On June 10, 2025, the 82nd Airborne Division demonstrated its renowned rapid response capabilities during a large-scale tactical exercise.

Held on Holland Drop Zone at Fort Bragg, more than 500 paratroopers participated in a mass airborne operation.

The event celebrated both the US Army's 250th birthday and the unit's ongoing commitment as an immediate response force.

The exercise, with the XVIII Airborne Corps and US Army Special Operations Command, highlighted the division's readiness and flexibility to deploy against near-peer threats.

These joint training events reaffirm the division's position as a cornerstone of the nation's defensive force and readiness for immediate deployment in complex operational environments.

A legacy of rapid response and precision

The 82nd Airborne Division, "America's Guard of Honor," has a storied history dating back to its establishment as the first airborne division in August 1942.

Exercises like this mass tactical jump build on the unit's World War II heritage, including its role in the historic D-Day landings in Normandy.

Today, Fort Bragg remains the nerve center for airborne operations, training America's elite parachute infantry to execute combat missions anywhere in the world.

The exercise at Holland Drop Zone marked a key component of the division's Battalion Mass Tactics Week.

Described by Captain Dylan Bishop of the 49th Combat Training Squadron as a "premier joint training opportunity."

Participants conducted joint forcible entry operations, simulating real-world scenarios against near-peer adversaries.

The operation involved a coordinated airlift of paratroopers and military equipment, demonstrating the seamless partnership between Air Mobility Command and the paratroopers of the 82nd.

Fort Bragg: Ground zero for elite US forces

Fort Bragg, the home of the US Army Airborne since 1942, is vital to preparing America's forces for rapid deployment.

It also serves as the training ground for the US Army Special Operations, including Green Berets and Civil Affairs soldiers stationed there.

Exercises such as this ensure that units across the installation maintain their cutting-edge readiness and ability to respond globally within hours.

The 82nd Airborne Division's high-tempo exercises showcase professionalism and reaffirm its vital role as a cornerstone of America's global defense strategy.

Through disciplined training and joint operations, the division continues to exemplify its motto: "All the Way!"