Story by Pfc. Adam Dean
124th MPAD

Aug. 4, 2007 – Fort Gillem’s 221st Military Intelligence Battalion engaged in the second part of a three part field training exercise designed to enhance the unit's capabilities if ordered to deploy. The exercise, held in early August, at Fort Gillem was supported by volunteers from the Georgia State Defense Force, who masqueraded as Iraqi citizens.

Through six stations of training, the 221st practiced skills such as conducting convoy and foot patrols, reacting to an IED, and gathering information from foreign nationals.

Many of the Soldiers of the 221st have already experienced action on the battlefield during the Global War on Terror, but some have not. First Sgt. Ed Head, of Company B, said that this type of training is a great way for younger Guardsmen to learn from the experience of the unit’s war veterans.

"This is about the best training I’ve seen, especially for those who haven’t been over to Iraq or Afghanistan yet," said Head.

However, Head added that this type of hands-on, in-the-field training is crucial to help both younger and more experienced Soldiers maintain a high level of preparedness.

In addition to military intelligence training, there was a focus on basic warrior task training, to include pulling security for teams conducting information gathering missions and reacting to casualty situations.

Head said that these skills are crucial for Guardsmen of every military occupational specialty to know, because first and foremost, the job of every Soldier is to bring the fight to the enemy.

"Overseas, everybody has to know how to do everything, so warrior task training is just as important as working on intelligence gathering techniques," said Head.

To make things as realistic as possible on the training lanes, volunteers from the Georgia State Defense Force played a number of roles from Iraqi police officers and civilians, to religious leaders and foreign government officials.

"This training wouldn’t have been nearly as effective if it hadn’t been for them," said Head about the SDF.

The officer-in-charge of the volunteers, 2nd Lt. Peter Latka, 2nd Battalion, SDF, said that it was an honor for his militiamen and women to play an active role in helping the Guard stay sharp.

"Being able to help in situations like this is one of the many reasons why we join the organization in the first place," said Latka.

Sergeant Gerald Wingate, acting first sergeant, Company A, 2nd Battalion, SDF, said that many of his comrades are prior service members themselves, and that their experience should not be wasted.

"I think we have a lot to contribute in terms of helping to make this kind of training more realistic," said Wingate.

Sergeant Robert Flavin, a platoon sergeant with the volunteers agreed. He added that the cooperation between the Guardsmen and the SDF helps to cement bonds between the two groups.

"I think it’s important for a lot of these guys who go overseas to know that while they’re over there, protecting our country, we’re gonna be back here making sure that their families and homes are safe too," said Flavin.