2nd BCT Paratroopers Conduct Near Peer Training in Texas

FORT BLISS, TX, UNITED STATES

08.13.2018

Story by Spc. Ryan C Mercado 

82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs Office

The paratroopers were given a no notice alert to participate in Operation Falcon Journey in order to conduct near-peer training against the 1st Armored Division.
“It was good to integrate with armored and mechanized forces,” said Col. Jason A. Curl, the brigade commander of 2nd BCT. “In a fight against a near-peer threat, once we have seized lodgments, and seized an airfield to be able to bring in those forces to provide the kind of mobility and firepower, the need to destroy near-peer forces will be critical.”
An essential part of the training was the desert conditions and mechanized forces, which provided paratroopers the opportunity to experience new operational conditions and a near-peer which was able to bring heavy armor to the battle.
“Not many of our forces have worked in a desert environment, so getting to work in that type of environment was really good,” said Curl. “It’s a lot different from some of the woods and jungles that we’re used to.”
Another aspect of the training was the use of drones against the paratroopers. The drones mimicked capabilities of a near-pear force.
“I learned just how incredibly complex conducting combat operation against a near-peer enemy in a contested environment can be,” said Capt. Adesola Adepegba, the brigade electronic warfare officer with 2nd BCT. “During Operation Falcon Journey, the enemy had limited electronic attack capabilities however, he was able to deploy commercial drones on the objective as a surveillance asset used to located and target Task Force Falcon.”
With enemies having easy access to capabilities such as these, Adepegba said collaboration and intel play an important role.
“It was increasingly important for the electronic warfare cell to continue to collaborate closely with intelligence to gain a current operational picture of the battlefield in order to bring the right capabilities to the battle field,” said Adepegba. “Had we been equipped with a counter unmanned aircraft system "Drone buster," it would have served as a combat multiplier.”
The Paratroopers of 2nd BCT are a part of the global response force and have the ability to be anywhere in the world within 18 hours.
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• Date Taken: 08.13.2018
• Date Posted: 08.20.2018 10:24
• Story ID: 289455
• Location: FORT BLISS, TX, US