Engineers enhance leadership through staff exercise

Photo By Sgt. Jon Heinrich | Soldiers and staff with 130th Engineer Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, train in a Command Post Exercise to simulate commanding and controlling other units in combat scenarios Feb. 23, at Leader’s Field here.  

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HI, UNITED STATES

02.23.2015

Story by Sgt. Jon Heinrich 

8th Theater Sustainment Command

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii – Soldiers and staff with 130th Engineer Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, trained in a Command Post Exercise to simulate mission command of other units in combat scenarios Feb. 23-27, at Leader’s Field here.

Army units on Oahu prepare for Pacific Pathways by training for joint operations between units to not only enhance their skills but to also build rapport with each other.

“The CPX trains the brigade staff how to facilitate mission command by learning how to analyze information, make recommendations, and synchronize resources to solve complex problems,” said Col. Blace Albert, commander of the 130th Eng. Bde. “These are important skills for any staff, but especially one in support of U.S. Pacific Command.”

Maj. Glenn MacDonald, brigade operations officer in charge, said the training will allow the staff to better integrate with 25th Infantry Division if the brigade should they be tasked to support the division for Pacific Pathways.

“This CPX allows us to learn how our staff will talk to their staff, what systems they use, and test Command Post of the Future interoperability,” MacDonald said. “Also, this exercise forces us to focus on mission command of multiple subordinate battalions.”

The exercise is divided into four phases to simulate daily objectives for the brigade staff to control: conducting reconnaissance, removing obstacles, providing a secure environment and restoring an international border.

“This is the first time this group of Soldiers came together to accomplish such complex tasks,” Albert said.

Lt. Col. James Rector, the executive officer of the 130th Eng. Bde. said the training was more tactically focused that past CPX’s have been, with the last exercise involving reconnaissance and the training of Afghan Soldiers.

Albert said this type of training is useful in leader development for unit readiness.

“It's challenging exercises like this that put the spotlight on our true leaders,” Albert said. “From the specialist on the radio to the captain in plans who determines the best way to task organize affairs, these realistic scenarios improve everyone's presence, intellect, and ability to develop and achieve; which are important attributes and competencies of a leader.”

• Date Taken: 02.23.2015
• Date Posted: 03.03.2015 14:16
• Story ID: 155811
• Location: SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HI, US