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U.S. Special Forces, Indian Army bring Vajra Prahar to Idaho
The U.S. Army’s 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), along with partners from the Indian Army’s Special Operations Forces and the Idaho National Guard’s 124th Air Support Operations Squadron participated in Exercise Vajra Prahar Nov. 2 through 22 on Orchard Combat Training Center ranges and facilities. The exercise is designed to enhance cooperative relationships between the elite units, focusing on realistic training scenarios that challenge participants in complex environments.
The 124th ASOS was tasked to provide the Indian soldiers with Joint Terminal Attack Controller and close air support instruction to enhance interoperability between Indian and U.S. special operations forces.
“We helped build stronger relationships with the partner force by demonstrating the Tactical Air Control Party’s commitment to their success and providing them with valuable training and resources,” said Master Sgt. Douglas K. Brock, a JTAC with 124th ASOS. “In the end, the 124th ASOS showcased their ability to work with anyone, anywhere, at any time to achieve mission success by maintaining a high level of readiness, while also building a foundation for future training and development opportunities.”
Vajra Prahar is an annual exercise, now in its 15th year, and changes locations annually between U.S. and Indian training facilities to improve the special operators’ ability to work together in a variety of terrain and climate combinations. This is the first time the exercise has taken place in Idaho.
“The airspace and training facilities have been awesome at the OCTC,” said a member of 1st SFG(A). “They’ve given us the ability to run CH-47 Chinook missions, live talk on JTAC training, conduct sniper training and make direct-action assaults on multiple urban objectives.”
The combination of the realistic training environment and integration of skillsets from each of the participating units fostered tactical improvements and stronger relationships among the partner-nation forces, according to the 1st SFG(A) Soldier.
“By engaging in this rigorous training, participants develop their skills improve communication and foster a spirit of collaboration that is essential for successful operations in real-world situations,” he said. “Working alongside our partners across the Indo-Pacific region increases security capacity and interoperability among our forces.”
The OCTC, a 173,000-acre training center is a premier joint combined arms training site located 18 miles south of Boise, provides world-class training facilities for war fighters from all U.S. Armed Forces and partner nations from around the globe.
Idaho Army National Guard Names Honorary Unit Commanders
The Idaho Army National Guard welcomed 10 new honorary unit commanders to its ranks Friday. Honorary commanders are selected from among business, education and civic leaders to participate based on their desire to gain increased awareness and understanding of the Idaho Army National Guard’s mission, policies and programs.
“Our Honorary Unit Commander Program is a vital bridge between our Guardsmen and the communities we proudly serve,” said Brig. Gen. Cole Packwood, commander of the Idaho Army National Guard. “This program fosters a deeper understanding of our mission and provides an opportunity for community leaders to experience firsthand the dedication of our Soldiers.”
The honorary commanders received a history and capabilities brief and tour which included opportunities to interact with National Guardsmen and learn more about equipment like Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Abrams tanks and Black Hawk helicopters.
Six of the honorary commanders will serve with units headquartered at Gowen Field in Boise. Dr. Paul Bennion, the vice president for student affairs and dean of students at College of Idaho, will serve with the Idaho Army National Guard Training Center. West Ada School District’s superintendent of school Derek Bub will serve with the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team. Debbie Critchfield, the Idaho Department of Education’s superintendent of public instruction, will serve with the Idaho Army Guard’s Recruiting and Retention branch. FBI Special Agent Dan Ramirez will serve with the 101st Civil Support Team. Bill Waterman, the assistant director of athletic bands at Boise State University, will serve with the 25th Army Band. Current Idaho State Sen. Charles Winder will serve with the 204th Regional Training Institute.
In other parts of the state, Pastor Dave Bruyette of Mountain Lakes Bible Church will serve with the 145th Brigade Support Battalion, which is located in northern Idaho and headquartered in Lewiston. City of Jerome Mayor David Davis will serve with the 116th Brigade Engineer Battalion, which is headquartered in Twin Falls. Frank VanderSloot of Melaleuca, Inc. will serve with the 1-148th Field Artillery Regiment, located in eastern Idaho and headquartered in Pocatello. Greg Wiles, superintendent of Nampa Christian Schools, will serve with the 2-116th Cavalry Regiment, which is headquartered in Caldwell.
