Illinois National Guard unit completes logistics training exercise at Camp Dodge, Iowa

By Staff Sgt. Victor Joecks, 17th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs, Nevada National Guard

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (07/15/2014)(readMedia)-- CAMP DODGE, Iowa - The Illinois National Guard's 232nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB) in Springfield, Illinois, attended annual training at Camp Dodge, Iowa, June 7 to 21.

More than 60 Soldiers with the 232nd CSSB trained with units from Nevada and Kansas in a logistics exercise, which focused on the ability to deliver supplies to troops. The mission of a CSSB is to receive and provide logistic support to troops deployed in any area of a combat zone.

Training provided by Camp Dodge's Doctrinal Training Team 7, started with an overview of the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP). MDMP is the backbone of how a command team, similar to the headquarters of a battalion, processes an order from higher headquarters, executes its responsibilities and distributes it to subordinate units. MDMP is a seven-step process which includes receiving an order, analyzing it, generating and dissecting potential courses of action, briefing the commander and finally, receiving and relaying the commander's order to subordinate units.

Maj. Sean Welker of Pawnee, Illinois, executive officer of the 232nd CSSB, paid tribute to the usefulness of the MDMP training for the 232nd CSSB staff. "The majority of the staff hasn't gone through MDMP," said Welker. "It's been a very positive learning experience. They've all learned a ton."

The Soldiers of the 232nd CSSB put their MDMP training to work immediately by participating in a simulated logistics mission. The 17th Sustainment Brigade from Nevada played the higher headquarters and the 169th CSSB from Kansas had a role similar to the 232nd CSSB.

Spc. Graham Garrey of Somonauk, Illinois, an intelligence analyst for the 232nd CSSB, commended working with other units.

"It's cool to see higher and equal and work with them," said Garrey. "[It provides] more opinions. We see what they know. It helps you learn better, that's for sure."

The training simulated the pressures the unit would face if deployed. Master Sgt. Shelly Burkett of Pawnee, Illinois, plans and operations noncommissioned officer (NCO) for the 232nd, thought the group responded positively.

"I think we've worked very well together, gathering information in a pretty timely manner," said Burkett. "There's no hesitation in helping each other out or getting more information. [This training is] definitely important because we're actually sitting amongst each other and coming together to work on a mission. We definitely have to come together to complete the task."

The training also helped bond a relatively new group, said Welker.

"As the commander, [Lt. Col. Maxime Casteleyn] likes to say, 'since we're all brand new and coming together, we're going to go through the forming, storming and 'norming' process of relationship building,'" said Welker. "Now is the time to identify our strengths and weaknesses and find out who fits best. It's going to be a little chaotic until we figure out what the requirements of the staff will be. We're looking to get into a good battle rhythm."

As the event went on, the 232nd CSSB found its battle rhythm and earned praise from head instructor, said Tom Shatava, the lead for Doctrinal Training Team 7.

"It's a good unit. It is a highly motivated group that came together with a willingness to learn," said Shatava. "This training prepares the staff so they have a clear picture of what their roles and responsibilities are to sustain the war fighter."

Spc. Graham Garrey of Somonauk, Illinois, an intelligence analyst for the 232nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion of Springfield, Illinois, discusses logistics during annual training at Camp Dodge, Iowa, June 14. The unit trained at Camp Dodge, Iowa, from June 7 to 21, while participating in the largest simulated logistics exercise ever held at Camp Dodge. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Walter Lowell, 17th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs)

Leadership teams from the 232nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB) of Springfield, Illinois, and the 169th CSSB from Kansas listen to Lt. Col. Michael Heil (far right), operations officer for the 17th Sustainment Brigade from Nevada, conduct a briefing on the shared mission during annual training at Camp Dodge, Iowa, June 14. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Walter Lowell, 17th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs)

Lt. Col. Maxime Casteleyn of Mundelein, Illinois, commander of the 232nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB) of Springfield, Illinois, briefs his unit plans during annual training at Camp Dodge, Iowa, June 14. The 232nd CSSB conducted a simulated logistics exercise with the goal of sustaining the war fighter in a combat zone, during annual training. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Walter Lowell, 17th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs)

Lt. Col. Maxime Casteleyn of Mundelein, Illinois, commander of the 232nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB) of Springfield, Illinois, discusses his unit training with Maj. Gen. Timothy Orr (right, foreground), the Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard during annual training at Camp Dodge, Iowa, June 14. The 232nd CSSB trained at Camp Dodge, June 7 to 21, while participating in the largest simulated logistics exercise ever held at Camp Dodge. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Victor Joecks, 17th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs)