LACKLAND AFB, Texas (Army News Service, Dec. 10, 2004) – Last year the 4th Infantry Division focused on battling insurgents and maintaining stability in Iraq. This week they concentrated on preparing to stave off disaster on their own soil.

A U.S. Northern Command Quick Reaction Force, made up of more than 100 Soldiers from Company D, 1-66th Armor, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, arrived at Kelly Airfield on an Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft during the predawn hours of Dec. 8 to put skills in defending a government facility to the test at Lackland Air Force Base.

The exercise, which took months to plan but only a day to pull off, had 4th ID Soldiers assist Air Force security forces in random vehicle searches, conduct base patrols, provide security for an ammo facility and secure a detention center, according to Maj. Randy Cephus, public affairs officer for 1st Brigade, 4th ID.

“This was the third in a series of QRF exercises designed by U.S. Northern Command to ensure it has the forces necessary to carry out its homeland defense mission by rapidly deploying ground forces throughout the United States,” Cephus said.

It was also a change of pace for the 4th ID soldiers, who have been back from Iraq for the last seven months, and who are now tasked to rapidly respond to a terrorist attack on U.S. soil or help a lead federal agency during a national crisis, said Staff. Sgt. General Johnson, a tank commander with the Quick Reaction Force.

“This exercise was very important because it allowed us to become familiar with the procedures on handling a local or national crisis,” Johnson said. “In the 15 years that I have been in the Army, the atmosphere has changed from sitting in a tank waiting for the enemy to emphasizing training on defending the homeland.”

Soldiers also realized the seriousness of QRFs because Sept. 11th highlighted the need for them, said Pvt. Anthony Mattaliano, a tank driver with the force.

“The more soldiers that the Army gets trained on these types of exercises, then the better prepared the country will be to defend its own soil,” he said. “Besides, with experience comes confidence, and that is what is needed if we are to fulfill our duties in a real-world situation.”

Along with serving as an opposing force for 4th ID, Lackland Airmen provided communications support and made sure the Soldiers had everything they needed to live and operate while away from home. Soldiers on the simulated battlefield, including Army Pvt. Taylor McClendon, a tank driver with the QRF, were impressed with Lackland’s support.

“The help we received from the Air Force was instrumental in making sure that we are ready for a real-world situation,” he said. “They made our trip very pleasant and I am glad they were out here supporting us during this intense and important exercise.”

Cohesion between the military branches is more important now than ever before, said Army Spc. Donnie L. Erwin, a tank loader with the QRF.

After the exercise was completed, 4th ID officials deemed it a success and the unit better prepared to respond to crisis situations, according to Cephus.

“All of our training objectives were validated and our troop leader procedures were completed,” Cephus said. “The Soldiers were able to successfully complete the three major tasks at hand: securing a detention facility, augmenting defense for the base and providing security for the ammunition point.”

(Editor’s note: Spc. Alfredo Jimenez Jr. serves with the Army and Air Force Hometown News Service in San Antonio, Texas.)