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U.S. European Command and its component commands’ strategists, operators and planners conducted the 2024 iteration of Exercise Austere Challenge March 4-14 to plan and execute a response to a fictional military crisis.

The intent of Austere Challenge 24 was to prepare U.S. and NATO forces to operate across the full range of military operations in joint, trans-regional, multi-domain, multi-functional, integrated and contested environments.   Through these efforts, the exercise contributed to strengthening interoperability with our partners globally.   

"The U.S. is dedicated to our security commitments to the NATO Alliance and our global partners," said Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander, U.S. European Command. "Exercises like Austere Challenge enhance our integration with Allies and partners, bolstering the collective security of the Euro-Atlantic."

The exercise was conducted virtually by military and civilian personnel across the European Theater. Additionally, this iteration of Austere Challenge was linked to three other U.S. Joint Force exercises: U.S. Cyber Command’s Cyber Guardian; North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command’s Vigilant Shield; and U.S. Strategic Command’s Global Lightning. Elements from Allied Command Operations and select NATO Allied nations observed, advised, and assisted USEUCOM forces and its components to AC24 exercise objectives.

The exercise occurred during two phases. The Deliberate Planning phase occurred in the fall of 2023 where the USEUCOM staff increased cohesion and integration among the U.S., NATO, Allies, and partners in planning across multiple domains. In the just-concluded execution phase, the USEUCOM staff coordinated U.S. operations in support of NATO’s defense.

AC24 is part of an exercise series planned and executed since the 1990s which focuses on training combatant command coordination, command and control and the integration of capabilities and functions across USEUCOM’s headquarters, its component commands, other combatant commands and U.S. government agencies.

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About USEUCOM

U.S. European Command is responsible for U.S. military operations across Europe, portions of Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean. USEUCOM is comprised of more than 65,000 permanent military personnel supported by rotational forces and DoD civilians working closely with NATO Allies and partners. For more information about USEUCOM, visit www.eucom.mil.