DONA ANA BASE CAMP, N.M. – Network Integration Evaluation is an high intense evolutionary approach to U.S. Army technology evaluation and acquisition that’s participated in semi-annually by soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. The soldiers were able to take a break from training to enjoy some quality time with family and friends during NIE 13.1.

The 47th Brigade Support Battalion hosted dinner and a movie at which numerous soldiers were in attending. While there they enjoyed music, food and drinks, donated by United Service Organization, who was partnered with the 47th BSB Unit Ministry team. The USO also provide a mobile canteen, a truck that brings food and drinks to soldiers.

“We bring goodness to the troops wherever they may be,” said Eva Gonzales, a USO mobile canteen coordinator.

The night was capped off with a premiere movie showing of Prometheus, which was played on inflatable screen.

47th BSB Logistic team has conducted more than 90 convey operation and has pumped more than 2,010 gallons of fuel during this training rotation

“It’s a great experience,” said Pvt. Cory Johnson, a wheeled vehicle mechanic, 47th BSB, 2nd BCT, 1st AD. Johnson also said that after a long logistic mission, to come back to something like this is wonderful for the battalion.

Another unit, the 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, hosted a family day, Nov. 8, which included a demonstration of the 4-27 FA soldiers conducting live fire missions, using both the M777 Howitzer and the M109 Paladin artillery systems.

Many couples, like Chris and Heather Brown, were just happy to be with one another after the long weeks soldier’s time spent in the field. This is 4-27 FA’s fourth in a series of semi-annual evaluation with a high operational tempo training schedule, opportunities like these are refreshing for the soldiers in the battalion.

“I’ve been away from her for a while; I’ve also been in Korea,” said Spc. Chris Brown, a 4-27 FA radar operator.

“I am just lucky to see her,” he said.

During the event, 4-27 FA demonstrated their skills by conducting live fire missions, allowing attendees to see first-hand how the artillery systems and their crews operate in combat situations. Many family and friends came out for the day, and were glad to share time together. This gives the family a glimpse inside the world of the "Kings of Battle."

After more than a week of pre-certifications and battalion missions events like this, it strengthened the bond between family members and their soldiers re-energizing them during the final stretch of NIE 13.1.

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