The Virgin Islands Air and Army National Guard, comprised of 18 units, came together for Operation Forward Guardian IV June 3 - 5, 2016 at the Virgin Islands National Guard Estate Bethlehem compound.
The intent of the training was to prepare Soldiers and Airmen to be alert, learn to adapt no matter the surroundings, train in basic combat skills and conduct Civil Support to Civil Authorities missions.
“In all my years in the military and with all the exercises that were conducted locally, I feel as though this was one of the better structured exercises that I have seen,” said Lt. Col. Brian O’Reilly, training officer for the Virgin Islands National Guard. There were areas where Soldiers were able to quickly adjust and make improvements as they go.”
Various units were sent out on different missions daily as part of the training exercise. The staff received fictional requests for support that offered real world training missions for the units.
610th Quarter Master Company, 786th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion from St. Thomas performed training lanes that included reacting to direct and indirect fire. They also worked alongside 630th Quarter Master Detachment, 104th Troop Command from St. Croix during daily water purification training. 661st Military Police Detachment provided security for the inner and outer perimeter of the forward operating base set up at the compound. 662nd Engineer Company, 104th Troop Command cleared debris in the vicinity of the hospital road and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources Park in estate La Grange. The unit also collected gravel from the Public Works department. Joint Force Headquarters provided most of the joint operation center staff and the communications section provided data communication on the compound.
104th Troop Command with assistance from soldiers of the 786th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion established their own tactical operation center in order to manage and communicate missions down to the supporting units.
“Communication was definitely one of our biggest obstacles, but we learned to make our required adjustments along the way,” said Lt. Col. Mike A. Navarro, the 104th Troop Command’s battalion commander. “There were definitely some growing pains, but once we got into the rhythm of things, there was no coming back.”
The 73rd Army band provided community service by mentoring students at the St. Croix Educational Complex School as part of their training mission. The band also assisted in the ruck march with 610th, setting up the FOB, and securing the perimeter.
Hundreds of soldiers camped under big tents while others slept in rows of sheltered improved combat tents, designed for single person use. Showers, portable toilets and sinks were set up along the rear of the FOB. Soldiers all received breakfast, lunch and dinner daily from the cooks operating out of two mobile kitchens.
Recruiting and Retention Battalion contributed to the experience by acting as opposing forces. Along with the Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) soldiers, the recruiters performed surprise attacks on the FOB to test the basic combat skills of those on the base. As opposing forces, they threw training grenades and gas while trying to gain entry to the FOB. Soldiers reacted quickly during attacks defending the perimeter and capturing individuals that found their way in.
The 285th Civil Engineering Squadron also played a role in the exercise. They set up the FOB site and augmented the 662nd Engineering Company. Members of the VI Air National Guard Headquarters blended seamlessly into the staff operations with their Army counterparts.
One of the training highlights was the dignitary visit. 22 community leaders, most notably Lieutenant Governor Osbert Potter, a former VING member himself, conducted a site visit during the exercise. The visitors toured the FOB and were treated to capabilities displays by the 23rd Civil Support Team, the VING Medical Detachment, and the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST) 2000, among others.
The exercise concluded with a tear down of the FOB, out-processing, and soldiers returning to their homes on both islands safely.
“Be who you are, know who you are, do your job and practice resiliency, cause to me that what gives Soldiers the readiness they need to do well in this organization,” said Navarro.
Operation Forward Guardian is an annual exercise in preparation for Operation Vigilant Guard 2017 to be held in the Virgin Islands.
| Date Taken: | 06.05.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 06.06.2016 13:36 |
| Story ID: | 200116 |
| Location: | ST. CROIX, VI |
| Web Views: | 85 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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