The Honorary Unit Commander Program educates key community leaders about the Idaho Army National Guard’s mission and to foster a partnership with the community. Throughout their tenure, they will work closely with their assigned unit commanders and staff and be invited to participate in unit ceremonies and observe selected training events.
“These partnerships enhance the connection between our organization and the public, reinforcing our role as a trusted and integrated force in Idaho and beyond,” said Packwood.
The Idaho Army National Guard is headquartered on Gowen Field in Boise and consists of nearly 3,000 Soldiers. Its largest unit is the 116th Cavalry Brigade, with armories in nearly two dozen Idaho communities and battalions in Montana, Nevada and Oregon. The 1-148th Field Artillery Regiment, 116th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 145th Brigade Support Battalion and 2-116 Cavalry Regiment are four of the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team’s seven battalions. The 1-183rd Aviation Regiment, located in Boise, completes the majority of the Idaho Army National Guard’s combat power.
First HH-60M Black Hawk Arrives at Gowen Field
The next phase in Idaho Army National Guard modernization efforts began Oct. 23 with the arrival of a new HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter at Gowen Field. It is the first of six expected to be delivered over the next six to eight months.
The HH-60M is the medical evacuation version of the UH-60M Black Hawk and will replace the Idaho Army National Guard’s fleet of UH-60L helicopters, which frequently support local and state agency search and rescue missions. The Idaho Army National Guard completed the upgrade of its utility helicopter fleet to the UH-60M in 2022.
“Upgrading our MEDEVAC helicopters to the M model is more than an investment in equipment—it’s an investment in our Soldiers,” said Idaho Army National Guard Commander Brig. Gen. Cole Packwood. “With enhanced medical capabilities coupled with improved and advanced flight controls, these helicopters are mission-critical assets that directly impact our ability to save lives, ensuring that we meet the mission with speed, capability and the highest standards of care possible. Our troops deserve nothing less.”
The new MEDEVAC helicopter includes all upgrades included in the UH-60M with the addition of improved cabin configuration and integrated medical capabilities not present in the UH-60L models. These capabilities include an onboard oxygen generation system, medical suction, electrical outlets that can be used to power specialized medical equipment, and an environmental control system that can be used to help stabilize patients suffering from heat or cold injuries.
Changes to the HH-60M airframe and interior will also result in increased proficiency whether during combat operations abroad or search and rescue missions closer to home, according to Chief Warrant Officer 4 John Jacobs, the production control officer for the 1-183rd Aviation Battalion. One such improvement is integration of the rescue hoist mount to the airframe.
“This will reduce drag, allowing us to fly faster or use less fuel,” said Jacobs. “In either case it allows us more loiter time on site to conduct operations.”
The forward interior of the new Blackhawk boasts an electric litter lift, improving capacity to up to six littered or seated patients in addition to the hoist operator and medic seats, which have been moved to the rear of the interior to increase the mobility and effectiveness of those personnel. A hoist operator-controlled search light has also been added to the undercarriage, enabling that Soldier to spotlight injured personnel or lost hikers for rescuers. Additionally, the forward-looking infrared camera has been moved to the helicopter’s nose for a more unobstructed view and its images can be shown directly on the pilot’s multi-function display.
As the new helicopters arrive at Gowen Field, its UH-60L MEDEVAC fleet is being fielded to other area Army National Guard units, extending the capabilities of those units while stretching the taxpayer dollar to the maximum extent possible, according to Jacobs.
“We’re very lucky to have a young and modern fleet,” he said.
Idaho Army National Guard Modernization Continues with Fielding of Latest Artillery Platform
The 1-148th Field Artillery Regiment is the latest unit in the Idaho Army National Guard to upgrade its combat capability as modernization efforts across the U.S. Army and Army National Guard take shape. The unit has received 18 new Paladin M109A7 next-generation artillery systems and conducted its first live-fire exercises utilizing the long-range guns earlier this month at the Orchard Combat Training Center in Boise.
