By Sgt. David Freydin

4th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

Sgt. Robert Washington Jr., petroleum supply specialist, 59th Quartermaster Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, works in the 59th QM orderly room Feb. 27, 2017. (Photo by Sgt. David Freydin)

Born and bred athlete Sgt. Robert Washington Jr. knows a lot about playing baseball. He received contact from Major League Baseball teams while still in high school and was destined to succeed as a baseball player.

“I’ve been playing my whole life,” said Washington. “My family pushed me extraordinarily hard from a young age, always placing me two levels above my age group. By my senior year of high school, scouts and recruiters were coming to my varsity baseball games.”

As life sometimes does, it threw Washington a curve ball, in the form of a daughter, during his senior year at Moore High School in Oklahoma in 2011.

Washington, petroleum supply NCO, 59th Quartermaster Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, passed on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to chase his dream of playing professional baseball to enlist in the Army.

Just two weeks after beginning basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, he received a letter from the Cincinnati Reds inviting him to spring training tryouts.

“My drill sergeant asked me if it was something I wanted to do,” said Washington. “He told me I could still end my contract because I was so new to the Army. Even though it was something I really wanted to do, something I trained my whole life for, I ended up declining the offer because I just had a daughter and needed a stable income. I had to make the best long-term decision and that was serving our great nation and providing for my Family.”

Sgt. Robert Washington Jr., petroleum supply NCO, 59th Quartermaster Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, swings at a pitch during a Fort Carson softball game in May 2016. (Photo courtesy of Sgt. Robert Washington Jr.)

He said many people were surprised by his decision, especially his dad, since only one person in his Family ever joined the military.

“My dad didn’t want me to join at first, but after he saw the person I became, he was proud of my decision,” said Washington. “I had ‘big shoes’ to fill coming from an athletic family. We have had 12 people in my Family play professional sports, and my younger sister is already being recruited by big-name universities in the ninth grade.”

He said his uncle, U.L. Washington, a major leaguer from 1977-1987 and a coach for the Boston Red Sox since 2003, was one of his biggest inspirations growing up.

In 2015, Washington was faced with another decision: re-enlist or utilize his final two years of college baseball eligibility.

“Family comes first,” said Wash­ington. “I have three kids now and I didn’t want to chase a dream and fall short. Plus, I felt like I had an obligation to serve the nation.”

Now 24, Washington said his glory days are far from over. He plays on the Fort Carson men’s varsity softball team and a travel team called Hitmen Softball. Last year, he competed in the Military World Softball Championship.

“I enjoy playing with the military,” he said. “It brings back the pleasure of playing the game without all the stress and pressure. I’ve also been able to network and meet a whole lot of people I would have never met, some with similar baseball backgrounds.”

He added that he’s received a lot of support from the military and his chain of command.

“I see my leadership at a lot of my games,” he said. “Seeing them supporting us really speaks volumes for 68th CSSB.”

“He’s a great NCO and baseball player,” said 1st Sgt. Robert Apfelbaum, 59th QM. “I hand-selected him to be our training NCO and oversee all operations in the orderly room. Even though it’s a long step from his (military occupational specialty), he has grasped what needs to be done and has been a huge asset to this organization.”

Washington, who oversees three Soldiers, said playing sports and serving in the military go hand-in-hand.

“I was the team captain of my varsity team,” he said. “The leadership role forced me to have to take initiative and learn to do the right thing when nobody is watching.”

These days Washington might be caught at the batting cages after work or practicing at Skyview Sports Complex in Colorado Springs preparing for the next step in his career.

“In the future, I plan on trying out for the All-Army Softball Team,” Washington said.

“Modern Soldiers are beginning to forget about the fight to liberate Europe.”

— Sam Doss

By Lt. Col. Jason S. Brown

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs officer

Engineers of the 4th Division construct corduroy road through the Hürtgen Forest, near Zweifall, Germany, Nov. 13, 1944. (Photo courtesy of the 4th Infantry Division Museum)

Hürtgen Forest, Germany —– Seventy two years after the single longest battle in U.S. Army history, “Ivy” Division boots once again marched across the hallowed hills of the Hürtgen Forest.

Members of the 4th Infantry Division staff participated in a staff ride Feb. 17-19, 2017, at the site of the World War II battle, tracing the steps of their forefathers and discussing their hard-fought lessons learned. The Soldiers were in Germany for a command post exercise.

The Battle for Hürtgen Forest lasted from Sept. 19, 1944, to Feb. 10, 1945, and marked the end of the German army withdrawal following its defeat in Normandy.

U.S. forces, in pursuit of the fleeing Wehrmacht, encountered stiff resistance at the famous Westwall, better known to the allies as the Siegfried Line. In the end, the battle for a mere 50 square miles of heavily forested hills on the German-Belgian border involved 11 U.S. Army divisions and cost 33,000 American and 28,000 German lives.

4th Infantry Division staff members walk along Route X-Ray Feb. 8, 2017. The small dirt road was the main supply route for the “Ivy” Division during the Battle of Hürtgen Forest in 1944. (Photo by Lt. Col. Jason S. Brown)

The staff ride gave the attendees unique insight into the struggles and challenges faced long ago on this same terrain. As generations pass and the U.S. military continues to serve in other parts of the world, the lessons learned during this pivotal fight continue to ring true today.

“Modern Soldiers are beginning to forget about the fight to liberate Europe,” said Sam Doss, historian and guide for the staff ride. “Walking these grounds reminds us of how important it is for modern Soldiers to analyze their situation and make informed decisions.”

The trip included visits to cemeteries and battlefields, bringing home the realities of the difficult fight. Of particular note was a walk along routes Yankee and X-Ray, single track dirt roads that served as main supply routes for the division and the focus of bitter fighting along the main German line of defense.

The roads offered stark contrast to the multilane highways used to supply modern-day Soldiers and reminded attendees of the importance of adapting strategies to the terrain.

The walk through the battlefield included studies of both German defenses and American maneuvers, as well as readings of the five Medal of Honor citations earned by Ivy Division Soldiers.

Pfc. Benny Barrow gives a helping hand to a buddy as the Soldiers with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Division, make a difficult climb in the Hürtgen Forest southwest of Duren, Germany, Nov. 18, 1944. (Photo courtesy of the 4th Infantry Division Museum)

Capt. Amy Briggs, officer in charge, essential personnel services, 4th Inf. Div., who was selected to attend the staff ride because of her analysis of the battle while attending the Captain’s Career Course, read the citation for 1st Lt. Bernard Ray, who lost his life Dec. 8, 1945, destroying German defensive works. “Learning about Medal of Honor winners is very important because their actions are something that every Soldier should emulate, no matter their job,” she said.

The trip was of special importance to the staff, as the 4th Inf. Div. celebrates its centennial in 2017. Established at Camp Greene, North Carolina, Dec. 10, 1917, to serve with the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I, the division has served in every major conflict since.

“You are all members of a unique and storied organization,” said Col. Miles Brown, chief of staff, 4th Inf. Div. “This division has a long, storied history, and you should be proud to wear the Ivy patch.”

Centennial remembrances and celebrations will continue throughout 2017.

