A decade of efforts to enhance regional stability and international partnerships will continue this August with the launch of Fire Shield 25. This Moldovan-led defensive training exercise, involving Moldova, Romania, the North Carolina National Guard, and U.S. Army Europe and Africa, will take place at the Military Training Base of the National Army from August 4-14, 2025. The event also highlights nearly three decades of collaboration between North Carolina and Moldova.
Fire Shield is an annual exercise conducted by the Moldovan National Army and the North Carolina National Guard. This year's focus is on improving staff processes, readiness, and professional partnerships among service members.
The State Partnership Program between North Carolina and Moldova goes beyond military exercises. It has led to achievements in education, healthcare, agriculture, and community development. Initiatives include exchange programs for aspiring nurses and dentists to study in North Carolina universities and founding libraries in Moldova.
“Fire Shield is the baseline for building readiness for the Moldovan Army, where the sharing of technical skills and strengthening the partnership between the Moldovan Army and the North Carolina National Guard is a key component of the exercise training objectives,” said Colonel Mark E. Almond, Commander 139th Regional Training Institute, North Carolina National Guard. “This year’s exercise builds on lessons learned over the last 10 years and sets the stage for the next decade of this outstanding exercise.”
Approximately 300 soldiers from Moldova and Romania along with 120 U.S. Army Soldiers will participate in Fire Shield 25. The exercise includes joint training cultural events such as traditional patch exchanges culminating in a closing ceremony on August 14th.
Residents near the Military Training Base may notice military vehicles but should not expect disruptions to traffic or daily routines.
For more information about Fire Shield 25 or U.S. Army Europe and Africa activities, visit their website or contact media@army.mil for inquiries.