56th Texas National Guard Arrives At Stewart to Train For Iraq

By Maj. Marc Young, 188th IBCT Public AffairsSeptember 5, 2008

56th IBCT arrives at Fort Stewart
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT STEWART, GA -- The first wave of approximately 3,500 Texas National Guard Soldiers from the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team arrived at Fort Stewart, Aug. 28 for the last phase of their post-mobilization training before deploying to Iraq this fall.

Training for the 56th IBCT is conducted by approximately 800 observer-controller/ trainers and support personnel from First Army Division East.

Gunnery live fire exercises, convoy security operations, improvised explosive device training, and base defense operations are the foundation of the 56th IBCT training at Fort Stewart.

"The most important thing for us is to remain combat focused and stay safe during our training," said First Lieutenant Damon Fogley, executive officer, Company E, 949th Brigade Support Battalion.

"We want to focus on being proficient with our weapons, continue to use team work, and keep our morale high," Fogley said.

The 56th IBCT Soldiers will continue to arrive to train here this month.

Citizens of Fort Stewart will notice increased traffic and possible large tactical vehicle convoys near training areas.

All Fort Stewart residents are urged to keep safety first for the 56th IBCT as they prepare for war.