Members of the 4th Infantry Division staff learn about the importance of the 12th Infantry Regiment securing Vossenack, Germany, during the Battle of Schmidt, part of the World War II Battle of Hürtgen Forest. (Photo by Lt. Col. Jason S. Brown)

Weary infantrymen with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Division, take a brief rest on a slope in the Hürtgen Forest in Germany, Nov. 18, 1944. (Photo courtesy of the 4th Infantry Division Museum)

The first snowfall of the year finds GIs with 4th Division sawing logs Nov. 13, 1944, in Hürtgen Forest, near Zweifall, Germany. (Photo courtesy of the 4th Infantry Division Museum)

American infantrymen with the 4th Division move across a bridge over a small stream deep in the Hürtgen Forest in Germany, Nov. 18, 1944. (Photo courtesy of the 4th Infantry Division Museum)

Members of the 4th Infantry Division staff survey Dragon’s Teeth on the Westwall, or Siegfried Line, during a Feb. 18, 2017, staff ride of the Battle of the Hürtgen Forest. The Soldiers traced the steps of 4th Division Soldiers during World War II and discussed the hard-fought lessons learned during the battle that lasted from Sept. 19, 1944, to Feb. 10, 1945, and marked the end of the German army withdrawal following its defeat in Normandy, France. (Photo by Lt. Col. Jason Brown)

By Capt. J. Adam Landrum

Chaplain, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

The shoes of Holocaust victims remain piled in a room at the Auschwitz concentration camp near Krakow, Poland, Feb. 18, 2017. A group of 50 soldiers from 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, visited Auschwitz, the largest Nazi concentration camps and extermination centers, with more than 1.1 million people killed there during World War II. Unlike the history they witnessed, the BEB Soldiers now are part of an Atlantic Resolve mission that seeks to preserve the liberties of Polish citizens. (U.S. Army photo by Ch. (Capt.) J. Adam Landrum, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division)

OSWIECIM, Poland — About 50 Soldiers from the 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion experienced a sober piece of Polish history when they visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and death camps Feb. 18, 2017.

A week before the visit, Karolina Jackowska, a Polish citizen in Boleslawiec, where the battalion is headquartered in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, asked Soldiers if they learned about the Holocaust in school. She was pleased to know that they did, and the question served as a springboard to experience history in person the following weekend.

“Reading about it in books and seeing it are two very different things,” said Pvt. Klinton Whitmire, combat engineer, Company B, 588th BEB, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, who was one of the Soldiers who took a bus tour to the historic camps near Krakow.

Capt. Mark Dwyer, intelligence officer, 588th BEB, gave the Soldiers a refresher lesson on the history of the Holocaust during the 3.5-hour ride from Boleslawiec.

As they entered the first building at the Auschwitz Main Camp, Dwyer noted a quote on the wall from philosopher George Santayana: “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Pvt. Jacob Debach, a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance platoon specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, walks the grounds of the Auschwitz concentration camp near Krakow, Poland, Feb. 18, 2017, while listening to a guided tour. A group of 50 BEB soldiers visited Auschwitz, the largest Nazi concentration camps and extermination centers, with more than 1.1 million people killed there during World War II. Unlike the history they witnessed, the BEB Soldiers now are part of an Atlantic Resolve mission that seeks to preserve the liberties of Polish citizens. (U.S. Army photo by Ch. (Capt.) J. Adam Landrum, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division)

Tour guides led the Soldiers first through the main camp, Auschwitz I. They learned that not only were more than 1 million Jews killed there, but that all of their possessions were stolen by the Nazis as well.

“The reality of this horror was almost impossible to realize,” said Pvt. Jacob Debach, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company. “Especially being there and seeing their pictures and actual hair and shoes after being gassed or burnt alive because of religion, race, beliefs. It was a different feel just stepping onto that ground when I first arrived.”

Unlike the past, the BEB Soldiers now are part of an Operation Atlantic Resolve mission that seeks to preserve the liberties of Polish citizens. The 3rd ABCT’s nine-month rotation in Poland and seven other allied nations focuses on maintaining a persistent presence that deters aggressive acts that could potentially lead to a repeat of history in Europe.

At Auschwitz the Soldiers walked through rooms filled with the Holocaust victims’ eyeglasses, suitcases, shoes, combs and dishes.

After the tour of Auschwitz, the Soldiers visited the Birkenau death camp — 500 acres of barracks that were once filled with Jews who died due to inhumane living conditions or were exterminated in the gas chambers.

Immediately following the tour, the Soldiers contemplated what they’d seen.

“Today I walked where they walked their last steps. I saw where they lived, where they slept, what they wore, where they suffered and died,” said Pfc. Cynthia Medina, combat engineer, HHC.

During the tour, Polish TVN 24 reporter Olga Poreba spoke to the Soldiers while broadcasting a story about their impressions visiting the camps.

“I think for many Poles your visit to Auschwitz is a very important and symbolic gesture,” Poreba said.

Soldiers from 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, take a tour of the gas chamber at the Auschwitz II–Birkenau concentration/extermination camp near Krakow, Poland, Feb. 18, 2017. A group of 50 BEB soldiers visited Auschwitz, the largest Nazi concentration camp and extermination center, with more than 1.1 million people killed there during World War II. Unlike the history they witnessed, the BEB Soldiers now are part of an Atlantic Resolve mission that seeks to preserve the liberties of Polish citizens. (U.S. Army photo by Ch. (Capt.) J. Adam Landrum, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division)

Gabrielle Chaffins, a Colorado Springs high school senior and Future Soldier, gets up close and personal with drill sergeants during a “shark attack” at Pershing Field March 4, 2017. The shark attack is how drill sergeants greet recruits stepping off the bus at basic training. (Photo by Spc. Anthony Bryant)

By Spc. Anthony Bryant

14th Public Affairs Detachment

Every day across the U.S., people from all walks of life make a commitment to enlist into the U.S. Army. After enlistees sign their commitment paperwork, they become Future Soldiers in the Delayed Entry Program, waiting to leave for Basic Combat Training.

Nineteen Future Soldiers from the Colorado Springs area participated in a unique training event March 4, 2017, at Pershing Field as former drill sergeants, now senior NCOs, from across the 4th Infantry Division led a simulated version of basic training.

Staff Sgt. Derik M. Moody, recruiter, Colorado Springs Recruiting Company, Denver Recruiting Battalion, said the purpose of training with drill sergeants was meant to expose Future Soldiers to the typical stressors of basic training.

“(As recruiters,) we teach them drill and ceremony, rank structure, physical training,” said Moody. “We’re getting their minds and bodies ready for basic training. We do this on a weekly basis so it sticks. We don’t want to send them to basic training with a blind eye.”

Future Soldiers hold the front-leaning rest position at Pershing Field March 4, 2017. (Photo by Spc. Anthony Bryant)

The Colorado Springs Recruiting Company coordinated with senior NCOs who’ve fulfilled special duty assignments as drill sergeants to train prospective recruits with the intimidating instructional style specific to drill sergeants.

“I was nervous at first,” said Tanner Dana, high school senior and Future Soldier. “Once the initial shock wore off, I just did what they told me and didn’t mess up.”

From Dana’s experience, those considering joining the Army are discouraged from enlisting because they don’t know exactly what they’re getting themselves into. Dana added that having sergeants who are willing to take the time to show prospective recruits that it will be tough, but manageable, allays those fears.

At the conclusion of the training, the Future Soldiers had the opportunity to ask the former drill sergeants questions about what to expect in basic training.

Drill sergeants critique the form of Future Soldiers from Colorado Springs while in the front-leaning rest position during a basic training simulation on Pershing Field March 4, 2017. (Photo by Spc. Anthony Bryant)

Sgt. 1st Class Phillip B. Caldwell, infantryman, Company C, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, said the Future Soldiers need to understand what it means to be in the Army and he hopes they learned something from the training event.

“You’ve got to meet the fear and recognize it within yourself,” he said. “Overcome that fear and take that step. (Basic training) will be a one-day-at-a-time process.”

Moody said the Colorado Springs Recruiting Company plans to collaborate more often with drill sergeants in training Future Soldiers.

Sgt. 1st Class Orlando Soto, infantryman, Company C, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, provides stern guidance to Future Soldiers from Colorado Springs on their push-up form at Pershing Field March 4, 2017. (Photo by Spc. Anthony Bryant)

By 1st Lt. Colin Simsarian

Assistant intelligence officer, 52nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

Capt. Thomas Lenz recently returned to his alma mater to speak with the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets in Blacksburg, Virginia.

A senior military college, Virginia Tech has a corps of cadets that comprises all branches of the service and a civilian corps track that graduates cadets with leadership experience into the civilian sector. The corps is roughly 2,000 strong and is the enduring tradition from the founding of the university in 1872.

