PUBLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY www.ausa.org March 12, 2026 | AUSA Extra 1 Global Force features senior Army leaders Vice Chief Asks Congress for Continued Support 3 AUSA Art Contest Marks America's 250th 4 NCO & Soldier Programs Leader Development Overseas 7 Chapter Highlights Hawaii 8 IN THIS ISSUE VOLUME 7 NUMBER 42 MARCH 12, 2026 Retired Gen. Bob Brown, AUSA president and CEO, addresses the association's 2025 Global Force Symposium and Exposition in Huntsville, Alabama. (AUSA PHOTO) T he Association of the U.S. Ar- my’s Global Force Symposium and Exposition kicks off March 24 in Huntsville, Alabama. This year’s theme, “Delivering Vic- tory: Leveraging the Army’s Indus- trial Might,” reinforces the Army’s transformation efforts and drive to dominate the battlefield in an era marked by disruptive and fast tech- nological changes. The three-day event at the Von Braun Center will feature several senior leaders, including Army Un- dersecretary Michael Obadal; Gen. David Hodne, commanding general of U.S. Army Transformation and Training Command; and Lt. Gen. Chris Mohan, commanding general of U.S. Army Materiel Command. To register for Global Force, click here. For more information, click here. The event hashtag is #AUSAGlob- al, and the Global Force app can be downloaded here. Global Force opens March 24 with a keynote presentation by Obadal, who was sworn in as the 36th undersecre- tary of the Army on Sept. 22, 2025. He will be followed by a contempo- rary military forum titled, “Leading Department of the Army Civilians Through Continuous Transforma- tion.” A late morning two-part forum on the new Transformation and Train- ing Command will feature leaders such as Lt. Gen. Michael McCurry, commanding general of Futures and Concepts Command; Lt. Gen. Johnny Davis, commanding general of U.S. Army Recruiting Command; Lt. Gen. James Isenhower, commanding gen- eral of U.S. Army Combined Arms Command; Maj. Gen. Colin Tuley, portfolio acquisition executive for maneuver, ground; Maj. Gen. Clair Gill, portfolio acquisition execu- tive for maneuver, air; and Lt. Gen. Frank Lozano, portfolio acquisition executive for fires. On March 25, the day will start with a keynote address by Mohan, followed by a panel titled “Partner- ing with Industry to Revolution- ize Garrison Feeding,” featuring Lt. Gen. Michelle Donahue, deputy Army chief of staff for logistics, G-4; See Global Force, Page 5www.ausa.org ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY March 12, 2026 | AUSA Extra 3 LaNeve: Budget certainty crucial to maintaining readiness W ith more than 108,000 sol- diers deployed or stationed across 160 countries, the U.S. Army is focused on building and maintaining readiness, Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Christopher LaNeve said. “Every decision I make as vice chief begins and ends with one question— does this make our soldiers more le- thal and ready to fight and win when called upon?” LaNeve said during testimony before the Senate Armed Services readiness subcommittee. Testifying March 4 alongside his counterparts from the other servic- es, LaNeve, who was sworn in as the Army’s 40th vice chief of staff on Feb. 6, said that in the Middle East, sol- diers are operating in a “complex and dangerous environment amid active conflict with Iran and its proxies.” “They’re defending U.S. forces and partners, intercepting missiles and drones and protecting critical infrastructure,” LaNeve testified. “Our sustainment formations are moving fuel, munitions and medi- cal support across the theater, while our command posts are integrating joint fires and intelli- gence to ensure rapid response to evolving threats.” To build readiness, the Army is trans- forming the force, its organizations and commands, and accel- erating the adoption of next-generation equipment and capa- bilities. Key efforts include consoli- dating U.S. Army Forces Command with U.S. Army South and U.S. Army North to create U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command, a single headquarters responsible for homeland defense while “retaining the capacity to generate and deploy forces globally in response to crisis,” LaNeve said. In the Indo-Pacific, the Army main- Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Christopher LaNeve testifies March 4 before the Senate Armed Services readiness subcommittee. (DoW SCREENSHOT) tains 91,000 troops and has commit- ted $1.3 billion to the Pacific Deter- rence Initiative, a congressionally established set of defense priorities intended to support U.S. strategic goals in the