Exercise validates deploying 3rd SFAB

Advisor teams from the 2nd and 6th Battalions of the 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade participated in Operation Combined Victory Aug. 4 to Aug. 16 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana.

OCV is a conflict-oriented validation exercise for SFAB force packages preparing to deploy that addresses the chief of staff of the Army's number one priority of warfighting. During OCV, SFAB Soldiers and leaders undergo rigorous individual and collective certifications, equipping them to effectively advise, support, liaise and assess allies and partner nations worldwide in large-scale combat operations.

"There's a direct link between advising and our Army's mission to fight and win our nation's wars," said Brig. Gen. Kevin Lambert, commanding general of the Security Force Assistance Command. "Advisors enable partner forces to integrate U.S. joint firepower. When an advisor joins a partner formation, it symbolizes U.S. commitment and resolve and brings critical resources, like joint firepower, intelligence and sustainment, through the advisor network to the partner force."

The ability to access and leverage U.S. joint capabilities during conflict is a critical need for many allied and partner nations. During OCV, the 3rd SFAB's advisors practiced their ability to do just that in a realistic training environment.

"As a fire advisor, my focus is on integrating U.S. joint fires into a combined joint area of operations, as well as into partner force and combined joint task force targeting cycles," said Sgt. 1st Class Colt Southon, 4th Battalion, 3rd SFAB. "Our mission is to close gaps in our partner force's fire capabilities and enhance their interoperability."

As an additional area of emphasis, OCV tested the advisor force package's ability to conduct missions during conflict.

"They face many challenges in this complex environment, including live opposing forces, indirect fire and enemy unmanned aerial systems," said Lt. Col. Jim Arthurs, OCV chief of operations and commander of 3rd Battalion, 353rd Regiment, Security Force Assistance Command. "Additionally, they must help the partner force plan complex offensive and defensive operations for large-scale combat."

3rd SFAB's advisor teams faced challenges head-on during the exercise and continued to provide support to a simulated partner nation well across the competition-to- conflict spectrum.

"This training has provided invaluable experience, allowing me to learn and succeed in a setting with exceptional coaches, mentors and role players," Southon said. "Seeing firsthand the role of interoperability in large-scale combat operations scenarios has been eye-opening, offering a glimpse into the future of warfare."

The advisors' access, presence and influence during competition allowed them to leverage the advisor network effectively, addressing gaps and strengthening partner capabilities, which is crucial for maintaining stability and setting conditions to be prepared for a crisis-to-conflict scenario.

"Exercises like OCV allow us an opportunity to closely replicate and validate what being an advisor means at both the brigade level and echelons above brigade in large-scale combat operations," said Maj. Scott Pancotto, brigade operations officer for 3rd SFAB. "Advisors need to be flexible and competent enough to advise in all phases of the conflict continuum and at any echelon where the Army requires us and our partner force to fight and win."

The advisors participating in OCV enjoyed the experience, and felt it better prepared them for the challenges they will face on future deployments.

"This is a great training event and absolutely vital to the SFAB and SFAC mission," expressed Capt. James Corino, an infantry officer assigned to 3rd SFAB. "We must continue these training events to test and refine our skills, ensuring we are the best we can be. Especially moving forward in today's world, the SFAB mission will become increasingly important as warfare continues to evolve."

OCV is SFAC's culminating combat validation exercise that validates deploying SFAB advisors for combat.

To learn more or to volunteer for the SFABs, go to www.army.mil/sfab.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.