FEBRUARY 10, 2025 — The U.S. Army stands ready to deploy, fight, and win America’s wars. Interoperability is at the center of military readiness, which the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team’s (GREYWOLF) Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise, or CALFEX, reinforces through vigorous training.
The CALFEX is an exercise in which infantry, mortar, cavalry scout, fire, and air support units coordinate efforts in a simulated environment to ensure combined efforts across the fighting force.
“These exercises allow us to practice in live-fire scenarios within the armored brigade combat team,” said 1st Lt. Alisa Blaine, a planning officer assigned to the 3rd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3ABCT. “Helping us gain confidence in our weapon systems and each other.”
Blaine explains that the overall intent is pursuing what they call “a perfect execution,” a perfection measured in lethality and coordination. Having the units that make up the GREYWOLF brigade participate in this joint training hones in on this “perfection” by following the Army standard of “train as we fight.”
“It helps us understand what it (perfect execution) feels like, so we can strive for that level of lethality in future operations,” said Blaine. “It builds confidence and prepares us to integrate our skills effectively in real-world combat scenarios.”
During live fire training, Soldiers can gain reliance on their equipment, interoperability and a better understanding of their role in the fight. Working towards the fundamentals in unison with the people to their left and right enables a smooth transition to real-world scenarios.
“What will help us win the fight is staying vigilant, scanning, and making sure we’re communicating,” said Blaine. “Leaders are being tested, and they’re learning that teamwork and communication are the biggest lessons.”
This exercise strives to create seamless coordination between units, which is a key element to every military operation.
“Being able to work with other allies (units) allows you to see their capabilities. It gives you an idea of what they’re doing in support of the common goal and mission focus,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Potts, a combat engineer assigned to 510th Combat Engineer Company, 20th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade.
Interoperability is critical within the brigade and in preparing the troops to collaborate with multinational forces. The U.S. Army participates in joint ventures with allied nations; this training ensures seamless integration and mission success.
“Being able to network and communicate with other forces, personnel, and elements that you don’t see on a day-to-day basis gives you confidence going to war,” said Potts. “Together, we’re all fighting as one.”
Honing these skills in simulated environments, Soldiers of the GREYWOLF brigade ensure readiness to deploy rapidly and operate seamlessly in high-stakes, dynamic conditions.
Through this CALFEX, the GREYWOLF brigade hones its interoperability, teamwork, and communication skills, preparing soldiers of all echelons for the demands of modern warfare. Training as they fight, these Soldiers embody Army readiness and stand prepared to “Win every fight.”
By Sgt. Joshua Tanner