2010 Annual Report - West Virginia Army National Guard - U.S. Army

West Virginia National Guard Annual Report 20101st Battalion, 201st Field Artillery RegimentLt. Col. Clay CoatneyCommand Sgt. Maj. Bobby L. Cales1st Battalion, 201st Field Artillery Regimentis known as the oldest continuous service unit inthe Army -- the 1st West Virginia -- establishedon February 17, 1735.During 2010, the training focus for the battalion,to include the 1201st Forward SupportCompany, was on individual warrior tasks inpreparation for possible deployment.The 1201st Forward Support Company began2010 by competing in the Phillip A. Connellycompetition at Camp Dawson near Kingwood,W.Va. Unit soldiers brought home “first place”in Army Food Service in the Army NationalGuard category and were recognized for theirefforts at a ceremony in Reno, Nev. After thecompetition, FSC members concentrated onwarrior tasks and battle drills in preparation formobilization with the battalion.During Annual Training, the 201st completeda significant number of required warrior tasks,battle drills, and medical and dental preparednesstasks. Soldiers were trained in several scenariosthat included dealing with groups of agitated civliansand Improvised Explosive Device attackson convoys. Soldiers were trained on properconvoy security procedures using the VehicleConvoy Operations Trainer, Humvee Egress AssistanceTrainer, and individual and crew servedweapons qualifications. Training culminated inJuly with the battalion completing Soldier ReadinessProcessing, the final pre-mobilization task.The battalion entered active federal serviceon Sept. 13 and 463 soldiers reported to FortMcCoy, Wis., on Sept. 17 to complete mobilizationtraining. The unit is currently deployed tosupport Operation New Dawn and is scheduledto return in mid-2011.18 19