FORT BENNING, Ga.- January marked Col. Johnnie L. Johnson, Jr.'s first year of command of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, located at Fort Benning, Ga.

For Johnson, his first year represented a lot of hard work.

"It's been a very busy year for the brigade," he said. "We were in the Army Force Generation process when I arrived, and we continued resetting equipment for the next several months."

Army Force Generation is the structured progression of increased unit readiness over time resulting in trained, ready and cohesive units. Johnson's brigade received new tanks, Bradley Fighting vehicles and an array of new equipment following their most recent deployment to Iraq, to prepare for future missions. With the brigade reset, it was time to focus on the fundamentals.

"We started the high intensity training," explained Johnson. "We conducted qualification ranges from individual to platoon level. Building confidence at these levels was essential to developing trained and ready units."

Beyond military tasks and drills, Johnson values the Brigade's connection to the community. The Sledgehammer Brigade partners with several counties and schools in the area.

"It's also important that we stay connected in the community," said Johnson. "No matter how busy we are on Kelley Hill, spending time building relationships remains a priority."

In addition to training, the brigade's time at Kelley Hill is focused on building resilient soldiers and families.

"This year we have been able to take a closer look at comprehensive Soldier fitness which will enhance our ability to handle the challenges of being a Soldier and a member of a family or unit," said Johnson.

The first year of Johnson's leadership saw the brigade train on increasingly difficult tasks and conditions, culminating with the brigade-wide Hammer Focus exercise during November.

"Hammer Focus centered on the company, battery and troop level collective training," explained Johnson. "We integrated all previous training up to that point, to include enablers. At the end of the training event the brigade was able to achieve a much higher level of readiness."

With one year in the rearview mirror, sustaining unit readiness is what it's all about.

"Our overarching goal is to be trained and prepared to deploy," said Johnson. "It has been an amazing year, and I am very proud of the significant progress we have made. Our Soldiers are without a doubt prepared to accomplish our mission anywhere and anytime."

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