Department-Level Exercise (DLE) Series

Through this series, the Department of the Air Force is preparing to be a stronger, more lethal deterrent force, to provide an advantage against competitors and adversaries across all domains, and to ensure regional stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

The DLE series will incorporate multiple command exercises into one overall threat deterrence scenario, including Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC), Resolute Space, Mobility Guardian, Emerald Warrior and Bamboo Eagle 25-3.

It will also integrate multiple allies and partners in specific component exercises with shared interests. Partner integration is critical to U.S. efforts to ensure regional and global peace and stability and provides a decisive advantage against complex threats.

REEL: 173rd Airborne Brigade Paratroopers Launch E2B Testing with Physical Fitness Assessment

173rd Airborne Brigade

Video by Spc. Izaiah Daniels

Sept. 21, 2025 | 0:21

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade throw sandbags, low-crawl, and run in full kit during the Expert Physical Fitness Assessment, the first event of the Expert Infantry and Expert Soldier Badge testing (E2B), at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 21, 2025. The assessment measures Soldiers’ strength and endurance, setting the standard for the rigorous testing that follows.

The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to U.S. European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build readiness and strengthen the alliance.

(U.S. Army video by Spc. Izaiah Daniels) More