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Spartan Focus Enhances US Army's Ability to Execute Complex Operations.
The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (2nd ABCT) of the 3rd Infantry Division (3rd ID) of the US Army, stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, recently completed a series of exercises called Spartan Focus, designed to improve their readiness ahead of the Marne Focus exercise. These exercises, essential for the team’s preparation, included a variety of drills such as weapons qualifications, dismounted patrols, gunnery tables, sling load training, and combined arms live-fire exercises (CALFEX).
Spartan Focus plays a key role in preparing the brigade for Marne Focus, which will challenge the team’s ability to execute large-scale operations in realistic and complex combat conditions. (Picture source: US DoD)
Spartan Focus plays a key role in preparing the brigade for Marne Focus, which will challenge the team’s ability to execute large-scale operations in realistic and complex combat conditions. The exercises incorporated a range of assets, such as electronic warfare, air support, and fire support, providing a comprehensive training environment designed to develop and refine operational coordination and synchronization.
“The combined arms live-fire exercise is crucial for our preparation for Marne Focus,” said 1st Lt. Andrew Williard, platoon leader of the 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd ABCT. “It builds on our initial dry-run experiences and gradually leads us to live-fire exercises that will prepare us to maneuver effectively as a company and fight more efficiently as a battalion.” The CALFEX exercises allow soldiers to practice integrating and coordinating various assets, ensuring they work together effectively during large-scale combat.
One of the major challenges highlighted during the exercises was the synchronization of various assets. Sergeant First Class Zachary Zoucha, a platoon sergeant in the 3rd Battalion, emphasized the importance of adequate communication and coordination throughout the exercises. “Synchronizing external assets and getting everyone on the same page is crucial,” he explained. “It’s about ensuring that the assets enter the battle space in the correct order, which requires precise communication and planning.”
The integration of various assets during Spartan Focus highlights the need for seamless coordination between different units, a critical element for the success of operations. Ensuring that each component operates in harmony allows for the smooth execution of a large-scale battle plan, whether it involves supporting attacking units or aligning assets at specific stages of the operation. This focus on synchronization is crucial as the 2nd ABCT prepares for the more advanced phases of the Marne Focus exercise, where battalion and brigade operations will take center stage.
At the end of Spartan Focus, the brigade’s increased confidence and its ability to work as a cohesive unit were evident. Williard noted, “Seeing how we fight during these exercises motivates everyone and sets the tone for the next phase of training. It’s a huge confidence booster as we move into battalion-level formations and creates momentum for the rest of the exercise.”
Zoucha echoed this idea, emphasizing the importance of the exercise’s scaling effect. “We are pushing the soldiers to excel in external synchronization and internal operations within the battalion. This is what prepares us for success as we move forward and tackle the challenges of the Marne Focus battle periods.”
Overall, Spartan Focus is not only a preparatory exercise for Marne Focus but also a strategic effort to position the 2nd ABCT for success in future large-scale operations. By refining the skills needed for asset integration and synchronization, the brigade is better equipped to face future operational challenges and function as a cohesive unit, ensuring its readiness for upcoming missions.