JMRC Forges Iron Brigade During Live Fire Exercise

Photo By Sgt. Karen Sampson | Sgt. 1st Class Ndifrek Aanam-Ndu, JMRC Timberwolves OCT, injects a casualty in the current battle scenario to observe the team in assessing the casualty, combat lifesaving tactical field care and casualty evacuation on range Battle Position 2 (BP2) at Grafenwoehr, Germany April 21. Exercise Combined Resolve VIII is a multinational exercise designed to train Army's Regionally Allocated Forces to the U.S. European Command. Combined Resolve VIII will include more than 3,400 participants from 10 nations. The goal of the exercise is to prepare forces in Europe to operate together to promote stability and security in the region. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Karen Sampson)  

HOHENFELS, BY, GERMANY

04.26.2017

Story by Sgt. Karen Sampson 

Joint Multinational Readiness Center

The opening phases of multinational exercise Combined Resolve VIII brought Observer, Coach, Trainers from the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, to support U.S. Army Soldiers from 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division during a combined arms live-fire exercise in the Grafenwoehr, Germany April 18 - 24.

"The first day's focus is a fire support coordination exercise for brigade operations," said Maj. Christopher Blaha, Operations Observer Coach Trainer from JMRC's Timberwolves maneuver team and lead planner for the live fire exercise. "The second day is a cumulative exercise and combined arms live-fire for two battalions; cavalry and armored."

To facilitate this phase of CBRVIII, a combination of OCTs from JMRC's eight training teams, with overall command and control from the Timberwolves team, broke away from their traditional role at Hohenfels Training Area to develop the robust training force overseeing the brigade-level operation.

"Our responsibilities as OCTs is to insure safety, provide training assistance and provide candid feedback on how to improve as a mechanized formation," said Capt. Andre Aleong, also of the Timberwolves.

Exposure to a training event of this magnitude improves the mentoring skills of JMRC's OCTs.

Sgt. 1st Class Ndifrek Aanam-Ndu, JMRC Timberwolves OCT, maneuvers his HMMWV behind four Bradley fighting vehicles bounding into position on range Battle Position 2 (BP2).

Aanam-Ndu coaches Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment as they exercise a passage of lines with Comanche Troop, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment.

"The first part of this exercise is clearing a minefield, then executing a breach to meet the 4-10 Cav. for a relief in place," said Aanam-Ndu pointing down range of BP2.

BP2 looks like a series of rain-soaked bowling alleys under siege. Overhead, Apache Helicopter teams keep watch on the battle under direction from the platoons of fighting vehicles and troop carriers on the ground.

Aanam-Ndu touches a button on an artillery fire simulator and hears the delayed booming in the distance. He watches how the teams react then writes in his notebook.

The Bradley teams do a series of back-and-forth movements in battle position. First shooting, then ducking behind position, then rapidly maneuvering to an alternative left or right stand. Their engines blare like jet's when they lean in.

"Not too many units get to exercise passing over the battle space," he said. "The strategy is almost a lost art."

"It's a lot of moving parts this unit is fortunate to have the opportunity."

The four Bradley fighting vehicles move forward into position again. Drivers and gunners peer out through the fog of battle and inclement weather, spot the next position, and make a plan.

"As OCTs, our attention is focused on the unit's readiness," he said. "Our focus is challenging soldiers."

Aanam-Ndu dismounts his vehicle, approaches a vehicle commander and injects a casualty in the current battle scenario. The vehicle's gunner slumps over and feigns unconsciousness.

Aanam-Ndu observes the teams every move in assessing the casualty, combat lifesaving field care and casualty evacuation.

He documents everything, taking great care in delivering detailed advice.

"The after action reviews we provide will help them through the next phases of CBRVIII," he said. "Ultimately, they will maneuver better and be ready for any real-world challenge or conflict."

Combined Resolve VIII will continue at the Hohenfels Training Area until mid-June.

Exercise Combined Resolve VIII is a multinational exercise designed to train Army's Regionally Allocated Forces to the U.S. European Command. Combined Resolve VIII will include more than 3,400 participants from 10 nations. The goal of the exercise is to prepare forces in Europe to operate together to promote stability and security in the region.

• Date Taken: 04.26.2017
• Date Posted: 04.28.2017 09:25
• Story ID: 231902
• Location: HOHENFELS, BY, DE