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Command Post Exercise Ensures 10th Mountain Division Prepared for Operations

Friday, August 23rd, 2024

FORT DRUM, N.Y. — Clear and consistent communication is how the 10th Mountain Division (LI) maintains an advantage in combat, but it’s not a skill that comes without constant refinement and rehearsal of coordination strategies.

Command Post Exercise 1D, held Aug. 12-16, 2024, on Fort Drum, is designed to address this domain and get Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, the hands-on experience needed to succeed in operational settings.

Soldiers participating in CPX-1D are tasked with establishing, maintaining, operating and relocating command posts. Command posts are collections of critical communication infrastructure established in operational environments that quickly and effectively disperse information to Soldiers on the ground, crucial to the success of their mission.

“They’re really the heart of the division,” said Maj. Richard Steinouer, the executive officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 10th Mountain Division. “The order that comes from the highest general, down to the lowest Soldier, comes from these command nodes that we’re establishing.”

CPX-1D allows Soldiers to refamiliarize themselves with practices they’ll need to be ready to execute but also allows them to learn and use new technologies and outlets to accomplish their duties. The Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System Artillery Execution Suite is one of the new technologies that 10th Mountain Division Soldiers participating in CPX-1D had the opportunity to use for the first time.

The AFATDS AXS augments the ability to conduct fire missions by streamlining the information presented to the Soldier, accelerating the process by which information is transmitted to the operator, and introducing new channels to work from, such as detaching and operating as a tablet.

“The Army’s all about speed, and we have to make sure that the software that we develop also matches the speed of need,” said Maj. Henry Castillo, an assistant program manager assigned to the U.S. Army Project Executive Office. “We have to make sure that it can react properly to every single new threat from a near-peer adversary.”

Gaining experience with systems like the AFATDS AXS builds familiarity with the necessary tactics, techniques, and practices that will become critical to the 10th Mountain Division when operating in practical environments. Without the ability to rapidly construct and function in command posts in high-stress situations, the 10th Mountain Division loses one of its greatest strengths: its clear, consistent, and concise communication.

“Without those command nodes and the network they need with the right people at the right node, you’re not going to be able to do any kind of mission command,” Steinouer said. “The only way to do it well is to do it over and over again.”

By SPC Kade Bowers

Posted in Army, Guest Post | 2 Comments »

Fluent in Unity: How LEAP Airmen Powered Joint Success at Arcane Thunder 24

Thursday, August 22nd, 2024

Air Force Lt. Col. Rodrigo Ocampo, Capt. Cassaundra Preston and Staff Sgt. Arnaud Agbo arrived on July 24, 2024, in Morocco ready to support Arcane Thunder 24 with a unique skill set and capabilities that extended beyond traditional military strategy. Their team focused on a specific domain that has not yet been mastered by a piece of technology – human interactions. The team of three volunteered through the Language Enabled Airman Program, also known as LEAP, to serve as linguistic and cultural experts. Their presence supported the mission at hand and deepened the connections between the U.S. and Morocco, showcasing the critical role of language and cultural integration in joint military operations.

Arcane Thunder 24 was a complex, multi-domain exercise that tested the interoperability between the U.S. Army and Moroccan Royal Armed Forces. Ocampo and Preston assisted with integration by serving as linguists during the training. Agbo moved with teams on the ground to support multiple elements. Although their uniform might have been different than that of the U.S. Army and Moroccan military members they served alongside, they were a vital bridge between the two.

“Our LEAP partners were instrumental in the successful completion of Arcane Thunder 24,” said Lt. Col. Aaron Ritzema, the 2nd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion commander. “They brought a high level of cultural and linguistic expertise that benefited our daily operations. Additionally, they rounded out our Joint Force and provided creative solutions to exercise specific challenges.”

As Arcane Thunder 24 unfolded, the airmen forged relationships that assisted both nations. Each of the LEAP scholars proved to be a valuable addition to the exercise in unique ways.

For Ocampo, Preston, and Agbo, this was their first experience in a joint exercise as LEAP scholars. Preston hails from California and has developed a passion for travel. Volunteering for LEAP opportunities has allowed her to gain experience in different countries and work alongside other cultures as an advisor during operations.

“I saw LEAP as an opportunity to travel and experience different cultures,” she said. “We bonded with the Moroccan soldiers over meals and over our love of communicating in different languages.”

While speaking about the value of utilizing uniformed service members in the role of cultural experts, Preston added, “Leaders often undervalue the importance of culture, and as LEAP scholars, we are able to demonstrate that value at the organizational level.”

