FORT HOOD, Texas-The Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, "Ghost", 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division along with elements of 3rd Brigade Engineer Battalion conducted rail operations here March 14 in preparation to support the Brigade's Army Total Force Partners, the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team of the Mississippi National Guard.
The battalion is responsible for acting as the Opposition Force to the 155th. They will be a part of a much larger training force that includes the 177th Armored Brigade from Camp Shelby, Miss. and elements of First Army Division West.
During their time there they will conduct situational training exercises in conjunction with the 155th at platoon and company level. They will also provide OpFor to the battalion-level field training exercises. But they plan on maximizing their time within the Fort Bliss training area by conducting their own training as well.
"We are still working on our own maneuverability, we are still working on our lethality. We're not there just for their (155th ABCT) purpose, we're there for our own too," said Sgt. First Class Aaron Keen, battalion Master Gunner.
The Greywolf and Dixie Thunder Brigades have partnered for over three years as part of the Army's Total Force Partnership. Not only has Greywolf provided them with training support, but the 155th ABCT has returned the favor.
"We have had a fruitful partnership with the 155th," said Lt. Col. Will Wade, commander of 2-7 CAV. In January the brigade to include the battalion commanders were able to provide lessons learned from Greywolf's recent deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield.
The 155th ABCT is training in preparation for their deployment to Kuwait to assume the same mission Greywolf completed in November.
According to Col. Jack Vantress, 177th Armored Brigade commander, "The 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team will be the first Army National Guard Armored Brigade Combat Team to train and deploy prepared for decisive action operations that include operating all along the continuum of conflict."
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