Over the next few weeks, the 201st will conduct mobilization training tasks to validate for deployment under the 1st Army Division standards.
“They are well-trained, and I know that they are not only going to represent the Georgia Army National Guard, but the State of Georgia and our nation in an outstanding manner,” said Maj. General Joe F. Jarrard, Adjutant General, Georgia Department of Defense. “The biggest step is in front of you, and we know that you're going to take that step with professionalism and you're going to do as great of a job as can be done.”
Following their mobilization site training, the 201st will mobilize to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve where they will serve as Base Operating Support Integrators, or “mayor’s cell,” for several forward operating bases.
Soldiers of the 201st have spent the past three months training to prepare for their mission overseas to include administrative and medical readiness processes, cultural awareness training, advanced small arms marksmanship, combat lifesaving, convoy operations and standard Army warrior tasks.
“I can attest that these Soldiers are trained, ready, and prepared for this mission,” said Col. Michael Maddox, commander, 201st Regional Support Group. “They have spent the past year getting themselves prepared personally, physically, mentally, emotionally and professionally prepared. They are ready.”
Family members have also been preparing by attending Yellow Ribbon seminars, which are designed to establish financial, educational and emotional readiness by providing tools and points of contact in the case of emergency.
“I want to thank all of our families and all of our friends for your support and the support of these soldiers, we know the sacrifices that you all make for this nation,” said Maddox. “We would not be able to do what we do without you. You hold down all the households and home front while we do our mission and I can tell you, you’re the ones who really have the hard job in this.”
The 201st, with the support of their loved ones, has had two successful missions to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, but this will be the group’s first mission in Iraq. Although, many of the senior leadership have experience in the Iraqi theater.
“I have never been more proud of a group of Soldiers than I am of you, these Soldiers,” said Maddox. “They are true patriots and warriors. They have made great sacrifices, and it’s an honor for me to be their commander.”
| Date Taken: |
07.15.2018 |
| Date Posted: |
07.15.2018 16:15 |
| Story ID: |
284336 |
| Location: |
MARIETTA, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: |
127 |
| Downloads: |
2 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
This work, 201st Deploys to Iraq, by 1SG Amy King, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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