For two weeks in Germany, no one saw the sun.
Each new bitter morning, the unending gray, heavy skies of U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels promised only more cold and rain.
The sharp chills, harsh winds and muddy earth may be the norm for Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment (1-4th Inf. Reg.) who regularly train here; however, this kind of weather is new to the Alabama National Guard soldiers from the 129th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS) who embedded with the infantrymen from Jan. 27 until Feb. 8.
These medics, individually and affectionately referred to as “Doc” by the infantrymen, traveled with, trained in and took care of the platoons they were assigned to for their stay at Hohenfels.
“We’re here to provide real-world medical support for the 4th Inf. Reg.,” said Sgt. Avery Carpenter, a combat medic with 129th MCAS. “I’m the first line of care, and if something happens to any of these guys, I’m here to medically treat them for anything that may happen.”
The medics are not just idly waiting for medical issues to arise in the rear. They’re fully integrated into their assigned platoon and act as the Opposing Force (OPFOR) for Rotational Training Units (RTUs). Using the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) gear, they can engage in realistic simulated combat experiences against the soldiers of the RTU.
Essentially, they are the “enemy” for American troops to train against – and their objective is to win. There are no participation trophies in war, so the OPFOR are there to put up a fight.
“I put my full kit on, carry a weapon, go on missions, while also carrying my medical gear,” Carpenter said. “I’ve been in a few firefights, and they’ve been really awesome about allowing us to fully take on our roles as combat medics and not just sitting around waiting for injuries and sick call.”
Staff Sgt. William Powell, a platoon sergeant with 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, “Blackfoot,” 1-4th Inf. Reg., said it’s realistic training for the RTUs to have live, human opponents, but it gives the OPFOR equal training because the results are unscripted.
“The purpose of the OPFOR is to provide a realistic combat simulation for the RTU,” Powell said. “The medics from Alabama integrated perfectly as riflemen. It’s awesome to see other MOSs pick up a rifle and fight for their lives. Especially these guys; they’ve all come out here with a great attitude and have been ready and eager to learn and train since day one.”
The OPFOR, who dress in black fatigues and use non-standard gear and equipment like AK-47s and the now-defunct M113 Armored Personnel Carriers, work 24/7 operations in their simulated fight against the RTU. They create blockades, plant simulated explosives on roads, travel in dismounted and mounted patrols in search of RTU encampments, react to enemy contact and assault battlefield positions.
“It’s actually super fun to get different perspectives from the Guardsmen out here, although we really try to indoctrinate them into our unit culture,” Powell said. “Especially Blackfoot Company, because we have a reputation for being kind of ruthless out here. Cold, wet, it doesn’t matter – we’ll get the job done. It’s really cool to see National Guardsmen come out here and get a taste of it.”
Sgt. Bayley Monahan, a combat medic with the 129th MCAS, agreed.
“You’re always told you’re a ‘soldier first’ in the Army,” Monahan said. “I’m getting more of that soldier-first training out here and seeing real-world medical events.”