Ocampo led the team of interpreters during Arcane Thunder 24, but more importantly, he built a cohesive team of trusted experts within the staff. His duties ranged from teaching and translating cyber domain classes to assisting and coordinating events for distinguished visitors. Ocampo demonstrated the power of joint operations and integration by extending his knowledge of technical skills and culture beyond the walls of the tactical operations center. It was a regular occurrence to find him assisting U.S. and Moroccan soldiers anywhere in the exercise.

“LEAP provides organizations with scholars that have a high aptitude in both language and culture,” said Ocampo. “We are able to use our skills to advise on ways to connect with our counterparts from different regions and cultures.” Ocampo has served in joint units before but said that he gained a new perspective working as a cultural advisor for the 2nd MDEB.

As airmen, all three LEAP scholars described the need to learn the Army language initially. Agbo focused on gaining credibility with both counterparts by volunteering to join them on every mission, including recovering downed equipment at night. “The team consisted of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces, and we were all able to get together as one team,” said Agbo. “We were all equally exhausted, but we knew what we had to do, and we were able to come together and stay motivated to accomplish the mission.”

Agbo was pivotal as a linguist and cultural expert, ensuring that multiple teams received linguistic support at two separate training areas during Arcane Thunder 24. His dedication to the team was highlighted at the final dinner by numerous leaders within the 2nd MDEB. “Having a positive mindset and energy shows people that we are here to be a part of the team,” said Agbo. “When both the Moroccans and U.S. Army are comfortable with us, we can build the relationship and develop a bond that creates a strong team.”

Agbo was born and raised in West Africa and emigrated to the United States when he was 19. He said he decided to join the U.S. Air Force to serve his new country. “One thing I believe is that if you find something good, you should always try to make it better,” said Agbo. “Serving in the military was my opportunity to serve my country, leave my imprint, and try to make my country better.”

LEAP solves a commonly experienced friction point across military exercises – language and cultural integration. The force multiplier program puts uniformed service members in the position to aid and enhance joint partnerships. The Department of Defense reported approximately 3,500 multi-capable, language-enabled airmen with proficiencies in over 97 languages.

Part of the program maintains deployment readiness for the LEAP scholars to deploy to support joint operations worldwide. The unique aspect of the program is that it brings together the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force, and international allies and partners.

“This was my first time being embedded in an Army staff,” said Ocampo when asked about his experience at Arcane Thunder 24. “I got to experience the Army culture while working in the field with the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces, and I am really glad that I got to have such a diverse experience.”

Arcane Thunder 24 was held in Morocco this year for the first time. The exercise proved to be a step towards strengthening the U.S. relationship with Morocco. Integration of the staff elements was made more accessible by placing airmen as linguists and cultural experts to be the connective tissue between the U.S. Army and the Moroccan military.

Story by CPT Michael Mastrangelo

Photos by SSG Rene Rosas

Posted in Air Force, Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on Fluent in Unity: How LEAP Airmen Powered Joint Success at Arcane Thunder 24

1st Armored Division Soldiers validate combat capabilities at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex

Wednesday, August 21st, 2024

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea — Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 70th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, fired their tanks, howitzers and Bradleys during the live-fire portion of their rapid deployment readiness exercise at Rodriguez Live-Fire Complex, South Korea, Aug. 5-9, 2024.

The battalion, based out of Fort Bliss, Texas, arrived during the final week of July and drew their combat equipment from Army prepositioned stock maintained on the Korean Peninsula by the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command and 403rd Army Field Support Brigade. The 25th Transportation Battalion transported 1ABCT’s newly donned equipment from Daegu city to RLFC for the live-fire validation.

After zeroing their weapons, 1ABCT Soldiers fired their M1A2 Abrams tanks, M109-A6 Paladins and M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles throughout the week.

“Task Force Thunderbolts received a no notice deployment exercise where we were able to demonstrate our ability to project combat power into the Indo-Pacific under a condensed timeline,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Lorete, 4th Battalion commander. “We rapidly drew our combat fleet from the Army Preposition Stock-4 to assist the Army in validating its combat readiness in a critical area of responsibility.”

On July 17, 4th Battalion, 70th Armored Regiment Soldiers were notified they would leave Fort Bliss for a no-notice deployment readiness exercise. Six days later, they began drawing their combat equipment at Camp Carroll, South Korea. This deployment readiness exercise is part of Pacific Fortitude, which is part of a longstanding agreement to support the Republic of Korea – U.S. alliance.

The rapid deployment exercise is a standard, routine readiness validation where a U.S. Army unit is tested on its ability to rapidly deploy personnel successfully to a given environment, conduct training and redeploy back to their home station. This exercise also tests the swift deployment and decisive utilization of vehicles and equipment already present on the Korean peninsula. Army Prepositioned Stock-4, or APS-4, are strategically placed caches of warfighting equipment in Korea and Japan that serve as a critical component of the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly project combat power throughout the Indo-Pacific.

