Photo By Sgt. Joshua Laidacker | Infantrymen with 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat...... read more read more
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FORT STEWART, Ga. – Soldiers of 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, conducted a series of combined arms live-fire exercises on Fort Stewart, Ga., June 22 – July 1.
The training exercise, known as a CALFEX, is a portion of Marne Focus, 3rd ID’s division level training exercise meant to validate the readiness of 2nd IBCT, or Spartan Brigade, in preparation for a training rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana.
The CALFEX was conducted one battalion at a time. Each battalion coordinated attacks by different companies on separate objectives and lanes simultaneously.
With a close-quarter combat lane and two maneuver lanes, companies were fully engaged on all fronts, as well as received training in multiple areas. All training fronts allowed the battalions to test their ability to shoot, move and communicate as a whole. During the exercise, battalions’ firepower was augmented by helicopters of 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd ID, and artillery fire from 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd IBCT.
“You have to prepare yourself days before, mentally and physically.” said Spc. David Monroe, an infantry squad leader with Company C, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment.
Monroe said one of his lessons learned during Vanguard Focus, the brigade’s training event leading into Marne Focus, was care of soldiers. He said in the days leading up to the event he ensured his soldiers were hydrating for the intense event coupled with summer heat, as well as ensured his soldiers were fully equipped for the training exercise.
“It's hot, they’re wearing their full body armor. Trying to keep myself in the zone while keeping them in the zone is hard,” Monroe said. “You need to make sure your guys are motivated at all times.”
Monroe said he came into Marne Focus with a team he was already familiar with and confidence in his team was already well established.
“I know what I do, we practice it all the time,” Monroe said. “You just have to make sure your shoes are tied and make sure you're ready to run.”
While some leaders were working with the same group of soldiers they had during past training, others were gaining confidence with new soldiers and leaders.
“It definitely gave me a lot of confidence in my [platoon leader] and commander because I’ve never worked with either of them,” said Staff Sgt. Kenneth Thompson, weapons squad leader with Company C, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 2nd IBCT.
Thompson said he felt a little uneasy going into the training event, but after the live-fire exercise he felt he could trust his officers and the new group of soldiers on his weapons squad.
“After this, I have a lot of confidence in these guys,” Thompson said. “This is my favorite part of Marne Focus.”
| Date Taken: | 06.24.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 07.07.2015 17:12 |
| Story ID: | 169325 |
| Location: | FORT STEWART, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 50 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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