“Being a medic is fun, but the misconception is it’s all gunshot wounds and massive bleeds,” said Sgt. Bayley Monahan of Mobile, a combat medic with the 129th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS). “The reality is most of the time it’s just minor injuries and illnesses. And any good medic hopes it stays that way.” The medics with the 129th MCAS fully integrate into their assigned platoon in 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment to provide real-world medical support and act as riflemen for training at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Opposing Force (OPFOR) soldiers with 1st Platoon, Bravo Co. 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment drive an M113 armored personnel carrier at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. OPFOR create blockades, plant simulated explosives on roads, travel in dismounted and mounted patrols in search of encampments, react to enemy contact and assault battlefield positions of units training at Hohenfels. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Sgt. Bayley Monahan, a combat medic with the 129th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS), hands out medicine to a soldier with the 1st Platoon, Bravo Co., 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, during his morning wellness check at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The medics with the 129th MCAS fully integrate into their assigned platoon to provide real-world medical support and act as riflemen for the duration of training. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
A soldier, acting as Opposing Force (OPFOR) with Headquarters and Headquarters Company 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, provides security from the gunner’s hatch of a Russian Tigr-M during a training mission at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The purpose of the OPFOR is to provide a realistic combat simulation for units training at Hohenfels. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Soldiers acting as Opposing Force (OPFOR) from 1st Platoon, Bravo Co. 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, moves an M2 machine gun into position to ambush training units patrolling the area at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The .50-caliber machine gun is equipped with a blank firing adaptor and the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System gear to calculate hits and simulate casualties during simulated combat encounters. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Sgt. Bayley Monahan, a combat medic with the 129th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS), sits in the back of an M113 Armored Personnel Carrier with soldiers acting as Opposing Force (OPFOR) from 1st Platoon, Bravo Co. 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The OPFOR, who dress in black fatigues and use non-standard gear and equipment, work 24/7 operations in their simulated fight against the training units. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Sgt. Bayley Monahan, a combat medic with the 129th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS), fires an AK-47 equipped with blank-fire adaptor and Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System at soldiers from a distance while on a dismounted patrol at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The purpose of the OPFOR is to provide a realistic combat simulation for units training at Hohenfels. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Soldiers acting as Opposing Force (OPFOR) from 1st Platoon, Bravo Co. 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, move an M2 machine gun into position to ambush training units patrolling the area at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The .50-caliber machine gun is equipped with a blank firing adaptor and the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System gear to calculate hits and simulate casualties during simulated combat encounters. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
A soldier, acting as Opposing Force (OPFOR) with 2nd Platoon, Bravo Co. 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, fires an AK-47 at soldiers from a distance while on a dismounted patrol at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The purpose of the OPFOR is to provide a realistic combat simulation for units training at Hohenfels. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Sgt. Bayley Monahan, a combat medic with the 129th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS), moves a large branch to use as camouflage for a battle position set up by Opposing Force (OPFOR) soldiers from 1st Platoon, Bravo Co. 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The medics with the 129th MCAS fully integrate into their assigned platoon to provide real-world medical support and act as riflemen for the duration of training. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Spc. Sarah Little, Sgt. Bayley Monahan and Sgt. Avery Carpenter, all combat medics with the 129th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS), pose with their full Opposing Force (OPFOR) kits on the back ramp of an M113 armored personnel carrier at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The medics with the 129th MCAS fully integrate into their assigned platoon to provide real-world medical support and act as riflemen for the duration of training. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
An M113 armored personnel carrier, driven by soldiers acting as Opposing Force (OPFOR) from 1st Platoon, Bravo Co.,1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, patrol the backroads of U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The purpose of the OPFOR is to provide a realistic combat simulation for units training at Hohenfels. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Sgt. William Powell, platoon sergeant for 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 1-4th Infantry Regiment, mans a mounted Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) during an assault on enemy positions at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. Units training use MILES gear to calculate hits and simulate casualties during combat encounters. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Sgt. Bayley Monahan, a combat medic with the 129th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS), sits in the back of an M113 armored personnel carrier with soldiers acting as Opposing Force (OPFOR) from 1st Platoon, Bravo Co. 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The OPFOR, who dress in black fatigues and use non-standard gear and equipment, work 24/7 operations in their simulated fight against the training units. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
A soldier, acting as Opposing Force (OPFOR) with Headquarters and Headquarters Company 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, stands outside of a Russian Tigr-M during a training mission at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The OPFOR, who dress in black fatigues and use non-standard gear and equipment, work 24/7 operations in their simulated fight against the training units. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
A soldier, acting as Opposing Force (OPFOR) with 2nd Platoon, Bravo Co. 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, fires an AK-47 at soldiers from a distance while on a dismounted patrol at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The purpose of the OPFOR is to provide a realistic combat simulation for units training at Hohenfels. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Sgt. Bayley Monahan, a combat medic with the 129th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS), uses a knife to unravel concertina wire to use as a roadblock at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The medics with the 129th MCAS fully integrate into their assigned platoon to provide real-world medical support and act as riflemen for the duration of training. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Sgt. Bayley Monahan, a combat medic with the 129th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS) and Opposing Force (OPFOR) soldier with 1st Platoon, Bravo Co. 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, engages and fires at soldiers from a distance while on a dismounted patrol at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The purpose of the OPFOR is to provide a realistic combat simulation for units training at Hohenfels. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
After a long night of alternating one-hour shifts for security detail, Monahan woke at first light to check on every soldier in the platoon.