The new Bradley Fighting Vehicle chassis-mounted howitzer includes upgrades that increase ammunition capacity, rate of fire and mobility on the battlefield while decreasing some maintenance repair requirements.
“The biggest upgrade has really been the transition away from hydraulically run systems to electronically run systems, which has reduced the amount of operator-level maintenance that my guys have to do,” said Capt. Stephen Pyper, commander of Battery C, 1-148th FAR. “It has also freed up a lot more space within that platform, so we’re able to increase our round capacity by 10 additional rounds. We’re able to provide a much faster response from the time we receive fire missions, to being in the correct positions and elevations to fire those missions.”
Pyper said mounting the Paladins on the Bradley chassis creates commonalities that may also help get them back online more quickly when things break.
“One of the biggest expenses in the brigade is being able to maintain all our equipment at an operational rate that allows us to complete our mission,” he said. “Now we can utilize the same parts on our platform that the maneuver units are using. I’m hoping we’ll see our requests for parts processed faster because many of them are the same parts that are going on those maneuver fighting vehicles.”
Pyper gives credit for the success of the field exercise to his Soldiers’ level of engagement during the training cycle leading up to this first live fire opportunity.
“I was very impressed with how enthusiastic they were and how quickly they learned these new systems, especially the senior noncommissioned officers, whose responsibilities are not focused on being in the vehicles with the crews during operations” said Pyper. “All our senior NCOs were engaged throughout the training cycle. That’s important because I rely on them and their expertise when it’s time to evaluate our crews on the training tables, to be the subject matter experts on these vehicles and to be able to answer questions when our crewmembers are unsure about how to deal with certain situations.”
The integration of the new Paladins follows the Idaho Army National Guard upgrade of its UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter fleet to the UH-60M model, which concluded in 2022.
“Our modernization efforts contribute directly to the joint force’s ability to deter aggression and our ability to fight and win decisively when called upon,” said Brig. Gen. James C. Packwood, commander, Idaho Army National Guard. “The fielding of the Army’s newest equipment to the Idaho Army National Guard demonstrates that we are a relevant force, integral to the national defense strategy.”
Idaho Army National Guard announces Best Warrior winners
Sgt. Jake Gardiner and Spc. Tyler Barlass have been named Idaho Army National Guard’s Best Warriors after a grueling four-day competition. Gardiner won in the noncommissioned officer category, and Barlass won in the Soldier category. Both Soldiers are assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion.
Events included weapons assembly and immediate action drills, physical readiness testing, combatives, land navigation, tactical combat casualty care, a timed ruck, individual weapons qualification, and a culminating event.
The final event incorporated a simulated urban battle scenario that required competitors to engage live and stationary targets from separate fighting positions, clear rooms, perform basic lifesaving measures on a casualty, call for medical evacuation and deliver a casualty dummy to a helicopter for treatment and transportation.
“It was definitely challenging,” said Gardiner. “That was probably the most fun part of the competition. It was like stepping into a live video game.”
This year, 10 Soldiers competed for the title of Best Warrior. Idaho Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin A. Dean said nearly 200 personnel helped plan, prepare and execute the event.
“It was very well organized,” said Barlass. “It covered a lot of different skill sets, and I really liked the way they took the time to teach us some things before we were tested on each event as well. I learned a ton about weapons systems that I had never touched before, combatives and land navigation. I feel like I was really able to hone some skills and learn new things just by competing in this.”
Dean said he was impressed with both the competitors and the Soldiers who helped plan and execute the event.
“It’s very Invigorating as a senior NCO to see the caliber of Soldiers within the organization competing and the professionalism, proficiency and technical ability of those who were responsible for the individual events,” said Dean. “Seeing both the Soldiers’ and the units’ performance over those four days leaves no doubt in my mind that the future of the Idaho Army National Guard is in good hands.”
