year in review

People Warfight

Homeland

Partnerships

The Idaho2019 Military Division Always There 3

THE ADJUTANT GENERAL, CONTENTS COMMANDER, IDAHO NATIONAL GUARD GOWEN FIELD - BOISE, IDAHO Idaho Military Division Public Affairs Office Governor Little, 4040 W. Guard St. Boise, Idaho 83705 The following pages highlight the Idaho Military Division’s achievements throughout 2019, demonstrating our com- [email protected] mitment to the state and nation by maintaining our combat readiness and state emergency response capabilities. This www.IMD.idaho.gov commitment also underscores our role in supporting your priorities of providing education and training opportunities for our citizens, encouraging our best and brightest to work and raise their families right here in Idaho. Governor: The Idaho Military Division is uniquely positioned to meet your objectives, with the ability to offer Idahoans technical and vocational skills training; significant education benefits; full- and part-time career opportunities; medical and dental benefits; life insurance and several retirement programs. Adjutant General: Maj. Gen. Michael Garshak The Idaho Military Division is dedicated to providing Idaho’s children and grandchildren opportunities to succeed through programs like the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy and STARBASE-Idaho. The Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Acad- Public Affairs Officer: emy graduated its 12th class giving more than 1,200 Idaho teens a second chance to complete their high school educa- 4 6 8 14 Lt. Col. Christopher Borders tion with their peers. STARBASE graduated its 2000th student in 2019, continuing to motivate elementary students who are underserved in STEM to explore science, technology, engineering and math as they continue their education. Editor: 4-5 REAL-WORLD IMPACT, 18-19 BUILDING LOCAL Capt. Robert Taylor

The Idaho National Guard continued to build combat mission readiness on multiple fronts. The 116th Cavalry Brigade SAVING LIVES PARTNERSHIPS FIRST AIRMAN EARNS RANGER TAB, CST WORKS WITH NAMPA PD, SNIPER Graphic Designer: Combat Team deployed to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, to participate in the Army’s premier FEMALE OFFICERS LEAD IN GUNNERY TRAINING, NAVY TRAINS WITH IDNG Master Sgt. Becky Vanshur combat maneuver training event. The brigade was supported by the Idaho ’s 124th Fighter Wing, which provided precision close air support. Together, they battled world-class opposing forces in the Mojave Desert. 6-7 ESGR BOSS LIFT, 20-21 INTERNATIONAL Contributors: EDUCATOR DAY PARTNERSHIPS Senior Master Sgt. Joshua Allmaras The National Training Center rotation was the brigade’s final training requirement ahead of its deployment to Germany EMPLOYER SUPPORT OF GUARD AND IDNG TRAINS AROUND THE WORLD, Thomas Alvarez this spring for Defender 2020. Idaho’s Citizen-Soldiers will participate in one of the largest deployments of troops from RESERVE, FIRST-EVER EDUCATOR DAY CAMBODIA, GUATEMALA AND OTHERS Michele Bartlett the U.S. to Europe since World War II. Airmen from the wing conducted numerous challenging training events in prepa- Sgt. Mason Cutrer ration for their deployment to Southwest Asia in the spring—the unit’s largest mobilization since 2016. 8-9 IDAHO YOUTH 22-23 GIVING BACK TO Maj. Jeff Drawe CHALLENGE, STARBASE OUR COMMUNITY Capt. A.J. Edwards Throughout 2019, Idaho’s Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen deployed to Afghanistan, Cambodia, Germany, Guatemala and 12TH CLASS GRADUATED FROM IDYCA, WOCS CEMETERY PROJECT, IDNG Crystal Farris Capt. Cassidy Morlock other locations in support of our international partnerships. At home, we conducted Innovative Readiness Training STARBASE-IDAHO STEM PROGRAM CONNECTS WITH VETERANS Master Sgt. Sarah Pokorney projects with tribal partners, domestic response exercises with the Idaho Office of Emergency Management, eight real- Staff Sgt. Karin Sharrai world search and rescue missions and roughly 300 community relations events. 10-11 IOEM, ARMY AND 24-25 JDEC, IDNG AND AIR JOINT TRAINING IDAHO TRIBES Capt. Rebecca Solosabal Master Sgt. Becky Vanshur JOINT EARTHQUAKE EXERCISE, IOEM THE IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSITY IN THE With more than 5,000 personnel—Idaho civilians, Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen—the Idaho Military Division will con- Airman 1st Class Taylor Walker RESPONDS TO FLOOD EMERGENCY WORKPLACE, IMPROVING DAMON TRAIL tinue its pursuit to be the state’s premier public service organization; attracting our leading citizens to join Idaho’s fourth Ryan White largest employer, which generates a total economic impact of more than $500 million annually. 12-13 WING MRE, CHANGE 26-29 116TH AT NTC, Senior Airman Mercedee Wilds OF COMMAND 124TH AT GREEN FLAG On behalf of the men and women of the Idaho Military Division, thank you for your leadership and support in our en- MISSION READINESS EXERCISE, IDANG JOINT TRAINING INCREASES COMBAT deavor to provide a safe and secure environment for the citizens of our state and nation. PROMOTION AND RETIREMENT READINESS Editor’s Note: The Year in Review is an Idaho Military Division publica- tion comprised of stories published Always Ready. Always There. 14-15 ORCHARD COMBAT 30-31 MEDEVAC AND throughout 2019. Some positions TRAINING CENTER CYBER DEFENSE and ranks may have changed dur- IDNG BEST PRACTICES IN IDAHO UNITS COMPLETE REAL-WORLD ing the year. Views expressed may not be those of the U.S. Air Force, ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP MISSIONS, IDNG BY THE NUMBERS U.S. Army, Air National Guard, , Department Follow us at: of Defense or the U.S. Government. Michael J. Garshak 16-17 CENTER PHOTOS Major General Year in Review | 2019 4 Always Ready Always There 5

