193rd Special Operations Medical Detachment Group forges multinational bonds, tests endurance at Exercise Strong Shield 26-2 Published Aug. 27, 2026 193rd Special Operations Wing KAZLŲ RŪDA, Lithuania -- KAZLŲ RŪDA, Lithuania — 11 members of the 193rd Special Operations Medical Group, Detachment 1, participated in Exercise Strong Shield 26-2, a multinational field training exercise held June 8-14, 2026, across seven districts in central and southern Lithuania.The exercise brought together military personnel from the United States, Denmark and Lithuania to provide realistic readiness training in a multinational environment.During the week-long exercise, the coalition established a fully functional Role 1 medical facility inside a local high school, transforming the civilian space into a simulated treatment facility designed to replicate unconventional operational constraints.The medical team operated in a high-tempo training environment, treating more than 100 simulated casualties across scenarios involving nighttime operations, chemical environments, adversarial attacks, mass-casualty incidents and explosions.Participants also conducted medical evacuation training alongside a Lithuanian Air Force Mi-8T helicopter crew, providing an opportunity to practice casualty movement and coordination between medical and aviation personnel.Limited sleep and austere operating conditions tested participants’ physical endurance and ability to sustain medical operations over an extended period.Operating near Kazlų Rūda, members of the 193rd SOMDG integrated with Lithuanian forces to strengthen mutual operational capabilities, improve interoperability and build relationships between allied forces.The exercise provided an opportunity for mutual knowledge exchange, with U.S. personnel serving as evaluators while simultaneously learning tactics, techniques and procedures from their Lithuanian counterparts.“Our Lithuanian partners’ mindset and commitment to training are driven by a very real understanding of what is at stake,” said Senior Master Sgt. Steven Ginder, senior enlisted leader for the 193rd SOMDG Detachment 1. “It reinforced why they train so hard, maintain such high standards and remain ready every day. It was a powerful reminder that, for some of our allies, readiness isn’t just preparation — it’s a necessity.”Through participation in Strong Shield 26-2, the 193rd SOMDG, Detachment 1, identified lessons and recommendations that can help shape future training while strengthening its ability to operate alongside international partners in challenging environments.The exercise reinforced the importance of multinational cooperation and sustained readiness while providing participants with experience that can be carried into future operations and exercises.