FORT HOOD, Texas - The 29th Combat Aviation Brigade continued its post-mobilization training and deployment validation here from March 6-14. The 29th CAB received support from 3rd CAB, their partner brigade under the Army's Total Force Partnership Program.
The 29th CAB completed its Culminating Training Exercise on March 14, which consisted of a series of brigade-wide training events aimed at improving communication and cohesion across the brigade to better prepare the unit for its upcoming deployment to Kuwait and Iraq.
The 29th CAB consists of Army and Air National Guard units from over 10 states and Puerto Rico and even included participation from the 2nd Squadron 17th Cavalry Regiment, from the 101st CAB.
Throughout the exercise, the 29th CAB was able to rely on the expertise of observer/coaches (O/Cs) from both First Army and the 3rd CAB.
"The training was great. The best part is having 3rd CAB here. They provided excellent training and guidance," said the Assistant Adjutant General of the Maryland Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Timothy Gowen.
Gowen, who is also the deputy commanding general for the Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, Alabama, was present at the training as a senior mentor to the 29th CAB commander, Col. Mark Beckler.
"The 3rd CAB was able to cover much of the 29th CAB operations. They continuously assessed operations, engaged in after-action reviews and provided honest and timely feedback," said the 29th CAB operations officer, Maj. Nick Kiaunis.
Although the CTE was aimed at preparing the 29th CAB to deploy, the experiences provided throughout the exercise will also benefit the 3rd CAB.
"This is a great opportunity to further build relationships across components and share lessons in training both ways so that each organization walks away better than we began," said the 3rd CAB commander, Col. Jeff Becker.
According to Becker, Soldiers from the 29th CAB were able to improve each day and will be better prepared to deploy and relieve the 77th CAB, which is currently in theater.
"It is rewarding to see a unit grow and see themselves," said Cpt. Derek Murphy, an O/C from 3rd CAB.
"The 3rd CAB personnel came in force and exceeded expectations. The brigade brought key leaders and subject matter experts. Some of the 3rd CAB staff had recently participated in exercises and held duty assignments at locations such as the Joint Readiness Training Center," said Kiaunis.
This was not the first time the 29th CAB worked with the 3rd CAB, however. The 29th CAB assisted their counterparts at the 3rd CAB for their Warfighter exercise which was held this past fall.
The 29th CAB provided members across the staff sections, including the command team, which augmented the 3rd CAB command post for the exercise, said Becker.
"The 29th CAB was helpful during our Warfighter exercise, especially the S-6 section," said Becker.
Partnership with active duty units, like the 3rd CAB, isn't just for the benefit of both units, but it is in the best interest of the U.S. Army as a whole.
"It takes the total force to accomplish the Army's mission, regardless of component. All of those wearing the Army uniform are members of that team," said Becker.
The lessons learned from both sides will create better interoperability and understanding amongst both units which have similar capabilities and mission sets.
"From a 3rd CAB perspective it is a great opportunity for us to be a part of the 29th CAB's train-up to deploy as part of our partner force, but more importantly as fellow Soldiers going to fight," said Becker.
Social Sharing