“We are extremely proud of our team who worked tirelessly to prepare our equipment to conduct squad and platoon collective training, culminating in tank platoon live-fires and a combined ROK-U.S. mechanized infantry platoon live-fire,” Lorete said. “This opportunity to train as part of Pacific Fortitude enhances our operational readiness enabling our team to grow and learn every day and reinforces our commitment to the ROK in maintaining security and stability on the Korean peninsula. It is an honor to train side by side with our Republic of Korea Army partners increasing readiness and winning every day.”

Pacific Fortitude enhances the U.S. Army’s combat readiness and the ROK-U.S. combined defense posture, and further strengthens security and stability on the Korean peninsula. All professional militaries train on routine and continuously executed events to maintain readiness, proficiency, credibility, and trust.

By Eighth Army Public Affairs Office

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Training | Comments Off on 1st Armored Division Soldiers validate combat capabilities at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex

SIG SAUER Presents “Now it’s Real,” a New Backcountry Archery Elk Hunting Film in Partnership with GOHUNT

Tuesday, August 20th, 2024

An archery elk hunt is the pinnacle for many hunters—like GOHUNT’s own Omar Lopez. When their founder, Lorenzo Sartini, invited him to join his next elk hunt, Omar couldn’t contain his excitement. However, while planning their hunt, Lorenzo’s appendix ruptured, throwing a massive wrench into their plans. Trying to fill two tags in two different units is hard enough when not recovering from major surgery, but now? The pressure was really on.

The pair now venture into the backcountry with hopeful hearts, eager to pursue Omar’s first bull. All their meticulous preparation and hard work had led to this moment, and they aren’t about to let a little thing like an appendix get in the way of turning Omar’s dream into a reality.

See the video at www.gohunt.com/browse/videos/gohunt-originals/a-backcountry-archery-elk-hunt-now-its-real

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Off-Duty | Comments Off on SIG SAUER Presents “Now it’s Real,” a New Backcountry Archery Elk Hunting Film in Partnership with GOHUNT

Tactical Tuesday: Vertx Releases New RLT Duffel Bag Series

Tuesday, August 20th, 2024

Vertx introduces the new RLT Duffel Bag series, designed for those who embrace the “Road Less Traveled.”

These exceptional duffels are engineered for individuals who dare to venture where others won’t, embodying the spirit of the (R)oad (L)ess (T)raveled and the journey to get you there. Unlike conventional duffels, these are reliable companions for remote trails, bustling terminals, and every destination in between. Crafted from water-resistant, wipe-clean, ripstop fabric, these robust bags are built to withstand any challenge thrown their way. The RLT Duffel series stands ready for action in any environment.

Two standard duffel sizes (50L and 80L) offer versatile carry options and are infused with Vertx DNA, allowing users to customize their carry experience. The 100L model features a durable bottom pan and wheels, catering to those who seek adventures beyond airport terminals.

No matter the road you choose, these bags are built to get your there. Because Vertx knows that being prepared isn’t merely a preference – it’s a way of life.

The RLT Duffel series is now available for those ready to gear up for the unexpected at vertx.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Load Carrying | Comments Off on Tactical Tuesday: Vertx Releases New RLT Duffel Bag Series

919th SOW Faces, Overcomes Adversity in Readiness Exercise

Tuesday, August 20th, 2024

EGLIN RANGE, Fla. —

Citizen Air Commandos took to the air, traversed the ground and braved rough water during a readiness exercise on the Emerald Coast Aug. 5-9, 2024.

Specialties across the 919th Special Operations Wing fought brutal summer heat, logistical challenges, and terrain across a range of scenarios they might encounter in a future fight.

“There were a lot of moving parts to this dual hat exercise and a substantial amount of planning that went in to making it happen,” said Maj. David Hornsby, 711th Special Operations Squadron chief of training. “It highlighted some areas in which the Wing did really well, and a few in which there is some room for improvement.”

Responding to scenarios that demanded an efficient and organized response for a notional country amid chaos and upheaval required exceptional planning and logistics across numerous capabilities.

These challenges allowed the wing to complete the required certification of their Special Operations Task Group and a Special Operations Task Unit in the simulated response.

The SOTG functioned as the command component of the response, tasking the SOTUs with providing specific capabilities to help mitigate the ongoing crisis. The 859th Special Operations Squadron utilized the C-146 A Wolfhound to move two Special Operations Mission Sustainment Team (SOMST) elements and their equipment between airfields.

SOMST members used the exercise to refine their skillsets, equipment, and procedures. Challenges such as heat and coordinating career specialties provided insight on how to further develop sustainment capabilities.

“It was important for us to have this integrated support team thrown into an unfamiliar environment together,” said Tech. Sgt. Michael O’Callaghan, 919th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron resource and training manager. “In a real-world scenario they would need to combine their skills in less-than-perfect conditions to accomplish the mission.”

