Photo By Spc. Katlynn Pickle | U. S. Georgia Army National Guard Soldier goes through weapon familiarization on the...... read more read more
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U.S. Georgia Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 177th Brigade Engineer Battalion performed weapons familiarization on M2 machine guns, M4A1 carbines and M249 light machine guns during the Exportable Combat Training Capabilities exercise, June 22, 2022, at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
Exportable Combat Training Capabilities (XCTC) is the U.S. Army National Guard’s program of record that enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight, and win battles throughout the world. The XCTC exercise will include approximately 4,400 brigade personnel from throughout Georgia.
“It’s been really good because they incorporate real-life scenarios,” said Sgt. Zachary Hayes, squad leader, Bravo Company, 177th Brigade Engineers Battalion. “Our guys are doing a really good job. We’ve had people start to prove that they know what they’re doing. They are good at it and very effective at their job,” continued Hayes. This unit is specialized in creating and maintaining a battalion or even a brigade’s freedom of mobility. XCTC has provided many opportunities to train in identifying and handling potential dangers with many other specialized units within the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
The training includes working with Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) units in mass casualty situations. “We clear routes of IEDs and any other types of munitions that might be used to inhibit freedom of movement. We accomplish this for battalion-to-brigade sized elements,” said 1st Lt. Carson Wright, route clearance platoon leader, Bravo Company, 177th Brigade Engineer Battalion. “It’s best that we get them as much training as possible, so they are more effective when we are on mission,” said Wright.
Freedom of mobility is a significant stepping stone in any operation’s overall success. Being versatile is hugely beneficial to Soldiers in unpredictable scenarios like mass casualty events. Soldiers participating in XCTC have been training in a field environment and working closely with each other and their leadership. The 177th Brigade Engineer Battalion has been training on various vehicles and weapons they will utilize in a deployed environment.
“It has been a good experience for me,” said Pfc. Solaine Gordan, a combat engineer, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 177th Brigade Engineer Battalion. “I am not originally from the United States. I am originally from Jamaica. So a lot of the ways you all speak or read are not the same for me. Also, I am very shy, so it’s different for me to constantly speak up.” Gordon stated.
“It has brought our team closer and to work better together,” Sgt. Hayes said. “I think a big takeaway from this exercise is building trust among peers.” The interoperability of Soldiers and units is essential to mission success and organizational unity. Adaptability to the situation and those around you is vital to every mission. Being able to grow the personal skills of Soldiers and the bonds they share is an invaluable asset to every part of the brigade.
| Date Taken: | 06.22.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 06.23.2022 17:53 |
| Story ID: | 423623 |
| Location: | FORT STEWART, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 3,871 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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