The Vermont Army National Guard is deploying to Louisiana in June to take part in a massive, multi-state training exercise.
About 1,900 Vermonters will join with soldiers from other states for a combined 3,000-soldier training operation over the course of three weeks, said Colonel Nathan Lord of the Vermont Guard. The exercises, expected to cost about $40 million, are based at the Army’s Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La., Lord said.
The trip will include a full-scale simulated battle using a sophisticated system that resembles highly advanced laser tag. The system tracks soldier movements in the combat zone, the trajectories of virtual bullets, and other details so the military can analyze the battle.
Lord said the deployment was met with an “overwhelmingly positive” response, but “for most soldiers, three weeks is a stretch.”
While the training is focused on the guard’s combat abilities, Lord said, the training is part of a normal schedule and is “certainly not tied to any sort of [overseas] deployment.”
Businesses who employ guard members are expected to allow their employees time off to participate in guard activities. Lord said he understands the difficulties they may face, but appreciates the support and understanding.
“For particularly the small employers, it is a hardship, but they supported the brigade great in the past and we’re certain they’ll do that again in the future.”
