FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers in the 4th Infantry Division set up tents in preparation for the Warfighter exercise (WFX) Nov. 12, 2020, at Fort Carson. The WFX was designed to evaluate the readiness of a division to function as a forward-deployed command headquarters. (Photo by Spc. Kelsey Simmons)
By Pfc Woodylyn Escarne
14th Public Affairs Detachment
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers across the 4th Infantry Division tested their combat capabilities during Warfighter exercise (WFX) Nov. 4-13, 2020, through the division command culminating event, which enhanced the division’s overall readiness to fight and win.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Air Force Maj. Tom Leyden, an air mobility liaison officer with 621st Mobility Support Operations Squadron, 621st Air Mobility Advisory Group, carries his gear to the Warfighter exercise (WFX) training site Nov. 12, 2020. Soldiers with the 4th Infantry Division trained in the field from Nov. 4-13 to complete the WFX. (Photo by Spc. Kelsey Simmons)
“The Army (completes) the warfighter for division so (it) can be certified (and maintain) the ability to be ready to face near-peer adversaries. (This event was completed) through simulations and computers so we simulate brigades going through the battlefield,” said Master Sgt. John H. Cushman, a master religious affairs NCO with Headquarters Support Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4th Inf. Div.
The Soldiers completed a series of command post exercises (CPX) in preparation for the WFX.
“There is CPX I, II and III,” said Cushman. “At each level, you have a graduation requirement for communications, equipment setup and participation. You’re working through the military decision making process.”
The WFX is designed to test the division staff and see how they function as a forward-deployed command headquarters.
“When you’re participating in the exercise, you are going to focus on your area of expertise, which is like a piece of a pie,” said Cushman. “Soldiers from different areas … come together and everyone has their own piece of the pie that adds to the mission.”
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers move equipment to their area of operation during the Warfighter exercise Nov. 12, 2020. Soldiers wore masks throughout the exercise in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. (Photo by Spc. Kelsey Simmons)
Additionally, working in the field comes with its own set of challenges and accomplishments, he added. It’s a great opportunity to get to know the team, creating a unique bond gained through various personalities melding, while working together in a field exercise.
“This WFX presented unique challenges in the form of COVID-19 because it took people out of the fight,” said Cushman. “It actually made the mission more realistic. If we were fighting a near-peer adversary who used biological warfare, you would lose people. It really increased the realism.”
During the WFX, masks were worn and work spaces were sanitized as a safety precaution in the current environment and social distancing was practiced.
“Despite COVID-19, we kept going until the mission was complete,” said Master Sgt. Petero Valai, supply and services NCO with HHBN.
According to Valai, everyone, from the lowest to highest ranking Soldiers, had to prepare for combat scenarios during the WFX, which will be useful for deployment.
“Weapons qualification, communication and cold weather training were some of the skills obtained from this event,” said Valai.
The cycle of the WFX will continue to test the division with a set of challenges and battle strategies, but for now the mission is complete.