Sustainment Airmen narrowed down their footprint by reducing the size and scope of equipment, utilizing portable items that could be hand-carried. They opted for tents, air conditioners, and other tools that are smaller than what would traditionally be used and occupied less space on the aircraft.

“We’re pressurizing the system to see where we can improve. We were able to identify needed improvements to our SOMST organization, training, and equipment that will help shape the capability moving forward,” said Col. Olivia Nelson, 919th Special Operations Mission Support Group commander. “Perhaps most importantly, we leaned into the weather and gave our Airmen a chance to experience what deployment in the heat and humidity of the INDOPACOM theater would really be like. We identified the need for greater levels of personal fitness and an emphasis on hydration and work-rest cycles that will make us more ready if called upon to face a peer threat.”

The mission support Airmen stayed in-place overnight throughout the exercise. Controller Observers from throughout the Wing placed them in a variety of scenarios and then assessed the effectiveness of their response. Some of the situations Airmen faced included unrest outside the compound, medical emergencies, and engagements with regional media.

“The team handled everything from small inconveniences like dealing with customs to larger problems like medical crises,” said O’Callaghan. “The differing levels of difficulty and engagement challenged them and encouraged them to be mindful of how they deal with adversity.”

While the SOMST maintained their encampments, the SOTU aviators also faced challenges that could parallel real-world scenarios. A simulated aircraft down left four aircrew members stranded aboard a raft in the Choctawhatchee Bay.

A C-146A Wolfhound crew coordinated rescue of the castaways with the U.S. Coast Guard. The team surveyed the bay to provide details on the rafts location and maintained communications between the raft and the Coast Guard vessel.

By the end of the exercise, the 919th SOW successfully completed various aspects of Air Force Special Operations Command warfighting model. Organizers coordinated the SOTG, SOTU and mission support elements in a way that could be reflected in real-world scenarios.

“The amount of work and time that went into all the unseen portions of the planning of this exercise, going back months, was significant,” said Hornsby. “Everyone on the planning cell did a commendable job. The [exercise] was successful and provided an excellent bellwether as to where the wing’s combat capability currently stands. It should help to provide the command a good direction in which to move forward.”

By Staff Sgt Dylan Gentile, 919th Special Operations Wing

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on 919th SOW Faces, Overcomes Adversity in Readiness Exercise

Savage Arms 42 Takedown Now Available in FDE and OD Green

Monday, August 19th, 2024

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – August 14, 2024 – Savage Arms®, an iconic firearm manufacturer, now offers the must-have survival, truck, camping and more rimfire-shotgun combo in Flat Dark Earth and OD Green. A reliable and versatile hunting and general-use firearm, the updated Model 42 Takedown has proved to be a top choice for those in the market.

“The updated Model 42 Takedown is a game-changer, now available in two classic colorways,” said Savage Arms’s Rimfire Product Manager Brett McKenna. “With its combination rifle/shotgun design, simple break action and adjustable rifle sights, it offers unparalleled convenience and performance for a wide range of applications.”

The 42 Takedown rimfire-shotgun combo breaks down with the simple push of one button and includes a bug-out bag so you can easily transport it anywhere. The break-action combo fires rimfire rounds from the top barrel and .410 bore shotgun shells from the bottom. The Model 42’s length-of-pull is short enough and, its recoil is light enough, to make a perfect starter gun for young shooters. The barrels are matte black to prevent glare and the sleek synthetic stock is weatherproof. The Model 42 is available in .22 LR over .410 and 22 WMR over .410.

The Updated Savage Model 42 Takedown features:

• Combination rifle/shotgun

• Simple break action design

• Adjustable rifle sights

• Simple one-button takedown

• Included takedown carry case

• Removable rear sight to allow optic mounting

• 2 sling studs

Part No. / Description / MSRP

23001 / OD Green Magnum 22WMR/410 20” Barrel / $579

23002 / OD Green 22LR/410 20” Barrel / $579

23003 / FDE Magnum 22WMR/410 20” Barrel / $579

23004 / FDE 22LR/410 20” Barrel / $579

For more information about Savage Arms and its extensive line of leading firearms, visit savagearms.com.

Posted in Firearms, Guest Post | Comments Off on Savage Arms 42 Takedown Now Available in FDE and OD Green

MATBOCK Monday: Raider Back Pouch

Monday, August 19th, 2024

The Raider back pouch is a low-profile waterproof backpack that mounts directly to the back of your plate carrier with MOLLE attachment points. It can also mount to MATBOCK’s GRAM insert and is worn as a removable pack making access to your back pouch even easier. Keeping your gear waterproof and sand-free without the bulk makes OTB and maritime operations so much more efficient.