Tankers and infantrymen project power on the battlefield differently, but together they are force to be reckoned with. Over the past few weeks, the two combined to shake houses and blow things up in the Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise, “Spartan Focus.”
The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team executed Spartan Focus, maneuvering track vehicles and infantry squads with air support at Fort Stewart, Ga., March 2019.
Track vehicles crews maneuvered and blasted their way through each objective, shaking windows with munitions that could be heard for miles. Simultaneously, infantry units used cover and concealment deep within the Fort Stewart training area to seize and dominate more complex terrain.
“The Infantry play a vital role in the Spartan Brigade’s ability to engage and destroy the enemy,” said Maj. Sean Hollars, Operations Officer with 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 2ABCT. “Spartan Focus tests our ability to get all our assets into an area to isolate it or control it.”
Coordinated planning and a mutual understanding of the mission are crucial to success during a combined arms live fire exercise. 3-15 IN and 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment Soldiers relied on the strength of each counterpart to advance through urban and wooded areas.
“Bradley Fighting Vehicles take us to the fight, then it’s on us to dismount and clear the area,” said Spc. Noah Heiwig, an Infantryman with Alpha Company, 3-15 IN.
The combined live fire exercise gave some Infantrymen their first experience with a brigade- level live fire operation alongside Tankers.
The Spartan Brigade's culminating training event ensures the combat readiness of each battalion, in addition to preparing them for follow-on training during the 3rd Infantry Division’s Marne Focus and the brigade’s rotation to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Ca.
Hollars added, “We’re ready for anything. Our dismounts seize complex terrain and provide cover fire so the battalions can move forward and complete their mission during NTC and future deployments.”
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