Capt. Thomas Lenz, commander, Company D, 52nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, shares his military experiences with the corps of cadets at Virginia Tech Feb. 16, 2017. (Photo by Shay Barnhart)

As part of course requirements, cadets have to complete a leadership lab that often features speakers and is designed to work with the cadets on becoming well-rounded, proactive leaders. Each semester, the cadets conduct the Lt. Timothy Price Gunfighter’s panel, named in honor of the 2001 graduate who spoke at the first Gunfighter panel and was killed during a deployment to Iraq. Alumni are invited back to the university to speak about leadership, deployment experiences and to answer questions cadets may have about military life.

Lenz, a 2008 graduate and commander, Company D, 52nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, was selected along with Marine 1st Lt. Austin Dickey to speak to the cadets Feb. 16, 2017.

“It is always an honor to be asked to speak to the cadets,” said Lenz. “I strongly believe in the importance of mentorship and counseling; it is essential for our young leaders to hear about what is happening in the military right now from someone who is currently serving on active duty.”

Lenz shared his leadership experiences over the past nine years and encouraged the cadets to test their leadership styles while in the controlled setting of Virginia Tech. He spoke about his deployment and lessons learned as a young lieutenant arriving to his first unit.

After the panel, Lenz met with many of the cadets and discussed the challenges of transferring from armor to military intelligence, materials the cadets can read to better prepare themselves for becoming Army officers and answered a variety of questions from the cadets.

Capt. Thomas Lenz, commander, Company D, 52nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, addresses the corps of cadets at Virginia Tech Feb. 16, 2017. The 2008 alumnus shared his military experiences with the cadets as part of their leadership lab. (Photo by Shay Barnhart)

During a dinner with the cadets, Lenz and Dickey shared the importance of mentorship and counseling. They both stressed that the cadets must start their professional development now in order to better prepare themselves for becoming officers.

Dickey shared how hectic his days are and how detailed it is to plan training. He emphasized how the stresses of the military will far surpass what the cadets are currently experiencing.

Lenz told the cadets that it has been “truly amazing” how quickly the past nine years have gone by as he served as a battalion intelligence officer, brigade assistant intelligence officer and now company commander.

A helicopter crew assigned to Company B, 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, provides an up-close look at a UH-60 Black Hawk to Navy Junior ROTC cadets after landing at Widefield High School in Colorado Springs Feb. 22, 2017. (Photo by Sgt. Gregory T. Summers)

By Sgt. Gregory T. Summers

4th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

COLORADO SPRINGS — Smiles and cheers were not hard to come by as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew landed at Widefield High School’s athletic field Feb. 22, 2017.

Soldiers assigned to Company B, 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, provided a hands-on experience with Army aviation to nearly 150 Navy Junior ROTC cadets.

Sgt. Dwayne Parker, UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew chief, said he enjoyed meeting with the cadets and answering their questions about the Army, the aircraft and the military in general.

“It was exciting to get out here and meet with these students and get involved within our surrounding community,” Parker said.

The helicopter crew gave guided tours of the aircraft, posed for photos with the cadets and answered as many questions as time would allow during their visit.

Retired Marine Corps Maj. Mark Davis, senior naval science instructor for Widefield High School’s Navy Junior ROTC program, thanks a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew assigned to Company B, 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, for visiting with his students Feb. 22, 2017. (Photo by Sgt. Gregory T. Summers)

“It’s great for our kids to literally reach their hands out and ‘touch’ the Army and military life,” said Retired Marine Corps Maj. Mark Davis, senior naval science instructor for Widefield High School’s Navy Junior ROTC Program. “It’s an opportunity for them to decide if this is something they would be interested in doing with their lives after graduating.”

Seaman Apprentice Summer Childress, a sophomore, said seeing the helicopter up close was a dream come true.

“Just sitting in it was a step closer to actually flying,” Childress said. “This may be the only opportunity I may have to sit in a helicopter, and I am thankful that these Soldiers came out to visit us today.”

The visit was mutually beneficial said Parker.

“They probably look up and see us flying day in and day out, but to get the aircraft this close to them, it’s a unique opportunity for both the school and us,” Parker said. “These kids wanted to know everything that we do, and it left me with a great feeling of pride. I’m thankful to have been a part of this.”

The cadets formed up for a group photo with the helicopter and its crew before marching to a safe distance to watch the Black Hawk take off for its return to Fort Carson.

“We had a great time with these Soldiers and their Black Hawk, and we are looking forward to doing this again,” Davis said. “We are extremely thankful.”

A UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter assigned to Company B, 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, provides a backdrop for a Widefield High School Navy Junior ROTC cadets corps group photo Feb. 22, 2017. (Photo by Sgt. Gregory T. Summers)

Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, install M1A2SepV2 Abrams reactive armor tiles (ARAT) at the 7th Army Training Command’s Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Feb. 28, 2017. (Photo by Capt. Malcolm Rio)

By Capt. Malcolm Rios

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

GRAFENWOEHR TRAINING AREA, Germany — Tank and maintenance crews from 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, are giving their M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks a buffed up look that improves the overall defensive capabilities of the tank.

The 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, crews serving as the initial ABCT rotational force in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve began installing the Abrams reactive armor tile (ARAT) system to tank hulls and turrets Feb. 28, 2017.

“The ARAT adds extra layers of protection to the tank and the crew members,” said 1st Sgt. Ryan Dilling, Company B, 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg. “They are placed on both sides of the hull and turret. The reactive tiles prevent penetration of various weapon systems, such as (rocket-propelled grenades).”

Beefing up U.S. armor also serves as a greater deterrent to acts of aggression against NATO nations as the 3rd ABCT rolls out stronger tanks to conduct training with allies throughout central and eastern Europe, Dilling said.

The addition of the angled tiles to the tanks has been a cooperative effort with Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM), said Maj. David Campbell, battalion operations officer.

“TACOM maintenance workers welded the brackets to hold the tiles on the tanks. After completion of the bracket welding, tank crews are then responsible for installing the reactive tiles,” Campbell said.

Dilling noted the tiles will help in both rural and urban terrain.

“The purpose of angled tiles is so that a blast will go down or upwards, which will allow the impact to deflect outward rather than at the tank crew,” he said.

Campbell said the angles of the tiles can be repositioned depending on the situation.

“If you have dismounts on the ground and they’re working in close proximity of the tank, you’d want to angle the tiles down so if there was a blast, it would go out and down to minimize the effect against Soldiers nearby,” he said.

“If you were in an urban environment and you had adversaries shooting from second or third stories or even on rooftops, and the tiles were activated, the blast would push out and upwards toward the threat.”

Capt. James England, commander, Company B, 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg., said the ARAT adds protection while not inhibiting tank speeds.

“The ARAT looks like a good package. In our current operating environment, should we have to engage a near-peer threat, we have to retain that mobility.”

“We want to bring about speed, precision and velocity to move stuff and enhance readiness. This symposium is to (help us) get beyond how we have always done things.”

— Col. Douglas M. McBride

By Sgt. Scott J. Evans

4th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

Col. Ronald Ragin, third from left, commander, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, briefs 4th SB procedures to Brig. Gen. Kenneth L. Kamper, left, deputy commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, and key leaders from throughout III Corps during a sustainment symposium March 6, 2017, at Fort Carson. (Photo by Sgt. Scott J. Evans)

Key leaders from throughout III Corps assembled at Fort Carson March 6-7, 2017, to brainstorm the best way forward to improve materiel management capabilities.

The 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., hosted the III Corps Sustainment Symposium that united key division leaders from the 4th Inf. Div.; 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas; 1st Cavalry Division, 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command and 407th Army Field Support Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas; 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas; as well as representatives from U.S. Army Forces Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command, Fort Lee, Virginia.

“We have to work to lessen the bureaucracy,” said Col. Ronald Ragin, commander, 4th SB. “This meeting is about getting integrated faster.”

Col. Douglas M. McBride, commander, 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, Fort Hood, Texas, addresses leaders March 6, 2017, during the III Corps Sustainment Symposium held at the 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, headquarters. (Photo by Sgt. Scott J. Evans)

The group will meet again at Fort Hood in May for the III Corps Sustainment Summit to make further refinements based on the results of what was established at Fort Carson, said Col. Douglas M. McBride, commander, 13th ESC.

