Soldiers maintain warrior proficiency

By Carrie E. David (SMDC/ARSTRAT)August 31, 2015

NBC1
Soldiers from Company A, 53rd Signal Battalion (Satellite Communications) at Fort Detrick, Maryland, exit the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Enhanced gas chamber training at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, during the company's fie... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Alabama -- While not every Soldier carries a weapon every day while on duty, all Soldiers remain proficient in warrior tasks thanks to a commitment to training.

The Soldiers of Company A, 53rd Signal Battalion (Satellite Communications), Fort Detrick, Maryland, completed their annual field training exercise, Operation Angel Strike, July 27-31 at the National Guard Training Center at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania.

"The purpose of the exercise is to validate the unit's execution of Army Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills in a simulated, tactical training environment," said Capt. Vernon Shanks, Company A commander. "The company's junior leaders began planning this event eight months ago."

Conducted over a five-day span, the exercise included eight training events: 3-mile ruck march; land navigation course; convoy simulator training; Engagement Skills Training 2000 simulator training, a small arms marksmanship simulation; Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Enhanced gas chamber training; Dismounted Soldier Training System; a Leader Reaction Course; and a mission-style situational training exercise.

"This was the best training event I have experienced since joining the unit," said Staff Sgt. Carlos Halsell, Alpha Company squad leader. "Our squad definitely gained a lot of training exposure as it gave us the chance to put our Soldiers to the test in a realistic and tactical training environment."

In addition to the 46 Soldiers from Company A, the exercise included two volunteer medics with the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases from Fort Detrick.

"I really enjoyed this event," said Spc. John McBrearty, volunteer medic. "As medics, this gave us a chance to put our skills to the test ensuring the safety and welfare of Soldiers on the battlefield. We also got to participate in the events so we felt like part of their team as well. We were glad to have a good training experience with a different unit while learning more about their mission."

Shank said this exercise was a testament to the organizers and unit readiness.

"This training exercise was used to provide our Soldiers with a tactical training experience that balances them as Army warriors and satellite operators," Shank said. "Our leaders did an outstanding job planning and executing this event while reinforcing empowerment at the junior leader levels. This is a true testament of their commitment to mission accomplishment and unit readiness. I am very proud of them and their efforts in making this training event a huge success for our Soldiers."

53rd Signal Battalion is assigned to the 1st Space Brigade, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command. It is a part of the Army's only space unit that provides wideband satellite control communications to the Department of Defense, combatant commands, interagency and multinational partners across the globe.

Related Links:

USASMDC/ARSTRAT website

USASMDC/ARSTRAT Facebook page

USASMDC/ARSTRAT Twitter feed