Soldiers deploy to Lackland for quick-reaction exercise

  • Published
  • By Army Spc. Alfredo Jimenez Jr.
  • Air Force Print News
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Best known for its one-of-a-kind role as the source of Air Force basic training, this base in the heart of Texas welcomed Soldiers for training of a more advanced sort -- defending high-value government facilities from terrorist attacks.

A U.S. Northern Command quick reaction force, made up of more than 100 Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, put its skills to the test in defending a government facility at Lackland’s Medina Annex Dec. 8.

The exercise was designed by U.S. Northern Command officials to ensure it can rapidly deploy ground forces throughout the continental United States for homeland defense missions, according to Army Maj. Randy Cephus, a public affairs officer in the 4th ID.

“The exercise, which took a couple of months to plan but only a day to pull off, benefited both services because the Army and the Air Force are working hand-in-hand in Iraq and around the world,” said Tech. Sgt. Brian W. Nutter, an opposing forces Airman from the 737th Training Support Squadron here.

“We helped Northern Command with its mission by providing an opposing force to better invoke the right reactions from the Soldiers,” Sergeant Nutter said. “We are glad to be part of this exercise because we know it will help them better protect our nation’s security, and also help us hone our own skills at providing top-notch training to the airmen that come through here.”

Training scenarios included beefing up security at Medina’s entry control points, assisting with random vehicle searches, conducting base patrols, providing security for an ammunition facility and securing a detention facility, officials said.

Lackland Airmen also provided communications support and made sure the Soldiers had everything they needed to live and operate while away from home, including tents, ammunition, food, etc., said Army Master Sgt. Christopher Allbright, public affairs officer for 5th U.S. Army.

“This was a great opportunity for Lackland to be a part of something essential in homeland defense,” he said. “It also showed everyone how everything would flow if a lead federal agency ever needs our help.”

Soldiers on the simulated battlefield were impressed with Lackland’s support, including Army Pvt. Taylor McClendon, a tank driver.

“The help we received from the Air Force was instrumental in making sure we are ready for a real-world situation,” Private McClendon said. “They made our trip from (Fort Hood) very pleasant and I am glad they were out here supporting us during this intense and important exercise.”

Cohesion between the military branches is more important now than ever before, said Army Spc. Donnie L. Erwin, a tank loader.

“All of this support...was important to us because it showed two military branches working together to accomplish the same mission,” he said. “It also showed the enemy that we are very determined to defend this country, its citizens and its facilities with everything that we have.”

The exercise left the quick-reaction force better prepared to respond to crisis situations, Major Cephus said.

“All of our training objectives were validated and our troop leader procedures were completed,” the major said. “The Soldiers were able to successfully complete the three major tasks at hand -- securing a detention facility, augmenting defense for the base and providing security for the ammunition point.”