Soldiers train Airmen on base defense

Photo By Staff Sgt. John Onuoha | Airmen assigned to 557th Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron aim their weapons at opposing forces during a base defense training at McGregor Range, N.M., April 13, 2021. The base defense training teaches service members how to balance base security with political and legal constraints, understand the law of war, and rules of engagement. For 5th Armored Brigade, First Army Division West, preparing our partners to go into harm’s way isn’t merely a cold, mechanical process; rather, it’s a dedication to individuals’ strengths and needs, focused on achieving the mission. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. John Onuoha, 5th Armored Brigade)  

MCGREGOR RANGE, NM, UNITED STATES

04.13.2021

Story by Staff Sgt. John Onuoha 

5th Armored Brigade

Observer, coach and trainers (OC/T) assigned to Task Force Mountain Warrior, 5th Armored Brigade, First Army Division West, trained the Airforce 557th Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron on base defense operations at McGregor Range, N.M., April 13, 2021.

The training was part of a culminating training event as 5th AR BDE continues to partner with National Guard and Reserve units in all military branches and prepare them to deploy into harm’s way, and return to their families afterwards.

The base defense training teaches service members how to understand the enemy; coordinate critical defense assets; concentrate at critical times and places; balance base security with political and legal constraints; and understand the law of war and rules of engagement.

“Having these skills enables the airmen to be able to tackle those situations confidently and ensure that they can complete the mission priority and building whatever is needed, whenever and wherever,” said Airforce 1st Sgt. Dominic Stanley, assigned to 557th ERHS.

Army Staff Sgt. Alicia Cruz, an OC/T assigned to 5th AR BDE, explained that the training builds flexibility and capability to work in various positions when service members deploy. She also referred to her previous missions where her team was needed to work in various positions, and the transition was easy for them because they were trained and well prepared for whatever the mission required.

“It gives our members an opportunity to test the things that they have learned here with our Army OC/T’s,” said Stanley. “It enables them to take of all the skills that are needed down range in order to protect the base, to take care of each other, and deal with various scenarios that they will encounter.”

In addition, service members shared some thoughts about their partnership and training with the army OC/T’s.

“I think the Army has been really great,” Stanley said. “It is always interesting when you get an opportunity to work with partner services. I think it has been phenomenal. The one thing that my airmen continue to tell me consistently is that the Army OC/T’s give good, quality training.”

Cruz said that the airmen were eager to learn throughout the exercise, and they were focused as they rehearsed everything that they were taught during the training.

“These are Soldiers, airmen, seamen, and marines who are going to go down range to fight on the battlefield,” Cruz said. “And to be able to give them the best training is really what I take pride in.”

• Date Taken: 04.13.2021
• Date Posted: 04.20.2021 15:44
• Story ID: 393963
• Location: MCGREGOR RANGE, NM, US