525th Expeditionary-Military Intelligence Brigade

05/20/2026

THE LIGHTNING BRIGADE IS ON THE MOVE!

On May 15, 2026, Soldiers, Families, and Friends of the 519th Intelligence Electronic Warfare Battalion gathered on Lightning Field at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, for the 519th IEW BN Change of Command ceremony.

During the ceremony, LTC Joshua A. Erkkila relinquished command of the 519th IEW BN to LTC Kerri Weiss as the battalion officially welcomed a new chapter of leadership and continued readiness within the formation.

The Thunder Battalion extends its gratitude to LTC Erkkila for his leadership, dedication and commitment to Soldiers throughout his time in command. We also welcome LTC Weiss to the team as she assumes command of the battalion and leads Thunder Warriors forward.⚡

"Thunder Precedes the Storm"

(📸 by: 1LT Kayla Marschall)

05/08/2026

THE LIGHTNING BRIGADE IS ON THE MOVE!

Soldiers, families and leaders gathered on Lightning Field at Fort Bragg on May 8, 2026, as Alpha Company “Archangels,” 519th Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion, conducted a change of responsibility ceremony between 1st Sgt. Derek D. Creasy and 1st Sgt. Louis C. Wright.

During the ceremony, 1st Sgt. Creasy relinquished responsibility of Alpha Company to 1st Sgt. Wright in front of fellow Soldiers, family members and guests. Capt. Lindsey M. Kayser officiated the ceremony and recognized 1st Sgt. Creasy for his dedication, leadership and commitment to the Archangels formation throughout his time serving as the company’s most senior enlisted leader.

The Soldiers and families of Alpha Company thank 1st Sgt. Creasy for his leadership and service and welcome 1st Sgt. Wright as he assumes responsibility of the formation.

“No Mercy Given”
“Thunder Precedes the Storm”

04/24/2026

THE LIGHTNING BRIGADE IS ON THE MOVE!

Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 525th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade conducted a field training exercise from April 22–24 on Fort Bragg, N.C., strengthening their ability to operate in a tactical environment under realistic conditions.

Throughout the exercise, Soldiers executed core warrior tasks, established field operations, and rehearsed battle drills designed to enhance survivability and mission effectiveness in a contested environment.

This training ensures the Lightning Brigade remains a lethal, agile, and ready force, capable of supporting XVIII Airborne Corps and winning in complex operational environments.

04/16/2026

THE LIGHTNING BRIGADE IS ON THE MOVE!
GAS! GAS! GAS!

A little sweat and definitely a few coughs this morning for our Lightning Soldiers.
Soldiers from the 525th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade took on the gas chamber, April 16, 2026, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

From sealing their masks to stepping into the chamber, each Soldier built trust in their equipment and confidence in themselves. It’s not the most comfortable training, but it’s the kind that sticks with you and proves you can handle tough conditions when it counts.

Moments like these strengthen more than just skills, they build resilience, trust, and a team that’s ready for anything.

04/15/2026

THE LIGHTNING BRIGADE IS ON THE MOVE!

Soldiers assigned to the 525th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade conducted casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) training led by the 44th Medical Brigade on April 14, 2026, at Fort Bragg, N.C. The hands-on training focused on rapid response, proper casualty handling, and life-saving techniques.

This training enhances the brigade’s ability to rapidly transport casualties from the point of injury to the nearest medical treatment facility.

Special thanks to the 44th Medical Brigade for providing their expertise and support in delivering critical CASEVAC training, enhancing our Soldier’s readiness and life-saving capabilities.

04/02/2026

THE LIGHTNING BRIGADE IS ON THE MOVE!

Soldiers and families across the 525th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade came together on April 2, 2026, for a fun walk and run event focused on building awareness, strengthening resilience, and supporting one another. At the conclusion of the run, participants joined the brigade commander and command sergeant major in signing the Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month proclamation, standing united in commitment to prevention, accountability, and care for our teammates.

Following the event, Soldiers and families engaged with subject matter experts from across the formation, including Readiness and Resilience (R2), Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLC), Unit Ministry Team, Behavioral Health, Equal Opportunity, and the SHARP program. These sessions provided valuable tools, resources, and conversations to foster a culture of dignity, respect, and trust across the brigade.

Today’s engagement strengthened our formation by equipping Soldiers and families with the knowledge, resources, and confidence to care for one another, prevent harm, and build a more resilient team.

04/01/2026

03/31/2026

03/05/2026

Leaders from across the Lightning Brigade gathered this week at Fort Bragg, NC, for a Brigade Leaders Forum. The forum was designed to give all leaders a shared understanding of the brigade’s current and future readiness.

A physical fitness event symbolized the teamwork and camaraderie necessary for a unit to be a ready and lethal force to conduct mission’s on behalf of the nation.

The event showcased several different tasks, challenging the mental and physical fitness acuity of the participants.

The forum also included several classroom
sessions across multiple days focused on military intelligence lessons learned and best practices, warfighting readiness, and future capabilities.

Lightning On the Move!

02/23/2026

THE LIGHTNING BRIGADE IS ON THE MOVE!

Soldiers from 519th Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion and Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 525th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade held Steel Focus from Feb. 18–20, a multi-day field training exercise aimed at honing the individual and collective warfighting capabilities of the battalion in a field-based environment.

519th IEW BN, Steel Focus incorporated hands-on weapons qualification and company professional development events to enhance the readiness of the entire formation. During the training exercise, Soldiers worked to qualify on or familiarize themselves with the M4 carbine, M320 gr***de launcher, M17 pistol and the M249 light machine gun. The training focused on proper weapons handling, accuracy and gaining confidence with their assigned weapons systems.

Along with weapons qualification, the training exercise allowed Soldiers to participate in a field promotion board to show what they know and who they are as leaders. Steel Focus combined professional development with technical training to reinforce the necessity of disciplined training and preparing for unforeseen circumstances as it relates to supporting 525th E-MIB’s mission.

Training events such as Steel Focus allow Soldiers to train as they fight so they can go into any situation confidently and capably. These events focus on vital competencies that help improve readiness and ensure our battalion is a disciplined, lethal team ready to train, deploy, and fight, at anytime, anywhere the mission takes us.



XVIII Airborne Corps | U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command (USAWHC)

(📷 by 2nd Lt. Johanna Birr & Sgt. Brandon Hocson)