FORT HOOD, Texas – Soldiers from the 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st ACB, 1st Cavalry Division, deployed to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., Jan. 7 to 15 as part of a joint mission with 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cav. Div.
The one-month rotation will see the battalion providing continuous support for 3rd BCT while also validating and training Attack’s Mission Essential Task List, , said Lt. Col. Cain Baker, from Arkadelphia, Ark., commander, 1-227, 1st ACB,
“With (their) necessary training requirements … 3rd BCT requested (aviation) support and our mission capabilities and assets supported the task,” Baker said. “Our main goal is to perfect our operational procedures and produce the maximum effective application of aviation combat power in support of the ground force commander.”
The battalion will conduct live fire operations with the ‘Greywolf’ Brigade and support the sustainment of the ground fight with air moves and resupply, Baker added, while also providing
medical evacuation, reconnaissance and security while under threat from a realistic opposition.
One of the challenges of an NTC rotation is the logistical aspect of moving the entire battalion to a new location for a month, something usually reserved for deployments to an overseas theater.
“Unlike a deployment, the personnel in these training centers have a more strict timeline that we must adhere to in order to allow incoming units the same training opportunities,” Baker said.“Movements and requirements are impacted by weather and available movement contracting resources.”
The rotation will be most beneficial however for all soldiers, as the training helps keep them ready for future missions, Baker added.
“Whether deployed to a conventional battle zone or contingency operation, the coordination, improvements, and the confidence built by conducting this exercise will prepare both Veterans and new soldiers to better work alongside one another more efficiently,” he said.
With the two units having prepared together for the rotation prior to the training exercise, Baker said they are both well equipped for the missions at hand.
“It is that initial team building with Greywolf that will make NTC a success,” he said.