“Some challenges will be quick wins, while others will have to be accomplished incrementally,” he noted. “We want to bring about speed, precision and velocity to move stuff and enhance readiness. This symposium is to (help us) get beyond how we have always done things.”

The symposium’s first day centered on meetings based on the pros and cons of current operations and procedures of materiel management to better work out measures to establish synergy and collaboration throughout III Corps to make logistics operations smoother, both at their respective home stations and shipments to deployed areas.

Brig. Gen. Kenneth L. Kamper, deputy commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, addresses leaders during the III Corps Sustainment Symposium March 6, 2017, at the 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Inf, Div., headquarters. (Photo by Sgt. Scott J. Evans)

Those in attendance broke into four groups on the second day to discuss measures to enhance procedures and define roles, responsibilities, authorities, permissions and business rules in order to better integrate strategic partners to ensure an easier flow of materiel and equipment.

The collective plan for III Corps, based on the discussions, was briefed to Lt. Gen. Sean McFarland, commanding general, III Corps, as well as Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson.

“Nothing like this event has happened at this level before. I think that this could potentially be an annual or biannual event,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Marco Torres, 13th ESC. “This is the inception, so we will see which products we develop. But we are going to have to refine what we have come up with here.”

“Our mission here is to get our brigade ready to be certified to deploy anywhere in the world.”

— Maj. Kevin L. Boyd

By Spc. Anthony Bryant

14th Public Affairs Detachment

Spc. Nathan Gonzalez, left, and Spc. Destiny M. Sparacino, Stryker systems maintainers, Company I, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, reconnect an engine after replacing the transfer case on a Stryker during the combined arms live-fire exercise at Fort Carson March 9, 2017. (Photo by Spc. Anthony Bryant)

The fine dust of Fort Carson’s ranges hung in the air as Stryker crews hurriedly zoomed from place to place, kicking up dirt, as rehearsals went on. In the distance, the sound of helicopters flying overhead and the boom of howitzer rounds provided an auditory background to the busy combined arms training being held.

Soldiers from 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, participated in the combined arms live-fire exercise (CALFEX) from Feb. 21, 2017, to March 24, 2017, on Fort Carson.

The CALFEX prepares Soldiers for future operations by honing 1st SBCT’s ability to integrate all organizational pieces together when assaulting a single objective.

The brigade consists of 10 battalions — the standard three infantry battalions and cavalry, field artillery, engineer, aviation and support battalions.

“We have a unique mission where we have additional battalions in our brigade that a normal brigade does not have,” said Maj. Kevin L. Boyd, chief of operations, 1st SBCT. “Our mission here is to get our brigade ready to be certified to deploy anywhere in the world. So, we’ve got to learn how to use them and they’ve got to learn how to work with us.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Charles W. Tennant, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, pulls the lanyard on the M777 howitzer, launching a 95-pound, 155 mm heat round down range with the cannon crewmembers of Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st SBCT, 4th Inf. Div., during the combined arms live-fire exercise at Fort Carson March 9, 2017. (Photo by Spc. Anthony Bryant)

The 19-day CALFEX integrates unmanned aerial vehicles, cyber, intelligence, communication, fire support and aviation assets into day-to-day combat operations. The brigade brings all its combat multipliers to bear.

The CALFEX gets all battalions used to working together in combined arms maneuvers within a complex tactical environment, Boyd said. A platoon leader and a noncommissioned officer who know how to control their platoon or squad on infantry maneuvers now must control their respective elements using a Stryker platform, mortars and aviation.

There are 4,500 Soldiers in the “Raider” Brigade. According to Boyd, junior leaders are empowered to make their own decisions and their leadership, in turn, supports that decision as long it doesn’t result in injury. Junior leaders are then encouraged to learn from those decisions, good or bad.

Command Sgt. Maj. Charles W. Tennant, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, speaks with the cannon crewmembers of Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st SBCT, 4th Inf. Div., during the “Raider” Brigade combined arms live-fire exercise at Fort Carson March 9, 2017. Tennant traveled the area of operations to meet with 1st SBCT soldiers and observe training. (Photo by Spc. Anthony Bryant)

Standing by are the artillerymen waiting for the call to load 95-pound, 155 mm heat rounds into an M777 howitzer. As the “King of Battle,” artillery plays a key role in brigade maneuvers, providing long-range firepower to front-line military units.

Sgt. Anthony R. Yannarella, cannon crewmember, Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st SBCT, maneuvered alongside the infantry as a howitzer section chief. His seven-man section moved right behind the Strykers when they’d breach. When the infantry reached the breach site, his team occupied and waited for rounds, providing fire support when necessary.

The purpose of the CALFEX is to bring different assets together to gain experience and confidence in working together as a team.

Infantrymen from Company A, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, ground guide Strykers to a staging area as part of the “Raider” Brigade combined arms live-fire exercise March 9, 2017. (Photo by Spc. Anthony Bryant)

A field training exercise is the time when a section synergizes as a cohesive team, said Yannarella. This is when he gets comfortable with his section, when he learns the individual strengths and weaknesses of his crewmembers and fixes the weaknesses through training. Field training is where the section comes to learn their job.

“I love my job,” said Yannarella. “You get real close to the Soldiers, especially coming out here to the field. It’s a great job.”

Up next for the “Raider” Brigade is the Raider Focus exercise at Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site this spring followed by a summer rotation at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California.

Infantrymen from Company A, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, ground guide Strykers to a staging area as part of the “Raider” Brigade combined arms live-fire exercise March 9, 2017. (Photo by Spc. Anthony Bryant)

By Alexandra Flodin

Mountaineer staff

Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day parade grand marshal Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, and his wife, Janet, wave to the crowd March 11, 2017. They are followed by 100 Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div. (Photo by Alexandra Flodin)

COLORADO SPRINGS — Thousands of local area residents crowded the streets in downtown Colorado Springs Saturday to celebrate not only the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade but also the 4th Infantry Division’s centennial.

The Mountain Post was front and center as the Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard presented the nation’s colors and Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, served as the grand marshal for the parade that featured over 200 marching groups and floats decked out in green in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.

One of the many colorfully dressed marchers makes her way through downtown during the Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 11, 2017. (Photo by Alexandra Flodin)

“The military community, for all intent and purpose, is the backbone of our town, not just economically but socially as well,” said John O’Donnell, parade coordinator. “So many families return to Colorado Springs after their service is complete. The rich heritage of national service is a touchstone for all of us in Colorado Springs.”

Gonsalves and his wife, Janet, rode in a cherry-red 1960s era Ford Thunderbird and were followed by a marching element of 100 Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div. The Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard mule team and antique fire truck also participated in the parade.

“I think this (parade) is great for the community,” said David Guerlock, a Colorado native and parade attendee. “It gets everyone out and gives them something to do together.”

A local music school showcases talented youth during the Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 11, 2017. (Photo by Alexandra Flodin)

The parade lasted over an hour and showcased the creativity and talent of local businesses, clubs and organizations from across the Colorado Springs area.

The 4th Inf. Div. celebrates 100 years of service to the nation in 2017. Established at Camp Greene, North Carolina, Dec. 10, 1917, to serve with the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I, the division has served in every major conflict since.

“Congratulations, 100 years, way to go,” said Jim Degeorge, parade participant with the 79th New York Highlanders living history pipes and drum band. “Keep moving forward.”

The Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard open the 2017 Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 11, 2017. This year’s parade included over 200 individual floats and marching groups. (Photo by Alexandra Flodin)

The 4th Infantry Division Band entertains the crowd along Tejon Street during the Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day parade March 11, 2017. (Photo by Alexandra Flodin)

By 1st Lt. Colin Simsarian

52nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

Senior noncommissioned officers network with Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Tamara Olson and Retired Col. Hal Alguire during a breakout session March 8, 2017, as part of a warrior transition panel. (Photo by Sgt. Kirk Welborn)

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be overwhelming. Learning from those who have succeeded at translating the skills they accumulated while serving in the Army into a successful civilian career can help ease some of the tension of what lies ahead.

