Nighthawks light at Fort Stewart

FORT STEWART, Ga. (Jan. 15, 2008) - More than 3,000 Soldiers of the 76^th Infantry Brigade Combat Team - Nighthawks, of the Indiana National Guard have completed a movement into Fort Stewart, Ga. for mobilization training. 

According to Col. Courtney Carr, the brigade’s commander, the move marks the largest deployment of Indiana National Guard Soldiers since WW II.

“We have had larger movements for training exercises over the years.  The success of this movement is a reflection of those training exercises,” said Carr, “that and the invaluable support we’re getting from Fort Stewart and First Army and the State of Indiana.”

Carr said that during the decision-making process, leaders knew the brigade would need a training installation that was prepared and willing to support an intense pre-mobilization training regimen. Additionally, in response to direction from the Secretary of Defense, First Army is mentoring the brigade through a new training model that limits the amount of time a reserve component unit is deployed.

Lt. Col. Scott Sarver, brigade operations officer, said the new model has created challenges and opportunities.  The model allows reserve components units to use annual training resources to support a portion of pre-mobilization training, keeping Soldiers closer to home and incorporating breaks for time with families prior to deployment.

“The state command has become responsible for validating an individual Soldier’s personnel, administrative and training readiness,” said Sarver. “With support from (state headquarters) we were able to exceed expectations, but we still have Soldiers that need that training: follow-ons, Soldiers who were at schools. Fort Stewart and First Army are making that happen for us.”

In addition to the clean-up training, the brigade needed training areas and support that matched the missions of the brigade’s twenty-four security companies, primarily force protection and convoy security said Sarver.

“I’ve been around enough to know that we’re getting the same kind of support our active component units are getting, and in some cases, most likely better,” said Sarver. “Our Soldiers know it too, and that makes a difference for everyone. It’s appreciated.”

Many of the companies have already begun cycling through live-fire, base defense and cordon and search exercises, keystones of First Army’s Theater-Immersion training. Dependent on scenarios and reactions of leaders, the training unfolds into realistic, challenging events based on the most recent intelligence from theater and driven by a cadre of battle-experienced trainers.

The 188^th Infantry Brigade, headquartered at Fort Stewart, has primary responsibility for training and validating the 76^th IBCT. Col. George Geczy, commander of the 188th, makes no secret of his intent to seriously challenge the 76^th. 

“They are in an austere setting, a complex, challenging environment. I may not be their favorite person right now, but they understand the reasoning,” said Geczy.

Geczy said many conditions are harsher than what the Indiana National Guardsmen will face in theater.  Relentless mortar attacks, small arms fire and Improvised Explosive Device simulations are part of the daily, and nightly, routine.  Geczy has also enforced measures to strengthen Soldier endurance and discipline.

The 188^th has restricted movement to living quarters and training areas and offer little reprieve from full body armor and battle gear, adding up to thirty pounds of gear.

“We can’t duplicate the stress that comes with battle, but we can replicate an operational environment that approximates it,” said Geczy. “As they learn to adapt to the stress and are able to continue their missions, then they are learning what they need to be successful in the coming months.”

The 76^th IBCT is scheduled to complete training in late February and deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom shortly after a local pass when many family members are expected to join members of the brigade in the Fort Stewart area.

76^th IBCT Fast Facts

The 76^th IBCT, also known as Nighthawk Brigade, is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana with subordinate units manning armories from Fort Wayne to Evansville.  The brigade is unique in that the entire unit is organic to one state, the Indiana Army National Guard.

Close to half of 76^th IBCT Soldiers have been deployed overseas since September 11^th, 2001 in support of operations in the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as others.

The 76^th IBCT is a key player in the Indiana Army National Guard’s nation-leading recruiting and retention program, far exceed recruiting goals year in and out.

The 76^th IBCT, formerly the 76^th Separate Infantry Brigade (Enhanced), completed reorganization to an infantry brigade combat team just prior to mobilization, illustrating the Army National Guard’s ability to meet the challenges of a complex operational environment facing the US military.

The 76^th IBCT enjoys what is widely recognized as one of the most robust military support networks comprised of non-profit, private and public organizations throughout Indiana.

The 76^th IBCT has launched and will maintain an extensive website to keep families and friends of the brigade combat team apprised of progress and developments during the deployment.

By Staff Sgt. Les Newport