Indo-Pacific region. “We’re decisively modernizing our full spectrum of capabilities to counter any pacing threat, and commanding in Korea showed me that years of combined training and shared risk with regional partners creates rela- tionships that cannot be forged in crisis,” said LaNeve, who is a former commander of Eighth Army. “These enduring bonds built through sustained commitment underpin our operations in the region and globally.” To train soldiers for the future fight, the Army is emphasizing its combat training centers. “It’s where we train our soldiers to fight against any adversary in the mud to solve complex problems and to test our lat- est systems,” he said. The Army also is accelerating the development and fielding of critical systems such as Next-Generation Command and Control, LaNeve said. “It’s how we’ll extend our operational reach, connecting sensors, shooters and commanders during large-scale combat operations,” he said, adding that the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado, and 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Ha- waii, are testing the systems now. Other key systems in development include the XM30 Infantry Fighting Vehicle, the M1E3 Abrams and the MV-75 Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft, he said. As new capabilities enter the ser- vice, soldiers remain the linchpin to the Army’s success, LaNeve said. To ensure they receive the training and equipment they need, the Army needs budget certainty, he said, warning that continuing resolutions, or stop- gap funding measures, delay modern- ization, increase program costs and force inefficient short-term decisions. “The nation entrusts us with its sons and daughters and expects them to prevail,” LaNeve said. “That expectation requires disciplined stewardship of resources, candid as- sessment of risk and sustained com- mitment over time.” The nation entrusts us with its sons and daughters and expects them to prevail.”www.ausa.org 4 AUSA Extra | March 12, 2026 Gen. Bob Brown, USA Ret. President and CEO, AUSA Lt. Gen. Leslie Smith, USA Ret. Vice President, Leadership and Education, AUSA Luc Dunn Editor Desiree Hurlocker Advertising Manager Advertising Information Contact: Fox Associates Inc. 116 W. Kinzie St. • Chicago, IL 60654 Phone: 800-440-0231 Email: adinfo.rmy@foxrep.com ARTICLES. Articles appearing in AUSA Extra do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the officers or members of the Council of Trustees of AUSA, or its editors. Articles are expres- sions of personal opinion and should not be interpreted as reflecting the official opinion of the Department of Defense nor of any branch, command, installation or agency of the Depart- ment of Defense. The publication assumes no responsibility for any unsolicited material. Email: extra@ausa.org ADVERTISING. Neither AUSA Extra, nor its publisher, the Association of the United States Army, makes any representations, warranties or endorsements as to the truth and accuracy of the advertisements appearing herein, and no such representations, warranties or en- dorsements should be implied or inferred from the appearance of the advertisements in the publication. The advertisers are solely respon- sible for the contents of such advertisements. MEMBERSHIP RATES. To celebrate America’s 250th, membership rates are reduced to a five-year Premium rate of $50 and a two-year Premium rate of $30. Lifetime membership is $250. A special Premium rate of $10 for two years is open to E1–E4 and cadets only. Two- year Basic membership with select benefits is free. Learn more at www.ausa.org/join . Voice for the Army – Support For the Soldier PERK OF THE WEEK ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY AUSA launches artwork contest for America’s 250th birthday T o mark America’s 250th birth- day, the Association of the U.S. Army is proud to launch a writing and artwork contest. The “America’s Birthday Writing & Artwork Contest” celebrates the United States as the nation marks its 250th birthday on July 4. This nation- wide contest, open to students from kindergarten through college and the public, invites participants to honor the values of service, sacrifice and leadership while offering a personal look into America’s continuing impact on their lives and communities. “This 250th anniversary is not just about looking back at where we have been, it is about inspiring the generation that will carry our na- tion forward,” said retired Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin Engler, deputy direc- tor of outreach programs for AUSA’s Education and