Former Army, Marine and Air Force engineers shared their transition knowledge and experience during the March 8, 2017, warrior transition panel sponsored by the Pikes Peak Chapter of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME). Soldiers with the 52nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, hosted the event at the Colorado Army National Guard Centennial Training Site on Fort Carson.

“The importance of this transition panel, and any transition panel, is the discussion of networking and what to expect when you transition,” said Michele Magrini, Fort Carson transition services manager with the Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP). “These veterans have gone through the transition process and want to help.”

Retired Col. Hal Alguire, formerly assigned to 52nd BEB and now Fort Carson director of Public Works (DPW) at Fort Carson, was among the panel members who noted his desire to help fellow veterans make a smooth switch from the military to a civilian career.

“As a veteran, a panel with inter­action between veterans and those getting out is an invaluable oppor­tunity to communicate and network,” said Alguire.

Company commanders from the 52nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, network with Retired Col. Tony Hoffman during a breakout session March 8, 2017, as part of a warrior transition panel. (Photo by Sgt. Kirk Welborn)

He said ultimately those on the panel consider themselves Soldiers and believe that there is no better way to help active-duty Soldiers than to provide them with the tools necessary to succeed in the transition to civilian life.

The transition panels have had great results dating back to 2014, said Retired Col. Tony Hoffman of the greater Kansas City SAME. He said it is satisfying for its members to know that their assistance has helped enhance Soldiers’ knowledge about the many different facets and changes that occur in such a transition.

“We have already seen greater networking and use of the post-9/11 GI benefits from transitioning military members,” he said. “We hope to continue to build on these successes and provide military members the best opportunities to succeed outside of the military.”

Col. Brian Truesdell, Pikes Peak SAME lead emphasized the “built-in” network that assists transitioning military members by showing them how to best advertise their unique talents to prospective employers. He said they provide the tools to succeed, however, those transitioning still need to do their part and network.

The event concluded as attendees were divided into small groups led by the panel members to discuss three essential aspects of transition — confrontation, disengagement and re-socialization. The conversation centered on the confrontation of taking off the uniform, disengagement with the military and re-socialization to get fully acquainted with civilian life.

Lt. Col. Brian D. Brobeck, commander, 52nd BEB, stressed the value of having a distinguished group of mentors share their experiences.

“The engagement and advice from former service members who have successfully made the transition to civilian life was very informative,” he said. “Whenever we can connect Soldiers with new transition resources, it is a success for the Army, our Soldiers and their Families.”

The Fort Carson SFL-TAP will hold a Military Veterans Employment Expo in May and a Transition Summit in September. Visit “Fort Carson Soldier For Life Transition Assistance Program” on Facebook for more information on upcoming events.

By Sgt. David Freydin

4th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

‘Team Rough Riders’ had to maneuver between a record-breaking 7,200 participants and extreme dust at the Bataan Memorial Death March on March 19, 2017. (Photo by Sgt. David Freydin)

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M. — While most were enjoying St. Patrick’s Day weekend, five “Rough Rider” Soldiers from the 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, trudged through a grueling 26.2-mile course at the Bataan Memorial Death March, March 19, 2017.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Bataan Death March, the forcible transfer of 60,000-80,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II in April 1942. The 28th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March and it’s record-breaking 7,200 entrants kicked off in the early morning hours with an opening ceremony that included a tribute to the living survivors and a parachute demonstration from the U.S. Army Special Forces Command Black Daggers Parachute Demonstration Team.

Battling temperatures in the upper 80s and increasingly difficult terrain, the Rough Riders team took home gold, finishing first in the military male light division.

“The heat definitely made the race more challenging,” said Lt. Col. John Vann, member of Team Rough Riders. “Training in the high altitude of Colorado helped us prepare, but the heat was unrelenting. Nonetheless, I made sure to have fun and help motivate my teammates.”

Lt. Col. John Vann, member of Team Rough Riders Bataan Memorial Death March, flexes at mile marker 26, just a quarter of a mile before the finish line March 19, 2017. (Photo by Sgt. Master Sgt. Zine Elkouarati)

Team Rough Riders, from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., included Vann, Division Materiel Readiness Center (DMRC) director; Chief Warrant Officer 4 Robert Lehman and Master Sgt. Zine Elkouarati, DMRC class 7 officer in charge and NCO in charge, respectively; Chief Warrant Officer 3 Nicholas Penna, general supply services; and Sgt. David Freydin, brigade public affairs noncommissioned officer.

Elkouarati, team organizer, tackled the Death March once before, but waited 15 years to take the opportunity to make his return to New Mexico.

“I’m always excited to come out here,” he said. “The Bataan (Memorial) Death March is one of my favorite events because it’s all about teamwork, heart and deter­mination. We started training three months ago, two times a week, in full uniform at Fort Carson. Even though we are competing in the lightweight division (without wearing packs), we made our training more difficult by rucking with at least 35 pounds on our backs.”

Many competitors donned small posters on their rucksacks with photos of Bataan prisoners of war for motivation. With an average age of 42, the members of Team Rough Riders had a variety of motivating factors.

Teammates, Lt. Col. John Vann and Master Sgt. Zine Elkouarati, show off their 4th Infantry Division patches at the opening ceremony before stepping off for the Bataan Death March on March 19, 2017. (Photo by Sgt. David Freydin)

“As an older guy, it’s important to show people my age that it can be done,” said Vann, 51. “Most importantly, I want to be an inspiration to my 13-year-old son who wants to be an Olympic runner one day.”

For Lehman it was all about camaraderie and overcoming adversity.

“We worked as a team to push and pull each other in difficult spots,” he said. “One person would take the lead and set the pace, and the others would follow. I didn’t want to let my teammates down.”

He also garnered strength by remembering those that the event honors.

“When I started to feel pain, all I could do was imagine how bad the prisoners had it and used that for motivation,” he said. “After the halfway point it was all mind-over-matter for me. I had to remind myself it was almost three times as far for them with temperatures over 100 degrees. If they could do it, I could do it, too.”

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Nicholas Penna, member of Team Rough Riders, leads the way for his teammates at the Bataan Death March on March 19, 2017. The most experienced on the team, Penna set the pace for the majority of the march. (Photo by Sgt. Master Sgt. Zine Elkouarati)

The Bataan Memorial Death March featured a checkpoint every 2-4 miles, consisting of food, bathroom and medical services. With the extreme heat March 19, 2017, and record participation, the medical tents saw a spike in injuries. (Photo by Master Sgt. Zine Elkouarati)

By Spc. Anthony Bryant

14th Public Affairs Detachment

Spc. Gregory Ratliff, infantryman, Company A, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, scans for enemies behind cover after receiving fire from opposing forces from inside a building at Fort Carson’s military operations in urban terrain village March 16, 2017. Ratliff is carrying a litter for combat casualties and medical evacuation. (Photo by Spc. Anthony Bryant)

The sound of yells and 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm rounds being fired reverberated off the walls and down the hallways of a three-story cinder block “embassy” building, swirling together in the distinct cacophony of war. The enemy was under attack at the Combined Collective Training Facility at Fort Carson.

Soldiers with Company A, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, unleashed a hasty attack at the military operations in urban terrain village March 16, 2017.

“The importance of urban operations is that we may have to confirm or deny enemy presence within an urban area,” said Maj. Ryan R. Nugent, operations and training officer, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st SBCT. “It’s a complex mission set based on civilians on the battlefield (COB) and unknown enemies that are operating.”

As the officer in charge of the hasty attack lane, Nugent ensured all enablers were set. The enablers included 11 opposing force (OPFOR), 25 COB and a hybrid enemy set. The OPFOR was a mixture of special purpose forces and conventional military.

Infantrymen from Company A, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, maneuver through the first floor of an “embassy” building at Fort Carson’s military operations in urban terrain village March 1, 2017. (Photo by Spc. Anthony Bryant)

Staff Sgt. Philip J. Grawzis, infantryman, Company B, 4th Bn., 9th Inf. Reg., led the OPFOR and COB as platoon sergeant. His previous assignment was serving as a Ranger instructor working the final phase at the U.S. Army Ranger School. He was in the OPFOR platoon for a year and a half at Ranger School before becoming as an instructor.

