U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander, U.S. European Command, hosted his senior staff, component commanders and other key leaders to strengthen the geographic combatant command’s integrated contributions toward European security during the USEUCOM Component Commanders Conference at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Aug. 22-24, 2023.

The conference, which routinely takes place throughout the theater, is an integral, in-person gathering to coordinate and synchronize activities among the command’s headquarters and its five components as each executes security cooperation and provides support to NATO across Europe.

A highlight of this year’s event included a panel of experts from the Russia Strategic Initiative, a U.S. Department of Defense organization that works with agencies throughout the U.S. government and with public and private think tanks around the world to develop a common understanding of Russian decision-making and way of war. Other discussions during the two-day conference focused on wide ranging issues – from theater strategy to harnessing a data-centric approach to achieve operational advantages and increased efficiencies.

The component commanders in attendance represented the five components under U.S. European Command including U.S. Army Europe, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe, and U.S. Special Operations Command, Europe. Each of these components brings a wide array of capabilities and provides ready, adaptable forces able to bolster European security and resolve alongside Allies and partners.