FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- Managing extensive technological assets and a large number of highly-trained soldiers spread across several countries is just everyday business for an air defense artillery brigade headquarters. Executing these tasks under added stresses, either in combat or in training, is something extraordinary.
The 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade successfully executed its Mission Readiness Exercise, March 3-13 at the Spartan Complex at Fort Bragg.
The command post exercise validated that the brigade headquarters is trained and ready to assume its mission in the United States Central Command area of responsibility.
"The exercise was a great training tool. We were able to get a real time feel for what we'll do in a deployed environment," said Spc. Allen D. Molina, an air defense battle management systems operator with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade and a native of Roanoke, Va. "We'll be ready to go when the mission calls. We're always ready."
Molina deployed with the air defense artillery to Basra, Iraq, in 2009 and draws on his experiences there in his duties today.
Executing exercises like this requires a monumental effort from the brigade and from many other supporting players.
The exercise planning started in November 2013. The brigade integrated lessons learned from previous exercises both within the brigade and from sister brigades' experiences. Approximately 200 soldiers participated in the exercise.
The exercise involved soldiers from other Army installations in Texas and Oklahoma and input from units already deployed.
The brigade's higher headquarters, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, based in Fort Bliss, Texas, played a critical role, providing guidance and oversight.
The brigade's sister units, the 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade, based in Fort Sill, Okla., and the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, based in Fort Hood, Texas, also contributed vital assets and experience to the exercise.
Deployed subordinate battalions of these brigades and the 108th's own subordinates provided fresh detail and added value to the exercise.
"The Spartan Brigade is ready to take this strategically important mission now. Our soldiers are motivated, trained and have worked hard to get prepared," said Maj. Shawn H. Geib, the brigade's assistant operations officer and a native of Medina, Ohio.
Geib oversaw much of the daily operations in the tactical operations center while leading and mentoring the unit's battle captains. He emphasized the importance of the brigade's teamwork and cooperation.
What the brigade experienced during the exercise was a range of scenarios the brigade might be faced with while deployed, but presented in a way to stress the unit, to expose its strengths and weaknesses. Having worked through the grueling conditions of the exercise, the unit will apply the lessons learned and improve their readiness still further.
At the end of the exercise, the brigade is validated as trained and ready to deploy to execute its mission. The unit will continue to train and strive to increase readiness because that's what the Army values and the warrior ethos tell the soldier to do.
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