“A lot of people are used to a style of OPFOR that pops a couple shots off at them and then they’re dead,” Grawzis said. “I have my guys be more of an aggressive OPFOR to try to teach these (companies) how to fight against a smarter, more aggressive enemy because future wars will be fought against a smarter enemy.”

The previous day, the OPFOR repelled the assaulting company from reaching the second floor of the “embassy” building for 45 minutes because of where the OPFOR was emplaced. The building provides a real-world scenario if the Army was to go to war with a more developed country that has multistory buildings.

Staff Sgt. Tyler Garrison, infantryman, Company A, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, receives communication over the radio during training March 16, 2017, at the Fort Carson military operations in urban terrain village. (Photo by Spc. Anthony Bryant)

The goal of the lane is to build confidence in the companies conducting the hasty attack. After completing all company situational training exercises (STX) such as the hasty attack lane, guard lane and zone surveying lane, the company would then move on to day and night iterations of the combined arms live-fire exercise (CALFEX).

This training prepares 1SBCT for certification at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California, this summer.

According to Nugent, the STX and CALFEX being conducted by the brigade are giving the Army a good look at what a brigade can be like in the future. The Army will use the data points, after-action reviews and lessons learned to help develop the force of the future.

Think of the old cavalry regiments prior to the Global War on Terrorism, Nugent said. Their mission was to be in front of a division or corps as a forward element that would feed pertinent information to the leading commander. That regiment was also tasked with providing security for the larger main body force so the larger element could amass, under protection, to destroy other objectives based on the intelligence provided.

“We’re training up to deploy worldwide, and we’re making Army history here by reviving old concepts and providing feedback to the Army on capabilities it needs for the future” said Nugent.

Sgt. Eric Jarvenpaa, forward observer, leads Sgt. Timothy Ivey and Pvt. Spencer Cranford, both infantrymen, around a corner to close in on and dispatch opposing forces. (Photo by Spc. Anthony Bryant)

The Combined Collective Training Facility at Fort Carson features 304 fixed, indoor cameras and seven pan-and-tilt outdoor cameras that record Soldiers’ actions while in the village. The 4-square-kilometer village has 26 cinder block buildings, accessible cement roofs, breachable building doors, a tunnel complex and a homemade explosives lab among other structures and capabilities. (Photo by Spc. Anthony Bryant)

Infantrymen from Company A, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, watch for enemy activity before bounding to their next location at Fort Carson’s military operations in urban terrain village March 16, 2017. (Photo by Spc. Anthony Bryant)

Pvt. Daniel Argueta and Sgt. Spencer Bowers, infantrymen, Company A, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, provide security as a fellow Soldier bounds over a wall March 16, 2017. (Photo by Spc. Anthony Bryant)

Spc. Dominic Finch, infantryman, Company A, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, looks for enemy activity from the air guard hatch on a Stryker March 16, 2017, at the Fort Carson military operations in urban terrain village. (Photo by Spc. Anthony Bryant)

An infantryman from Company A, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, reloads a magazine with 5.56 mm rounds in a cleared building after engaging in a firefight at the Fort Carson military operations in urban terrain village March 16, 2017. (Photo by Spc. Anthony Bryant)

“We have a direct connection with the highest key leaders of Poland and NATO to make things happen quickly.”

— Polish Col. Artur Bogowicz

By Capt. Scott Walters

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

Leaders from the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and Poland’s NATO Force Integration Unit (NFIU) discuss how to integrate the brigade’s training strategy as the rotational land force for Operation Atlantic Resolve with alliance objectives during an NFIU visit to the brigade’s headquarters at Zagan, Poland, March 15, 2017. (Photo by Capt. Scott Walters)

ZAGAN, Poland — Leaders from the NATO Force Integration Unit (NFIU) in Poland and 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, met March 15, 2017, to discuss how the NFIUs can help the U.S. heavy brigades rotating through Europe mesh training priorities and larger alliance objectives within the host nations they operate.

Visiting the “Iron” Brigade’s headquarters in Poland for the first time, Polish Col. Artur Bogowicz, NFIU Poland commander, explained how his organization helps facilitate the rapid deployment of allied forces to eastern Europe. Part of the brigade’s mission under Operation Atlantic Resolve is to demonstrate the ability to quickly respond to a crisis, which could mean moving across several NATO member or partner nations.

“We have a direct connection with the highest key leaders of Poland and NATO to make things happen quickly. We would help the ABCT determine where (it falls) into an overall defense plan in an Article 5 incident,” said Bogowicz.

Under Article 5, an attack against one ally is considered an attack against all allies, and thus NATO members would provide a collective defense. This fits into 3rd ABCT’s deterrence role under Operation Atlantic Resolve as part of U.S. Army Europe’s overall commitment to the collective defense and security in eastern Europe.

Since arriving in Europe in January, the brigade has made strides toward improved interoperability with land-force counterparts in the eight NATO countries its units are operating in. However, synchronizing priorities among multiple military and diplomatic organizations often requires a centralized voice.

“That’s where the NFIUs help,” said Maj. Jon Anderson, operations officer, 3rd ABCT. “They can provide a balance across all the warfighting functions toward operations, and can provide continuity from one Atlantic Resolve rotation to the next. They’re in essence an extension of NATO or an embassy for us, providing inroads to nations as we move to and from countries in eastern and central Europe. They can provide the high-level conversation needed to minimize roadblocks.”

Maj. Jon Anderson, left, operations officer, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, leads a tour of the brigade command post in Zagan, Poland, during a March 15 2017, visit by NATO Force Integration Unit Poland leaders. (Photo by Capt. Scott Walters)

While visiting Zagan, NFIU Poland leaders looked at the Iron Brigade’s training plan for the duration of the heavy brigade’s Atlantic Resolve rotation. This includes moving the majority of the brigade from Poland to Germany at the end of March for participation in the multinational exercise Combined Resolve VIII, as well as future moves to Romania and back to Germany for similar exercises.

“It’s important for us to know where units are so we can help plan space for all and bridge infrastructure gaps,” said British Royal Navy Lt. Cmdr. William Inglis, an NFIU Poland planner.

“Anything that needs to be planned and synchronized with host nations we do because we are multinational and one NFIU is linked to another to synch efforts across borders.”

Besides Poland, NATO has established NFIUs in Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Slovakia since 2015.

“The NFIUs will help us speak the same language as our host-nation allies in terms of interoperability, whether it’s linking communications platforms, sharing information, easing our freedom of movement or developing unified training plans,” said Anderson. “They’re a great asset in a complex operating environment.”

By Dani Johnson

Garrison Public Affairs Office

A Fort Carson Soldier was recog­nized March 16, 2017, during the annual Colorado Springs Hometown Heroes Dinner at the Broadmoor Hotel.

1st Sgt. Lance Anderson, Head­quarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, was awarded with the American Red Cross of Southeastern Colorado Military Hero Award during the dinner that recognizes local heroes in nine categories.

According to the award nomination, while deployed to Camp Dwyer, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Anderson responded to an aircraft crash on the flight line May 18, 206.

“I was in the right place at the right time,” said Anderson. “I was heading to billeting when I saw the smoke and immediately headed (to the flight line) to see if I could help.”

According to media reports, the aircraft, which crashed on takeoff, was an Azerbaijani civilian cargo plane contracted by NATO to bring in supplies. There were nine crewmembers on the aircraft and two survived the crash.

Upon arriving at the crash site, Anderson took control and directed Soldiers arriving to assist.

“The aircraft was already engulfed in flames when I arrived,” said Anderson. “We couldn’t get within 100 meters of it.”

One crew member was ejected from the aircraft and sustained multiple severe arm and leg fractures. While the casualty was being loaded onto a truck, another casualty, who was able to escape from the wreckage and had substantial facial and head lacerations, was also loaded onto the truck. Anderson took the casualties to the battalion aid station after directing Soldiers to secure the accident site.

At the aid station, Anderson ensured the casualties were transferred to the medics and prepared for medical evacuation.

“My training kicked in. I was first concerned with how many (crew members) were alive and what I could do to help,” he said.

