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.