Programs directorate. “Through this writing and artwork contest, we are inviting young Amer- icans to dream boldly, think deeply and express what freedom, opportuni- ty and unity mean in their own lives. Their voices and creativity will help tell the story of who we are today and Premium AUSA members have ac- cess to a program that provides legal documents at no cost. Visit www.ausa.org/legal to cre- ate an account and choose from a va- riety of documents like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, bills of sale, creat- ing an LLC and many more. who we aspire to become as a nation.” AUSA is accepting submissions now through Aug. 8. Winners will be announced by Oct. 1. Participants are asked to submit a 150-word message and a piece of traditional, nondigital artwork that reflects their unique connection to the United States. Submissions must align with the theme “My Country, My Story.” Accepted forms of artwork include drawings (pencil, charcoal or ink), paintings (watercolor, oil or acrylic) and mixed media (collages or prints). Submissions will be evaluated in six age groups to ensure fairness. A seventh category opens the contest to the public. Submissions must in- clude the entrant’s full name, grade level or category and phone number or email address. They can be sent by email to educa- tion@ausa.org. Winning entries will be recognized with a gift card and certificate of recognition. They also will be recog- nized during AUSA’s Annual Meet- ing and Exposition in Washington, D.C., in October. Participants in AUSA's ‘America’s Birthday Writing & Artwork Contest’ are asked to sub- mit a 150-word message and a piece of traditional, nondigital artwork that reflects their unique connection to the United States. (U.S. ARMY/SHAUN HERRON)www.ausa.org ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY March 12, 2026 | AUSA Extra 5 Global Force From Page 1 Maj. Gen. Eric Shirley, commanding general of U.S. Army Sustainment Command; celebrity chef Robert Ir- vine; and Donna Turner, vice presi- dent of government engagements and sales for the Compass Group. Day 2 also will feature a panel on acquisition reform and innovation. Speakers include Brent Ingraham, assistant Army secretary for acqui- sition, logistics and technology, and Hodne. The third and final day of Global Force will begin with a forum on command and control featuring Jo- seph Welch, executive director at Transformation and Training Com- mand and portfolio acquisition ex- ecutive for command and control and counter-command and control; Maj. Gen. Patrick Ellis, commanding gen- eral of the 4th Infantry Division; and Maj. Gen. James Bartholomees, com- manding general of the 25th Infantry Division. Hodne will provide a keynote pre- sentation to close the symposium. Throughout Global Force, the Army also will offer Warriors Corner pre- sentations from its booth in the South Hall, and AUSA will host its Genera- tion Next Forum, an AUSA Young Professionals meeting focused on per- sonal and professional development. There will be networking opportu- nities, almost 200 exhibits showcas- ing the latest innovations from in- dustry and the Army, and some 6,000 attendees are expected. Soldiers, AUSA members, defense industry representatives and more gather on the ex- hibit floor during the 2025 AUSA Global Force Symposium and Exposition. (AUSA PHOTO)www.ausa.org 6 AUSA Extra | March 12, 2026 ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY Rigid-Walled Deployable Infrastructure for Today’s Army and Joint Force Missions. Designed for austere and expeditionary environments, Trac9’s H11 and H15 Shelters deliver uncompromising strength and adaptability. Constructed from aviation-grade composite panels and engineered to withstand high winds, snow loads, and continuous operation, these shelters provide a fully relocatable solution built for mission longevity. Each system integrates renewable power compatibility, advanced HVAC capabilities, and customizable modular interiors, ensuring rapid deployment flexibility for any mission set, from command and control to maintenance, medical and sustainment operations. Deployed in hours. Operate anywhere. Scalable as missions evolve. Visit Trac9 Shelters at the Global Force Symposium, 24-26 March in Huntsville, AL. Stop by Booth #2015to experience the next generation of expeditionary infrastructure. SCAN FOR MORE sales@t9lab.com808-798-9730 Trac9’s –Deployable Shelter System –ADAMS F ormed on June 19, 2009, the National Pathfinder Associa- tion exists to unite Pathfinder- qualified individuals and preserve the history and legacy of