La. Guard’s 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducts pre-mobilization training

By Sgt. Danny Hough, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office

PINEVILLE, La. – Approximately 600 Soldiers from the Louisiana National Guard’s 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) conducted a two-week pre-mobilization annual training at Louisiana National Guard Training Center Pineville, concluding on February 10, 2025.

The training focused on addressing outstanding issues, conducting essential exercises, and ensuring medical readiness before mobilization.

“Pre-mobilization training is critical to ensuring our Soldiers are fully prepared for post-mobilization training,” said Col. Jonathan Lloyd, commander of the 256th IBCT. “Our primary goal is to provide the best possible training, so our Soldiers are ready to deploy, accomplish their assigned missions, and ultimately return home safely to their families and friends.”

During the two-week period, Soldiers completed the Army Combat Fitness Test, weapons qualification and familiarization, key warrior tasks and battle drills, and a medical recertification course for unit medics.

“The goal is to maximize training value before mobilization, ensuring Soldiers are proficient in their assigned mission,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Lemaire, senior enlisted leader of the 256th IBCT. “Pre-mobilization training gives us time to shake off the rust, rehearse and refine our skills, and enhance effectiveness while mitigating risk to maximize individual safety.”

Mobilizing units must also complete a Soldier Readiness Processing event. SRP allows the state to validate Soldiers’ medical and administrative status, ensuring each service member is cleared for deployment.

The 256th IBCT is scheduled to mobilize to Europe and Africa later this year, where it will conduct peace support and security operations in support of civil authorities.

“Our Soldiers will gain invaluable experience in deployment operations across diverse environments, terrain, operational tempos, and mission requirements,” Lloyd said. “While

each mission set is different, the threat is real, and our combat and combat support Soldiers must be fully prepared to perform at the highest level.”