Strengthening Readiness Through Troop Combined Arms Live Fire

Photo By Spc. Maliyah Williams | Soldiers of the 4th Squadron, 10th Calvary Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, participated in a training, known as troop combined arms live fire certification, CALFEX at Fort Carson, Colorado, on August 15, 2023. This training showcases their skills and coordinates efforts, demonstrating the effectiveness of our internal indirect fire systems.  

FORT CARSON , CO, UNITED STATES

08.15.2023

Story by Spc. Maliyah Williams 

14th Public Affairs Detachment

FORT CARSON, Colo. - In the heart of the Fort Carson training grounds, the men and women of 4th Squadron, 10th Calvary Regiment (4-10 CAV), 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, engaged in a field exercise aimed at sharpening their combat readiness and teamwork. The training, known as troop combined arms live fire certification (CALFEX) showcased the strategic prowess and cohesion of this highly skilled unit.

Lt. Col. Andrew Boyd, the commander of 10 CAV, brings his expertise as a leader and as a 19A, an armored officer, to the forefront of the squadron's success. Boyd’s guidance has been instrumental in the development of his troops.

"The training that happened today is what we call troop combined arms live fire certification," said Boyd. "We did that with one cavalry troop, where two platoons joined forces to engage a notional enemy. This exercise provided an opportunity for our troops to showcase their skills and coordinated efforts, demonstrating the effectiveness of our internal indirect fire systems, including the 120-millimeter mortars. The scenario centered around countering an enemy reconnaissance element that aimed to gain visibility of the brigade's main body."

Reflecting on the day's lessons, Boyd emphasized the significance of mastering the fundamentals. "The biggest thing I learned is something that I seem to often have to relearn: that even the most basic tasks, if not executed well, can bring a unit to a screeching halt” said Boyd. “Success begins with nailing down the basics at the individual crew level. This, in turn, contributes to the unit's overall success, whether as a troop or a larger formation. This realization is consistently reinforced each time I lead my troops through this type of training."

Lt. Keirston Spiewak contributes her insights platoon leader for 4th Squadron, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, and states, "I would say this experience has provided me with another repetition of understanding the 'five W's' of a mission. Who, what, when, where, and why are essential components that form the foundation of our job."

Spiewak highlights the intricacies of the mission planning process. "Thoroughly understanding the five W's of the mission guide our approach. Our troop commander furnishes us with this critical information, which platoon leaders then distill into a comprehensive plan. After briefing the troop commander, we execute the plan with precision."

The combination of Boyd's seasoned leadership and the dedication of Spiewak, among others, exemplifies the commitment of the 4th Squadron to maintaining combat readiness. This recent troop combined arms live fire certification underscores the value of practicing fundamentals and the importance of clear communication in achieving military success. As these skilled professionals continue to hone their skills, their efforts serve as a testament to the strength and capability of the 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment.

• Date Taken: 08.15.2023
• Date Posted: 08.31.2023 13:47
• Story ID: 451506
• Location: FORT CARSON , CO, US