449th TAB conducts pre-mobilization training

Photo By Maj. Briana McFarland | Master Sgt. Chasity King, assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters, 449th Theater Aviation Brigade, North Carolina National Guard, learns how to wear the Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology and the M50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask in case of a nuclear, training was a part of the units pre-mobilization training required for their upcoming deployment. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Briana McFarland)  

STEM, NC, UNITED STATES

10.01.2017

Story by Capt. Briana McFarland 

449th Combat Aviation Brigade

CAMP BUTNER, NC- The Headquarters and Headquarters, 449th Theater Aviation Brigade is a North Carolina National Guard unit consisting of approximately 150 Soldiers scheduled to deploy later this year to support Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Enduring Freedom in the Middle East. Their primary focus is to conduct unified land operations with coalition partners and build relationships.

Soldiers from the HHC, 449th TAB and 2nd Battalion, 1-130th Regiment, Airfield Operations Battalion, conducted pre-mobilization training at Camp Butner from Sept. 5-Sept. 27.

The successful training consisted of marksmanship where Soldiers qualified with their individual weapons and section crew-served weapons. The qualification also included the Electronic Simulator Training aid where Soldiers furthered their practice by shooting in austere conditions, such as night time and nuclear, biological or chemical attack, otherwise known as NBC.

Soldiers conducted tactical combat casualty care, combat life-saver, roll-over training, low and high crawling techniques and combatives, as well as other required training and briefings.

“Before tourniquets were introduced in Army training, around 60 percent of all combat deaths could have been prevented with hemorrhage control,” said the unit Combat Medic, Staff Sgt. Zach Haunsperger.

For many Soldiers of the 449th TAB, this will be their first deployment as well as their first time working with other Soldiers in the unit. Many Soldiers were added to the Brigade to fill empty positions needed for deployment to include the Behavioral Health Officer, Capt. Katie Duffy.

“It’s important for Soldiers to maintain basic soldiering skills even if we have a technical specialty. At the baseline, we are all expected to be proficient in basic Soldier tasks in case we are called upon,” said Duffy.

The Soldiers participated in a post-training, culminating exercise on Sept. 20 and Sept. 21 that tested the knowledge and training received. Soldiers of the 449th TAB were expected to maneuver with civilians on the battlefield, detect improvised explosive devices, as well as train in realistic-adverse conditions. Regardless of the operational tempo, Soldiers were expected to follow the Rules of Engagement.

“At the end of the day, we are used to being citizens at home. Pre-mobilization training allows us to get our minds and bodies in the active duty mindset,” said the pre-mobilization training sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Giovanni Ford.

Individual and mission readiness is important in order to have a successful deployment in the Middle East. With the assistance of the Pre-mobilization Training Assistance Element, the 449th TAB completed their individual and collective training. The unit can now continue to Fort Hood with the remainder of the assigned brigade from thirteen other states to form the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade.

• Date Taken: 10.01.2017
• Date Posted: 10.02.2017 18:47
• Story ID: 250215
• Location: STEM, NC, US