FORT BLISS, Texas - Training, training, more training…all vital in preparation for this unit’s upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.
Nearly 500 Oklahoma Army National Guard members with 1st Squadron, 180th Cavalry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, inch closer to heading overseas in support of NATO’s train, advise and assist mission, Operation Resolute Support.
“We’ve been training for this mission for over a year,” said Capt. Roy Newnam, commander of Bravo Troop, 180th Cavalry Regiment. “We’ll conduct security operations because it is an overall security mission.”
Before moving ahead, the 180th must successfully complete various training at Fort Bliss, Texas, all culminating with the Mobilization Readiness Exercise, or “MRX”.
“I know we’re going to continue to revise the training to be able to meet the intent of the commander,” Newnam said.
With morale high and eagerness to conduct the mission overseas, members of the 180th are ready to answer the call to their nation.
“I’m ready to go,” said Spc. Kally Boozer, member of Headquarters Troop, 180th Cavalry Regiment. “After all the training, I think we’re prepared. We’re ready to go over there and see what it is, get settled in, and get home.”