An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | June 21, 2022

Georgia Army National Guard Conducts Urban Training at XCTC

By Spc. Princess Alexandria Higgins, 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORT STEWART, Ga. – Georgia Army National Guard Soldiers with the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducted an Exportable Combat Training Capability exercise June 18.

The urban operation for Soldiers assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, and the 177th Brigade Engineer Battalion focused on breaching doors and clearing rooms.

The U.S. Army National Guard's XCTC program enables brigade combat teams to achieve the platoon readiness to deploy, fight and win battles worldwide.

Training in urban operations allows unit commanders to ensure Soldiers can carry out their mission and establishes internal procedures for operations, education and training at the platoon level.

"Historically, urban warfare has actually been more common than rural warfare," said retired Lt. Col. Louis DiMarco, an assistant professor of military history at the Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. "The transition to urban warfare came around the time of Napoleon Bonaparte in the late 1700s and early 1800s."

Over time, the Army has successfully evolved, improved and executed many urban operations.

"I feel like this training prepares me and improves my readiness by giving me that real-world effect without being outside the wire," said Spc. Josiah Pierce, combat engineer, Bravo Company, 177th Brigade Engineer Battalion. "We get all the necessary training and learn the value of being patient."

XCTC enables Soldiers to train how they fight. 

"We want to be proficient in our squad and platoon operations," said Cadet Michael Sandrin, acting platoon leader, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion 121st Infantry Regiment. "When we go to further training missions, stateside and deployments overseas, we're more than proficient in operating as a platoon with other units."

Synergy is vital to the Army, and it is imperative to work with other troops to complete the mission.

"We've worked with our units along with other units since XCTC has started," said Pierce. "It gives us the experience of getting to know and understand the chemistry of different people."

One of the Army's core values is personal courage. Throughout the Army's history, Soldiers of all ranks have needed to overcome challenges to complete their mission. These challenges promote character, competence and camaraderie.

"This is a huge leadership opportunity," said Sandrin. "Even for privates and specialists, they will have the opportunity to be team leaders and complete missions side by side with everyone."

Sandrin, a University of North Georgia cadet, said he was grateful to experience his first real opportunity to lead a platoon.

The XCTC was also a first for Spc. Dallas Montgomery, combat engineer, Bravo Company, 177th Brigade Engineer Battalion. 

"It has been a great learning experience for me, and even though I'm not proficient in every skill, I feel confident I will be," Montgomery said.

 

 

Related Articles
Georgia Army National Guard Soldiers familiarize themselves with the M2 machine gun during an Exportable Combat Training Capabilities exercise June 22, 2022, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The exercise included some 4,400 brigade personnel from throughout Georgia.
Georgia Army Guard Hones Readiness at XCTC Exercise
By Pfc. Katlynn Pickle, | June 24, 2022
FORT STEWART, Ga. – Georgia Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 177th Brigade Engineer Battalion familiarized themselves with M2 and M249 machine guns and M4A1 carbines during an Exportable Combat Training...

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation Brigade, and the Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment, conduct sling-load operations at Fort Stewart, Ga., June 14, 2022. The XCTC exercise included approximately 4,400 brigade personnel from throughout Georgia.
Georgia Army Guard’s 48th IBCT Participates in Combat Training
By Sgt. Tori Miller, | June 16, 2022
FORT STEWART, Ga. – The Georgia Army National Guard’s 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team is participating in the Exportable Combat Training Capability June 14-26.The XCTC is the U.S. Army National Guard’s program of record...

U.S. Army Cpt. Charles Smith, a logistics officer assigned to the Macon-based Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 148th Brigade Support Battalion, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Georgia Army National Guard, coordinates response efforts with civilian agencies from Georgia and New Jersey, Oct. 1, 2024, at the Macon State Farmer’s Market in Macon, Georgia.
Georgia Guard Supports Partner Agencies Responding to Helene
By Spc. Ehron Ostendorf, | Oct. 3, 2024
MARIETTA, Ga. – Since Hurricane Helene landed on Sept. 27, the Georgia Army National Guard has provided response and recovery support to residents affected by the storm, working alongside civilian agencies from across the...