Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Adrian Borunda | Sgt. 1st Class Barry Keil, an observer controller with the Mobilization and Training...... read more read more
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FLORENCE, Ariz. - A team of skilled Soldiers rehearse and research months before a deployment in order to train rotations of Guardsmen before they head downrange. Their uniform badges are a testament of their combat experience.
The Mobilization Training Branch Soldiers understand the importance of properly trained Soldiers. A failure to train can lead to deaths on the battlefield.
“I help develop and execute the training for units deploying down range,” said 1st Sgt. Justin Zulueta, noncommissioned officer in charge of the MTB. “Since the MTB has been training and deploying Arizona Guard Soldiers, there has not been a single Soldier killed in combat in the Arizona National Guard. I think that is due in part to the professionalism and the incredible amount of effort that all the trainers on this team put into the training that they do, as well as pure dumb luck.”
The MTB is mainly based out of the Florence Training Center, north of Florence. The majority of their ranges, equipment and operating systems are located at FTC. The team also trains troops at Camp Navajo, west of Flagstaff, and on occasion Fort Huachuca, near Sierra Vista.
“The training of the MTB far exceeds those of the active duty components,” said 1st Sgt. Michael Major, first sergeant for the 123rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment out of Phoenix, the most recent unit to be trained by the MTB. “The MTB is much more professional. Their training is harder, and it’s what we would want all Soldiers to go through for a basic standard.”
The state of Arizona supports many full-time positions, but one that is often overlooked is the MTB. They are a group of handpicked individuals who have a combined expertise and are dedicated to training Soldiers who are preparing to mobilize.
“Most importantly, we are looking for subject matter experts with tactical and technical expertise and the ability to effectively share and train said knowledge,” Zulueta said. “Secondly, combat experience and finally general military professionalism and physical fitness.”
When the MTB is not training and setting the standard for their trainees, they are maximizing their time and using their resources to maintain their skill sets to compete and help facilitate local and national competitions.
“We did the Best Warrior Competition. We’ve done both ultimate fitness challenges for the last two years and the military immersion program,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Pisel, an observer controller/trainer for the MTB and a platoon sergeant during drill weekends. “We do all of the little state things.”
Their responsibilities range from monitoring weapons qualifications and conducting classes during annual trainings, to helping conduct countrywide events. For example, they helped facilitate the state Female Engagement Team tryouts.
Although the trainers are often away from home for months at a time, that doesn’t affect their motivation and the amount of effort they put into their training.
“The best thing for me is when you are training somebody and they’re not getting it, then later on the light comes on,” Pisel said. “That’s the best part.”
Each member of the MTB shares their knowledge and new information with each other in order to benefit the team and allow each member to give their all.
“This job is awesome. Everyone on the team is really passionate about what they do and that’s what makes the team strong,” Pisel said. “Everyone really wants to be here. It’s something you never really hear, but everybody does what they’re really passionate about.”
| Date Taken: | 09.18.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 09.27.2014 13:08 |
| Story ID: | 143473 |
| Location: | FLORENCE, AZ, US |
| Web Views: | 220 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Mobilization Training Branch sets the standard, by SGT Reba Benally and SGT Amber Bohlman, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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