Photo By Sgt. LaShawna Custom | 1st Lt. Evan Pelletier, the battalion chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear...... read more read more
Warriors Conquer Operation Dragon Slayer
McGregor Range, New Mexico - The training exercise for 2d Battalion, 43d Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, ensured injects as opposing forces (OPFOR) created challenges and failures for the unit to learn from. Three Imperial Batteries survived week-long chaos as they conducted a field training at McGregor Range Complex in order to validate the battalion’s ability to rapidly deploy, occupy a tactical site and sustain and defend their area of responsibility.
“The Operation Dragon Slayer Exercise is important because we are trying to change our cultural mindset,” said 1st Lt. Evan Pelletier, the battalion chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) officer for 2-43 ADAR. “The number one killer for Soldiers is complacency. Complacency kills.”
These warriors were placed in several scenarios forcing Soldiers to explore beyond their comfort zone as they experienced improvised explosive devices and CBRN attacks.
“We have to work out other muscles, change the culture and learn from the lessons,” Pelletier added.
Although the Imperial Brigade’s main mission lies within the realm of aerial defense, Alpha Battery responded well to ground threats after executing a resupply convoy. Planning was at the forefront as Soldiers carried-out troop leading procedures while facing multiple threats.
According to subject matter experts, OPFOR’s from 1st Armored Division home station training, noted Alpha’s hasty ability to stay in the fight after losing communications. Soldiers had a battle rhythm as they returned fire and met the intent.
“Seeing what is in front of us and being aware of that is important,” Pelletier noted. “When you look at what is in front of us, there is no denying that there is going to be conflict, it is just a matter of when.”
To make matters more chaotic, Charlie Battery underwent a barrage of aerial and ground-based attacks. In fulfilling their ADA mission set, aerial threats were intercepted and contained chemical warheads.
During the crucible-like training, Soldiers donned their masks, mission oriented protective posture four and took cover.
“The CBRN attack was great for Soldiers to experience,” said 1st Sgt. Gabriel Rodriguez, the first sergeant for Charlie Battery, 2-43 ADAR. “It showed what they had to do in case a unit gets attacked with gas. It is different when you get attacked outside of the perimeter. Gas NBC attack is different because you have to react to that before you can actually go and fight the war. If you don’t protect yourself, you can’t protect the site.”
The intent was to see how warriors react amidst disarray while maintaining unit tactical discipline, resulting in successfully completing the mission.
Pfc. Lucas Miller, a patriot launching station enhanced operator/maintainer from Charlie Battery, was caught by surprise when his site was hit.
“This exercise is important because you never know what can happen in air defense artillery,” the patriot operator added. “You can never be too prepared. This is good general Army knowledge to have under your belt as a Soldier.”
Miller also shared in his experience, the best way for his team to execute is practice over and over again.
“The training has been going good,” Miller concluded. “It is invaluable for Soldiers to be immersed in real life situations. It is equally important for non-commissioned officers and officers. They’re seeing where we need to improve in order to provide the best training.”
After the lethal force, the commander completed a battle damage assessment of personnel, equipment and capabilities.
“This exercise is a great tool for the command team to assess the unit’s proficiency and make any changes or updates to the standard operating procedures on how to conduct defense on site,” Rodriguez noted. “Soldiers are learning from their mistakes. When we conduct the after action review feedback is positive. We’ve received great comments on how to improve defenses and increase proficiency.”
At the end of the day, Pelletier said it best, “We have to be prepared. We can’t fall in the mindset of ‘this will not happen to us’ or ‘we have these assets to protect us.’”
They say a story’s title embodies its protagonist. For the Soldiers in 2-43 ADAR, slaying the dragon was secondary to slaying complacency.
(By Sgt. La’Shawna Custom, 32d AAMDC Public Affairs)
| Date Taken: | 05.31.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 06.18.2019 17:32 |
| Story ID: | 328227 |
| Location: | EL PASO, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 173 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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