37th IBCT preps for JRTC with Fort Knox training
‘Buckeye’ Brigade to take part in rotation with Hungarian, Colombian forces
Story by Spc. Grace Jacobs, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
FORT KNOX, Ky. (05/27/21)
As the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team embarks on its training rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, Louisiana to become tougher, more resilient and remain always ready for unpredictable situations, its Soldiers can look to the extensive training conducted in March and April at Fort Knox as one of the keys to its preparedness for this moment.
The intent of the training this spring was to refine squad, platoon and company tactics, and to build relationships among Army National Guard units normally located in separate states.
The 37th IBCT is composed of units from three states’ Army National Guards, from Ohio, Michigan and South Carolina. The Ohio units participating include the 1-148th Infantry Regiment, 2-107th Cavalry Regiment, 237th Support Battalion and the 837th Engineer Battalion. The 1-125th Infantry Regiment from Michigan and 1-118th Infantry Regiment from South Carolina make up the remaining units of the 37th IBCT. These units have been coordinating and cooperating for months to ensure they are prepared for these exercises.
While conducting training at Fort Knox, thousands of Soldiers conducted command post operations, situational training exercise lanes, crew-served and individual weapons ranges. The Soldiers also focused on radio communications, medical evacuation procedures and junior leader development. Over a span of about a week, each Soldier honed the skills they will need to utilize during their JRTC rotation.
The 37th IBCT rotation at the JRTC is an exercise designed to conduct challenging, realistic, multi-echelon training within a live competitive environment, in order to improve brigade combat team and battalion leader functions and staff processes. The purpose of a JRTC rotation is to improve a unit’s readiness and provide exceedingly challenging and realistic training. The training prepares Soldiers for future conflicts and deployments. In addition, the battalions within the 37th IBCT get the opportunity to work together to combine capabilities, and to help plan and accommodate for future training, which allows Soldiers to be ready for any situation.
Throughout 2020 and 2021, the 37th IBCT has been activated to respond to missions within their states and across the U.S. Each unit has contributed to COVID-19 relief efforts and many were involved in deployments to Washington, D.C. for support during the 2021 Presidential Inauguration.
Throughout 2020 and 2021, the 37th IBCT has been activated to respond to missions within their states and across the U.S. Each unit has contributed to COVID-19 relief efforts and many were involved in deployments to Washington, D.C. for support during the 2021 Presidential Inauguration.
When asked about his deployment to Washington, D.C., Ohio Army National Guard Maj. Russell Galeti, executive officer of the 2-107th Cavalry Regiment, said “after 22 years of service in the Ohio National Guard, this is the most important thing I will ever do with my career, because it was a direct defense of a peaceful transition of power.”
Sgt. Terrence Daniels, also of the 2-107th, said “one of the biggest takeaways from the D.C. and COVID-19 missions is human interaction. Everyone knows about the Guard, but they hardly ever see us. These missions are putting us out in the communities and people’s faces. It’s something different than just a hurricane or tornado disaster. I think that having that community visual has been very impactful.”
South Carolina Army National Guard Spc. Catherine Longville, from the 1-118th Infantry Regiment said “that’s one of the fun parts about all of this. I like meeting people from other units and hearing their experiences. It’s an opportunity to get to know your counterparts, which makes everyone more effective as a whole and builds those relationships.”
The training in June will also provide an opportunity to partner with the Hungarian Defence Forces and the Colombian military. In 1993, the U.S. Department of Defense established the State Partnership Program and the Ohio National Guard was paired with Hungary as one of the initiative’s first partnerships. As part of the bilateral exercise, around 130 Hungarian soldiers will train alongside 37th IBCT Soldiers.
“I went to Hungary with the National Guard two summers ago. I’ve seen their field artillery work before. I know how their Harris Radios work and that’s why we are specializing on these right now because that is what they use. So, when they come, we will be prepared and trained,” said Ohio Army National Guard Spc. Matthew Taylor with the 1-134th Field Artillery Regiment.
Overall, JRTC will be a 30-day training operation and will take a great amount of time and effort from each member participating. It will combine the skills and capabilities from leaders down to the lower enlisted to complete each task and mission.
“I’m incredibly proud of the men and women of the 37th IBCT,” said Col. Matthew Woodruff, 37th IBCT commander. “Preparing for a JRTC rotation requires an enormous amount of effort from everyone involved. This effort became heroic as the unit simultaneously provided support for the state of Ohio response to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am fully confident that the 37th IBCT is trained and ready for this endeavor.”
This JRTC training is a rare experience for every Soldier and will improve their ability to progress and continue to excel in their Army National Guard careers.
