A Hawaii-based Army brigade is now sweating and straining, crisscrossing the tropical terrain of Pacific islands as joint and partner units fly thousands of miles and fire on distant targets in a version of what a Pacific fight could look like.
The first Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center, or JPMRC, exercise of fiscal 2025 is underway, with more than 9,000 Army, joint service and partner nation forces, led by the 25th Infantry Division , maneuvering throughout Hawaii’s archipelago-like features as they conduct a forcible entry training exercise.
But this exercise is more than a standard combat training center rotation.
Soldiers with the 2nd Light Brigade Combat Team, 25th ID are one of three “Transformation in Contact” brigades selected by senior Army leaders to incorporate new equipment, tactics and formations into their unit training and deployment calendar.
This exercise is shaping the long-term future of Army brigades
The rotation, running Oct. 7-16, features 3rd Brigade, 25th ID as the “enemy” force. Nine partner nations and all U.S. military branches are sending troops and capabilities for this island exercise that extends beyond the Aloha State’s borders to the Pacific island nations of Palau and Guam.