Father, son receive Idaho More than training: Army responds to Cross medal for saving life 8 local real-world rescue missions

Gov. Brad Little and Maj. The Idaho Army National trapped in the flood waters sur- be hoisted by the combined res- Gen. Michael Garshak, ad- Guard’s state aviation group as- rounding their home near Gran- cue team. jutant general of Idaho, pre- sisted multiple counties with geville. sented Lt. Col. Phillip Mills at least eight search and rescue The next day, a Black Hawk and 1st Lt. Matthew Mills missions throughout 2019, pro- Three of the civilians were able to crew assisted the Valley County with the Idaho Cross medal viding Soldiers with approxi- get themselves to safety while the Sheriff’s Office with the rescue March 21 at the Idaho State mately 24 hours of real-world remaining two individuals had to of a 21-year-old man. Capitol. mission flight time. The man had spent the night Lt. Col. Mills and his son, 1st Units worked closely with coun- alongside the Salmon River Lt. Mills, were awarded the ty officials from Ada, Elmore, near Yellow Pine after suffering medal for their actions on Oct. The Idaho Cross is the state’s Idaho, Malheur and Valley coun- lacerations to the head, a bro- 29, 2018, when they rushed highest award presented to a ties. In April, flight crews made ken arm, a broken leg and bro- to an individual who was pre- military member or civilian two rescues in as many days. ken ribs. paring to leap from the Simco employee of the Idaho Military Road overpass, pulling her Division. The medal recognizes On April 9, a UH-60 Black The flight crew hoisted the man to safety and preventing life- actions by an individual who Hawk and a UH-72 Lakota de- into the aircraft and transport- threatening injuries to herself saves the life of another or ac- ployed from Gowen Field with ed him to the Cascade Airport, or others traveling on the in- complishes a significant act of members of the Boise Fire De- where he was taken to a local terstate below. heroism. partment. A family of five was hospital by ambulance. First Idaho Airman earns Ranger tab First female officers to lead in gunnery

In April, Master Sgt. Douglas Brock became the first 2nd Lt. Brooke Berard and 2nd Lt. Lauren Bolt graduated from Idaho Air National Guardsman to earn the U.S. Army’s the U.S. Army’s Armor Basic Officer Leaders Course Feb. 1, Ranger tab as a member of the 124th Fighter Wing. qualifying as the Idaho National Guard’s first female armor of- ficers. The 62-day course is one of the Army’s hardest courses. The small unit tactics and leadership course develops Both lieutenants serve as platoon leaders for Bravo Company, functional skills directly related to units whose mission 2nd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment located in Nampa. As is to engage the enemy in close combat and direct fire platoon leaders, each officer commands a platoon of up to 15 battles. Soldiers and four M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tanks.

Brock graduated as the course’s enlisted honor graduate. Upon returning home, the new officers joined their unit in the He serves as a tactical air control party special warfare field to complete gunnery, also qualifying them as the first fe- Airman assigned to the wing’s 124th Air Support Opera- male armor officers on the Abrams tank in the Idaho Army tions Squadron. National Guard’s history.

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Employers spend a day in our boots

