters to the overall effort.

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing provide support for 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division during helocast training off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, May 14, 2025. The training was conducted to ensure both units are proficient in proper helocasting procedures. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Jeremiah Barksdale)

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division perform preflight checks for helocast training on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, May 14, 2025. The training was conducted to ensure both units are proficient in proper helocasting procedures. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Jeremiah Barksdale)

U.S. Army leaders and allies from across the globe attend the Land Forces Pacific (LANPAC) Symposium and Exhibition, May 14, 2025, in Honolulu, Hawaii. LANPAC is the premier forum for land power discussions in the Indo-Pacific region. Hosted by the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) and supported by U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC), LANPAC 2025 brings together representatives from more than 30 Indo-Pacific nations, including a dozen Chiefs of Armies, to address critical security challenges and how to solve complex challenges in the region with members of academia and industry. (U.S. Army Video by Spc. Abreanna Goodrich)

A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron is seen on the flight line during sunrise at Yokota Air Base, Japan, April 8, 2025. Yokota serves as the primary airlift hub in the Indo-Pacific region, providing rapid-response capability for missions throughout the theater. (U.S. Air Force video by Senior Airman Natalie Doan)

U.S. Soldiers complete the Expert Physical Fitness Assessment as part of the V Corps Best Squad Competition on Grafenwoehr Training Area, Bavaria, Germany, May 15, 2025. The winners of the best squad competition will advance to represent V Corps in the U.S. Army Europe and Africa best squad competition in August. The competition tests squad proficiency in warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined, and fit squad– while demonstrating a commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos. (U.S. Army video by Spc. Sar Paw) Shot List: (00;05:00)- Title Card (00;05;00-00;21;07)- Soldiers running the first mile of the EPFA (00;21;08-00;35;21)- Soldier conduct dead stop push-ups (00;35;21-01;05;14)- Soldiers conduct a 25-meter low crawl (01;05;15-01;37;11)- Soldiers conduct 50-meter farmer’s carry with two 40-pound water cans (01;37;12-01;55;14)- Soldiers load sandbags onto a transport vehicle (01;55;15-02;02;27)- Soldiers conduct another mile run END

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, patrol the area in M2A4 Bradley Fighting Vehicles and receive dronebuster training with Estonian soldiers during Exercise Hedgehog 25 near Camp Reedo, Estonia, May 13-14, 2025. Exercise Hedgehog 25 is a large-scale international military exercise led by the Estonian Defence Forces, focused on the rapid deployment of allied forces and the enhancement of multinational interoperability. As the designated opposition force, 5-7 CAV challenges participating units with a complex, realistic scenario to strengthen multinational interoperability and readiness. (U.S. Army video by Pfc. Jaidyn Moore) 00;00;05;00 - 00;00;20;20 U.S. Army M2A4 Bradley maneuvers through the roads. 00;00;20;20 - 00;00;27;06 M2A4 Bradley turret rotates while pulling security. 00;00;32;07 - 00;00;37;00 Close-up of 5-7 CAV unit on the M2A4 Bradley. 00;00;37;00 - 00;00;41;29 Footage of drone in the sky. 00;00;41;29 - 00;00;45;25 Estonian soldier points dronebuster towards drone in the sky. 00;00;45;25 - 00;00;50;19 Estonian soldier hands over dronebuster. 00;00;50;19 - 00;00;53;09 Close-up of Estonian soldiers patch. 00;00;53;09 - 00;01;01;09 U.S. Soldier points dronebuster towards drone in the sky.

Members of the Army Corps of Engineer’s Forward Engineer Support Team – Advance (FEST-A) out of New York, receive a tour of the water treatment facilities around Colón, Panama on May 13, 2025. FEST-A is conducting infrastructure assessments in coordination with the city of Colón to help build upon the expanded partnership initiatives between Panama and the United States. (U.S. Army video by Major Jason Elmore/Released)

Coast Guard aircrews from Air Station Astoria hoist four men, one-by-one, from a large, empty water tower, May 13, 2025, Taholah, Washington. The 4 men had fallen more than 60 feet and we unable to walk. (US Coast Guard video courtesy of Air Station Astoria)

Guatemalan infantrymen partner with U.S. Army Arkansas National Guard members to conduct a tactical care under fire exercise during CENTAM Guardian 25, at Mariscal Zavala, Guatemala, May 13, 2025. CG25 brings together military and security personnel from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and the United States, demonstrating a united front against our region’s shared security challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sadie Colbert)

Six teams of five competitors execute an AT4 range and a maneuver under fire lane during the V Corps Best Squad Competition (BSC), May 13, 2025. The winners of the best squad competition will advance to represent V Corps in the United States Europe and Africa BSC in August. The competition tests squad proficiency in warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined, and fit squad– while demonstrating a commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos. (U.S. Army video by Spc. Sar Paw)

250513-N-RO855-1002 PRAIA, Cabo Verde (May 13, 2025) – Operations Annalist Otis Ho, talks about the exercise control group during Obangame Express 2025. Obangame Express is one of three regional maritime exercises led by U.S. Sixth Fleet as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities to African forces and international partners to address maritime security concerns. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Caleb M. Foote)

250513-N-RO855-1001 PRAIA, Cabo Verde (May 13, 2025) – U.S. Navy CDR Rich Martucci, talks about the exercise control group during Obangame Express 2025. Obangame Express is one of three regional maritime exercises led by U.S. Sixth Fleet as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities to African forces and international partners to address maritime security concerns. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Caleb M. Foote)