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The Combat Training School hosted its 8th iteration of the European Test Bed at the U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Warfare Center, Einsiedlerhof Air Station, Oct.4-7.
ETB is an event where military minds from the U.S. and NATO gather to explore and experiment with new ways to defend Europe from air and missile attacks. This exercise allows for a constant flow of updated tactics, techniques and procedures ready for implementation in an ever-changing war fighting atmosphere.
“ETB is an invaluable training opportunity that either validates or makes us reevaluate our defensive strategies for Europe,” said Maj. Marco Catanese, Combat Training School director of operations and ETB lead. “It’s amazing to see how, during every iteration, we find new, and better ways to defend our partners and ourselves.”
Participating units test their capabilities through trying scenarios. Participants included service members from the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Space Force, National Security Agency and Missile Defense Agency operating systems under both U.S. and NATO command and control.
This exercise series examines and refines interoperability between services as well as the U.S. and NATO, resulting in the ability to more rapidly respond to potential crises.
Lt. Gen. Steven Basham, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa deputy commander, participated in ETB as the regional air defense commander, serving as the decision authority during air and missile defense scenarios.
“ETB is the premier testing ground that helps us explore and leverage new ways to defend our interests across Europe,” said Basham. “This venue brings us together with our partners and allies and helps us brainstorm various scenarios, which is important for us to synchronize efforts to be as responsive and agile as possible.”
ETB is the foremost venue exploring new ways to ensure the air and missile defense of Europe. The exercise series will continue in 2022.