In August, more than 100 National Guard and Reserve civilian em- ployers and supervisors traveled to Gowen Field from across the state to participate in the Idaho Em- ployer Support of the Guard’s an- nual Boss Lift. The two-day event gave participants a first-hand look into what their Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen do while away from work at least 39 days of the year for military training. Black Hawks over the vast terrain everyone it offered insight into the do when fulfilling their military and world-class military ranges of austere conditions service members commitments,” said Cindy Reese, “We enjoy tremendous support the OCTC. train in throughout the year. ESGR state chair. “This event gives from our employers and the ESGR them the opportunity to see what throughout Idaho and we do not For some passengers, it was their “It is important for employers to un- their employees do in these times, take that for granted,” said Maj. first time in a helicopter, but for derstand what their service members how they do it and why.” Gen. Michael Garshak, adjutant general of Idaho. “Boss Lift is a great opportunity to create aware- contribute to our mission readi- eration and understanding between ness of our missions in the Idaho ness.” reserve component service mem- IMD informs local educators of programs National Guard and Reserves and bers and their civilian employers to express our appreciation to those The ESGR is a Department of De- and to assist in the resolution of In addition to Boss Lift, the and the Idaho Military Division. Title I schools employers and the community who fense program that promotes coop- conflict arising from an employee’s Idaho Military Division hosted participate in the division’s STAR- military commitment. Educator Day at Gowen Field The one-day event gave more than BASE program, which provides in August. The event was a col- 30 Idaho teachers and administra- students with hands-on STEM Citizen-Soldiers, Marines, Sailors laboration between the Idaho tors the chance to learn about the training. and Airmen invited their employ- State Department of Education unique career and training oppor- ers to walk in their boots, touring tunities, benefits, incentives, The Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Gowen Field, the Orchard Com- family support programs and Academy, located in Pierce, pro- bat Training Center facilities and intangible skills the Idaho vides Idaho high school students ranges, various training simulators, National Guard offers. who have dropped out or are at aircraft and other military hardware risk of doing so, with a second used by the Idaho National Guard This seminar also highlighted chance to complete high school and Reserve units. the Idaho Military Division’s with their peers or earn a GED. educational programs. Dur- More than 1,200 students have The Idaho Army National Guard’s ing the school year, hundreds participated in the program over 1st of the 183rd Assault Helicopter of fifth grade students from the past six years. Battalion flew employers in UH-60

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IDYCA gives Idaho teens second chance STARBASE educates local students with

The Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Acad- proximately 80 cadets joined the at risk of doing so. The program be- hands-on, minds-on STEM experience emy graduated its 12th class in Idaho Army National Guard, Idaho gins with a 22-week residential pro- December with approximately 120 Air National Guard or other mili- gram in Pierce, where they gain the Since opening in 2018, STARBASE- on, minds-on” activities. year, Director Jim Heuring said it cadets. The program has helped re- tary services after graduation. necessary skills for adulthood. Idaho has hosted more than 2,000 remains very successful in provid- shape the lives of more than 1,200 Treasure Valley fifth graders on Students study Newton’s laws and ing youth with education through Idaho teens since welcoming its The program provides a second Approximately 10 percent of each Gowen Field to participate in its Bernoulli’s principle and explore fun experiments. first class in January 2014. chance to Idaho’s youth who are residential class accumulates suf- hands-on science, technology, engi- nanotechnology, navigation and 16 to 18 years old, and who have ficient credit to graduate from the neering and math education aware- mapping. “We’ve been very successful and our Since 2014, graduates of IDYCA dropped out of high school or are IDYCA with a high school diplo- ness and outreach program. program is appreciated by schools have earned a total of 150 high ma. Another 10 percent who enter As the program enters its second and their teachers,” said Heuring. school diplomas, 130 GEDs and the program earn their GED. The The program, funded by the De- 15,500 high school credits. They remaining 80 percent complete 14 partment of Defense, enhances Ti- completed more than 55,000 hours high school credits and return to tle I schools’ STEM curricula. The of service to community through high school back on track to gradu- course includes 25 hours of “hands- various projects. Additionally, ap- ate with their class.

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Idaho Office of Emergency Management, Guard prepare for possible disaster

In March, the Idaho National counties; the National Weather Ser- scenario and tested the organiza- Guard and the Idaho Office of vice; FEMA; the U.S. Army Corps tion’s ability to interact with re- Emergency Management held ex- of Engineers; and the U.S. Bureau of gional partners and support civil ercises to test the state’s emergen- Reclamation. authorities and agencies during a cy response plans. The scenario large-scale, no-warning disaster. involved a major earthquake in Gov. Brad Little and Lt. Gov. Jan- Gem County and provided lo- ice McGeachin also visited Gowen More than 80 Idaho National cal, state and federal agencies the Field to receive an update brief Guardsmen took part in the ex- opportunity to coordinate their from Idaho Military Division and ercise, including the 101st Civil emergency relief and response FEMA officials to simulate the Support Team and the state’s joint capabilities. IMD’s responsibility to keep civil- staff. An additional 250 partici-

joined the Joint Task Force-Idaho ercise director. “It would include staff. seeking National Guard capabili- ties outside of the state like the “When we started planning in 10th Homeland Response Force early 2017, we envisioned an ex- and civil support teams, requir- ercise of such magnitude that it ing us to in-process incoming re- would drive objectives we’ve never sources and stand up a dual-status performed in a domestic response commander to receive and deploy before,” said Col. Doug Smith, ex- active duty forces.”

