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 | Aug. 19, 2010

Kentucky Guard trains for possible deployment

By Spc. Scott Raper, Kentucky National Guard

GREENVILLE, Ky., - Soldiers from the Kentucky National Guard's 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade recently began the long road to possible deployment as their first of three scheduled annual training rotations kicked off here at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center. 

Troops of the 149th MEB will complete the pre-mobilization training tours at WHFRTC over the next several months to qualify Soldiers and reach the necessary required strength. Their current stay is concentrated on preparing themselves for deployments and is organized for Soldiers to take care of basic service matters.

“We are focused on getting the Soldier as an individual ready to deploy,” says Col. Scott Campbell, the 149th MEB commander. “Later AT’s will work on collective training, but right now, it is individual focused."

Soldiers are required to complete tasks included in the Soldier Readiness Program, including Periodic Health Assessments, equipment showdowns and other personal issues. Field exercises for individual Soldier skills include: Individual Maneuver and Tactics Course, Close Quarters Marksmanship, Military Operations in Urban Terrain training, Humvee Egress Assistance Training, Virtual Convoy Operation Training, and Entry Control Point training.

Soldiers battled excessive heat conditions during training, but were reminded of how appropriate it is in a real world understanding of their possible deployment. Morale remained extremely high throughout as they kept the mission first and drove on. 

“Morale has been excellent,” said Capt. Janee Wilson, the Alpha Company commander. “I have not seen anyone not enjoy training, not engage or not grasp what we are doing, they are asking questions and getting involved."

The efforts of the Soldiers has been observed and noted by all members of their command staff. 

“This annual training has exceeded my expectations," said Campbell. "The Soldiers are motivated, enthusiastically attacking the training. The attitude, the way they are going about their business is heartwarming.”

Units of the 149th stretch entirely across the Commonwealth, with armories in Benton, Bowling Green and Hopkinsville out west, Williamsburg, Somerset, Harlan, Middlesboro, Barbourville, and Ravenna in eastern Kentucky with a headquarters in Louisville.

The 149th could also be in the process of making history for the Kentucky National Guard, as their possible deployment of nearly 1,400 Citizen Soldiers would be the largest deployment since World War II.

 

 

Related Articles
Civic leaders and newly commissioned U.S. Air Force pilot trainees gather with the 168th Wing KC-135 Stratotanker aircrew following an aerial refueling mission during Red Flag-Alaska 25-2, June 24, 2025. The event provided participants with a unique opportunity to witness the complex coordination and precision required for refueling U.S. and allied aircraft in flight. This experience highlighted the critical role the 168th Wing plays in sustaining readiness and strengthening defense capabilities throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Civic Leaders Fly With Alaska Air Guard During Red Flag Alaska 25-2
By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey, | July 3, 2025
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska – The Alaska Air National Guard’s 168th Wing hosted a civic leader flight June 24 that offered local leaders an opportunity to view an aerial refueling mission over the Joint Pacific Alaska...

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa Command Surgeon and staff, along with the Ohio National Guard, visit medical students and doctors at the American Corner prior to attending the Platinum Wolf 25 Distinguished Visitor day in Bujanovac, Serbia, June 26, 2025. PW25 is an exercise focused on regional stability, partnership, and interoperability between the U.S., regional forces, and the Serbian Armed Forces, marking the first time Stamp and his staff attended in support of the medical teams that participated in the exercise.
Ohio Guard Attends Exercise Platinum Wolf in Serbia
By 1st Lt. Kaseyann Cornwall, | July 3, 2025
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany – Several high-ranking officials from U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa, or USAFE-AFAFRICA, and the Ohio National Guard participated in the June 26 Distinguished Visitor day at Exercise...

A UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 140th Aviation, 96th Troop Command, Washington Army National Guard conducts water bucket training with Central Pierce Fire and Rescue, June 30, 2025, near Puyallup, Wash.
Washington Army Guard Trains in Water Bucket Operations
By Joseph Siemandel, | July 2, 2025
PUYALLUP, Wash. - To prepare for wildfire season, aviation crews from the Washington Army National Guard have been working to become certified in water bucket operations, completing as many repetitions as possible while...