D.C. National Guard commander tours training site Published Aug. 6, 2015 By Army Staff Sgt. Robert W. Mitchell District of Columbia Public Affairs Detachment JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Major Gen. Errol Schwartz, commanding general, Joint Force Headquarters, District of Columbia National Guard took a tour of his troops conducting a variety of field exercises in real-world scenarios during their annual training here July 28. He arrived to the site by helicopter to assess training and activities during the unit's annual two-week training event. During the visit, Schwartz observed a simulated firefight conducted by the 275th Military Police Company and a simulated medical evacuation operation conducted by the 547th Maintenance Company. Schwartz also surveyed landscape where a mock Middle Eastern city had been erected to recreate life-like conditions for Soldiers operating in Southwest Asia. Some DCNG Soldiers playing the role of local nationals dressed in Middle Eastern garb, greeted the general's convoy at the entrance to the city. The general's convoy was also "attacked" by a surprise ambush while traveling between site visits. His team returned fire and thwarted the simulated attack. Earlier in the visit, Schwartz joined his Soldiers for a Meal-Ready-to-Eat lunch at the New Jersey Army National Guard Command Support Maintenance Division at JB MDL. He and his staff discussed a variety of issues including force structure and personnel staffing at the DCARNG. Following a brief question and answer session, Schwartz awarded Spc. James Pelzer, a Soldier with the 104th Maintenance Company, with a coin of excellence for outstanding performance. Sgt. Fadul Francis, a Soldier with the 104th, described the lunch with the general and his command staff "a very helpful experience."