The IOEM exercise, Opera- ian leaders informed during a di- pants came from surrounding In June, FEMA approved Idaho’s first state-managed federal disaster. tion Shared Response, occurred saster response. states, including Guardsmen from Gov. Brad Little requested the disaster declaration after massive rainfall March 5-7 at Gowen Field, the the Washington National Guard’s in April caused major flooding in north-. Adams, Idaho, Orchard Combat Training Cen- Immediately following IOEM’s ex- 10th Homeland Response Force, Latah, Lewis and Valley counties, as well as the Nez Perce Reservation, ter and Lucky Peak Reservoir. ercise, the Idaho National Guard the ’s were impacted. Approximately 145 people par- hosted Idaho Response-19, March 83rd CST and the Utah National ticipated each day, including 7-13. Guard’s 85th CST. Representatives After receiving a Presidential Disaster Declaration, the Idaho Office emergency managers from Ada, from U.S. Northern Command of Emergency Management requested the opportunity to manage the Boise, Canyon, Gem and Payette The exercise built upon the IOEM’s and the disaster using Idaho resources. This opportunity allowed FEMA to use its resources in more hard-hit areas. IOEM was able to take the lead on “We envisioned an exercise of such magnitude that it would drive the disaster, which sped up recovery efforts, vastly improved customer objectives we’ve never performed in a domestic response before.” service and limited redundant processes for our citizens.

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The 124th suits up for mission readiness

Nolan retires, new leaders appointed

Brig. Gen. Michael A. Nolan retired in July after nearly 35 years of service to his state and nation. Nolan served as the In February, the 124th Fighter Guardsmen were given alarm assistant adjutant general-Air and commander of the Idaho Wing participated in a mission signals and tasked with mission- Air National Guard at the time of his retirement. Through- readiness exercise at Gowen Field oriented protective postures that out his career, Nolan flew the F-4E and F-4G Phantom II to prepare Idaho Air National consisted of protective gear and a aircraft as well as the A-10 Thunderbolt II. Guardsmen for combat deploy- gas mask in the event of a CBRN ments. attack.

The exercise consisted of 24- The exercise highlighted the im- Brig. Gen. Tim Donnellan was promoted May 6 in a hour operations, giving Airmen portance of the IDANG’s support small ceremony at Gov. Brad Little’s office. In July, he was experience in wartime-oriented of the A-10 Thunderbolt II flying appointed to lead the by Maj. training and an opportunity to mission by getting jets in the air Gen. Michael Garshak. Donnellan previously served as adjust to daily work in potential on time and on target, regardless the 124th Fighter Wing commander and has deployed chemical, biological, radiological of the circumstances. in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation and nuclear threatened environ- Enduring Freedom. ments.

“It’s important for everyone to understand their role and how it relates to carrying out the opera- Col. Shannon Smith assumed command of the 124th Fight- tion,” said Lt. Col. Mike Knowles, er Wing on May 5 in a ceremony at Gowen Field. Smith has inspector general. “Everyone has served in the Idaho National Guard for the past 17 years a role; if everyone thinks through and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom the frame of how they affect the as deputy commander, 455th Expeditionary Operations mission, that is going to make us Group, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, Bagram Air Base in successful.” Afghanistan.

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OCTC home to military training, wild life, public use, scientific research

The Orchard Combat Train- to wildlife and plants, conserve ing Center is situated within the native habitats and sensitive boundaries of the Morley Nelson species and better understand Snake River Birds of Prey Nation- the desert environment. al Conservation Area, 18 miles southeast of Boise. The NCA is Biologists from the IDARNG home to the largest and most di- EMO, along with agencies verse population of breeding rap- from Boise State University and tors in North America and one the BLM, conduct field trips of the only places where military throughout the year through and Marines around the country. Distinguished visitors from training, extensive research, pub- the Idaho Adopt a Scientist Pro- around the country were wel- lic land use and livestock share the gram. Through the program, The OCTC allows units to con- comed by the Idaho National same land. biologists have been able to pro- mote conservation and manage- duct live-fire and close air support Guard to observe the OCTC’s ca- ment of the land and wildlife by training concurrently in one cen- pabilities and world-class training inviting middle and high school tralized location with its 143,000 facilities. students to participate in local re- acres of vast terrain, world-class search, such as ground squirrel ranges and four-season climate. Among the visitors were several trapping, bat echolocation and veg- key military leaders and govern- etation measurement techniques. During the last year, active duty, ment dignitaries, to include Idaho National Guard and Reserve units Gov. Brad Little, Lt. Gov. Janice As a premier joint combined arms from Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, McGeachin and U.S. Represen- training site, the OCTC is a price- Oregon, Pennsylvania and Wash- tatives Mike Simpson and Russ less resource for Soldiers, Airmen ington prepared for combat in the Fulcher. tough and realistic training envi- ronment of the OCTC.

