FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. - Training exercise Bayonet Focus 18-02 began for Soldiers from across the 7th Infantry Division at Fort Hunter Liggett and Camp Roberts, Calif., Feb. 5, 2018.
The 10-day exercise will certify one of the division's subordinate brigades, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, on individual and collective tasks as the brigade prepares for an April National Training Center rotation.
"Exercise Bayonet Focus 18-02 not only serves as the external evaluation of 1-2 SBCT as it prepares for its April National Training Center rotation," said Col. Kyle Marsh, the 7th Infantry Division chief of staff, "it also builds readiness for all supporting forces and the division staff."
Serving as the exercise higher command, the 7th Infantry Division, provides the "Ghost Brigade" a complex and dynamic virtual, constructive, and live operational environment supported by Army aviation, joint fixed-wing, Marine Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, and a free-thinking opposing force from the 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, an infantry battalion task force from the "Lancer Brigade", 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.
"The Lancer Brigade is here to ensure our sister brigade is tactically proficient prior to their NTC rotation," said Maj. James Carrier, the brigade's operations officer. "This is also a great opportunity for us to learn from them, to improve our own processes."
The Bayonet Focus 18-02 training experience is further enhanced by the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Capability, an exportable training package organized from the 196th Training Support Brigade from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
"JPMRC provides instrumentation feedback and a professional operations group that extends the overall readiness impact" Marsh added.
Bayonet Focus 18-02, an important step for the 7th Infantry Division, Task Force Ghost, and all the enabling units, provides the nation trained and ready formations.
Bayonet Focus 18-02 training concludes Feb. 16, 2018.
* Please keep looking for additional stories and images from the Bayonet Focus 18-02 at the 7th Infantry Division Facebook page.
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