Editor’s note: This article ran in the Aug. 15, 1969, issue.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — A highly realistic field training exercise and command post exercise this week tested elements of the 5th Infantry Division (Mech). The exercise also provided the 2nd Brigade with a chance to test its operational readiness.
Director for the exercise was Maj. Gen. Roland M. Gleszer, CG. The deputy exercise director and chief controller was Col. William I. Gordon, special assistant to the commanding general.
The 2nd Brigade, commanded by Col. Paul M. Ireland, included Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Bn., 10th Infantry; 2nd Bn., 11th Infantry; and 2nd Bn., 61st Infantry. Other units participating in the FTX were the 352nd ASA Company, and the 5th Signal Bn. The 1st Bn., 19th Artillery provided division support to the 2nd Brigade.
One objective of the FTX portion of the exercise was simulation of the relief by the 2nd Bde. of friendly field forces already in the area. This mission was accomplished smoothly.
The field training exercise gave units training in both defensive and offensive operations. It also provided night training in patrolling and movement of command posts.
The 2nd Brigade task force was given orders to move to an assembly area from its occupation position near a simulated city. The march was conducted Tuesday morning with the units receiving simulated air strikes, roadblocks and ambushes. The units were able to meet these obstacles and reach their destination.
After reaching the assembly area, the units received air strikes while conducting local patrolling. Early Wednesday morning the 2nd Bde. conducted defensive operations while it relieved the friendly forces. By 6 a.m. the 2nd Bde. task force began offensive maneuvers alternating with defensive activity during counterattacks and air strikes.
On Thursday the task force, then under division control, continued to attack until the aggressor force was driven out of the area. The setting up of defensive positions terminated the exercise.
As in previous FTX’s, the 4th Sqdn., 12th Cavalry, served capably as the aggressor force.
Units from the 3d Brigade, including 2nd Bn., 10th Inf.; 3rd Bn., 10th Inf.; 3rd Bn., 11th Inf.; and 3rd Bn., 77th Armor, participated in the CPX. In addition, HHC, 69th Bde., and HHB DivArty occupied command posts.
Support units participating included the 7th Engineer Bn., 5th MP Company, 5th Admin. Company and 241st MI Company. DISCOM participation included members of the 169th Support Bn., 5th Medical Bn., and 5th Supply and Transport Bn. These units had FTX elements supporting the 2nd Brigade.
A high degree of realism was maintained throughout the exercise. Simulated killed and wounded troops and prisoners of war were returned to the exercise as replacements. Colored flags, star clusters and smoke grenades were used to simulate various types of attacks.
In summary the CPX/FTX provided invaluable training in tactical operations and the deployment of elements of the 5th Infantry Division (Mech) and Fort Carson.