Army Path- finders. “We seek to strengthen the bonds of comradeship of these unique and elite warriors as there are so few of us,” the group’s website says. The Pathfinder concept first ap- peared in U.S. forces in England dur- ing World War II in preparation for the invasion of North Africa in 1942, borrowing ideas and equipment from British airborne forces. The airborne phase of the July 1943 invasion of Sicily reinforced the need for Path- finder capabilities. Today, Pathfinders are trained to provide navigational aid and advisory services to military aircraft in areas designated by supported unit com- Spotlight on AUSA Association Partner: NPA manders, with a secondary missions of providing advice and limited aid to units planning air assault or airdrop operations, according to the Army. The association holds bi-annual re- unions and organizes presentations and displays to educate the public on the Pathfinder mission. It also pro- vides scholarships for its members and works to assist any Pathfinder in need. The group is seeking to establish a Pathfinder memorial at the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. “We continue to reinforce the mis- sion of Pathfinders as necessary force multipliers due to their unique train- ing and capabilities,” the associa- tion’s website says. For more information, please visit www.nationalpathfinderassociation.org/. If your association is interested in partnering with AUSA, contact Su- san Rubel at srubel@ausa.org. Association Partnership with AUSA is an opportunity for like-minded military service organizations to join AUSA in support of the Total Army—soldiers, DoW civilians and their families.www.ausa.orgMarch 12, 2026 | AUSA Extra 7 ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY AUSA initiative fosters leader development in Germany L ast month, the Association of the U.S. Army’s Gen. Creigh- ton W. Abrams chapter in Wi- esbaden, Germany, launched its re- vitalized NCO & Soldier Programs initiative with a successful Leader Professional Development session focused on enlisted career manage- ment. The February event marked the beginning of a broader effort to strengthen soldier readiness, profes- sional growth and community en- gagement across the garrison. The inaugural session was led by Sgt. Maj. Richard Hollin, senior en- listed leader for U.S. Army Europe and Africa’s intelligence director- ate, G-2, who delivered an in-depth discussion designed to demystify the enlisted promotion and career man- agement process. Hosted in the gar- rison dining facility conference room, the event drew more than 30 service members, ranging from junior enlist- ed soldiers to senior NCOs. Empowering soldiers The discussion addressed common areas of uncertainty surrounding enlisted career progression. Topics included how to locate proponent guidance for each MOS, the distinc- tion between “Most Qualified” and “Highly Qualified” evaluations, in- sights from centralized promotion boards and practical advice for build- ing competitive records. The goal was simple but impactful: empower sol- diers with the knowledge necessary to take ownership of their careers. The engagement exceeded expecta- tions, running beyond its scheduled hour as soldiers continued asking questions and seeking clarification. Feedback was overwhelmingly posi- tive, with participants noting they had not previously received such direct, transparent guidance. Many shared they would encourage peers to attend future sessions. The success of the event reflects the NCO & Soldier Programs leadership of Sgt. 1st Class Michael Enriquez, vice president of NCO & Soldier Programs for the Abrams chapter. Stationed in Wiesbaden since February 2024, Enriquez as- sumed the AUSA role in August 2025 after volunteering with the chapter. He developed a strategic plan to re- vitalize the program, beginning with the launch of a quarterly Leader Professional Development series de- signed to address professional devel- opment gaps across the garrison. Leading up to the inaugural ses- sion, Enriquez secured the venue, co- ordinated equipment support, devel- oped promotional materials for social media and conducted a live Armed Forces Network radio interview to in- crease awareness and participation. The turnout and energy in the room validated the demand for structured, accessible career education. Future efforts Chapter president Gemma Mc- Gowan praised the initiative, noting that the program has already generat- ed momentum within the Wiesbaden community. The strong attendance and active participation demonstrat- ed that soldiers are eager