It is challenging work, but it is also rewarding, he explained as he made his way to a battle position. The freezing temperatures, wet conditions and challenging terrain were all causes for concern. There was a real threat of cold-weather casualties, sickness and physical injuries.
The soldiers in the 1st platoon greeted Monahan with “good morning, Doc,” as they updated him on their status. Many people requested his “military special,” a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen, to relieve the everyday aches and pains from carrying equipment, moving quickly and sleeping on the ground.
“Normally in my unit, we’re stuck at an aid station focusing on patient care,” Monahan said. “Which is important, but having real responsibility for the immediate welfare of these soldiers is what it’s all about.”
While the firefights themselves are not deadly, the MILES equipment detects “impact” from small-arms fire and other types of ordnance to simulate real casualties. Taking on casualties results in losing valuable time and tactical positioning to enemy forces. Additionally, Powell explained that this scenario serves as an excellent test of discipline.
“Outside of the obvious, there’s no real danger out here. No one is going to die if you fall asleep while you’re on security,” Powell said, “but being disciplined out here to stay awake, to keep motivated, staying steadfast in training is how you build the discipline and resolve for this in a real combat situation.”
The 1-4th Inf. Reg. enhances its operations by integrating support units during most training rotations. They come from other active-duty units, the Army Reserves and other National Guard states.
Spc. Sarah Little poses for a portrait in her full Opposing Force (OPFOR) kit on the back ramp of an M113 armored personnel carrier at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The medics with the 129th MCAS fully integrate into their assigned platoon to provide real-world medical support and act as riflemen for the duration of training. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Sgt. Bayley Monahan, a combat medic with the 129th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS), hands out medicine to a soldier with the 1st Platoon, Bravo Co. 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, during his morning wellness check at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The medics with the 129th MCAS fully integrate into their assigned platoon to provide real-world medical support and act as riflemen for the duration of training. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Opposing Force (OPFOR) soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Company 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, use signal-jamming equipment to hinder radio comms during simulated combat training at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. OPFOR create blockades, plant simulated explosives on roads, travel in dismounted and mounted patrols in search of encampments, react to enemy contact and assault battlefield positions of units training at Hohenfels. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
“Being a medic is fun, but the misconception is it’s all gunshot wounds and massive bleeds,” said Sgt. Bayley Monahan of Mobile, a combat medic with the 129th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS). “The reality is most of the time it’s just minor injuries and illnesses. And any good medic hopes it stays that way.” The medics with the 129th MCAS fully integrate into their assigned platoon in 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, to provide real-world medical support and act as riflemen for training at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Sgt. William Powell, platoon sergeant for 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 1-4th Infantry Regiment, mans a mounted Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) during an assault on enemy positions at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. Units training use MILES gear to calculate hits and simulate casualties during combat encounters. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Sgt. Bayley Monahan, a combat medic with the 129th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS) and Opposing Force (OPFOR) soldier with 1st Platoon, Bravo Co. 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, engages and fires at soldiers from a distance while on a dismounted patrol at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The purpose of the OPFOR is to provide a realistic combat simulation for units training at Hohenfels. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
A soldier acting as Opposing Force (OPFOR) from 1st Platoon, Bravo Co. 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, takes a short nap after a long night of one hour on, one hour off security at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The OPFOR, who dress in black fatigues and use non-standard gear and equipment, work 24/7 operations in their simulated fight against the training units. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Sgt. Bayley Monahan, a combat medic with the 129th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS), hands out medicine to a soldier with the 1st Platoon, Bravo Co., 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, during his morning wellness check at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The medics with the 129th MCAS fully integrate into their assigned platoon to provide real-world medical support and act as riflemen for the duration of training. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
