FORT IRWIN, Calif. - Soldiers of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division recently completed training at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif.; part of preparation for their upcoming deployment to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn.
The brigade's training plan focused on a different mission from those of the past in Iraq. With the increased readiness of the Iraqi Security Forces, Greywolf troopers will operate as an advise and assist brigade.
The primary mission of an AAB is to advise, train and assist the ISF with current operations and advancing their mission readiness.
"The Greywolf brigade's training at NTC built upon our Soldier's existing skills and prepared them for mentoring the Iraqi Security Forces as they continue to develop," said Command Sgt. Maj. Ronnie Kelley, 3rd BCT.
Training at NTC focused on strengthening the partnership with ISF leaders, training and support of the ISF with border enforcement, local law enforcement and military operations inherent to the security of the people of Iraq.
A strong economy and a structured government is essential to any country. 3rd Brigade will assist the Government of Iraq by providing ways in which the leaders can build on the current governmental structure. Utilizing stability transition teams, the brigade will assist provincial governments with security, infrastructure, and service related legislation and contracts.
"The brigade is organized in a way to best support and improve the areas our Iraqi counterparts want to focus on. [Brigade leadership] has put together a team that is able to adjust to any situation and offer advice and input on a variety of subjects," said Lt. Col. Greg Stokes, a stability transition team leader for 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
With the improved security and developing government, Iraq has also seen improvements in the economy. The gains made in security and political stability has allowed these improvements to occur more quickly.
While at the National Training Center, the brigade learned to indentify civil vulnerabilities within their future operational environment in Iraq. The units will assist the ISF and GoI in prioritizing their response to the needs of the provinces, and the training at NTC sets the units up for success in these future missions.
"The Army's efforts to certify Greywolf's readiness to deploy...during our mission rehearsal exercise, here at NTC, have been tremendous. The resources available to support our training have been first-class and very realistic. I'm very confident with where we are as a deploying brigade combat team as a result of this MRE," said Col. Douglas Crissman, commander, 3rd BCT, 1st Cav. Div.
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