Anderson said being nominated for the Red Cross award is humbling because he doesn’t feel like he did anything that anyone else would have done.

“I don’t feel like a hero,” he said. “Any Soldier would have reacted the same to the situation — to save lives.”

According to the nominating officer, 2nd Lt. Rebecca Saldecke, now medical operations officer, 704th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd IBCT, 4th Inf. Div., it may seem Anderson’s actions were semi-crazy (running towards danger).

“How he acted is very common for his character,” she said. “He is always looking to help. His (Anderson) actions directly reflect what I consider a hero.”

By Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

Soldiers of 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, strap down excess engines to turn in to the Fort Carson Supply Support Activity. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

While Soldiers of 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, are away on their deployment in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, its rear detachment Soldiers are hard at work gathering excess and nonserviceable equipment to turn in at the Supply Support Activity.

“The unit had close to 600 recoverable parts,” said Sgt. 1st Class Mark Case, motor pool NCO in charge, Company B, 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd ABCT. “We are turning in five engines that are worth more than $200,000 each that we can get back to our unit’s funding. That’s roughly $1.1 million back to the unit.”

According to Case, the extra money will increase the unit’s readiness.

“It’s going to help with getting newer parts for our equipment,” said Case. “All the battalions have been working as a whole to get things done. We have a lot of good leaders in the rear (detachment), as well as Soldiers.”

Some Soldiers, such as Spc. Randall Delano, wheeled vehicle mechanic, Company B, 64th BSB, take on lead roles.

“I kept the Soldiers motivated to get things done. It was hard, but we kept working,” Delano said.

Spc. Jesse Kantar, motor transport operator, Company J, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, straps down engines for turn in to the Supply Support Activity at Fort Carson. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

There’s always a negative narrative about rear detachment Soldiers, said rear detachment Sgt. Maj. Christopher Williams.

He said the Soldiers are considered the brigade’s “eighth battalion.”

“We work full days,” said Williams. “We conduct (physical training) in the morning. I believe we have leaders who are continuing to support and go after the mission. We have the best Soldiers here supporting the unit forward.”

The unit had roughly $3.9 million in equipment to turn in and are down to $733,000 left, and that was all done in a month, Williams said.

“I thank the division, other units, garrison, (Directorate of Public Works) and many other agencies for the support,” said Williams.

In addition to the equipment turn in, the rear detachment force got back to basic Soldiering, cleaned barracks rooms that will be used by single Soldiers when they return from duty in Europe and are taking care of the Families of those deployed while also changing the perception of the culture of rear detachment Soldiers, said Williams.

By Staff Sgt. Gene Arnold

14th Public Affairs Detachment

Professor Sir Hew Strachan, professor of International Relations with an emphasis in military history at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, shares strategic and developmental knowledge on the 4th Infantry Division’s involvement in World War I during a lecture March 24, 2017. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Gene Arnold)

Some historians, military strategists or military historical enthusiasts may come to argue that the greatest generation of American Soldiers occurred during the World War I era. This war that changed the world 100 years ago, has been set as a precedent in the evolution of military strategy and equipment for the adaptability of the modern warfighter.

Leadership from across the installation listened to a historical and strategical lecture March 24, 2017, at the 4th Infantry Division Headquarters. One of multiple events planned to celebrate the centennial of the 4th Inf. Div. this year, the lecture covered some of the early history of the newly formed 4th Division at the start of World War I.

Organized shortly after the start of the war, poorly trained and scarcely equipped, this brand new fighting force trekked, trenched and fired its way across the front lines alongside French and British troops, learning the maneuvers of war as they moved along.

“When the division started there was no doctrine on how to fight in a mechanized war front,” said Professor Sir Hew Strachan, professor of International Relations with an emphasis in military history at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. “The Soldiers didn’t even have pistols in their pistol holders, just towels.”

Strachan said that even though they faced many lessons on the ground, they were the only fighting force at the time to implement those lessons while still in combat.

“I can say that the lessons learned were seen at the lowest levels first, then instituted at the higher levels across the division,” he said.

Outlined in the lecture were the strategical offsets of collateral damage minimization, the importance of doctrine in warfare and the importance of interagency relationships among military fighting forces on the ground.

From that rough start as American Soldiers, the “Steadfast and Loyal” Division has become a premiere fighting force. The 4th Inf. Div. was once chosen to be the experimental division in motorized warfare in the early 1940s, and now has become the experimental division to spearhead a new adaptable strategy soon to be implemented across the Army’s battle structures.

By Staff Sgt. Micah VanDyke

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

Col. Matthew Cody, center, commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Anton J. Hillig, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, hug veterans who fought in the Vietnam battle of Suoi Tre March 21 following a ceremony at Fort Carsonhonoring the 50th anniversary of the battle. Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, and 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, coordinated tours of the post and activities to allow interaction with Soldiers in a show of respect to the Vietnam veterans during a heritage week celebration. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Micah VanDyke)

A mere 350 Soldiers and Airmen endured an onslaught from 2,600 enemy soldiers March 21, 1967, in Vietnam. A four-hour battle raged on until reinforcement troops helped push back the enemy. The battle of Suoi Tre resulted in the death of nearly 650 enemy soldiers representing the largest one-day loss of the Vietnam War for the North Vietnamese.

The 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, was one of the primary units in the center of the battle and 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, was one of the main reinforcement units.

Today’s Soldiers of 2nd Bn., 77th FA Reg., and 2nd Bn., 12th Inf. Reg., both part of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, hosted a heritage week for the veterans March 20-23, 2017. The official and final ceremony 50 years later honored the Soldiers who fought in the battle.

“It’s been tremendous, the reception we had here and (this being) the last time was unbelievable. I see the morale is very high, and I really appreciate that; it’s good to be here,” said former Sgt. Carl Besson, Vietnam veteran who fought in the battle of Suoi Tre.

Brig. Gen. Kenneth L. Kamper, deputy commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, speaks to Vietnam veterans who fought in the battle of Suoi Tre during a 50th anniversary banquet March 21, 2017, in Colorado Springs. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Micah VanDyke)

Throughout the week the veterans toured the post and interacted with the troops and shared their stories.

“This is something that stays with you for the rest of your life, but it’s always great to see my comrades,” said Besson, who served with 2nd Bn., 77th FA Reg., from 1965-68.

Brig. Gen. Kenneth L. Kamper, deputy commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, quoted several former generals and the late president Ronald Reagan, who spoke at the unveiling of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in 1984, during his heartfelt and somber speech at the banquet honoring the Suoi Tre survivors.

“It’s pretty powerful when one generation passes on values to the next generation,” Kamper said. “Some of you all, after 50 years, might come to a reunion and connect with buddies, but the Army’s about people; sometimes all we’ve got is each other, so I’m glad you’re here. I’m proud of what you did, and I hope in some way the bonds of combat are even stronger now than they were a long time ago.

Lt. Col. Beau Dennis, commander, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, speaks to Vietnam veterans who fought in the battle of Suoi Tre during a 50th anniversary banquet March 21, 2017, in Colorado Springs. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Micah VanDyke)

“I think the bond between our younger Soldiers and the veterans of other wars is so important. It’s simply incredible that you all have had a chance to mingle with the 2-77th and 2-12th (Soldiers) this week,” he added.

Lt. Col. Beau Dennis, commander, 2nd Bn., 12th Inf. Reg., reflected on the importance of hosting the veterans and sharing their upcoming deployment train-up during his speech.

“I can speak for 2-12, having these veterans here on their 50th anniversary as we get ready to go into one of the hardest training schedules that I’ve ever seen in the Army is important to us,” Dennis said. “To have this as the backdrop, so to speak, to have veterans who have seen some of the toughest fighting in

the history of the Army, I think that’ll be a source of motivation for us going forward; as we go into rigorous training and we’re out there in the field, day after day and night after night.”

Dennis said this anniversary week does more than just commemorate what happened all those years ago.

“We can reflect back on this day, on what these veterans went through. I think it will give us strength, not only in the upcoming months as we train, but also when we head out on our next combat deployment,” Dennis said.

