U.S. Army paratroopers prepare for Air Assault mission

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to 1st Battalion (Airborne) 143rd Infantry Regiment conduct training in preparation for Air Assault operations during Exercise Swift Response. Exercise Swift Response 19 is an annual U.S. Army Europe led multinational airborne exercise being conducted in Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania with participating armed forces from France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom. Swift Response provides a vital joint training opportunity that allows command and control of complex operations from dispersed locations while ensuring that participating forces work together seamlessly to bring the full weight of the joint and combined team to bear – wherever and whenever needed – to defend against regional aggression. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan Lucas)