FORT CARSON, Colo. — Sgt. Shyann Driskell, a petroleum supply specialist NCO assigned to 404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, assists in a fuel malfunction scenario during field training at the Forward Arming Refueling Point, FARP, at Fort Carson Aug. 22, 2022. The field training was to enhance the unit’s reaction to combat the enemy for all levels of support. (Photo by Spc. Brenda Salgado)
By Spc. Brenda Salgado Morales
14th Public Affairs Detachment
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Sgt. Danielle Walker, a culinary NCO, assigned to 115th Quartermaster Field Feeding Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Division Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, serves meals to Soldiers during field training at Fort Carson Aug. 22, 2022. (Photo by Spc. Brenda Salgado)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers with 404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, completed a field training exercise Aug. 18-25, 2022. The field training tested the unit’s strength in fighting enemy forces and recovering downed aircraft.
This field training exercise consisted of around the clock surveillance and strenuous exercises to prepare Soldiers for combat, where being prepared for all potential scenarios is imperative. Soldiers of the 404th ASB, 4th CAB, 4th Inf. Div., spent a week at the field in preparation for combat exercise.
“I think this mission is critical for Soldiers because it gives them the experience of a combat environment so that when they deploy, they will succeed,” said Sgt. Harris A. Eugene, a culinary NCO, with 115th Quartermaster Field Feeding Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Division Sustainment Brigade, 4th Inf. Div.
Supplies, food, water and fuel are just a few support teams that a field training requires. The Feeding Company provides Soldiers with hot meals throughout the day. They are equipped to make meals from scratch on location to avoid transporting food from cafeterias to the field.
“I think my job is super important for a mission like this,” said Eugene. “I feel like it boosts morale for everybody, and it keeps everyone motivated, without cooks everyone would be down in the dirt eating Meals Ready to Eat.”
The water support team ensured the training exercise is equipped with drinkable and potable water. They either transport water to the field or can purify water. They play a vital role to ensure every Soldier can complete their individual task.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Warrant Officer Naushia Smith, and Cpl. Gema Vargas, assigned to the Supply Support Activity (SSA) team of the 404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, assists a customer with an order during field training at Fort Carson Aug. 22, 2022. The field training was to enhance the unit’s reaction to combat the enemy for all levels of support. (Photo by Spc. Brenda Salgado)
“I really love my job, I get to come out here and work with machines that purify water,” said Alanna Maynard, a water treatment specialist with 404th ASB, 4th CAB, 4th Inf. Div. “I love the science of it.”
Another part of the support team is the Supply Support Activity team, which manages the requisition, receipt, storage and distribution of supplies and equipment. The SSA consisted of a total of five tents including stock control, issue section and turn in, reception desk, storage section and receiving. The SSA manages to support the entire brigade regardless of the location.
“My favorite part of my job is to see my customers get the help they need,” said Chief Naushia Smith, a chief warrant officer with 404th ASB, 4th CAB, 4th Inf. Div. “Getting an aircraft up and running, that’s the best part.”
One of the most necessary support teams is the forward arming and refueling point which fuels aircraft during field exercises.
“Nothing happens without fuel in the Army,” said Sgt. Maj. Jesus Jimenez, senior enlisted advisor for 404th ASB, 4th CAB, 4th Inf. Div.
On day five of the training the FARP had a malfunction and was unable to continue fueling aircrafts. With a helicopter on the pad and more in line to get fuel the FARP team had to act fast. The fuelers were involved in recovering and getting back to business. After multiple attempts to quickly fix the malfunction, they connected to a nearby truck for assistance in pumping fuel and were successful.
“I’ve never seen something like that,” said Sgt. Shyann Driskell, a petroleum supply specialist with 404th ASB, 4th CAB, 4th Inf. Div. “We had to go from plan A to plan B and C, it really showed how important training is for situations like this that you do not expect to happen”
The 404th ASB, 4th CAB, 4th Inf. Div., completed the mission essential tasks and will continue to stay battle ready. No job is less meaningful than the next, all components and personnel are essential for the success of a mission.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Sgt. Maj. Jesus Jimenez, senior enlisted advisor for 404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, oversees the Downed Aircraft Recovery Team (DART) completing their mission during their field training at Fort Carson Aug. 23, 2022. The field training was to enhance the unit’s reaction to combat the enemy for all levels of support. (Photo by Spc. Brenda Salgado)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Cpl. Kaylynne Blanco, a petroleum supply specialist assigned to 404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, assists in a simulated fuel malfunction during field training at the Forward Arming Refueling Point, FARP, at Fort Carson Aug. 22, 2022. The field training was to enhance the unit’s reaction to combat the enemy for all levels of support. (Photo by Spc. Brenda Salgado)