Nevada Army National Guard and Fiji Military Forces conduct multinational training

SUVA, Fiji - As Veterans Day approached, service members from eight nations gathered in Fiji for Exercise Cartwheel, a two-week training event aimed at strengthening combat readiness and multinational interoperability. The annual event brought together military personnel from Australia, Fiji, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States to rehearse joint operations, exchange tactics, and build regional security partnerships.

Their participation, which culminated the evening prior to the international holiday honoring all those who serve, underscored the universal respect and sacrifice echoed across many militaries and cultures during the two-week training.

"The expanded scope demonstrated a shared commitment to supporting the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Training Continuum 2025 and beyond, strengthening readiness, improving coordination among partners, and developing leaders capable of operating effectively in diverse, combined settings," said Maj. Tyler Wistisen, 1st Squadron, 221st Cavalry, Nevada Army National Guard. "Exercise Cartwheel continued its tradition of providing a venue where partners can work side by side, learn from one another, and enhance interoperability."

Lead planners and trainers included Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 221st Cavalry, and 609th Engineer Company, Nevada Army National Guard-some having participated in Exercise Cartwheel for the past three years-and trainers from the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team, Idaho Army National Guard, and the Religious Support Team, 9th Mission Support Command, U.S. Army Reserve. The Nevada National Guard has three partner nations in the South Pacific - Tonga (2014), Fiji (2019) and Samoa (2023) - through the National Guard State Partnership Program.

This year's Cartwheel was the most complex to date, officials noted, shifting from previous squad- and team-level events to a greater emphasis on company-level tactics and battalion-level staff processes. Battalion staff conducted a detailed tabletop exercise, working through planning, synchronization and decision-making processes alongside partnered planners. Simultaneously, company-level elements executed progressively challenging field events focused on maneuver, battle drills, close-quarters battle and tactical combat casualty care.

These complementary efforts culminated in a mission that integrated the staff's planning with the company's field skills. The final event showcased improved communication, a shared understanding of procedures, and an increased ability to coordinate actions across battalion staff, down to the company, platoon, squad, and team levels.

The successful planning and execution displayed the professionalism, hard work and technical and tactical knowledge the RFMF brought to Exercise Cartwheel.

"During Exercise Cartwheel, shared faith and values proved to be force multipliers, building resilience and unity that transcend oceans and strengthen global partnerships," said Maj. Daniel Leiter, chaplain, 9th Mission Support Command, U.S. Army Reserve.

Beyond the tactical focus, Exercise Cartwheel continued its tradition of cultural engagement and mutual exchange. Soldiers from each participating nation took part in shared activities, learning about one another's customs, histories and military traditions.

"Exercise Cartwheel ultimately demonstrated the importance and value of multinational training," said Capt. Courtney McKimmey, 1st Squadron, 221st Cavalry, Nevada Army National Guard. "The coordinated efforts focused on shared purpose, strengthened bonds, shared tactical knowledge and mutual respect."

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