Media Day at Pelham Range to observe pre-mobilization training for deploying Alabama National Guard troops

Release# 2012050201

MONTGOMERY, AL (05/02/2012)(readMedia)-- The Alabama National Guard's 1/167th Infantry Battalion and 152nd Military Police Company will deploy overseas this summer. Prior to their deployments, the units undergo extensive pre-mobilization training conducted by the Alabama National Guard's Pre-mobilization Training Assistance Element (PTAE) at Fort McClellan Army National Guard Training Center and Pelham Range.

The Alabama National Guard's top officer, Maj. Gen. Perry G. Smith, will visit the units during their training and invites media to accompany him in order to give the public a better understanding of the quality of training our Soldiers receive and the training capabilities, equipment and facilities within the Alabama National Guard.

Members of the media will be able to video and photograph urban operations training and counter improvised explosive device training. Leaders and Soldiers of the 1/167th Infantry Battalion and the 152nd Military Police Company will be available for interviews as the training allows.

WHO:

Alabama National Guard’s 1/167th Infantry Battalion out of Talladega, Valley, Anniston, Pelham, Cullman, Sylacauga and Oxford and 152nd MP Company out of Hartselle and Scottsboro.
WHAT:

The high quality training Alabama Army National Guard units receive prior to mobilization and the quality of our Soldiers. The improvements made on Pelham Range highlighting the Counter Improvised Explosive Device - Defeat Lane.
WHEN: Tuesday May 08, 2012 at 09:00AM Central Time (US & Canada)
WHERE: Pelham Range
Alexandria, Alabama
NOTES:

Media who wish to attend this event should email the Alabama National Guard public affairs office NO LATER THAN 4:00 p.m., Friday, May 4, 2012, at int-paoal@ng.army.mil. The event is in an access-controlled area; therefore, no media will be able to attend who have not responded by the above deadline with the following information: names, email address and mobile telephone numbers of each reporter/ photographer/ videographer (limit of 2 for each outlet) who will attend. Media should bring affiliation identification (press credentials) and a government issued photo ID.

The terrain on Pelham Range is often rocky and has brambles. We recommend those attending wear sturdy shoes or boots and pants. The temperature is expected to reach nearly 90 degrees, so light, cool clothing is encouraged. Those attending should also consider bringing sunblock and insect repellant.  The event is expected to last until approximately 12:45 p.m.