Certifying Lethality: Iron Soldiers Conduct CALFEX in Bulgaria

By Spc. Trevares Johnson and Maj. Arturo RodriguezNovember 16, 2023

Certifying Lethality: Iron Soldiers Conduct CALFEX in Bulgaria
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Combat engineer soldiers of the 40th Brigade Engineer Battalion attached to the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division take cover ahead of an explosion breaching an entry point on November 9, 2023, during a combined live fire exercise in Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria. The controlled explosion was a crucial step in the exercise, demonstrating the breach force's ability to communicate effectively to allow passage of assaulting force. (Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Trevares Johnson) (Photo Credit: Spc. Trevares Johnson) VIEW ORIGINAL
Certifying Lethality: Iron Soldiers Conduct CALFEX in Bulgaria
2 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – An Infantryman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division fires an AT4 at an enemy target during a combined live fire exercise in Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria on November 16th, 2023. The AT4 is intended to give infantry units a means to destroy or disable armored fighting vehicles and fortifications. (Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Trevares Johnson) (Photo Credit: Spc. Trevares Johnson) VIEW ORIGINAL
Certifying Lethality: Iron Soldiers Conduct CALFEX in Bulgaria
3 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Mortar platoon soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division send rounds downrange ahead of a convoy during a combined live fire exercise in Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria on November 16th, 2023. Mortars are used to provide timely indirect fire to protect ground forces with close fire support. (Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Trevares Johnson) (Photo Credit: Spc. Trevares Johnson) VIEW ORIGINAL
Certifying Lethality: Iron Soldiers Conduct CALFEX in Bulgaria
4 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – An M1A1 Abrams tank manned by soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division during a combined live fire exercise in Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria on November 16th, 2023. A combined arms live fire exercise, better known as a CALFEX, is a grueling, vigorous, multi-day event synchronizing multi-weapons systems and combat support assets that prepares Soldiers for large-scale combat operations. (Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Trevares Johnson) (Photo Credit: Spc. Trevares Johnson) VIEW ORIGINAL
Certifying Lethality: Iron Soldiers Conduct CALFEX in Bulgaria
5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Pfc. Lu Vang, an infantryman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division lays cover fire for other infantrymen moving to the next objective during a combined live fire exercise in Novo Selo, Bulgaria on November 16th, 2023. The 1-6 Infantry Regiment conducted this exercise to certify a company's ability to plan and execute inter-maneuverability with combined arms. (Photo by U.S Army Spc. Trevares Johnson) (Photo Credit: Spc. Trevares Johnson) VIEW ORIGINAL

MOKREN, Bulgaria – The resounding echo of gunfire and the thunderous roar of armored vehicles marked the culmination of a rigorous multi-day combined arms live fire exercise (CALFEX) conducted by Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria from November 13-16, 2023.

This grueling event, aimed at preparing soldiers for the rigors of large-scale combat operations, proved to be an ultimate test of combat readiness and tactical prowess.

Under the command of U.S. Army Cpt. Isaac Beasley, Charlie Company executed a series of intense maneuver operations throughout the week of training. This exercise was a crucible to sharpen their combat skills, test their adaptability to dynamic conditions, and simulate real-world combat scenarios.

"Training for the CALFEX, we pushed our soldiers to their limits and beyond, creating an environment where adaptability and teamwork are crucial," explained Beasley. "The goal is simple: enhance our lethality and combat capability, ensuring that our soldiers are not just proficient but exceptional."

The exercise started with meticulous planning and preparation, as troops underwent extensive training and processes to ensure readiness for the live fire iterations.

Soldiers honed their abilities during dry and blank iterations, meticulously rehearsing their maneuvers and refining their coordination before stepping into the most critical and hazardous live fire phase.

"Preparation is the cornerstone of success in operations like CALFEX. Our soldiers spent countless hours perfecting their craft, understanding that precision and synchronization are key factors in achieving mission success," emphasized Beasley.

Amidst Novo Selo Training Area's rugged mountainous terrain, each iteration presented unique challenges, demanding split-second decision-making and flawless execution. From infantry movements to coordinated armored vehicle maneuvers, the soldiers showcased their mastery of combined arms tactics and demonstrated their ability to swiftly adapt to changing battlefield dynamics.

"The CALFEX provides an opportunity for our soldiers to see what combined arms and do together and the capabilities of our force," expressed U.S. Army Cpt. Alex Griffin, the battalion intelligence officer.

"Not only is this a learning opportunity for junior enlisted, but they get to take this experience to their next unit to pass on the knowledge." shared Griffin

Soldiers displayed unwavering determination and resilience throughout the exercise, proving their mettle in adversity. The live fire phase tested their proficiency in employing various weapon systems and tactics, highlighting their lethal capabilities on the battlefield.

"The intensity of the CALFEX allows soldiers to operate under the most realistic conditions possible, ensuring they are battle-ready," remarked Beasley.

The exercise focused on individual skill sets and emphasized the significance of cohesive teamwork and effective communication among units. As soldiers maneuvered through complex scenarios, their ability to coordinate seamlessly and communicate efficiently was pivotal in achieving mission objectives.

As the dust settled and the final shots of the exercise faded into wooded valleys, Charlie Company emerged from the CALFEX stronger and more proficient, with a heightened sense of readiness for any future mission.

"In the end, the CALFEX serves as a testament to our soldiers' dedication, skill, and commitment to excellence," Beasley concluded. "We stand ready to face any challenge.”

The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team maintains many combat-capable forces in Europe. It exists to deter aggression; if deterrence fails, stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Allies and partners against that aggression. The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, is forward deployed to Europe in support of the 3rd Infantry Division, V Corps at Drawsko Combat Training Center, Poland.