Photo Essay: Preparation operations for CSTX 86-18-02 at Fort McCoy

Soldiers at Fort McCoy for training in the 86th Training Division's Combat Support Training Exercise (CSTX) 86-18-02 conducted preparation operations on post Aug. 1, 2018, at Fort McCoy, Wis.

The 86th holds the exercise as part of the U.S. Army Reserve commanding general's Combat Support Training Program (CSTP).

Thousands of service members with the Army as well as other military services and foreign militaries are part of the multinational exercise, including Canadian armed-forces members.

CSTX 86-18-02 is the second of two CSTXs managed by the 86th to take place at Fort McCoy in 2018.

According to the 84th Training Command, CSTP exercises are large-scale training exercises where units experience tactical training scenarios specifically designed to replicate real-world missions.

"CSTP exercises prepare ... Army Reserve units to be combat-ready by immersing them in realistic scenarios where they train as they would fight," states an 84th document about the exercises.

"These exercises are developed to improve ... units' training readiness and to assess how they perform in a dynamic operational environment."

Fort McCoy has supported America's armed forces since 1909. The installation's motto is to be the "Total Force Training Center." The post's varied terrain, state-of-the-art ranges, new as well as renovated facilities, and extensive support infrastructure combine to provide military personnel with an environment in which to develop and sustain the skills necessary for mission success.

Learn more about Fort McCoy online at www.mccoy.army.mil, on Facebook by searching "ftmccoy," and on Twitter by searching "usagmccoy.