FORT CARSON, Colo. — Lt. Col. Aaron Parks, commander, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, conducts weapons training Sept. 29, 2021, during a Division Leader’s Academy at Fort Carson. (Photo by Spc. Scyrrus Corregidor)
4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
Maj. Gen. David M. Hodne, left, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, and 48 lieutenant colonels conduct a ruck march Sept. 28, 2021, during a Division Leader’s Academy to train and develop in individual and collective tasks while operating in an uncertain environment. (Photo by Spc. Scyrrus Corregidor)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — The 4th Infantry Division held a Division Leader’s Academy to train and develop 48 lieutenant colonels in individual and collective tasks Sept. 28-29, 2021, while operating in an uncertain environment.
This “Mungadai” event was modeled to echo the tenets of Genghis Khan’s legendary Mongolian cavalry selection process where the Mungadai tests leaders’ endurance, warrior skills and ability to overcome obstacles as a cohesive team.
The ‘Ivy’ Division has a unique blend of Stryker, infantry and heavy armor formations, designed to help its units converge faster, close with the enemy faster and consolidate gains faster.
“As the Army concludes missions in Afghanistan, the 4th Inf. Div. continues to prepare its force to fight and win in environments that are dynamic, complex and characterized by uncertainty,” said Maj. Gen. David M. Hodne, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson. “We must invest in our leaders and Soldiers to build cohesive teams necessary to close in these final yards. The Army’s source of overmatch is its people. Leaders must routinely refresh, or pursue, mastery of individual and leader skills to set the example for formations. This expertise will inspire young Soldiers and future leaders to similarly realize their full potential.”
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Maj. Gen. David M. Hodne, center, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, talks to 4th Inf. Div. leaders about their role in the division Sept. 29, 2021, after ruck marching up a mountain during a Division Leader’s Academy at Fort Carson. (Photo by Spc. Matthew Rabahy)
The Division Leader’s Academy included the following events:
- Multiple foot marches
- The Army’s integrated weapons training strategy with leaders firing Table VI with M4 rifles
- Air assault
- The Mabry Mile
Other events included: vehicular operations, late night patrol base operations and individual skills training ranging from vehicle maintenance to marksmanship classes.
Of the 48 participants, many expressed the camaraderie and teamwork aspect.
“I am extremely proud to serve with these phenomenal leaders,” said Lt. Col. Ireka Sanders, 4th Inf. Div. Public Affairs officer. “Whether it was vehicle recovery of a Stryker or marksmanship, we came together as a team to get through each obstacle.”
The grueling 36-hour training event challenged senior leaders of the division to reflect and rethink how they train Soldiers for the rigors of the modern battlefield through a renewed appreciation of the fundamentals.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — During a Division Leader’s Academy at Fort Carson, 48 lieutenant colonels complete the Mabry Mile Sept. 29, 2021, in order to train and develop in individual and collective tasks. (Photo by Spc. Scyrrus Corregidor)
“I learned a lot about myself and my teammates through this shared experience,” Sanders said. “There were times when each step became a test of will.”
Division Leader’s Academy balanced adapting under pressure, moving unknown distances, carrying heavy loads, operating with little rest, all while leading peers with productive training on the fundamentals — the “Ivy 7.”
Sanders said the academy reinforced the importance of knowing, adhering and enforcing the standards.
The Ivy 7 included fitness, marksmanship, battle drills, maintenance, communication, medical and vehicular operations. This approach of shared hardship deliberately aligned with division priorities and directed learning outcomes are essential toward instilling confidence. This confidence not only inspires belief in self, teammates and leaders — it also reminded or allowed leaders to understand the experiences of the Soldiers while establishing an environment necessitating and rewarding teamwork.
“The 4th Inf. Div. stands ready to answer the nation’s call just as it has over the last century,” Hodne said. “As our nation’s strategic missions become more uncertain and peer and near-peer adversaries continue to advance their armies technologically, the 4th Inf. Div. will accomplish all assigned missions; defeat any enemy, anytime, anywhere … and do this under any condition.”
Maj. Gen. David M. Hodne, right, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, and 48 lieutenant colonels leave the aircraft after an air assault training event Sept. 29, 2021, during a Division Leader’s Academy at Fort Carson. (Photo by Spc. Scyrrus Corregidor)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Lt. Col. Ireka Sanders, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Officer, pushes through the Mabry Mile obstacle Sept. 29, 2021, during a Division Leader’s Academy at Fort Carson. (Photo by Spc. Matthew Rabahy)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Maj. Gen. David M. Hodne, center, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, counts the leaders as they enter the aircraft to conduct an air assault training event Sept. 29, 2021, during a Division Leader’s Academy at Fort Carson, Colorado. (Photo by Spc. Scyrrus Corregidor)