La. Guard’s Regional Support Group conducts premobilization training

By Sgt. 1st Class Scott D. Longstreet, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office

PINEVILLE, La. – Approximately 85 Soldiers from the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 139th Regional Support Group, conducted a two-week pre-mobilization annual training at Louisiana National Guard Training Center Pineville, March 2-16, 2024.

This AT gave the HHC the opportunity to increase their overall skills and readiness, while identifying any noticeable gaps or deficiencies.

“The preparation period is crucial for building camaraderie among the Soldiers and ensuring that everyone is on the same page before heading into a stressed deployment environment,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Donald G. Lavalais, 139th RSG senior enlisted leader. “It allows us to make necessary adjustments in our tactics and procedures before being deployed. By training collectively and bringing our skills together, we are better prepared to face challenges that lie ahead during our mission.”

The LANG conducts pre-mob ATs for units to address any issues and resolve them before moving to their mobilization site or forward deployment location.

“Familiarity with their surroundings can make a significant difference in training,” Lavalais continued. “I mean who does not like playing in their own backyard. Knowing the terrain and weather patterns gives our operations cell a competitive edge to plan training tasks and boost Soldiers’ confidence. Plus, being close to home means less time spent traveling and more time focused on honing skills and improving performance. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

This year’s requirements during the two-week period consisted of the Army Combat Fitness Test, individual weapons qualification and familiarization, and Army-required battle drills and warrior tasks.

Mobilizing units must also conduct a Soldier Readiness Processing event. The SRP allows the State to validate Soldiers through medical and administrative evaluations and to verify the deployment status of each member of the unit in attendance.

The company culminated AT with a three-day staff exercise that simulated scenarios the Soldiers might deal with while on deployment. During this exercise, the team was broken into the various forward operating site teams and tasked to problem solve scenarios.

“Annual training is the building block to learning not only the people and their personalities but also the work ethic and cohesion of the teams,” said Spc. Kylie E. Leday. “Being able to contact our counterparts down range has really allowed me to see the bigger picture of the overall mission. Getting hands-on training on the front end allowed many of us to gain more clarity on what a workday will look like on this mobilization.”

Leday, deploying for the first time, will be the acting religious affairs specialist for 139th and will serve on the Unit Ministry Team with the chaplain. As a RAS, she explains how important a family support system is for a Soldier during this time.

“I am big on family, so breaking the news about deploying was nerve-wracking,” Leday explained. “They were all pretty upset with me at first, but eventually, they were able to get on board and reassure me that this would be a great experience. I am the oldest sister of eight, so I take pride in being a positive role model and support system for each of them.”

“Wise words that I now hold with me from my grandfather, ‘Enjoy the world and experience all that you can while you have the opportunity.’ And that is what I intend to do,” Leday concluded.

The 139th RSG will be mobilize to Europe later this spring in support of the European Assure, Deter, and Reinforce mission.