CAMP SMITH, N.Y. -- Soldiers from across the 174th Infantry Brigade traveled to Camp Smith, New York to observe training and share their expertise with Soldiers from the 466th Area Support Medical Company July 12-26.
The 466th ASMC, a New York Army National Guard unit, were conducting a variety of mission essential tasks to ensure their readiness as an Army Contingency Force unit. The 174th "Patriot" brigade routinely assesses the performance of pre-mobilization and post-mobilization units in their capacity as observer-controller/trainers, this time providing 20 OC/Ts for the 466th's annual training. Some of these OC/Ts even served as an opposing force and role played casualties to add realism to the training.
Over the two-week period, the 466th leadership organized missions that tested their Soldiers skills in areas such as treating and evacuating casualties, medical care and support, and employing security measures. Each step of the way, the 174th OC/Ts watched and helped the unit recognize areas to maintain and areas that may need improvement without directly intervening in the training. This method of self-discovery enhances the learning experience. Such a relationship between training unit and OC/T enables Soldiers to effectively work through any issues in a safe, controlled environment rather than down range where mistakes can be costly.
Evidence of the 466th's improvements could be seen in their performance each day of the training.
"The Soldiers greatly improved their time from the first two days," said Sgt. 1st Class Tyvieo Woods Jr., a medic with Headquarters, Headquarters Detachment, 174th Infantry Brigade, referring to the response time of the 466th ambulance team to a simulated mass-casualty situation outside the gate. "The goal is to get the casualty stable. There are five casualties here, more than on previous days yet the [466th] treated and evacuated them faster than before."
These improvements were visible in the 466th medical clinic as well. As casualties arrived in the ambulances, the highest priority patients were moved quickly inside the clinic for treatment. Medical officers in the 466th were pleased with their team's performance.
"Having a good patient flow keeps the process orderly and helps to move the patient safely," said Capt. Jason Cossey, physician's assistant, 466th ASMC.
Maj. Lars Luffman, officer in charge of the OC/T mission from 3-309th Regiment, has only worked with the 466th since May but agrees the 466th has made good progress.
"At this point the [466th] needs more training but every month I see them getting better," Luffman said. He also felt his OC/Ts shared in the learning experience, documenting lessons learned to pass on to OC/Ts performing future missions.
"My guys jumped right into coaching, mentoring and training the junior officers and non-commissioned officers," Luffman stated. "The professionalism of the OC/T is clear because they do not overstep their bounds; just observe and hold off input. And when they do give input it is well received by the unit leaders. It has been a great learning experience overall."
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