By Spc. Melanie Tolen, 318th Theater Public Affairs Support Element

HOHENFELS, Germany – Just north of Regensburg, embedded directly in the snowy and forested hills of eastern Bavaria, about 3,400 Soldiers from around the world gather in Hohenfels, Germany, joining forces for Combined Resolve 26-05, running from Feb. 3- 28, it remains one of the U.S. Army’s largest recurring international combat exercises.

Combined Resolve sets the scene for U.S. troops working directly with partner-nations to rehearse realistic combat scenarios in a life-like environment. The mission of joint exercises with U.S. forces is to ensure units can fight, communicate, and adapt under the pressure of a battlefield environment.

Training in Hohenfels is a full-scale rehearsal led by the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division—”Devils”—out of Fort Riley, Kansas. Leaders evaluate how Soldiers move, communicate, make decisions, and adapt while facing simulated enemy forces and unpredictable conditions.

The 7th Army Training Command provides a unique environment in Europe to develop leaders and formations who are prepared for large-scale combat operations. The terrain is uneven, the weather rarely cooperates, and opposing forces are tasked with actively challenging units throughout the exercise. The rain and slush aren’t obstacles to training—they are the training.

Conditions like these force Soldiers to adjust quickly, rely on each other, and solve problems in real time.

“JMRC’s combat training center rotations empower Soldiers to fight through a realistic threat scenario while enduring the weather and terrain challenges at Hohenfels,” said Brig. Gen. Terry Tillis, commanding general of 7th Army Training Command. “Soldiers depart with increased combat readiness and improved tactical skills.”

This iteration of Combined Resolve includes forces from multiple NATO nations, giving U.S. troops a chance to train alongside the same allies they may deploy with in a crisis. Working in a multinational environment helps units learn how partner forces operate and communicate, which reduces friction and strengthens coordination where it counts.

The training blends traditional field work with newer technology, allowing Soldiers to practice both established tactics and more advanced and emerging capabilities. That combination helps leaders identify strengths, fix weak spots, and confirm that units are ready for whatever missions may come next.

The small town of Hohenfels first established itself as a German Army training area during World War II. The U.S. Army took control of the base not long after and further developed the area into today’s U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Joint Multinational Readiness Center. War-era tanks and relics still stand scattered across the base, honoring several generations of Soldiers who not only trained on this space, but helped fight for it.

By the end of the month, Soldiers will carry newly tested skills, experiences and just a bit more mud on their boots.