Posted on 03/24/2003 9:19:53 AM PST by Ebenezer
Fort Bragg, N.C. — Army National Guard soldiers from Puerto Rico’s 92nd Infantry Brigade (Separate), commanded by Brig. Gen. Roberto Marrerro-Corletto, have arrived here for training in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
In the weeks following their arrival, the 1,600 soldiers of 92nd SIB had to complete a combination of administrative processing and basic combat training stations. Administrative processing includes verifying personnel and financial records, conducting medical screenings, providing immunizations, and confirming equipment readiness. Combat refresher training includes weapons qualification, and chemical, nuclear and biological protection.
"This process prepares them physically and mentally for the mission they are about to begin," said Col. Jeffrey A. Jacobs, commander of the 2125th Garrison Support Unit, which has the responsibility of preparing mobilized Army Reserve and National Guard troops for deployment. The 92nd comprises the brigade headquarters, the 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry (Assault); the 192nd Armored Troop E (Cavalry); the 192nd Combat Support Battalion; the 1st Battalion, 295th Infantry (Assault); and the 1st Battalion, 296th Infantry (Assault).
After completing training at Fort Bragg, the 92nd’s soldiers then went to Fort A.P. Hill, Va., for training on a variety of light weapons, ranging from rifles to machine guns.
The mobilization marks the first time the brigade has been called to active duty and the first time the unit’s colors have left the island. The 92nd SIB will be based at Fort Bragg.
Operation Enduring Freedom is the country’s overseas effort to combat terrorism. U.S. military forces assist in security, medical, engineering, logistics and communications, as well as perform other support services.
Fort Bragg, one of the largest regional mobilization sites in the United States, has processed almost 13,000 Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers since Sept. 11, 2001.
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