FORT IRWIN, Calif. - Soldiers from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Arctic Wolves” disembarked from logistical support area Warrior in route to multiple tactical assembly areas at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, Jan. 18, 2015.
The mass movement tested the brigade’s ability to conduct convoy operations and establish a forward command post to support each battalion’s combat mission.
“This movement provide the Soldiers with in-depth training during the 18-day rotation,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Omar Deleon, all source technician with 1st SBCT. “This is the first time we have done this rotation usually it is 14 days.”
During the rotation the Soldiers will perform various tasks that will hone their skills and prepare them for deployment.
“This provides us with a stepping stone for upcoming deployments,” Pvt. Sergio Gallardo, a food service specialist with 70th Brigade Engineer Battalion. “Having never deployed myself, it provides a feel for what a deployment would be like.”
With each battalion specializing in different tasks, this NTC rotation will provide each unit with the opportunity to gain knowledge on their specific job.
“This is my seventh time here at NTC,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jose R. Muniz, food service noncommissioned officer in charge with 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment. “One specific challenge of this mission is that the containerized kitchen we use is meant to be placed in one forward operating base and left there until the deployment is over. This mission will test us with the multiple movements across the training area.”
This exercise provides each Soldier with the train as we fight mentality so everyone from the command team down to the line Soldier will be confident in their ability and their leadership.