Kentucky ADT trains for upcoming Afghanistan deployment

By Staff Sgt. Michael Oliver
Kentucky National Guard

Spc. Timothy Akers, a member of the Kentucky National Guard's Agribusiness Development Team II, pulls security during a meeting with key leaders at a mock Afghan village at Camp Atterbury, Ind., May 26, 2010. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Oliver, Kentucky National Guard)
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CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind., (5/26/10) - Guardsmen from the Kentucky National Guard Agribusiness Development Team II participated in a training exercise at a mock Afgan village here May 26 in preparation for their deployment to Afghanistan next month.

The ADT members simulated a visit with Provincial leaders to further develop the Afghan agriculture structure. 

While the agriculture team key leaders discussed operational plans, the force protection team provided security for the meeting. 

Unit members said the training exercise gave them real life experience and combat readiness for their upcoming deployment.  

Army Lt. Col. Garland Goodrich, team leader for ADT II and a farmer in his civilian career, transferred from the Virginia National Guard to Kentucky specifically for this mission.

He said they have learned a lot as a team and not just individual agricultural training.

“Most of our training at Camp Atterbury has been basic Soldier skills," he said. "Our primary mission is agriculture, but we are Soldiers first so we got to make sure we have the skill set needed to be safe over there."

ADT II will take over for ADT I, also from the Kentucky National Guard, which will return from Afghanistan later this summer.

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