FORT DRUM, N.Y. – The Virginia National Guard supports more than 2,500 Soldiers assigned to the New Jersey Army National Guard’s 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team on their three-week eXportable Combat Training Capability exercise.
Since arriving at Fort Drum July 10, the 3647th Maintenance Company, 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group, has provided wheeled-vehicle recovery and maintenance support and more specialized trade support such as generator, armament and HVAC maintenance to the 44th IBCT during the training rotation.
Working with the New Jersey National Guard is mutually beneficial, according to Capt. Alec Hulbert, the 3647th company commander.
“We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with other National Guard units from other states,” said Hulbert. “Any chance for our Soldiers to learn from their peers and put their skills to work is a win for us.”
One new thing the company worked with was the Modular Catastrophic Recovery System, which will help quickly recover severely damaged equipment, especially in combatant environments.
“It’s been great; everyone is out here training and learning new things,” said Sgt. Jeffrey Sabatino.
Sabatino came to the National Guard out of a sense of duty and because of the professional development and educational opportunities.
“The reason I serve is a dedication thing,” said Sabatino. “I served eight years on active duty and wanted to continue my service and my trade, so the National Guard has been the way to go, and I have my GI Bill from active duty, and all around, it all helps me be a better mechanic.”
The Virginia Guard’s 1033rd Engineer Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, 329th RSG, and the Massachusetts Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, also joined the XCTC. The exercise enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight and win.
Such collaboration between states is just another example of the many strengths of the Army National Guard and exemplifies commitment to the “one team, one fight” concept.