Combat Ready
Florida Army Guard's xCTC Exercise: Preparing for the Worst
Florida Army Guard ensures readiness with major training exercise at Camp Shelby.
In the sweltering heat of July 2024, nearly 5,000 soldiers from the Florida Army National Guard converged on Camp Shelby, Mississippi, for the eXportable Combat Training Capability (xCTC) exercise. This massive training event, held every five years, is designed to ensure that the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) is ready and proficient for deployment. The xCTC provides realistic scenarios that test the soldiers' skills and certify that the 53rd IBCT has met its training requirements.
A Comprehensive Training Event
The xCTC is not just about honing the combat skills of infantry soldiers. It also places significant emphasis on sustainment operations, recognizing the crucial role of support units in maintaining a long-term presence in contested environments. This year's exercise highlighted the efforts of the 50th Regional Support Group (RSG) and the 53rd Brigade Support Battalion (BSB), whose meticulous planning and coordination were essential to the exercise's success.
One of the key tasks undertaken by these support units was the movement of ammunition from an ammunition supply point to an ammunition holding area. This seemingly straightforward task required careful planning and teamwork to ensure it was carried out safely and efficiently. Soldiers of the 53rd BSB were responsible for securing the ammunition during transport and then preparing it for distribution to various units.
Realistic Training Scenarios
"XCTC represents a worst of the worst situation, and we’re trying to simulate those conditions to prepare Soldiers for that," said Army Staff Sgt. Eleymis Costa, the ammunition noncommissioned officer in charge who oversaw the move. "This exercise can be a reality check for Soldiers who come right out of basic training and haven’t dealt with this kind of environment. To ensure Soldiers can train to the standard, they need those basic resources."
The next day, soldiers from the 356th Quartermaster Company were also hard at work, using forklifts to unload and organize ballistic plates at Camp Shelby’s Range 13. These plates are crucial components of the body armor that soldiers used in their training, providing a "train like you fight" experience. The efforts of the 50th RSG in facilitating this process were instrumental in ensuring that soldiers had the necessary equipment to train effectively.
Identifying and Addressing Deficiencies
"Tasks like these point out deficiencies we have before we go into an actual combat environment and make us more prepared and ready to conduct the supply process," said Army 1st Lt. James Klein, the 50th RSG’s assistant S-2 officer. "The supply process – getting the troops what they need – is one of the most important parts of the military, and every Soldier needs to be protected."
The xCTC exercise is a critical component of the Florida Army National Guard's training regimen, providing soldiers with the opportunity to experience realistic combat scenarios and address any deficiencies in their operations. By focusing on both combat and support operations, the exercise ensures that the 53rd IBCT is well-prepared for deployment and capable of sustaining a long-term presence in contested environments.
The Importance of Teamwork and Coordination
The success of the xCTC exercise is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Florida Army National Guard soldiers. From the meticulous planning and coordination required to move ammunition safely to the efforts of the 50th RSG and the 53rd BSB in facilitating the supply process, every soldier played a crucial role in making the exercise possible.
As the soldiers return to their home bases, they carry with them the valuable experience and lessons learned from the xCTC exercise. This training has not only enhanced their combat readiness but also reinforced the importance of teamwork and coordination in achieving mission success.
Looking Ahead
The Florida Army National Guard's participation in the xCTC exercise is a clear demonstration of their commitment to maintaining a high level of readiness and proficiency. As they continue to train and prepare for future deployments, the lessons learned from this exercise will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their success.
The xCTC exercise is more than just a training event; it is a comprehensive and realistic simulation that prepares soldiers for the challenges they may face in a combat environment. The dedication and hard work of the Florida Army National Guard soldiers, both in combat and support roles, are essential to the success of this exercise and to the overall readiness of the 53rd IBCT.