The 40th Infantry Division, aligned under the U.S. Army’s America’s First Corps took part in Defender Pacific 20.
Defender Pacific 20 is a joint exercise that demonstrates the Army’s strategic readiness by deploying combat credible forces across the Indo-Pacific Theater of operations.
The 40th Infantry Division’s warfighting function chiefs and enabled staff members synchronized their effects in multiple command-post exercises a year prior in preparation for Defender Pacific 20.
Discussions for the 40th Infantry Division not to participate in Defender Pacific 20 were on the table for months as planning efforts altered due to the spread of COVID-19.
“The continuous changes to the ‘Defender Pacific 20’ operational environment, related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its ramifications on oversea travel, provided the staff an excellent opportunity to apply the Army Design Methodology and conceive creative solutions,” said Maj. Daniel Fox, the 40th Infantry Division’s C