The Idaho Army National Guard works in close partnership with the Bureau of Land Management to support good environmen- tal stewardship and sustainable military training. Since 1987, the IDARNG Environmental Man- agement Office has helped manage military training, limit disturbance

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Idaho National Guard Year in Review | 2019 18 Always Ready Always There 19 Local partnerships increase readiness Beyond the blue

101st CST trains with Nampa police

Soldiers and Airmen from the Idaho National Guard’s 101st Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the Support Team trained with the Nampa Police De- 124th Fighter Wing and F-15E partment July 24. Strike Eagles from Mountain Home Air Force Base fly together The training event, held at the empty building that over the large crowd at Albertsons formally housed the Mercy Medical Center in Nam- Stadium Sept. 20 for the Boise State pa, tested the unit’s ability to deploy without notice vs. Air Force football game. to a local incident. The Nampa Police Department requested the 101st CST support to complement its The No. 20 Boise State Broncos own training at the facility. defeated the Air Force Academy Falcons 30-19. “It’s good to know what support we have nearby so we’re not having officers putting themselves into available,” said Nampa Police Department Sgt. Ja- dangerous situations when we have other resources son Cantrell.

Snipers train with local law enforcement

The Idaho Army National Guard marksmanship team participated in urban and rural sniper training held in Warthogs, Hornets fly together Melba by the Ada Metro SWAT sniper element. The Several U.S. Navy strike fighter squadrons from Naval Air Station Meridian Police Department sponsored the course in Oceana, Virginia Beach, Virginia, joined the Idaho Air National June and SWAT team instructors volunteered their Guard’s 190th Fighter Squadron for joint training at Gowen Field. time to produce the intense 50-hour, five-day course. F/A-18F Super Hornets from the VFA-32 “Fighting Swordsmen,” Officers from the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Gem VFA-83 “Rampagers” and VFA-105 “Gunslingers” flew alongside County Sheriff’s Office and Soldiers from the Idaho A-10 Thunderbolt IIs. The Navy strike fighter squadrons came to Army National Guard completed their week of train- Idaho to train in day and night operations with the 124th Fighter ing with a certified qualification exam. Wing. Air Guard trains with search and rescue

In a scenario involving a missing hiker in the moun- tains, the Idaho Air National Guard’s tactical air control party special warfare Airmen from the 124th Air Sup- port Operations Squadron were called in for training with local Valley County Search and Rescue in March.

This was the second year the ASOS has trained with local agencies for rescue missions.

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International partners around the world Army aviators deploy to Guatemala in support of Beyond the Horizon

Building more than bridges in Cambodia The Idaho Army National Guard’s 1st of the 183rd Assault Helicopter The Idaho National Guard has This year the Idaho National Battalion deployed over the sum- participated in the National Guard participated in four mer to Huehuetenango, Guatemala, Guard’s State Partnership Pro- SMEEs, focusing on first aid, in support of Beyond the Horizon gram since 2009 alongside the bridge building and leadership 2019. Royal Cambodian Armed Forc- skills. In September, Maj. Gen. es. Michael Garshak, adjutant gen- During the operation, Soldiers pro- eral of Idaho, visited Cambo- vided casualty evacuation support Idaho Soldiers and Airmen dia. and equipment transportation for “The experience was life changing In addition, the Idaho National make several trips each year to U.S. military engineers and med- and I am grateful to have had the Guard Soldiers conducted joint Cambodia facilitating the ex- Currently, the Idaho Nation- ics who were building local schools opportunity to participate.” training with the Guatemalan change of ideas, capabilities, al Guard SMEE missions are and medical clinics. Armed Forces. The training gave training and experience be- among the only U.S. military Nearly 150 pilots, crew chiefs, participants the opportunity to tween the Idaho National Guard missions the Cambodian gov- “We had the opportunity to change mechanics, petroleum specialists, share skills and practice loading and the RCAF through subject ernment allows to occur within lives and be part of a mission that signal specialists and supply per- injured individuals into UH-60 matter expert exchanges. its borders. brought dramatic change to the sonnel from the 1st of the 183rd Black Hawks. economic growth of Huehuetenan- AHB rotated through Guatemala go,” said Maj. Bryan Reid, the unit’s in two-week rotations from April Beyond the Horizon is a U.S. operations and training officer. to July. Southern Command-sponsored, joint foreign military humani- tarian civic assistance exercise. Hundreds of active duty, National Guard and Reserve members from all services participate annually to help build U.S. relations with the host nation. Morocco Army visits Idaho National Guard

