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FORT IRWIN, Calif. - The National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin, California, challenges Florida Army National Guard (FLARNG) Soldiers as they conduct pre-deployment training.
Arriving at NTC in mid-July, close to 5000 FLARNG Soldiers from the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (53rd IBCT) test their ability to perform in any scenario, warfighting or not. The readiness and proficiency of Soldiers is on display as they tackle their mission, exemplifying their prowess despite difficulty.
The 53rd IBCT completes daily objectives and risk assessments at NTC, evaluating Soldiers’ actions and abilities in simulated events. Challenges change as boots and vehicles move forward, requiring adaptability and resilience.
Lt. Col. Daniel Garcia, a physical therapist (55B) Soldier with the 53rd ICBT's Combat Medical Detachment (CMED), uses his orthopedic expertise to treat Soldiers as they progress through their training at NTC.
"I've been with the unit (53rd IBCT’s CMED) for over twenty years now," said Garcia. "Whether it's back pain, shoulder pain, or ankle pain, I provide therapy to get our Soldiers back in the fight."
Training through austere conditions like extreme heat may devastate an unprepared force if proper personnel and equipment are not available, highlighting an unmovable need for sustainment. Thanks to resources like Garcia and the 53rd IBCT’s CMED, the FLARNG performs without any delay in Soldier health and ability.
"Since we've been in the box the past three or four days, we've had over thirty patients,” said Garcia. “These Soldiers are rolling their ankles trying to complete the mission, so we've been giving them rehab to get them back as soon as possible."
On top of Garcia and medical resources, the FLARNG has also established numerous water, food, and shade sources around the training grounds. Soldiers receive what they need to remain safe and healthy before returning to the mission.
"For most of the guys that get hurt, they can go back and do their job, but they have to get the right treatment," said Garcia. "I always tell them, 'Come and see the professionals.' Sometimes a back injury might get better in three to four days on its own, but we can heal them sooner."
"There's a lot of young Soldiers who have never been deployed, and here they can actually see what a deployed environment looks like,” said Garcia. “It's hot, but overall, this training is something these Soldiers will remember for a lifetime."
| Date Taken: | 07.29.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.31.2025 00:18 |
| Story ID: | 544205 |
| Location: | FORT IRWIN, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 76 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Sustaining Florida Army National Guard Soldiers at NTC, by SPC Alexander Helman, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
