DVIDS – News – Support in Combat: The 1st Armored Brigade Soldiers Who Worked Behind the Scenes of Pacific Fortitude

RODRIGUEZ LIVE FIRE COMPLEX, South Korea – To effectively fight and win our nation's wars, the U.S. Army relies on well-trained, disciplined and combat-ready teams. This requires that Soldiers be in good health, well-nourished, have necessary supplies and have their equipment fully functional.

Support soldiers are crucial in this context.

In July 2024, Soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, deployed to the Korean Peninsula in support of Pacific Fortitude. This operation reinforces longstanding U.S. commitments to the Republic of Korea by deploying troops, managing equipment logistics, and verifying unit readiness through fire exercises.

When the firing exercises began, 1ABCT's support soldiers proved indispensable, providing medical care, nutritious meals, timely deliveries, and necessary vehicle refueling – each of which was critical to the success of the mission.

To maintain the health and operational readiness of the soldiers throughout the exercise, the first aid station was in operation around the clock and staffed by medics from the 4th Battalion, 70th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade and 1st Armored Division.

These medics provided vital medical assistance to U.S. Army soldiers, U.S. Navy personnel, Korean military personnel, and others in need in the theater. The aid station, staffed by a general practitioner, ensured that all medics were on call to treat emergencies quickly and effectively.

“We gained invaluable experience treating real patients here,” said medic Pfc. Steven Modzelewski. “The clinical experience was very different from what we received at Fort Bliss, including hands-on training in suturing and heat treatment. We learned a great deal personally and as a team.”

In addition to intensive care, the medics conducted cross-functional training with U.S. Navy medics and participated in simulated care under fire exercises and on-site evacuation drills as part of Pacific Fortitude.

“We gained experience at the aid station, in the field and by working with professionals from different fields, deepening our skills,” said Sergeant Rachael Dickson, a combat medic. “This experience not only expanded our clinical expertise, but also created strong bonds between the U.S. branches and our Korean soldiers, which greatly increased the effectiveness of our joint team.”

Opposite the aid station was the only canteen that served breakfast and dinner. Hundreds of soldiers were supplied with food every day so that they had enough energy and were ready for action.

Cooks from the 4th Battalion prepared a variety of hot dishes in the dining facility throughout the exercise, including spaghetti, chicken cordon bleu and spicy Thai chicken.

“This exercise was an excellent opportunity to showcase the team's capabilities and highlight our growth from when we arrived to today,” said Sergeant First Class David Gamble, a culinary specialist. “It demonstrated how our diverse team members can come together to create and innovate in a different situation and environment.”

In the motor pool, truck drivers and fuel attendants from the 4th Battalion ensured the timely delivery of supplies, including ammunition, and the proper refueling of tactical vehicles to maintain operational momentum.

“We delivered ammunition for machine guns, small arms, tanks, smoke grenades and C-4 explosives,” said Sgt. Aaron Yearby, a motor transport operator. “My team worked around the clock to ensure the mission was carried out smoothly.”

Vehicles refueled and deployed during the exercise included the M9 Armored Combat Earthmover, M782 tanks, Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, M109 Paladin, Bradley Fighting Vehicle and other tactical machines.

“As a fuel attendant, it was my job to make sure all vehicles were full of gas and ready for registration,” said Pfc. Tashawn Hicks, an oil supply specialist. “We filled up our trucks daily and prepared incident reports to keep everything running smoothly.”

With the completion of the mission, its success underscores the crucial role of the supporting soldiers.

These soldiers provided critical aid to the injured, kept soldiers fed, managed supplies, and maintained tactical vehicles. Each of these elements is critical to maintaining a formidable fighting force and achieving mission objectives.

The combined efforts of support and combat personnel during Pacific Fortitude underscore the U.S. Army's capabilities as a formidable and effective fighting force, fueled by the strength and dedication of its elite soldiers.