The Future is now
By SPC Amirah Bey
101 Public Affairs Detachment, Delaware National Guard

Soldiers from the 101st Public Affairs Detachment and the 262nd General Support Maintenance Company have been refreshed on many skills due to their participation in the Army Force Generation (AFORGEN) program. ARFORGEN’s aim is to shorten pre-mobilization times.
            During January’s drill Soldiers focused on hand grenades and mines. On Saturday Soldiers received classroom instruction. On Sunday, utilizing the previous day’s instruction, Soldiers threw mock hand grenades from the standing, kneeling, and prone positions.
They also practiced deploying the claymore mine. At Bethany Beach on Sunday, the Soldiers had to perform the tasks correctly for the Pre-Mobilization Assistance Element (PTAE) as a requirement of the ARFORGEN program.
            The training schedule for March’s drill is busting at the seams. March’s drill will be four days long, Thursday to Sunday. The training schedule calls for the troops to complete over 25 training tasks.
            Some of less active topics include convoy operations, risk management, understanding or developing unit standard operating procedures (SOP). There are many medical topics as well such as evaluating casualty, combat life saving, preventative medicine, and first-aid.
Communication topics consist of voice communication, report intelligence information, and using visual signaling techniques. There are also many classes on improvised explosive devices scheduled. March’s drill will be eventful, and Soldiers should prepare to be very busy.