Dean said the challenges presented to the competitors helped further hone warrior skills, while testing their mental and physical stamina.
“I’m super proud of all 10 Soldiers,” said Dean. “Each won at least one individual event, and there were no dropouts or major injuries. We got to see individuals turning into a team and we all learned more about the competitors as far as their resilience, MOS, civilian jobs, and personal interests.”
“Those are some of the best people I’ve ever met in the Army,” said Gardiner. “We were competing as individuals, but everyone really helped one another every day. I’m proud of the win, but I’m prouder of the way everyone supported each other the whole time.”
Gardiner and Barlass will represent the Idaho Army National Guard against Soldiers from seven states during the regional competition in May. The event will be hosted at Gowen Field and is expected to be even more challenging according to Dean, who leads the planning team.
“I’m really excited for that competition,” said Barlass. “I have all the time I need to get fully prepared this time and I’m hoping to make it to the Nationals later this year.”
Other Best Warrior competitors included Staff Sgt. Seth T. York, Sgt. Jonathan Popocabustos, Sgt. Matthew J. Warner, Spc. Cali M. Shipman, PFC Joshua T. Dougherty, PFC Trenton S. Hawker, PFC Brent M. Rasmussen, and Pvt. Daniel A. McClymonds
Idaho National Guard’s Helicopter Battalion deploys to Kosovo
Family, friends and coworkers gathered on Gowen Field on Aug. 22, 2024, to say farewell to Soldiers from the Idaho Army National Guard’s 1st of the 183rd Assault Helicopter Battalion as they left Idaho to prepare to deploy overseas in support of Operation Joint Guardian.
“I have complete confidence that you will carry out this mission successfully and return home safely,” said Maj. Gen. Tim Donnellan, adjutant general of Idaho and commander of the Idaho National Guard. “You are among the finest Soldiers and your commitment to duty and to each other will see you through. We will continue to support you from here, and we look forward to welcoming you back home with pride and honor.”
Several UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and more than 100 personnel deployed to Texas to receive approximately 30 days of additional training before departing to Kosovo for an 11-month rotation in support of the NATO peace-keeping mission. The unit has anticipated this mission since October of 2022 and the battalion’s Task Force Sawtooth has trained for the past 18 months in preparation for this mobilization.
Operation Joint Guardian is a joint mission under the United States European Command. Soldiers will focus on training and supporting allied partners.
“The Soldiers of Task Force Sawtooth have been working and training diligently over the past 18 months for this deployment,” said Lt. Col. Bryan C. Reid, 1st of the 183rd AHB commander. “Leadership is proud of what we have accomplished, we are focused on the mission ahead and we are ready to go.”
This deployment is the first time since 2003 that the unit has deployed to the region. The 1st of the 183rd Assault Helicopter Battalion previously deployed to Bosnia in 2002-2003 in support of a humanitarian relief aid mission and to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2006-2007. Most recently, the unit conducted a large-scale exercise in Guatemala in 2019, training with the Guatemalan Armed Forces as part of a humanitarian effort to help build schools and medical facilities while gaining critical experience working with foreign military partners.
“I have confidence in your readiness,” said Donnellan. “You’ve undergone extensive training and are equipped with the best tools and knowledge available. Your dedication to this mission is clear, and I know you will carry it out with the professionalism and excellence that defines the 1st of the 183rd AHB.”
Idaho National Guard OIF Vets Reunite After 20 Years
Veterans who served during the largest deployment in Idaho National Guard history gathered for a three-day 20th anniversary reunion in Boise this weekend. The weekend included battalion gatherings, a family day that included a live concert performed by the 25th Army Band and a remembrance ceremony in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
On Saturday, Dirk Kempthorne, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior and Idaho governor, was among those who addressed current and former members of the 116th Brigade Combat Team, which deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004. Kempthorne was serving his second term as governor when the unit deployed.
“To you members of the 116th, I will always be proud and inspired to stand with you,” said Kempthorne. “You have served this state with incredible bravery, courage and achievement. You have established a whole new history for Idaho about what our citizens, when called upon to serve this nation, this state and when necessary, to go to battle, will do and accomplish.”
