About 4,000 soldiers from the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, will be part of the largest deployment of U.S.-based forces to Europe for an exercise in the last 25 years, according to an Army press release. 

DEFENDER-Europe 20 will increase strategic readiness and interoperability by exercising the U.S. military’s ability to rapidly deploy a largecombat-credible force and equipment from the United States to Europe; and alongside its allies and partners, quickly respond to a potential crisis, the release from Fort Stewart’s public affairs office said. 

The release continued: “DEFENDER-Europe 20 confirms that the U.S. commitment to NATO and the defense of Europe remains ironclad.”

The joint, multinational training exercise is scheduled to take place from April to May 2020, with personnel and equipment movements occurring from February through July 2020, officials said.

 The exercise supports objectives defined by NATOto build readiness between allies and partners, and deter potential adversaries.

Approximately 37,000 U.S., allied, and partner nation service members are expected to participate with roughly 4,000 coming from Fort Stewart’s “Spartan” Brigade.

“This exercise is a great opportunity to highlight the 3rd Infantry Division’s readiness and ability to deploy forces in supports of our Nation’s operations,” said Maj. Gen. Tony Aguto, commander, 3rd Infantry Division.  “Our Dogface Soldiers are trained, ready and extremely excited to be a part of this historic exercise.”

 This will be the first overseas exercise for the “Spartan” Brigade since they converted from an infantry brigade combat team to an armored brigade combat team last year. At the completion of their conversion they completed a rotation to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California.