FORT CAMPBELL, NY. -- "I hear the choppers coming, they're flying overhead" is a popular cadence known throughout the US Army.
From March 11 - 23, 2012, more than 75 observer/trainers, analysts and support personnel belonging to Mission Command Training Program's Operations Group Charlie experienced firsthand all the intricate details involved in planning and conducting air assault operations. They deployed to Ft. Campbell, KY to help prepare the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.
While at Ft. Campbell, Operations Group Charlie provided mentorship, coaching, assistance and an invaluable service to the 3rd BCT.
"Our role in these exercises are important because brigade combat teams have a hard time training themselves due to resource requirements," said Col. David Imhof, Operations Group Charlie commander. "We can assist them in the manning requirement and help them 'see' themselves and assist them in their preparation for upcoming deployments."
While the exercise unfolded across a simulated battlefield in the fictitious Almar province located in eastern Afghanistan, the brigade and six battalion staffs planned, coordinated and synchronized operations as if actual Soldiers were going to execute the missions. The primary offensive operation was 3rd BCT's air assault that saw approximately 2,000 Soldiers using multiple UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters to rapidly insert themselves and establish their presence against a relentless 400 man Taliban force.
Air assaults are complex operations that require detailed planning to ensure success. The sheer muscle movements required to maneuver thousands of Soldiers and equipment across varied terrain, in the darkest of hours, is no small feat. The air assault itself required more than 96 hours of planning and culminated in a detailed combined arms rehearsal used to synchronize all movements of the brigade.
"The combined arms rehearsal allowed the battalion commanders and primary staff officers -- such as the operations, intelligence and communications officers -- to demonstrate to the brigade commander that the mission would meet his intent," said Maj. Dean Hinrichsen, Operations Group Charlie's mission command chief.
Once they established their presence in Almar province, the 3rd BCT worked feverishly alongside the Afghanistan National Army to conduct offensive and stability operations. The 3rd BCT constantly put the ANA in charge for military operations and humanitarian assistance projects to establish their credibility, create a safe and secure environment, and set the conditions for future independent ANA operations. The 3rd BCT also worked with local government officials and village elders to help with their transition to a competent Afghanistan government.
"Today marks a significant achievement in our efforts to assist the Afghan government in creating a free and democratic Afghanistan," said Col. R.J. Lillibridge, 3rd BCT commander. "With the Afghan National Army in the lead and our partnership with the local leadership, we have defeated the Taliban and restored security to Almar province. With the return of the rightfully elected leadership,(who) were able to restore essential services…makes Afghanistan a safe and secure country for the people of Afghanistan."
Although the simulated battles and stability missions didn't result in anyone actually flying or riding in a helicopter, the brigade is all-too-familiar with combat operations. They have a long lineage of combat operations dating to World War II, and since October 2001, they have deployed a total of five times to the Middle Eastern region and just recently returned from Afghanistan in February 2011. However, as all commanders will say, you can never have enough knowledge or information while preparing for future combat operations. Operations Group Charlie helped fill that need.
"Exercises allow us to share lessons learned and best practices across the different brigade combat teams within the US Army," said Imhof.
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