Idaho Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke was also present, delivering a proclamation from current Idaho Gov. Brad Little to the stage declaring Aug. 10 as a day of recognition for the unit across the state.
Retired Brig. Gen. Alan C. Gayhart, who served as the unit’s commander throughout the deployment, said the unit was bolstered by Guardsmen from 15 states and included unique capabilities that were key to mission success.
“There was a reason the 116th Brigade was selected to serve in this massive area of over 10,000 square miles and three million people,” said Gayhart. “The combination of your military and civilian skills and capabilities were those needed in this troublesome area. It was clear that you were the warriors best suited to not only fight the insurgents in combat, but as citizen-Soldiers you were instrumental in the establishment of government, civic, economic, agricultural and other functions critical to peace and prosperity in this area.”
First Warrant Officer Candidates in Nation Graduate from Home Station Schools
Eight Idaho Army National Guard and one Utah National Guard warrant officer candidates were among the first in the nation to graduate and pin on their new ranks in their home state or Regional Training Institute, on Aug. 4 under a revamped training timeline being implemented to the phased commissioning program across the country.
The graduates from the 2nd Modular Training Battalion 204th Regiment Warrant Officer Candidate School, Class 24-001 are: Warrant Officers Jesse J. Bliss, Simonne A. Boice, Tori J. Frederick, David G. McKenna, Devon K. Middleton, Phillip D. Pallister, David A. Reese, Jared A. Scott and Cade D. Terry.
Historically, National Guard warrant officer candidates who choose to commission through the phased program have begun Phase I of their Warrant Officer Candidate School training at RTI’s located on their home station or regionally over the course of five drill periods. Phase II of the training took place over the course of two weeks at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, and candidates graduated and pinned on their new rank there.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Chad Thomas, commander of the Idaho National Guard’s WOCS, said the change reverses the phases, allowing candidates to begin their training at Camp Atterbury and complete WOCS at their home station or regional RTI. It also reduced the number of training days in the accelerated course hosted at Fort McClellan, Alabama, from 28 to 24. Thomas said the modifications came about as the result of input received during a two-day Reserve Component Warrant Officer Candidate School Regional Training Institute Workshop. During the workshop, more than 80 personnel from all 27 RTI’s collaborated with senior leadership from the National Guard Bureau to modernize the program.
Thomas said the Idaho National Guard is also working to keep attrition low by including a pre-WOCS course to prepare candidates for Phase I prior to reporting to Camp Atterbury.
“This was the perfect class, said Thomas. “They really gave the cadre a lot of grace, the candidates understood the changes and it was a really good experience.”
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Edward Barnowski, Idaho’s command chief warrant officer, said the changes allow home state units to personalize the course, focus on local history and make graduation celebrations more accessible to family members.
“The new schedule and POI (program of instruction) has really opened things up for us here and allows us to have culminating events,” said Barnowski.
The Idaho candidates participated in a staff ride to Minidoka, a World War II-era Japanese national internment camp near Twin Falls, hosted a mentorship dinner and took part in a victory run on Gowen Field.
“It’s just a more personable experience for the candidates,” he said. “There were so many families at the graduation. They were really excited to see their Soldiers graduate from this course, and they never got that opportunity before.”
124th FW Airmen participate in weapons system evaluation program exercise at Hill AFB
Airmen from the 124th Fighter Wing, Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, participated in a weapons system evaluation program exercise at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, June 6-14, 2024.
The program is designed to test the employment of various live munitions and requires the efforts from various Air Force specialty codes, but focuses on the building, loading and employment of these munitions.
The use of lethal force is a serious burden and responsibility, requiring proficiency from everyone involved.
“This is a weapons training exercise,” said Staff Sgt. Alyssa Johnson, an aircraft armament systems technician with the 124th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. “The focus is on how ammo builds munitions, how weapons loads them, and how the pilots drop them. The inspectors are making sure we are proficient at what we do.”
This is a unique and critical training event for Idaho Air Guardsmen.
