FORT CARSON, Colo. — The 4th Infantry Division staff and subordinate units conducted a validation exercise April 2-13, 2018, to sharpen readiness, interoperability and lethality.
The Warfighter 18-04 exercise is a U.S. Army Forces Command-directed command post exercise, which validates the 4th Inf. Div.’s ability to conduct offensive, defensive and stability operations against a near-peer threat.
Joining the 4th Inf. Div. were Army reservists from the 926th Engineer Brigade from Alabama, the Utah Army National Guard 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, and the 4th Inf. Div.’s Main Command Post Operational Detachment (MCPOD), which outfits division headquarters with key capabilities.
“All aspects of every warfighting function are evaluated, whether it’s movement, maneuver, intelligence operations, logistics, fires, protections or sustainment,” said Brig. Gen. David M. Hodne, deputy commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson.
“The division’s had a good progression leading up to Warfighter,” said Hodne. “We’ve done internal command post exercises intended to prepare us for this. Our staff officers are performing their duties in combat … and they’re getting proficient into managing the attack (and) managing the defense. The culminating (objective) of this (exercise) is that we produce expert staff officers.”
In preparation for Warfighter, the division staff conducted two command post exercises, which certified communications systems and synced staff efforts across multiple command posts.
Throughout each exercise, the Headquarters Support Company and the Signal, Intelligence, Sustainment Company (SISCO) from Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion (HHBN), 4th Inf. Div. were responsible for providing logistical support, which helped the division staff remain focused on the task at hand.
“We provide life support to warfighting troops and account for what they need,” said 1st Sgt. Steven C. Espada, SISCO.
Throughout the exercise, HHBN provided basic amenities, such as tents, heat, water, tables, chairs, gear and food.
“We try to read the minds of those who need support,” Espada said. “We try to figure out what (the warfighters) need at the right place and time … without them having to ask for it.”
The division staff and HHBN built team cohesion during the exercise, he added. Everyone knows what they do and what they provide for the warfighters.
As an aggregate, Maj. Gen. Randy A. George, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson commanding general, said he is extremely confident in the ability of the division staff.
“We’ve worked hard over the past seven months to become EXPERTS fighting at the division level,” he said. “(4th Infantry Division) Soldiers and Families can rest assured that this division is READY! The 4th Infantry Division is Steadfast, Loyal … and LETHAL!”