for forums that provide clarity, mentorship and practical tools for advancement. Building on this momentum, the Abrams chapter is expanding its focus beyond professional develop- ment. Enriquez is developing a Life Skills Program aimed at enhancing practical readiness for soldiers, par- ticularly those living in the barracks. Proposed topics include basic vehicle maintenance and meal preparation, equipping soldiers with everyday skills that promote financial respon- sibility and independence. The chap- ter is exploring partnerships within the garrison, including leveraging the expertise of a senior NCO who is also a certified master chef to assist with cooking instruction. Additionally, on Feb. 22, Enriquez launched the “Why We Serve: Voices of The Community” podcast, a plat- form designed to highlight personal stories from soldiers, leaders and civilians across the garrison. The podcast seeks to foster deeper un- derstanding, connection and respect within the community. These initiatives demonstrate AU- SA’s commitment to strengthening readiness at every level. Through Enriquez’s leadership, the Abrams chapter is building a sustainable pro- gram that empowers soldiers to move from passive participants in their ca- reers to actively shaping their future. Sgt. 1st Class Jordan Etchells is AUSA’s NCO and Soldier Programs SkillBridge intern. Sgt. Maj. Richard Hollin, senior enlisted leader for U.S. Army Europe and Africa’s intel- ligence directorate, G-2, speaks during a Leader Professional Development session hosted by AUSA's Gen. Creighton W. Abrams chapter in Wiesbaden, Germany. (AUSA PHOTO)www.ausa.org 8 AUSA Extra | March 12, 2026 ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY Chapter hosts formal wear giveaway for military families Military family members select gowns and accessories during an Operation Deploy Your Dress pop-up event hosted by AUSA's Hawaii chapter. (AUSA PHOTO) I n February, the Association of the U.S. Army’s Hawaii chapter supported soldiers and military families by hosting its second annual Operation Deploy Your Dress pop-up event. This year’s event, in the Hale Ikena Community Activity Center at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, was led by Sheila Lanier, the chapter’s vice president of Family Programs, with support from Operation Deploy Your Dress leaders and AUSA National’s Family Readiness directorate. The giveaway was a great success, chapter representatives said. “This year’s event welcomed 190 family members and distributed 157 dresses, sig- nificantly exceeding last year’s atten- dance and impact,” said retired Col. Tracy Lanier, the chapter president. Operation Deploy Your Dress was formed in late 2015 at Fort Bliss, Texas, by a group of military spouses who organized a dress swap to lessen the cost of formal wear for holiday balls. The idea quickly grew into an organization run by dozens of volun- teers, offering gently used dresses and accessories to military members and dependents. According to its website, Operation Deploy Your Dress has deployed over 35,000 gowns from multiple shops across the United States and Ger- many. The group currently has 15 brick-and-mortar shops at Army in- stallations worldwide, many of which work closely with AUSA chapters. Military families in Hawaii were excited to have the pop-up event again this year, said Thea Green, AUSA’s Family Readiness deputy di- rector. She pointed out the timeliness of the giveaway, with one attendee say- ing that there were military balls taking place on the island and young ladies preparing for their proms. “Thank you to Simona Clark, Kris- tin Bartholomees, our Community Partners, all the wonderful volun- teers and everyone who made this a great event for our military fami- lies,” Green said. Clark is the spouse of Gen. Ron Clark, commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific, and Bartholomees is the spouse of Maj. Gen. James “Jay” Bartholomees, commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division at Scho- field Barracks, Hawaii. Operation Deploy Your Dress and AUSA will host a pop-up event in April at the association's headquar- ters in Arlington, Virginia. For more information, click here. Left to right, AUSA Hawaii chapter vice president Nicole Darity, AUSA National Family Readiness deputy director Thea Green, and retired Col. Benjamin Lukefahr, the associa- tion's Pacific Region president, support an Operation Deploy Your Dress pop-up event hosted by the chapter at Fort Shafter, Hawaii. (AUSA PHOTO) HawaiiREGISTER NOW! WWW.AUSA.ORG�GF�REGISTRATION Sponsorships@ausa.orgNext >