“We don’t get a lot of opportunities like this in the Idaho Guard, because of where we’re stationed,” said Johnson. “Working with live munitions is critical for us.”
WSEP provides Airmen with challenges and opportunities.
“This has been a mini deployment,” said Tech. Sergeant Charles Updegraff, the senior munitions inspector for the 124th Munitions Flight. “We’ve worked long days and in a location with limited access to the equipment we normally have at home, challenging how we normally work.”
Updegraff went on to say that working through challenges prepares Airmen for real-world deployed scenarios, especially when looking at a near-peer fight. Allowing younger Airmen the opportunity to demonstrate their job proficiency and thinking on their feet, in a new and fast-paced environment.
Ammo Airmen weren’t the only ones to experience unique training opportunities.
“We had to drive all the way to the Dugway Proving Ground due to an issue with a stuck munition,” said Johnson. “You always hope that things go well, but sometimes things don’t. I was able to train on what we might experience when deployed, making sure that my crews and pilots are safe.”
Beyond the individual shop aspect of WSEP, ammo and weapons Airmen must work together to provide warheads for pilots.
“Here things are back-to-back and go, go, go,” said Johnson. “When we go downrange, ammo builds munitions; we load them, and the pilots drop them. This training prepares all of us to be successful.”
Johnson had one piece of advice when working to prepare to deploy, “There’s going to be days where things are good, and everything goes off as planned. Then there will be days where it’s more difficult. Maybe you don’t want to get out of bed, maybe it’s 100 degrees out, and you add another 30 degrees being on the tarmac. But being able to embrace the good and bad, and focus on the mission with your peers is amazing. We all get to build off each other’s energy and be able to build each other up. We’re exhausted, yes. We’re tired, but we help each other out, so that way, we’re all good in the end.”
Ultimately that is the most important takeaway when preparing for a future fight, working together, building each other up, and getting the mission done.
Idaho Army National Guard rescues injured hiker near Stanley
The Idaho Army National Guard’s State Aviation Group assisted Custer County Search and Rescue with the rescue of an injured hiker July 6 on Thompson Peak of the Sawtooth Range, outside of Stanley, Idaho.
The hiker, a 19-year-old male, suffered an ankle injury following a fall while rock-climbing near the mountain range’s highest peak, located approximately 75 miles outside of Boise.
“Our crew did an incredible job under some very challenging environmental conditions,” said Capt. Katherine Smith, commander of Det. 1, Company G 1st of the 168th Aviation Regiment. “The rescue required a great deal of crew coordination, as well as teamwork with the highly proficient extraction team from the Custer County Sheriff’s Office.”
The flight crew consisted of pilots Chief Warrant Officer 3 Theron Cameron and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brennan Hoover; two crew chiefs, Sgt. Adam Brundy and hoist operator Sgt. Jessica Adamson; and one medic, Sgt. 1st Class Jared Gilstad.
The patient was initially located on a shear rock wall under a ledge. After locating him, crew members determined that there was no way to safely insert a hoist rider and extract him. The flight crew then flew to the Stanley Airport and picked up a five-person technical rope rescue team from Custer County’s search and rescue team.
“We were able to inert the team about 300 meters away from the patient using a two-wheel landing,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Theron Cameron, an Idaho Army National Guard UH-60 pilot.
The rescue team roped to the patient and relocated him to more favorable recovery site, where Adamson was able to lower Gilstad safely onto the ground near him. Gilstad quickly secured the patient and Adamson hoisted the pair back into the aircraft while the pilots kept the aircraft stable in challenging conditions.
“Due to the reduced power margins caused by altitude of more than 10,300 feet, the uneven terrain and the location of the extraction site, the aircrew was forced to pay extremely close attention to the aircraft limitations,” said Smith. “Lack of situational awareness in these types of situations could lead to a loss of lift or even rotor drop, requiring the aircrew to have to execute an emergency procedure to maintain stable flight.”
The flight crew transported the patient to the Stanley Airport, where he was transferred to civilian medical care.