Fort Bliss Monitor

Sgt. Paula Taylor

Sgt. Andrea Myers, a combat medic of 4th Special Troops Bn.,
assists in the Soldier Readiness Process for deploying Soldiers.

4th BCT conducts final preparations, packs for deployment to Iraq

Pfc. April Foster
4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs

Since their September return from the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, has double-timed to pack, train and move out for their deployment to Iraq, which is scheduled for late October.

“Preparation for deployment involves a lot of aspects of military readiness,” said Lt. Col. Michael Boden, deputy brigade commander. “We have completed over a month-long training exercise at the National Training Center, August through September. Getting equipment ready, conducting NTC recovery operations, cleaning and servicing the equipment and getting it all on rail cars for the boat and into transportation containers, has been keeping troops busy,” said Boden.

“Once we returned [from NTC], there were a lot of other Soldier-readiness tasks, like making sure we have all the required medical actions taken, the right briefings conducted and our Soldiers have all of their personal affairs in order,” Boden added.

To help with getting their personal affairs in order, troops visited the Soldier Readiness Processing Center to update shot records, check legal and financial documents and conduct medical assessments.

The brigade also has its own human resources representatives who are responsible for ensuring the right person is in the right job with the correct security clearance needed to get their job done.

“We’re making sure we keep an accurate picture [of who can deploy],” said Billy R. Michael, brigade human resources technician. “We have to identify Soldiers who are non-deployable for various reasons.”

Another aspect of readiness is the BCT’s deployment support team. They are working alongside Soldiers to ensure all of the necessary equipment makes it to its destination in a timely manner so the unit can remain mission-ready downrange.

“To do that, the team started by preparing their deployment equipment list, then began looking at their equipment readiness and validating the [shipping] containers for the port,” said Albert Borjas, brigade lead deployment support specialist. “We will spend several weeks helping the brigade receive their shipments when they arrive at port in Kuwait.”

Packing their offices and all of their equipment has been a major undertaking for Soldiers during the past few weeks.

“It’s strange having most of the office packed,” said Pfc. Rose Bazor, signal support system specialist. “It took a lot of hard work. I was glad when we got everything packed and our container [approved] for shipping.”

“Packing was a lot of hard work, but it was fun at the same time,” said Pfc. Sandy Ackerman, signal support system specialist. “It’s exciting to be ready for the deployment we’ve been training for.”

“The troops are attacking the deployment process in a positive fashion,” said Boden. “The Soldiers in this brigade are awesome. It’s only been possible because of the tremendous efforts of the Soldiers.”



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	Oct. 19, 2006

	Sgt. Paula Taylor Sgt. Andrea Myers, a combat medic of 4th Special Troops Bn., assists in the Soldier Readiness Process for deploying Soldiers. 4th BCT conducts final preparations, packs for deployment to Iraq Pfc. April Foster 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs Since their September return from the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, has double-timed to pack, train and move out for their deployment to Iraq, which is scheduled for late October. “Preparation for deployment involves a lot of aspects of military readiness,” said Lt. Col. Michael Boden, deputy brigade commander. “We have completed over a month-long training exercise at the National Training Center, August through September. Getting equipment ready, conducting NTC recovery operations, cleaning and servicing the equipment and getting it all on rail cars for the boat and into transportation containers, has been keeping troops busy,” said Boden. “Once we returned [from NTC], there were a lot of other Soldier-readiness tasks, like making sure we have all the required medical actions taken, the right briefings conducted and our Soldiers have all of their personal affairs in order,” Boden added. To help with getting their personal affairs in order, troops visited the Soldier Readiness Processing Center to update shot records, check legal and financial documents and conduct medical assessments. The brigade also has its own human resources representatives who are responsible for ensuring the right person is in the right job with the correct security clearance needed to get their job done. “We’re making sure we keep an accurate picture [of who can deploy],” said Billy R. Michael, brigade human resources technician. “We have to identify Soldiers who are non-deployable for various reasons.” Another aspect of readiness is the BCT’s deployment support team. They are working alongside Soldiers to ensure all of the necessary equipment makes it to its destination in a timely manner so the unit can remain mission-ready downrange. “To do that, the team started by preparing their deployment equipment list, then began looking at their equipment readiness and validating the [shipping] containers for the port,” said Albert Borjas, brigade lead deployment support specialist. “We will spend several weeks helping the brigade receive their shipments when they arrive at port in Kuwait.” Packing their offices and all of their equipment has been a major undertaking for Soldiers during the past few weeks. “It’s strange having most of the office packed,” said Pfc. Rose Bazor, signal support system specialist. “It took a lot of hard work. I was glad when we got everything packed and our container [approved] for shipping.” “Packing was a lot of hard work, but it was fun at the same time,” said Pfc. Sandy Ackerman, signal support system specialist. “It’s exciting to be ready for the deployment we’ve been training for.” “The troops are attacking the deployment process in a positive fashion,” said Boden. “The Soldiers in this brigade are awesome. It’s only been possible because of the tremendous efforts of the Soldiers.”