Members of the NGRF practice slingloading a Chinook

108th Cavalry completes first AT, trains for NGRF mission

FORT STEWART, Ga.—The Soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 108th Cavalry recently completed the unit's first annual training at Fort Stewart. The unit will be assuming the National Guard Reaction Force (NGRF) mission later this year, and its instruction at the National Guard Training Center focused on honing the skills the Soldiers will require for the assignment.

The NGRF directly supports the Adjutant General's number one priority: Homeland Security. The main task of the NGRF is to respond quickly to any emergency in order to provide security to the Joint Task Force 781st CERF-P units, support local authorities and restore order as quickly as possible. The NGRF is not a new mission for the Guard, but continues the traditional Guard role of providing support in the face of man-made or natural disasters.

"This is a great challenge and opportunity for our unit,” said battalion commander Maj. Matthew Saxton. “The unit has only been together since December, but we are ready."

The unit deployed to Fort Stewart June 14 and hit the ground running with Soldier Readiness Processing (SRP) the next day. Following SRP, the soldiers attended classes on searching a suspect, non-lethal weapons, and sling load operations. After classroom lectures, they put their training to the test by performing practical exercises on everything from reacting to a bomb threat to controlling a civil disturbance.

While at Fort Stewart, the Soldiers also learned how to rig and inspect the sling loads while performing ground crew duties. The Quick Reaction Force has to be self-sufficient for up to three days after responding to a critical incident because their vehicles and most of their supplies may have to be transported by air.

Working with a CH-47 Chinook crew from the 1st Battalion, 69th Aviation Regiment, they put their new skills into action at Taro Drop Zone practicing how to use a static discharge wand and attach a load to the aircraft.

Sergeant 1st Class Green, a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Troop 3rd Battalion, 108th Calvary and a chief instructor for the sling load training, said, "This was a unique and great opportunity to allow our Soldiers to gain experience in operating under a hovering aircraft while conducting sling load operations."

The culmination of the annual training event was a situational exercise in which the Soldiers put their training to use. They secured the small town of "Oliver" against civil disturbance, coordinated a medical evacuation, and provided assistance to local authorities. Members of the State Defense Force acted as the town's local population and civil authorities.

Saxton addressed the group of volunteers saying, "You are an inspiration to our Soldiers and the citizens of Georgia." The Battalion will perform two more training exercises this fall before assuming the NGRF mission this winter.

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