Soldiers from the Royal Moroccan relationships between the U.S. and Brazilian Air Force supports Army, Air Guard Army visited the Idaho Army Na- developing nations. tional Guard in November to learn Pilots, ground crews and tactical A-29 Super Tucano and 124th more about the equipment of an During their visit, the Moroc- air control party specialists from A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft armored brigade combat team. can soldiers observed the 116th the Brazilian Air Force worked operated in the sky from Nellis Cavalry Brigade Combat Team’s and trained with the 124th Air Force Base to support the The visit was part of the National M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks Fighter Wing in June to support brigade while Brazilian TACPs Guard’s State Partnership Pro- in a night gunnery exercise at the the wing’s Green Flag exercise integrated with counterparts gram. Orchard Combat Training Center, and the 116th Cavalry Brigade from the wing’s 124th Air Sup- toured the 204th Regional Train- Combat Team’s National Train- port Operations Squadron to The Utah National Guard and ing Institute’s armor school house ing Center rotation. coordinate close air support on the Kingdom of Morocco are SPP and experienced virtual tank sim- the ground at Fort Irwin, Cali- partners, which helps build lasting ulators. During the exercise, Brazilian fornia.

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IMD gives back to our communities Coffee with veterans Gone fishing The Idaho National Guard conducted approximately 300 WOC Class honors veterans Maj. Gen. Michael Garshak, Volunteers from the Idaho Military community relations events throughout the state in 2019. adjutant general of Idaho, rou- Division go fishing at least once a The Idaho Army National Guard’s Warrant tinely gathers Soldiers and Air- year with residents from the Ida- Community relations events inform the public about the Officer Candidate School Class 19-001 raised, men from the Idaho National ho State Veterans Home in Boise. Idaho National Guard’s dual state and federal missions leveled and strengthened headstones in the Guard to visit veterans living at Volunteers help veterans bait their and help our organization maintain viable relationships Morris Hill Cemetery’s Field of Honor Aug. 3. the Idaho State Veterans Home hooks, cast their lines and unhook with community members and leaders. in Boise. fish, but most importantly they en- The improvement project was a graduation joy a day outdoors together. requirement for the warrant officer candidates. For an hour each visit, they en- Candidates from each class complete a civil- joy good conversations and a military project to give back to the community cup of coffee with heroes from and pay respect to veterans. Class 19-001, which another era. Remembering the graduated in September, consisted of five Idaho service and sacrifices of our vet- Army National Guardsmen, five Utah Army erans remains a priority for to- National Guardsmen and one Army Reserve day’s service members. Soldier.

Community relations activities include tours of Gowen Field or local armories; the use of the leadership reaction course and vehicle and weapon simulators on Gowen Field; vehicle and aircraft static displays; the use of the 25th Army Band and the honor guard at public events; Spending Veterans Day with veterans and the use of local facilities.

Events also include the use of Idaho National Guard Maj. Gen. Michael Garshak, adju- equipment in parades and aerial flyovers during patriotic tant general of Idaho, joined Gov. holidays and public events. Brad Little, along with staff from Sen. Mike Crapo’s office, repre- sentatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, and several state lawmak- ers on Veterans Day at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Boise to honor veterans throughout the state and nation. Freedom Award to several veterans and Little signed a proclamation de- volunteers who distinguished them- claring the day to be Veterans Day. selves by their outstanding service to Crapo’s staff presented the Spirit of veterans.

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Project paves relationship with tribes

In August, engineers from the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team, the Installation Support Unit and the 124th Fighter Wing transformed a trail on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation into a road to improve travel conditions.

Diversity creates winning organizations The team of 18 Soldiers and Air- men worked together to complete the Damon Trail project. The new The Idaho National Guard hosted “We need to open our thoughts, tants general on diversity inclu- eight-mile road provides access to a Joint Diversity Executive Coun- our minds and our views on sion matters. grazing grounds on the Duck Val- cil conference on April 30 in Boise diversity,” he said. “We need to ley Indian Reservation northeast to address the importance of di- recognize the strengths it can Representatives from regions six of Owyhee, Nevada. versity inclusion in the workplace. bring in directly contributing to and seven, which includes Alaska, shak, adjutant general of Idaho. Since then, improving the access our greatness as an organization. I Arizona, California, Hawaii, Ida- Innovative Readiness Training “It is especially rewarding having road has been a high priority for Key military and civilian leaders continue to embrace and appreci- ho, Montana, Nevada, New Mex- projects improve unit readiness our Soldiers and Airmen work to- the Shoshone-Paiute tribe. from 14 states, one territory and ate every opportunity to strength- ico, North Dakota, Oregon, South while giving back to the commu- gether in support of the Shosho- the National Guard Bureau dis- en our understanding of diversity, Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyo- nity. ne-Paiute tribe. This project is a The Idaho National Guard began cussed solutions for stopping dis- with the hopes of improving our ming and the territory of Guam, tremendous opportunity to high- working on the access trail three crimination in their organizations. organization here in Idaho.” attended the two-day JDEC con- “We serve the citizens of Idaho light what makes being a Guards- years ago. Engineers excavated ference. while building our combat readi- man special.” the new road, removed large rocks Improving diversity inclusion is The JDEC, made up of seven ness,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Gar- and moved material from a quarry a top priority for Maj. Gen. Mi- regions representing states and The trail was eroded and inac- six miles away to put on top of the chael Garshak, adjutant general of territories, advises the chief of the cessible due to a 2014 forest fire. road. Idaho. National Guard Bureau and adju-

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ing tasks while in continuous contact for more than 250 hours Idaho Soldiers, Airmen train together against a near-peer force provided by the U.S. Army’s 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.

