SUVA, Fiji – It was hard to overlook the timing of Veterans Day this year for many attending Exercise Cartwheel, the annual training exercise that brought together military participants from Australia, Fiji, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the U.S. to enhance combat readiness and interoperability.
Their participation culminated the evening prior to the holiday to honor all those who serve, underscoring 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, 609th Engineer Company, Nevada Army National Guard, some of whom have participated in Exercise Cartwheel for three years. Trainers from the 116th Calvary Brigade Combat Team, Idaho Army National Guard and the Religious Support Team from the 9th Mission Support Command, U.S. Army Reserves, also participated.
The Nevada National Guard has three partner nations in the South Pacific — Tonga (2014); Fiji (2019); and Samoa (2023) — providing a familiarization with the region through its role in the Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program.
This year’s Cartwheel was the most complex, transitioning from previous squad- and team-level events to a greater emphasis on company-level tactics and battalion-level staff processes, officials said. Battalion staff conducted a detailed tabletop exercise, working through planning, synchronization and decision-making processes with partnered planners. Simultaneously, company-level elements executed progressively challenging field events focused on maneuvering, battle drills, close-quarter 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, flowing down from the battalion staff to the company, platoons, squads and teams.
The successful planning and execution displayed the professionalism, hard work and technical and tactical knowledge the Republic of Fiji Military Forces brought to Exercise Cartwheel.
“During Exercise Cartwheel, shared faith and values proved to be force multipliers, building resilience and unity that transcend across oceans and strengthen global partnerships,” said Maj. Daniel Leiter, chaplain, 9th Mission Support Command, U.S. Army Reserves.
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 bond, shared tactical knowledge and mutual respect.”