BISMARCK, N.D. - More than 100 Soldiers from 13 states and territories spent last week here at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory learning about the benefits of Logistics Enabler Systems.
The National Guard Bureau supported the Logistics Enablers Overview Course, which brought six trainers here to educate Soldiers on how the equipment can interact and be used to support commands.
Designed to train Guardsmen on the capabilities of currently issued equipment, the course covered six systems that are used for deployments, homeland defense and training missions. Among the systems are a satellite communication system that provides Internet connectivity and a voiceover Internet protocol phone, a secure wireless Internet bridge and a satellite locator and messaging system.
"The Logistics Enabler Course was an opportunity to train ... on equipment that is useful during emergency operations in our respective states," said Lt. Col. Darcie Handt, director of the North Dakota National Guard's logistics branch, which worked with NGB to provide the training. "When properly used, these systems will provide visibility of personnel and equipment in real time."
Participants came from Alabama, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Vermont to learn as well as to develop plans for their own state's missions.
The wealth of hands-on training culminated with a combined hands-on exercise that demonstrated how the equipment would be employed in an emergency or combat setting.
"We work side-by-side with other states when deployed or assisting with natural disaster support," said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard. "It only makes sense to combine resources and train together, as well. The Guard strives to train utilizing real-world scenarios, and this week's course represented that goal well by providing some exceptional mutual training."