Outlaw Troop Assumes U.S. Army Europe’s Contingency Reaction Force

Photo By Staff Sgt. Justin Navin | Outlaw Troop, 4th Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment assumed the role of the U.S. Army Europe’s contingency reaction force, April 9, 2018. This role is filled as a part of Europe’s “fight tonight” initiative. A CRF must be ready to deploy on a no-notice mission within 48-hours of the alert, referred to as Readiness Posture 2.  

VILSECK, BAYERN, GERMANY

05.16.2018

Courtesy Story

2d Cavalry Regiment

VILSECK, Germany – Outlaw Troop, 4th Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment assumed the role of the U.S. Army Europe’s contingency reaction force, April 9, 2018. . This role is filled as a part of Europe’s “fight tonight” initiative. A CRF must be ready to deploy on a no-notice mission within 48-hours of the alert, referred to as Readiness Posture 2.

Outlaw Troop is no stranger to a special assignment like this. In October 2017, when the unit was last tasked as the USAREUR CRF, they were provided 48-hours to develop a plan and deploy all of their assets forward to Poland on one of the longest, most in-depth route reconnaissance missions in the European theater in recent history. The mission shaped the current USAREUR battle plan. Covering more than 1,700 kilometers, it was an incredible feat that displayed the Stryker unit’s ability to rapidly be positioned anywhere on the battlefield. This no-notice shock was called Dragoon Shock IV.

“The ability to cover that much distance, that quickly, while providing extended logistical support is what definitively sets a Stryker organization apart from other [Brigade Combat Teams]; a true combat multiplier,” said Capt. Evan Ludwig, commander, Outlaw Troop, 4/2CR..

It was because of their exemplary performance last October that Outlaw Troop was selected to assume the role of CRF for another three months.

Preparing to be anywhere in Europe within 48-hours is no simple task. The requirements of that responsibility, in addition to the unit’s preparation to deploy forward of the Regiment during Saber Strike 18, has Outlaw Troop training at an increased operational tempo.

The Soldiers of Outlaw Troop have refocused their training to the basic fundamentals of shoot, move and communicate. Nearly every week, the Troopers find themselves training in a progressively more intense environment, both mounted and dismounted; in training exercises and live fires in any environment. These Troopers are also completing their qualifications and stress shoot ranges, combat-load ruck marches in a full-scale training environment, night-time land navigation and taxing dismounted training missions. These are all part of Outlaw Troop’s effort to prepare the Troopers for a potential deployment.

In addition to increased training, the Outlaw Troop leadership is also focused on maintenance. A Stryker unit’s best advantage is its ability to rapidly deliver a lethal fighting force anywhere on the battlefield. To do that, you have to have well maintained equipment. Utilizing the combined efforts of organic and contracted mechanics, Saber Squadron has revamped its maintenance program to ensure that they are prepared to be deployed forward at a moment’s notice.

If called upon to deploy, Outlaw Troop will wield the full weight of its organic capabilities and the power of both Saber Squadron and Regimental enablers, ensuring success for any mission assigned them.

• Date Taken: 05.16.2018
• Date Posted: 05.16.2018 16:14
• Story ID: 277160
• Location: VILSECK, BAYERN, DE