“The brigade learned a lot and grew exponentially between days one to 14,” said Col. Scott Sheridan, 116th CBCT commander. “This is a learning and growing organiza- tion because everyone is willing to make themselves uncomfortable to grow professionally.” More than 2,000 Idaho Citizen- ed in the 116th Cavalry Brigade at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Ve- Soldiers and Airmen deployed this Combat Team’s training rotation, gas to provide close air support The NTC is one of the Army’s summer in support of a four-week the unit’s final training require- during their own exercise, Green four combat training centers de- rotation at the National Training ment in its four-year training cycle Flag. Members of both units will signed to offer Soldiers and units Center at Fort Irwin, California, before it is available to complete a deploy in 2020. the most realistic training envi- one of the U.S. Army’s premier real-world mission. ronment possible. In addition to Army National Guard’s 1st Battal- vada, the 116th CBCT was sup- training centers. The rotation included a 14-day providing opposing forces with ion, 163rd Cavalry Regiment; the plemented with more than 1,000 Soldiers were supported by more field training exercise that allowed the ability to simulate a near-peer Nevada Army National Guard’s Army National Guard Soldiers More than 1,800 Idaho Army Na- than 200 Airmen from the 124th the brigade to conduct offensive, enemy, the training space offers a 1st Battalion, 221st Cavalry Regi- from more than 30 states, four U.S. tional Guard Soldiers participat- Fighter Wing, who were stationed defensive and security area train- maneuver area large enough for ment; and the Oregon Army Na- Army Reserve units and the U.S. the brigade to conduct company, tional Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 116th Army’s 916th Support Brigade. battalion and brigade operations. Cavalry Regiment. “It was inspiring to see nine bat- The 116th CBCT is headquartered In addition to the 1,200 Soldiers talions and 50-plus company, in Boise and includes the Montana from Oregon, Montana and Ne- troop and battery commanders come together in the hos- tile environment of the Na- tional Training Center and in less than 15 days, mold themselves into an effective brigade combat team,” said Brig. Gen. Farin Schwartz, commander, Idaho Army National Guard and the bri- gade’s senior trainer for the rotation.

In addition to the 116th CBCT’s three out-of-state battalions, the brigade con-

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sists of four battalions located in lowed us to synchro- Idaho. nize the effects of both ground and air forces The 1st Battalion, 148th Field against the enemy,” Artillery Regiment is headquar- Sheridan said. tered in Pocatello and spread throughout . The Pilots and ground 116th Brigade Engineer Battal- crews from the wing’s ion, headquartered in Twin Falls, 190th Fighter Squad- has armories in Boise, Gooding, ron supported flight Grangeville, Jerome, Moscow, operations. 124th Air Mountain Home and Orofino. The Support Operations 145th Brigade Support Battalion Squadron joint terminal is located in Boise and Post Falls attack controllers deployed with commander. “Those relationships with its headquarters in Lewiston. the 116th CBCT to coordinate the we build at home, we continue out The 2nd Battalion, 116th Cavalry use of close air support during the here and take back with us.” Regiment is headquartered in brigade’s deep fight. Caldwell with armories in Boise, The large-scale exercise required Emmett and Nampa. “It’s really awesome to work with additional training days for the Idaho Army National Guard traditional Guardsmen. In addi- With the brigade spread out across Soldiers,” said Lt. Col. “Champ” tion to the 29-day rotation, most nery cycles, completed three Combat Team will participate bat forces in Europe. During the four states, the rotation was its first Clark, 190th Fighter Squadron Soldiers completed 10-day gun- weeks of annual training last year in Defender 2020 in the spring, exercise, the brigade will conduct opportunity to train together as a or attended the Leadership Train- which includes a month-long de- training in a high-intensity Euro- fighting force since its 2015 rota- ing Program at Fort Irwin in ployment to Germany. pean scenario fight. tion. November. The unit will demonstrate the abil- The 124th Fighter Wing will de- The rotation also tested the unit’s “No Soldier could patriciate in this ity of an armored brigade combat ploy to Southwest Asia in the ability to sustain itself across a training rotation without the sup- team to deploy from the U.S., draw spring in support of combat op- training area roughly the size of port and understanding of their equipment and rapidly build com- erations. Rhode Island. This task is nearly loved ones back home,” Sheridan impossible to train at home sta- said. “We also fully recognize hav- tions due to the amount of space ing our Soldiers away for extend- required to effectively stress the ed periods of time is challenging brigade’s logistical capabilities. for our Guard employers. We ap- preciate both our Soldiers’ fami- Throughout the NTC rotation, the lies and their employers for their Idaho Air National Guard’s 124th continued support, which allows FW provided close air support our Citizen-Soldiers to serve their and tactical air control through its communities.” participation in Green Flag-West, a realistic air-land integration The joint training opportunity combat training exercise. helped Idaho Army and Air Guard personnel prepare for future mis- “Incorporating the Air Force al- sions. The 116th Cavalry Brigade