A soldier, acting as Opposing Force (OPFOR) with 1st Platoon, Bravo Co. 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, sets up a roadblock using concertina wire at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The OPFOR, who dress in black fatigues and use non-standard gear and equipment, work 24/7 operations in their simulated fight against the training units. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Sgt. Avery Carpenter, a combat medic with the 129th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS), puts on her advanced combat helmet while gearing up for a mission at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The medics with the 129th MCAS fully integrate into their assigned platoon in 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment to provide real-world medical support and act as riflemen during training. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
“I’m the first line of medical care for these soldiers,” said Sgt. Avery Carpenter of Brantley, a combat medic with the 129th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS). “It’s also my responsibility to carry a weapon and get into the fight. To take care of the team I have to be a part of the team.” The medics with the 129th MCAS fully integrate into their assigned platoon in 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment to provide real-world medical support and act as riflemen for training at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Sgt. Bayley Monahan, a combat medic with the 129th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS), waits outside with soldiers acting as Opposing Force (OPFOR) from 1st Platoon, Bravo Co., 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The medics with the 129th MCAS fully integrate into their assigned platoon to provide real-world medical support and act as riflemen for the duration of training. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Sgt. William Powell, platoon sergeant for 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 1-4th Infantry Regiment, mans a mounted Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) during an assault on enemy positions at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. Units training use MILES gear to calculate hits and simulate casualties during combat encounters. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
A soldier, acting as Opposing Force (OPFOR) with 2nd Platoon, Bravo Co. 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, instructs Sgt. Avery Carpenter, a medic with the 129th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS), on how to properly deploy a smoke grenade at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The purpose of the OPFOR is to provide a realistic combat simulation for units training at Hohenfels. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Soldiers acting as Opposing Force (OPFOR) from 1st Platoon, Bravo Co. 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment move an M2 machine gun into position to ambush training units patrolling the area at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. The .50-caliber machine gun is equipped with a blank firing adaptor and the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System gear to calculate hits and simulate casualties during simulated combat encounters. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Sgt. Bayley Monahan, a combat medic with the 129th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS), mans the radio during one hour on, one hour off, 24-hour security operations in the back of an M113 armored personnel carrier at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. During their annual training, the medics of the 129th MCAS fully integrate into their assigned platoon to provide real-world medical support and act as riflemen for the duration of training. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Opposing Force (OPFOR) soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Company 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, use signal-jamming equipment to hinder radio comms during simulated combat training at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. OPFOR create blockades, plant simulated explosives on roads, travel in dismounted and mounted patrols in search of encampments, react to enemy contact and assault battlefield positions of units training at Hohenfels. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
Sgt. Bayley Monahan, a combat medic with the 129th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS), holds onto a roll of concertina wire at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels. Opposing Force (OPFOR) soldiers with 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, create blockades, plant simulated explosives on roads, travel in dismounted and mounted patrols in search of encampments, react to enemy contact and assault battlefield positions of units training at Hohenfels. (Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn / U.S. Army National Guard)
According to Spc. Drew Knuffke, the head medic for B. Co. 1-4th Inf. Reg., the medics with the 129th MCAS proved this rotation that all augments aren’t built the same.
“They have been the most knowledgeable augments we’ve ever had,” Knuffke said. “They know how to do their jobs, and they do it well. They jumped in headfirst ready to work.”
Knuffke was surprised by the motivation and excitement the soldiers of the 129th MCAS had when integrating into his company and hopes that Alabama sends more soldiers like that to train within the near future. The medics in the 129th agreed.
“This is definitely something other Guardsmen need to be doing more often,” Monahan said. “It’s important to be a well-rounded soldier; I’m in a medical unit now, but my next promotion could put me on a line unit. And with the possibility of deployments, it’s better to show up with experience to a new job on day one.”
“I think this has been a great experience for our medics who were able to come out here,” Carpenter agreed. “We don’t get to see this stuff – really ever – so I think it’s been great training, and I’d recommend this to anybody who gets the chance to come out here.”
