Echo Company, 23BN, Blackhorse Brigade, VDF

2007 Division Field Training Exercise 21-23 SEP

This year’s Virginia Defense Force Field Training Exercise (FTX) was a combined Training exercise with the Virginia National Guard’s CERFP training teams. CERFP stands for CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear or High-Yield Explosive) Enhanced Response Force Package. In the event of a CBRNE situation, these types of units manage the response teams for decontamination and medical triage, treatment and transport. There are currently 12 certified CERFP units in the country, and the National Guard is actively training to certify more units.

The Virginia Defense Force role in this training was to participate as players, victims of the mock attack, and to assist as support staff in the clean areas of the event. VADF Support staff assisted in transport, triage and basic maintenance of the site; as well as the support of National Guard soldiers participating in the exercise. Due to the high heat and high intensity of the exercise, VADF soldiers were vital in providing critical care to avoid heat casualties.

The excellent performance of the Virginia Defense Force soldiers, and their willingness to work as a team with the Guard was recognized by leadership of both forces. VADF soldiers were tasked with returning to Ft Pickett for the following training session on 06 OCT to assist in the next phase of training. Task Force Blackhorse was assigned to that mission.

In addition to the CERFP exercise, the FTX provided VADF soldiers their yearly opportunity to stand together as an entire Division, and to share in the company of other soldiers dedicated to the cause of serving State and Country.

For Echo Company, 23 BN, Blackhorse Brigade, it was perhaps more intense, due to the number of brand new soldiers in our Company. They were given the chance to stay in the barracks, eat at the mess hall, and that ultimate joy of joys; eat an MRE in the field. This event proved to be a unifying experience for the Company, turning Citizens into dedicated Soldiers of the State of Virginia.