A unit designated to train combat advisors to coach, teach and mentor host nation security forces in Afghanistan and Iraq is expanding its training to brigade combat teams.
The 4th Battalion, 353rd Infantry Regiment, 162nd Infantry Brigade, trains advisors on a variety of tasks, including counter-improvised explosive device operations and mounted combat patrols.
However, in recent months, the battalion has been called upon to support BCTs that will soon deploy in an advisor role. The unit now collaborates with the Battle Command Training Program’s Mobile Training Team, based out of Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
The BCTP conducts or supports combined arms training that replicates joint operations, whether interagency, intergovernmental, or multinational, in a full-spectrum contemporary operational environment.
The deployment training, conducted worldwide, creates experiences that enable the Army’s senior battle commanders to develop relevant, campaign-quality joint and expeditionary battle command instincts and skills.
“Training the senior leadership of our BCTs on the fundamentals of advising and partnering is probably our most important mission right now,” said Capt. Matt VanGilder, Commander of C Co, 4th Bn, 353rd Inf Reg. “These are the Soldiers that will have the biggest influence on ensuring Iraqi and Afghan forces can secure their own countries. These training events are our first chance to help them make the mind shift from combat brigade to advisor brigade.”
The Soldiers of 4th Bn took part in a counter insurgency seminar held Jan. 25-29 at Ft. Bliss, Texas. The seminar, which provided training to the senior leaders and company command teams of 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, based out of Ft. Bliss, covered topics such as battle command in a counter insurgency environment, historical and cultural perspectives, advising and partnering with host nation forces, and other topics that will affect how they train and prepare for their upcoming deployment.
In late March, 4th Bn is scheduled to work with 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division out of Fort Knox, Ky., and will continue to work with the BCTP team to ensure BCTs are better equipped to assist Afghan and Iraqi security forces.
