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SDF Holds FTX at Milledgeville

Georgia State Defense Force Cpl. Kenneth Mays uses his compass during the land navigation course at the Milledgeville armory.Members of the Georgia State Defense Force Second and Fifth Brigades conducted their annual two-day field training exercise in mid-November at the Georgia Army National Guard’s Milledgeville armory.

State Defense Force Col. Willie D. Garner oversaw this year’s exercise.

About 30 SDF volunteers, said SDF Maj. George Scott, Second Brigade public affairs officer, participated in training such as map reading and land navigation, search and rescue, first aid, dealing with injured personnel, the loading and unloading of patients. They also participated in setting up helicopter landing zones, shelter management, crowd and traffic control techniques and running and tactical operations center.

Georgia State Defense Force Staff Sgt. Joseph Spavone gives a first aid class in Milledgeville.The SDF’s Second Brigade is headquartered in Macon, while the Fifth Brigade is based in Columbus.

"Training during those two days in November were quite intense," Scott said recently. "Everyone involved in the exercise worked hard at refreshing their skills and learning those they previously did not have.

"I doubt that anyone can say they walked away when training ended and didn’t learn anything," he added.

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