A Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, is driven onto an Air Force C-17 Globemaster as part of a deployment readiness exercise conducted Feb. 23, 2016, at Peterson Air Force Base. (Photo by Maj. Matthew White)
By 1st Lt. Jonathon Mecker
1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE — Soldiers of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, conducted a deployment readiness exercise (DRE) Feb. 23, 2016, to prepare for what they can expect in the event they are activated for contingency operations.
The “Raider” Brigade is part of the Army’s quick reaction force capable of activating at a moment’s notice and deploying anywhere in the world within hours.
This exercise involved Soldiers from across the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team and the 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., as well as Airmen from the 21st Logistics Readiness Squadron at Peterson Air Force Base.
“The static load training we received is critical to speed and mission success,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Martin, platoon sergeant, 1st SBCT, 4th Inf. Div. “Being able to conduct a full rehearsal of the events places into perspective the culmination of all the hard work and dedication of the company and its Soldiers.”
With the help of Air Force personnel, Soldiers from the 1st SBCT were able to have their Strykers inspected while they were loaded for combat operations.
An M1126 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, is loaded into the cargo bay of an Air Force C-17 Globemaster during a Feb. 23, 2016, deployment readiness exercise at Peterson Air Force Base. (Photo by Maj. Matthew White)
“It was an honor working with the 1st SBCT, and seeing the capabilities of the Army and Air Force working together to move that many Strykers and Soldiers is unreal,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. Ryan Rodgers, 21st LRS.
After the vehicles were inspected, drivers and vehicle commanders guided the vehicles onto the runway and then onto the C-17 Globemaster aircraft as Soldiers trained on the proper procedures to secure the vehicles inside.
The Soldiers were not the only ones benefitting from the training.
Air loaders from the Air Force’s 21st LRS also gained valuable experience on how to properly inspect and secure different variants and types of vehicles.
“The DRE was a great chance for the squadron to partner with Fort Carson Soldiers and civilians to execute one of the 21st Space Wing’s ancillary missions, which is to deliver Fort Carson combat power anywhere in the world using U.S. Air Force assets,” said Lt. Col. Josh Marcus, commander, 21st LRS. “We look forward to providing this rapid deployment capability to 1st SBCT every time.”
This training allows the 1st SBCT to extend combat power any time, to any place, under any conditions.
“The Soldiers participating in this deployment readiness exercise are demonstrating a strategically important capability to respond to contingency operations worldwide,” said Capt. Kevin Pelletier, assistant operations officer, 1st SBCT. “Furthermore, this exercise proves that Soldiers from the 1st SBCT are ready to fight almost immediately by rehearsing key partnerships with the Air Force and 82nd Airborne Division.”