US Army Europe commander self-isolates after potential COVID-19 exposure
The commander of US Army Europe and several of his staff have placed themselves in self-isolation after attending a recent conference which may have exposed them to coronavirus.
The decision was confirmed in a statement from US Army Europe on 10 March.
According to the statement, ‘following recommended protocols’ General Christopher G Cavoli and others potentially affected are ‘self-monitoring and working remotely to fulfil their command duties and responsibilities’.
US Army Europe continued: ‘We are conducting daily assessments of the situation and are consulting with medical professionals, the joint and OSD [Office of the Secretary of Defense] staff, our exercise host nations and other allies and partners.’
Despite the nationwide lockdown in Italy, the planned DEFENDER-Europe 20 training exercise (pictured) is still going ahead as planned which will see 37,000 soldiers take part in April and May 2020. This will include 20,000 personnel arriving from the US mainland as well as 9,000 already stationed across Europe. A total of 8,000 other personnel will take part from other NATO nations.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness]()
US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness
The US Congress has raised concerns about how inflation rates and cuts in main acquisition programmes could affect the US military.
-
![US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap]()
US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap
The Pentagon has been operating under temporary funding since October 2023, which has impacted its main acquisition and development programmes, increasing the capability gap between the US and China.
-
![NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls]()
NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls
In 2023, defence spending increased by an unprecedented 11% across European NATO countries and Canada. Since 2014, the group has spent an additional US$600 billion on defence.
-
![US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025]()
US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025
The DoD requested nearly US$850 billion to fund operations over the next fiscal year. Despite the amount being 1% higher than the FY2024 budget request, it has not covered the 3% inflation rate, which could impact the DoD’s main programmes in the medium and long term.
-
![Haiti crisis forces Caribbean militaries to prepare for intervention]()
Haiti crisis forces Caribbean militaries to prepare for intervention
As gangs gain control of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s Caribbean neighbours have been preparing to intervene in the failed state, with the US and other partners waiting in the wings with equipment and financial support.
