FORT IRWIN, CALIF. (WTOC) - The Third ID trained on vehicles that are aimed at withstanding mine blasts at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif.
Commanding General of the Third ID Major Gen. Abe Abrams was there to make sure his soldiers are ready for their mission in Afghanistan.
The army's newest MRAPS, which stands for mine resistant ambush protected, are replacing the Humvee.
The army surged dozens of MRAPS for the 130 Infantry of 3rd ID.
In one exercise, the group is an Afghan village where things have gone terribly wrong inside. They have to go inside while there's live gunfire being exchanged.
"Well, we're looking forward to it sir, we're ready to go. Like I said, we're just trying to get as much training as possible in before we get down there so we can execute our mission and bring everybody back home safely sir," said Staff Sgt. David Chadburn.
After a long day in the California desert, the day is nowhere near done. After-action assessments are carefully reviewed. Then the general asks trainers to leave, so he can talk to Battle Boar leaders.
2nd Lt. William Reed, of the 130 Infantry Regiment, said these are the best guys he has ever met. "They're incredible - every single one," he said. "In the 130th, there's not a single guy I don't like - incredible people."
"Yes, we're getting squared away and ready, sir. We're going out there. We're doing training. We're learning some good things and going for better techniques at just being better at what we do, sir," said Sfc. Genora Jenkins of the 130 Infantry Regiment.
"I'll tell you, it's been fast and furious," said Lt. Col. Mike Jason, commander, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. "I'm blessed and thankful for incredibly agile leaders - a real band of professionals- terrific soldiers. We looked at the problem as a team and went after it."
They're training with 80 to 100 Afghan speakers at the National Training Center.
The Battle Boars got to spend some time with family between training and deployment, which is under way.
Come April, the First Battalion 64th Armor also with the Second Heavy Brigade Combat Team, and the Spartan Brigade will be headed downrange - followed by Headquarters and Headquarters Company in August.
Collectively, they'll write the next chapter in the storied history of the Third Infantry Division.
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