FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. -- Approximately 100 observer coach/trainers assigned to the 181st Infantry Brigade, from Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, provided support during a Warrior Exercise (WAREX) hosted by the 91st Training Support Division at Fort Hunter Liggett, California, April 28-May 14.
During the exercise, simulated combat scenarios were aligned with unit commander's training objectives and selected in order to increase the unit's readiness while offering a realistic training experience.
"WAREX and other similar exercises are important because as we move away from counter-insurgency to more direct action scenarios these exercises are vital for the guard and reserve, to transition from what we have done in the past to what we may see in the future," said Lt. Col. Frank Victor, commander of the 1st Battalion, 351st Infantry Regiment, 181st Infantry Brigade. "We have lost some skills over the years and these exercise provide the opportunity to get back to the basic field craft that we need as Soldiers."
The role of 181st Infantry Brigade is to provide experienced OC/Ts to evaluate the overall readiness of National Guard and Army Reserve units in order to increase readiness and prepare the training unit to deploy and conduct combat operations. 181st Infantry Brigade provided OC/Ts from four of its 10 battalions to increase 91st Training Division OC/T capacity during the exercise.
Lt. Col. Corey Brunkow, commander of the 3rd Battalion, 340th Infantry Regiment, 181st Infantry Brigade, said, "during the exercise my unit serves to provide doctrinally sound, professional advice and assistance to enable the proficiency and readiness of the training units down to the platoon level. WAREX provides integration of all components at one time in one location and that's how we fight. When units leave WAREX they leave more prepared and knowing how to leverage various strengths and weakness."
The preparation for the exercise began months earlier as 181st Infantry Brigade began to identify and contact units identified to train during WAREX. Once units were identified, OC/T battalions began coordination to identify the training unit's goals and requirements. This early coordination is a key component to synchronizing the unit's training needs with the OC/Ts preparation to support them in achieving their training goals.
For the 181st Infantry Brigade, this is a continuation of ongoing efforts to help transition units into the available pool for deployment as part of the Army Force Generation cycle. The 181st Infantry Brigade also partners with 35 Army Reserve and National Guard Brigades, to include their subordinate units. This robust, enduring partnership provides OC/T support and subject matter expertise to multiple Army Reserve and National guard units, not only those attending WAREX training events.
Lt. Col. Dan Bard, Commander of 1st Battalion 310th Infantry Regiment of 181st Infantry Brigade, highlighted how OC/Ts assist training units, Bard said "The OC/Ts embedded with each of these units are critical to "hold a mirror" up in front of a unit and allow them to see themselves." Bard further said "The most important thing we do is provide feedback in the form of after action reviews and reports to allow the unit leadership to identify areas to sustain and areas for future training and improvement."
The OC/Ts embedded with the training units must also ensure they are knowledgeable in their particular Military Occupational Specialty.
Master Sgt. William Rigdon, Team non-commissioned officer in charge of Echo team, 1st Battalion 310th Infantry Regiment, 181st Infantry Brigade, said "OC/Ts must be subject matter expects because if not, then you don't portray confidence toward the training unit and you want them to know that what you are telling them is based on doctrinal knowledge because everything we do is based on doctrinal knowledge."
Lt. Col. Mark Roberts, commander of 11th Battalion 401st Regiment, assigned to the 91st Training division said "It has been a real advantage working side by side with active duty OC/Ts because they are able to conduct training more often than our unit."
Roberts also said "combining the two components allows training units and OC/Ts the ability to have a greater understanding of the training environment and ultimately provide more comprehensive insights increasing the readiness of all involved."
The 181st Infantry Brigade serves as one of nine First Army training brigades in the United States.
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