West Virginia National Guard Soldier from Jumping Branch Participates in Breakthrough Exercise in Germany

HOHENFELS GERMANY (Hinton News) — U.S. Army Sgt. Robert Rakes, a horizontal construction engineer assigned to the 821st Engineer Construction Company, 1092nd Engineer Battalion, 111th Engineer Brigade, West Virginia Army National Guard, is working on an international stage, completing Exercise Combined Resolve 24-2 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center near Hohenfels, Germany.

The Horizontal Platoon, 821st Engineer Construction Company, West Virginia National Guard, out of Summersville, West Virginia, participated in Exercise Combined Resolve 24-2 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) near Hohenfels, Germany. This exercise served as a preparatory step for the unit's designation as a contingency response force (CRF) next year.

Led by U.S. Army Capt. Carl Boyles III, the 821st Engineer Construction Company specializes in horizontal construction operations, critical for addressing natural disasters such as flooding and snowstorms in West Virginia. Their proficiency in operating heavy equipment was evident throughout the exercise, with Capt. Boyles noting their exceptional performance in digging operations.

Participating in Combined Resolve 24-2 allowed the 821st to delve into survivability operations alongside maneuver elements, practicing tactical convoys, camouflage techniques, and nighttime operations. For many junior soldiers like U.S. Army Spc. Nicholas Fulford, it was a transformative experience. Fulford, a recent addition to the unit, described the exercise as an eye-opener, highlighting the opportunity to work alongside thousands of active-duty personnel and soldiers from different countries.

During the five-day field exercise, soldiers encountered a range of scenarios, from utilizing night vision goggles to witnessing a massive helicopter operation in the dead of night. They also engaged in battlefield preparations, digging anti-tank ditches while coordinating with other units for security.

According to Fulford, exercises like Combined Resolve 24-2 provide invaluable training in real-world, high-stress situations, enhancing soldiers' readiness and adaptability.

Combined Resolve 24-2, a collaborative training exercise involving approximately 4,000 soldiers from 16 nations, demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. and its allies to multi-domain large-scale combat operations. For the soldiers of the 821st Engineer Construction Company, it was not only a test of their skills but also a testament to their dedication to service and readiness.

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