JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- -- Civic leaders and members of the local community joined joint base leadership for the Warrior Exercise 17 distinguished visitor day here, Mar. 20.
With over 50 units participating in the WAREX from Mar. 13-21, visitors were given an inside look at the joint service training as it transitions into the second phase of events including briefings and aircraft operations.
“Where else can we get active Air Force and Army components all together to coordinate an exercise on one base?” said Maj. Gen. Scotty Carpenter, 84th Training Command commander. “Joint Base MDL provides so much that we can’t get anywhere else.”
Throughout the exercise, Soldiers have worked with active and reserve Air Force and Marine Corps units, as well as British and Canadian forces to train on a number of tactical combat missions.
During one such event, Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division and Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing worked hand-in-hand to simulate an airfield seizure before troops arrived on C-17 Globemaster III’s, said Carpenter.
“It just doesn’t get any better than this,” said Carpenter. “We’ve never been able to do things at this magnitude at any other exercise.”
For members of MDL, the WAREX is an example of the capabilities that can be found on the nation’s only tri-service installation. The unique training opportunities are a crucial element in how America’s fighting force trains, said Maj. Gen. Christopher Bence, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander.
“We’re thrilled to highlight our incredible capabilities, our fantastic facilities, and the great relationship we have with our surrounding communities,” said Bence. “It’s important for us to be able to offer another arrow in our nation’s quiver.”