Leadership and Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, and 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, both from the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, join Vietnam veterans in honoring their fallen brothers during a 50th anniversary of the battle of Suoi Tre, Vietnam ceremony at Fort Carson March 21, 2017. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Micah VanDyke)

Vietnam veterans and leadership and Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, and 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, salute the American flag during the battle of Suoi Tre 50th anniversary ceremony at Fort Carson March 21, 2017. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Micah VanDyke)

Retired Master Sgt. Ron Conrad rings the ceremonial bell as names of fallen 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, and 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, Soldiers from the battle of Suoi Tre, Vietnam, are called out during a March 21, 2017, ceremony at Fort Carson held in honor of the 50th anniversary of the battle. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Micah VanDyke)

Lt. Col. Donald Cherry Jr., left, commander, 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, and Lt. Col. Beau Dennis, commander, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, both with 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, place a ceremonial wreath in honor of those who died during the battle of Suoi Tre, Vietnam, during a 50th anniversary ceremony at Fort Carson March 21, 2017. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Micah VanDyke)

Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, and 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, both part of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, show Vietnam veterans and their Families the Virtual Battle Simulator convoy trainer March 21, 2017, during the battle of Suoi Tre 50th anniversary heritage week at Fort Carson. (Photo by 1st Lt. Max Smith)

Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, show modern day howitzers to Vietnam veterans March 21, 2017. The battle of Suoi Tre veterans were at Fort Carson for a 50th anniversary heritage week. (Photo by 1st Lt. Max Smith)

By Capt. Brett Tinder

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

Spc. Paige Rayfield, radio operator and maintainer, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, helps stock new bookcases built by the battalion’s Soldiers in their off-duty hours at the Mielenku Drawskim Primary School in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, March 10, 2017. (Photo by Capt. Brett Tinder)

MIELENKO DRAWSKIE, Poland — As artillerists from 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, build interoperability ahead of multinational exercises in Germany and Romania with other NATO forces, they also are building solidarity with the Polish community near their training area.

Since arriving in Europe in January 2017 as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, have partnered with the Mielenku Drawskim Primary School near Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area (DPTA), Poland.

Between artillery live-fire exercises, “Pacesetter” Soldiers have taught English lessons, shared in games of handball and hosted students at DPTA for a demonstration of their M109A6 Paladin howitzers. While off-duty, Soldiers resourced four new bookcases to expand the school’s growing library.

“The community outreach is critical to the success of our mission here in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve,” said Lt. Col. Douglas P. Chimenti, commander, 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg. “Volunteering in the community shows we are not only here to defend the great nation of Poland, but participate in local community events. This allows the community to see our Soldiers in a positive light and also gives the Soldiers a better appreciation for their host country.”

Spc. Paige Rayfield, radio operator and maintainer, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, has volunteered on more than one occasion to mentor Polish students.

“The school visits make the U.S. Army more relatable and help us see our mission more clearly,” said Rayfield.

The partnership with Mielenku Drawskim Primary School carries forward the Fort Carson Adopt-a-School program in which brigades and battalions sponsor elementary and middle schools. Units visit the schools at least quarterly to speak to students and participate in school events.

“I strongly support the Army Value of selfless service and teaching Soldiers that a way to achieve this value is through volunteering,” said Chimenti.

The battalion will expand the program upon redeployment to Fort Carson, main­taining correspondence with the schools it partners with during Operation Atlantic Resolve, he said.

By Capt. Scott Walters

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

Soldiers with 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, load tactical vehicles onto rail cars at Sweitoszow, Poland, March 23, 2017, in preparation for the unit’s move to Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, to participate in the U.S. Army Europe-directed Combined Resolve VIII multinational exercise April 19, 2017 to June 16, 2017, at Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas. (Photo by 2nd Lt. Micayla Westendorf)

ZAGAN, Poland — About 1,200 Soldiers from 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and their equipment are moving from Poland to Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, to participate in Combined Resolve VIII April 19, 2017 to June 16, 2017.

About 300 Iron Brigade Soldiers will remain in western Poland to continue training with Polish land forces as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

Combined Resolve VIII is a U.S. Army Europe-directed, 7th Army Training Command-executed multi­national exercise designed to facilitate training among the Army’s regionally allocated forces (RAF) for Operation Atlantic Resolve and NATO allies, with the goal of preparing forces in Europe to operate together to promote stability and security in the region.

“During our nine-month rotation under Atlantic Resolve, the brigade will repeatedly mass and move around central and eastern Europe to exercise the ability to maneuver an armored force across alliance member-states,” said Maj. Jon Anderson, operations officer, 3rd ABCT, 4th Inf. Div. “The first example of this was our arrival to Europe in January when we assembled our forces in Poland after our equipment arrived in Germany.

“Now our movement to Germany to participate in Combined Resolve VIII is just the latest example. Participation in these multinational (exercises) not only demonstrates our ability to freely move an armored brigade around Europe, it (also) provides the best oppor­tunities to train with as many allies as possible so that we are collectively stronger as a fighting force,” he said.

Since January, the 3rd ABCT, 4th Inf. Div., and Polish 11th Armored Cavalry Division have worked daily to share knowledge and capabilities in areas such as field artillery, indirect fires coordination, reconnaissance, defending against weapons of mass destruction, armor maneuvers and staff exchanges to build a unified environment in military decision making and planning, said Polish Col. Darius Parylakowi, commander of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade.

Soldiers of 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, guide tactical vehicles onto train cars bound for Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, at the railhead at Zagan, Poland, March 28, 2017. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

“This cooperation gives the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade an opportunity to raise the level of interoperability of the brigade, which is the core of the NATO force as well as the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force. This has helped us build procedural bonds on a tactical level through the cooperation of our joined brigade and battalion staffs,” Parylakowi said.

The Soldiers with 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, lived and worked alongside Parylakowi’s brigade, and its squadron commander, Lt. Col. Chad Foster, said the combined training efforts have been a model for interoperability training and partnership.

“Because of the proficiency of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade and the resources made available by the Polish army, interoperability training has been synonymous with our own readiness. Meeting our live-fire readiness objectives was made possible by these outstanding allies,” Foster said.

“We were lucky to serve beside them. Their great history and tradition matches our own. This is an experience that our Soldiers will carry with them for the rest of their lives,” he said.

The 4th Sqdn, 10th Cav. Reg., moved its troops from Sweitoszow to Germany last week.

Other units moving to Germany for Combined Resolve VIII are the 3rd ABCT headquarters, currently based in Zagan; 64th Brigade Support Battalion, currently at Skwierzyna; elements of 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, formerly based at Drawsko Pomorskie Training Areas; and elements of 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, currently based at Zagan.

Sgt. Jamie Lewandowski, a multichannel transmission systems operator-maintainer with Company C, 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, hammers nails into a chock block to secure a tactical vehicle onto a train car at the railhead at Zagan, Poland, March 28, 2017. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)

About 300 “Iron” Brigade Soldiers will remain in Poland, including a move to Zagan of the 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg. headquarters and a field artillery battery that includes six Paladin M109A6 self-propelled howitzers; and the battalion headquarters for 588th BEB, which will remain in Boleslawiec.

Besides the 3rd ABCT, 4th Inf. Div., continued presence in Poland, other U.S. Army forces are rotating into the country. This includes the 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment-led NATO Enhanced Forward Presence battle group, which is deploying to Orzysz with 1,000 U.S. Soldiers and 350 personnel from the United Kingdom and Romania.

Other units arriving in Poland include a combat service support battalion, which will manage logistical operations in support of Atlantic Resolve; the 89th Military Police Battalion to Zagan in May 2017; and Soldiers from 15th Brigade Engineer Battalion, who will be in Sweitoszow from mid-April 2017 to mid-June 2017, to assist in construction near the base.

The 3rd ABCT, 4th Inf. Div., deployment in support of Atlantic Resolve marked the beginning of a continuous U.S. armored brigade presence in Europe. The start of “heel-to-toe” rotations, made possible by the European Reassurance Initiative, is a strong signal of the United States’ ironclad commitment to strengthening the defensive and deterrent capabilities of the Alliance.