Photo By Master Sgt. Gary Witte | U.S. Army Spc. David Thang, a human resources specialist with the 642nd Regional...... read more read more
(FORT HUNTER-LIGGETT, Calif.) When thousands of Soldiers show up on your doorstep, someone needs to receive them.
In the case of this year's Operation Bold Eagle, an Army Reserve unit from Georgia helped host troops from across the United States in the mountains of Southern California. The annual training exercise for Reserve Soldiers allows units to practice their military skills in real world conditions, repel simulated attacks, and react to crises.
The 642nd Regional Support Group, based in Decatur, Ga., provided Reception Staging and Onward Integration for the exercise throughout July. This included working in shifts 24-hours-a-day to check in every service member while maintaining security for the Tactical Assembly Area as troops moved out to other locations on Fort Hunter Liggett.
“Without our Soldiers doing their jobs the overall operation would probably fail,” U.S. Army Col. Anthony Hudson, commander of the 642nd Regional Support Group, said. “Their work ensures we can track all the personnel and help prepare them to complete the training mission.”
The operation mirrored the work required to move into an allied country and help defend it from an aggressive neighbor. The tactical posture increased as the danger increased. During the later phases, the seemingly endless rumble of truck engines hauling equipment into the area was joined by the sounds of gunfire and occasional explosions.
Real drone incursions and real Soldiers playing the part of opposing forces added to the constant threats the units dealt with while attempting to do their real-world job.
All of this added up to a new experience for some of the younger troops. Sgt. Terrence McMillan, who served as NCOIC of the personnel section during the start of the operation, said some had not been to annual training until now and others were not familiar with the RSOI process.
“For the majority of the staff, this is the first time doing a mission like this … It’s a bit of trial by fire,” he said. “Some are excited. Some are nervous.”
The mission provided numerous learning opportunities, McMillan said. These ranged from teaching specialists how to deal with senior officers to pulling guard duty at the area’s Entry Control Points.
The brigade also provided ice to units to prevent heat casualties in the summer heat – which climbed over 100 degrees more than once – and monitored the water supply on the TAA. This doesn’t include unit requirements for managing life support issues for Soldiers, coordinating w and getting evaluated for its own mission.
Along with the strict standards for accountability, the brigade also ensured legal briefings, safety briefings and regulatory guidance were provided to each unit.
“Nothing happens in this mission if they don’t go through us,” McMillan said.
Command Sgt. Maj. Humberto L. Hueca, command sergeant major for the 642nd RSG, said the realistic and austere operation, was designed to build resilience in the Reserve Soldiers and prepare them for any challenges they might face.
“We train our Soldiers for their worst day so they can perform at their very best when called upon to deploy,” he said.
| Date Taken: | 08.02.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.09.2026 22:25 |
| Story ID: | 571933 |
| Location: | FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | DECATUR, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 18 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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