Photo By Spc. Hunter Grice | U.S. Army Sgt. Aaron Yearby, a motor transport operator assigned to 4th Battalion,...... read more read more
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RODRIGUEZ LIVE FIRE COMPLEX, South Korea - To effectively fight and win our nation’s wars, the U.S. Army relies on cohesive teams that are highly trained, disciplined, and battle-ready. This requires Soldiers to be in good health, well-nourished, equipped with essential supplies, and ensured that their equipment is fully operational.
Support Soldiers are crucial in this framework.
In July 2024, Soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, deployed to the Korean Peninsula to support Pacific Fortitude. This operation reinforces long-standing U.S. commitments to the Republic of Korea by deploying forces, managing equipment logistics, and validating unit readiness through live fire exercises.
As the live fire exercises began, the support Soldiers of 1ABCT proved crucial, providing medical care, nutritious meals, timely supplies, and essential vehicle refueling—each component vital for mission success.
To maintain Soldier health and readiness throughout the exercise, the aid station operated around the clock, staffed by combat medics from the 4th Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division.
These medics offered critical healthcare to U.S. Army Soldiers, U.S. Navy personnel, Korean military members, and others in need within the area of operation. The aid station, equipped with a primary care doctor, ensured that all medics were on call to address emergencies swiftly and effectively.
“We’ve gained invaluable experience by treating real-world patients here,” said Pfc. Steven Modzelewski, a combat medic. “The clinical exposure differed greatly from what we’d get back at Fort Bliss, including hands-on practice with suturing and heat-related care. Personally, and as a team, we’ve learned a great deal.”
In addition to providing critical care, the medics led cross-training exercises with U.S. Navy corpsmen, engaging in simulated care under fire and field evacuation training during Pacific Fortitude.
“We’ve gained experience at the aid station, in the field, and through collaboration with professionals from various backgrounds, becoming well-rounded in our skills,” said Sgt. Rachael Dickson, a combat medic. “This experience not only increased our clinical expertise but also created strong bonds across the U.S. branches and our Korean service members, significantly boosting the effectiveness of our joint team.”
Across from the aid station, the sole dining facility provided breakfast and dinner, which served hundreds of Soldiers daily to keep them fueled and ready for action.
Cooks from the 4th Battalion prepared a variety of hot meals at the dining facility throughout the exercise, including spaghetti, chicken cordon bleu and spicy Thai chicken.
“This exercise was an excellent opportunity to showcase the team’s skills and highlight our growth from when we first arrived to now,” said Sgt. 1st Class David Gamble, a culinary specialist. “It demonstrated how our diverse team members can come together to create and innovate in a different circumstance and environment.”
In the motor pool, truck drivers and refuelers from the 4th Battalion ensured timely delivery of supplies, including ammunition, and proper fueling of tactical vehicles to maintain operational momentum.
“We supplied ammunition for machine guns, small arms, tanks, smoke grenades, and C-4 explosives,” said Sgt. Aaron Yearby, a motor transport operator. “My team worked around the clock to ensure a seamless execution of the mission.”
The vehicles fueled and utilized throughout the exercise included the M9 Armored Combat Earthmover, M782 tanks, Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, M109 Paladin, Bradley Fighting Vehicle, and other tactical machines.
“As a refueler, my job was to ensure all vehicles were fully fueled and ready for qualifications,” said Pfc. Tashawn Hicks, a petroleum supply specialist. “We topped off our trucks and completed field reports daily to keep everything running smoothly.”
As the mission concludes, its success emphasizes the vital role of support Soldiers.
These Soldiers delivered crucial aid to the injured, ensured Soldiers were well fed, managed supplies, and maintained tactical vehicles; each element essential for sustaining a formidable fighting force and achieving mission objectives.
The collaborative efforts of support and combat arms personnel during Pacific Fortitude highlight the U.S. Army's capability as a formidable and effective fighting force, fueled by the strength and dedication of its elite Soldiers.
| Date Taken: | 08.13.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 08.18.2024 23:22 |
| Story ID: | 478453 |
| Location: | KR |
| Web Views: | 142 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Supporting the fight: The 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team Soldiers who worked behind the scenes of Pacific Fortitude, by SPC Hunter Grice, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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