Press Release
☷Opposing Forces a Key Element During Northern Strike 24 1
National Guard ( By Press Release office)
Jan 30,2024
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In Camp Grayling , Michigan , snowflakes gently fell from the sky , creating a peaceful silence in the dark woods . Soldiers trudged through the knee - deep snow towards their objective , the only sound being their muffled footsteps . Suddenly , gunshots rang out , breaking the stillness . Someone yelled "Contact right!" and the Soldiers returned fire . Orders were shouted as they reacted to the attack . The darkness , snow , and cold were all obstacles they had to overcome , and now they faced another challenge - the opposing forces of the training exercise , known as OPFOR . Sergeant 1st Class Todd Teuling , in charge of the OPFOR , explained that their role was to provide a realistic experience for the training units . The exercise involved collaboration between the Army ' s 5th Special Forces Group , Air Force and Michigan Air National Guard , and Michigan Army Guard . The Special Forces Soldiers had to plan and adapt to the tactics of the OPFOR , who were fellow Soldiers from Michigan Army Guard units . Teuling and his team worked closely with the RTU ' s leadership to create the desired training scenario , involving weapons and simulated explosives . While the mission may have been planned , the Soldiers had to think on their feet and adjust to the OPFOR ' s actions . Teuling mentioned an instance where they conducted a roving patrol , knowing that an attack was imminent . The OPFOR ended up being positioned right alongside the Special Forces team , resulting in a perfect training opportunity . The Soldiers reacted as they were trained to , and the supporting elements also had to adapt accordingly . For Soldiers in Headquarters and Headquarters Company , 1st Battalion , 125th Infantry Regiment , Michigan Army National Guard , that might mean firing illumination rounds during a night mission before switching to other types of rounds . According to Staff Sgt . Alex Reams , a squad leader with the unit , the Special Forces guys can request illumination rounds if they spot something in front of them that they ' re unsure about . This allows them to assess the situation and call for further action . Sgt . Michael Smith , a mortar team leader , explains that this requires quick adjustments and a sense of urgency , as lives depend on their fire missions . Participating in exercises like Northern Strike helps strengthen their capabilities . Planning is crucial for both sides involved in the exercise , with the opposing forces team basing their plans on those of the training unit . Overall , the exercise provides valuable training and adrenaline - filled experiences for all involved .
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