Putting training back in Georgia Garrison Training Center

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class R.J. Lannom | Fort Stewart, Ga., March 10, 2018 - Command Sgt. Maj. Paul P. Locke, command sergeant major, Georgia Garrison Training Center, introduces himself to the attendees of the 2018 Georgia Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition. The board is the final event of the competition. (Georgia Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. R.J. Lannom Jr)  

FORT STEWART, GA, UNITED STATES

03.12.2018

Story by Staff Sgt. R.J. Lannom 

Georgia National Guard

FORT STEWART, GA., March 11, 2018 – In the last 30 days, the Georgia Garrison Training Center, Fort Stewart, Ga., has supported a brigade level four-day drill, Physical Readiness Assessment Training, Raven Operator Course, Machine Gun Leader’s Course, the Georgia Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition and the Small Arms Marksmanship Clinic.
The training center is a force multiplier to the Georgia Army National Guard and increases readiness throughout the state.
“We couldn’t do what we do, at the rate we do it, without GGTC,” said Command. Sgt. Maj. Shawn D. Lewis, state command major of the Ga. ARNG. “With our current tempo, we couldn’t work as rapidly or as often without them.”
The amount of coordination required to ensure Georgia Guardsmen are ready to train is immense, requiring the GGTC operations section to work directly with the Fort Stewart garrison, range control and the various ammunition supply points around the post. Ensuring Guardsmen are ready to train upon arrival is the unit’s mission.
Providing a direct link to the various and vast training resources at Fort Stewart, GGTC serves as the single point of success for Georgia Guard units coordinating live-fire ranges, training areas, and support for all their training and logistic support.
“We work hand-in-hand with garrison resources to ensure the units that arrive at Fort Stewart can adhere to their training plans with little to no interruption,” said Ga. ARNG Maj. Wesley M. Eminger, training officer, GGTC. “We serve as the guys behind the curtain ensuring the show goes right.”
The coordination between the Georgia Guard and the garrison happens on various levels.
“We have the direct command channels between the garrison and GGTC,” said Eminger, “but the magic happens at the NCO level.”
The GGTC consistently exceeds one million training man-days annually, making them one of the most widely used training centers in the nation. They have assisted the post-mobilization training of numerous units ranging from detachment-size elements up to brigade combat Teams.
According to. First Sgt. Peter M. Amis, GGTC, the personnel at the training center go the extra mile daily to ensure units are set up for success upon arrival.
“We are here to provide support and ensure Guardsmen have everything they need to arrive, train and leave on time to get back to their home station,” said Amis
“Our job here is to be the glue that holds everything together,” said Sgt. 1st. Class Michael G. Askew, operations and training noncommissioned officer, GGTC. “We do our jobs so the units can do theirs.”
The Soldiers assigned to GGTC understand the unit’s mission and the amount of support required to ensure the training goes smoothly. Their dedication to service is easy to see.
“Our personnel are our most valuable resource,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Paul P. Locke, command sergeant major, GGTC. “Their willingness to provide outstanding customer service to our brigades throughout the state make the difference.”
In addition to the Fort Stewart training enablers, the operations section assists units with marksmanship training, event planning, and execution. Also on the horizon for the GGTC operations section is the Combat Leaders Academy that is currently operational and will continue to grow in the coming years.
Over the next 30 days, will host the following courses: the Machine Gun Leader’s Course, CROWE operator’s training, an NCO Induction Course and an officer leader course.
“We are putting the training back into the T at GGTC,” said Lewis. “It’s a fantastic resource inside the state and we are going to take advantage of it.”

• Date Taken: 03.12.2018
• Date Posted: 03.15.2018 10:36
• Story ID: 269470
• Location: FORT STEWART, GA, US