Idaho Military Division Year in Review | 2019 30 Always Ready Always There 31

Idaho welcomes home deployed Soldiers Idaho Military Division: By the numbers

• 4: The Idaho Military Division is the state’s fourth largest employer. The UH-60 Black Hawk mede- crew chief and a flight paramedic. • 6: The number of entities that comprise the Idaho Military Division: the Idaho National vac unit deployed in April 2018 Soldiers worked 24-hour shifts Guard, the Idaho Office of Emergency Management, the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy, and provided aeromedical evac- and had 15 minutes to be up in the Public Safety Communications, the Idaho Military History Museum and STARBASE-Idaho. uation support for the 101st air, responding to calls from up to Combat Aviation Brigade in 40 miles away. • 140: Idaho National Guardsmen come from more than 140 Idaho communities. support of Operation Freedom’s • 300: The Idaho National Guard performed roughly 300 community relations events Sentinel. “It’s an instant adrenaline rush,” throughout in 2019. said flight paramedic Staff Sgt. Da- • 491: Miles between the Post Falls and Saint Anthony armories, the Idaho Na- Throughout the deployment, vid Egersdorf. “There’s nothing I tional Guard’s northern- and eastern-most armories. In May, more than 30 Soldiers medevac crews collectively flew can compare saving someone’s life • 1,200: Since 2014, more than 1,200 Idaho students from 43 Idaho counties from the Idaho Army National approximately 100 missions and to, whether it’s an American, an have earned a second chance at completing their high school education at Guard’s Detachment 2, Charlie more than 1,000 hours in helicop- Afghanistani or a foreign service the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy in Pierce. Company, 1-168th General Sup- ters equipped with advanced com- member, it’s fulfilling.” • 2,000: More than 2,000 Idaho fifth graders have participated in the Ida- port Aviation Battalion were wel- bat life-saving tools, external hoist ho Military Division’s STARBASE-Idaho program since the hands-on comed home from Afghanistan by systems and forward-looking in- The deployment marked the STEM program launched in 2018. Gov. Brad Little and senior Idaho frared cameras. eighth time in the past decade an • 6,000: Approximate number of federal, state and contracted em- National Guard leaders at a cer- Idaho Army National Guard avia- ployees on the Idaho Military Division payroll. emony in Sun Valley. Flight crews consist of two pilots, a tion unit has deployed. • 70,000: Idaho National Guard Soldiers and Airmen used more than $70,000 in federal and state tuition assistance to attend Idaho Cyber operations squadron activates universities, colleges and trade schools in 2019. In March, 39 Airmen from the host and network vulnerabilities, lysts conduced nearly 150 cyber • 500 million: The Idaho Military Division 224th Cyber Operations Squad- which led to proposing more than intelligence briefs, identifying 250 generates a total economic impact of more ron completed a six-month ac- 900 solutions for mitigation. Ana- indicators of compromise. than $500 million annually. tivation. The Idaho Air National Guard’s newest unit became the first Air National Guard cyber Idaho Military Museum operations squadron to deploy a fully operational cyberspace protection team.

During operations, Airmen executed more than 400 cyber missions, spending more than 2,227 hours on three critical national security systems in the assigned mission partner network. Airmen collected 12-4 Tuesday-Saturday 19 terabytes of data and were 4692 W. Harvard St., Boise able to identify nearly 90,000 Open to the public. Free admission.

Idaho National Guard Year in Review | 2019 The Idaho Military Division’s commitment to the community is codified in our adjutant general’s three strategic imperatives: to maintain combat readiness to fight and win our nation’s wars when called upon; to continue developing and strengthening our homeland security and emergency response readiness; and to continue building and fostering partnerships throughout Idaho, the nation and the world.

Our Mission: To maintain combat and domestic emergency response readiness in the Idaho National Guard; and guide the state, through the Office of Emergency Management, in effectively preparing for, responding to and recovering from all hazards. The division also provides a fully accredited residential high school with the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy, in order to intervene in and reclaim the lives of at-risk Idaho youth.

Our Vision: To be Idaho’s premier public service organization; attracting our leading citizens, promoting a safe and secure environment for our state and nation.

Community engagement is a cornerstone of the Idaho National Guard. It is a key to our success. Every Soldier, Airman and civilian is keenly aware, that without you, we could not fulfill our responsibility to the state or to the nation.