PINEVILLE, La. – The Louisiana Army National Guard’s 225th Engineer Brigade participated in a warfighter exercise at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Oct. 31–Nov. 15.
Warfighter is a tactical command post-exercise to assess unit capabilities with computer simulation of combat and battlefield scenarios. It tests the ability to coordinate and communicate in functional skill areas such as command and control, movement and maneuver, intelligence, targeting processes, sustainment and protection.
More than 120 Guardsmen participated in Warfighter Exercise 23-2 under the XVIII Airborne Corps and overseen by the Mission Command Training Program. Observer coach/trainers monitored the staff and command team and provided Immediate feedback on staff functions and processes.
“It’s motivating to observe your team performing at an elite level that showcases the capabilities of the Castle Brigade,” said Col. Greg St. Romain, commander of the 225th. “Every aspect of this training exercise was challenging. However, the Soldiers of this brigade rose to that challenge. They are a proven unit that has a shared understanding of the mission and understands where and when to provide support to multiple units at multiple levels.”
Challenges were introduced throughout the exercise to test readiness and personnel. The 225th Engineer Brigade used decisive action training to improve coordination and synchronization and promote teamwork.
“The training was different from what we do during our regular drills,” said Spc. Michael Williams, a bridge crewmember in the 225th. “I feel like it helped us get better at communicating during different types of missions both in a war or when we are responding to natural disasters at home.”