In the rugged, rolling terrain of the Hohenfels Training Area in Germany, the air is thick with more than just the morning mist. It’s thick with the sound of roaring engines, the static of encrypted radio chatter, and the focused energy of thousands of soldiers from across the globe.
Combined Resolve 26-05 has officially kicked off, marking one of the most significant multi-national training exercises of the year.
What is Combined Resolve?
Combined Resolve is a recurring U.S. Army Europe and Africa-directed exercise designed to exercise the U.S. European Command’s combat credible force. But it’s much more than a routine drill. It is a massive, living laboratory for interoperability—the ability of different nations to fight as one cohesive unit.
The 26-05 iteration brings together over 4,000 participants from more than a dozen NATO allies and partner nations.
Key Objectives: Beyond the Battlefield
While the "boom" of the tanks gets the most attention, the real work happens in the nuances of modern warfare. This year’s focus highlights:
Multi-Domain Operations: Integrating land, air, and electronic warfare capabilities to maintain an edge in a complex environment.
Logistical Synchronization: Ensuring that fuel, ammunition, and medical support can flow seamlessly across different national systems.
Digital Connectivity: Testing how different nations’ communication systems "talk" to one another under heavy electronic interference.
The "Box": A Crucible for Leaders
The Hohenfels training area—often referred to as "The Box"—is famous for its unforgiving terrain and the world-class Opposing Force (OPFOR). These soldiers are experts at playing the "enemy," forcing participating units to adapt to unpredictable tactics in real-time.
"The goal isn't to have a perfect day," says one exercise observer. "The goal is to fail here, learn why, and ensure we succeed when it actually matters. We build trust in the mud so we have it on the battlefield."
Why It Matters in 2026
In the current global security landscape, the strength of an alliance is measured by its readiness. Combined Resolve 26-05 sends a clear message of unity. It proves that despite different languages and equipment, the collective resolve of NATO and its partners remains ironclad.
As the exercise progresses over the next two weeks, these soldiers won't just be practicing maneuvers; they will be building the personal and professional bonds that form the backbone of international security.
Stay Tuned
We will be bringing you more updates as the "force-on-force" phase begins. From bridge-crossing operations to simulated urban combat, the intensity is only going to scale up.
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