By Capt. Cory Johnson, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division
At FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pennsylvania, Col. Stuart James, the First Army Senior Regular Army Advisor to the Pennsylvania National Guard, took the lead in a training session for the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, focusing on Engagement-Area Development (EA Dev) on May 14.
The brigade is gearing up for a significant mission: deployment to the Joint Multinational Training Center to offer training assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This reflects the enduring commitment of the brigade to stand alongside allies and partners in supporting Ukraine’s journey towards sovereignty and freedom.
During the session, Col. James underscored the importance of EA Dev within Army doctrine, stressing its role as a guiding principle for defensive operations aimed at achieving national objectives. He elaborated on the seven key points of EA Dev, highlighting the crucial aspect of synchronization in uniting various elements to effectively engage the enemy.
“Essentially, EA Dev. hinges on synchronization. By aligning different elements, we bolster our ability to confront the enemy with unified strength,” explained Col. James. “Understanding this process empowers us to synchronize our efforts, delivering multiple forms of engagement to disrupt the enemy.”
Leadership within the brigade emphasized the necessity of mastering EA Dev concepts in readiness for training Ukrainian forces.
“This training serves as the foundation. We must attain expertise in this area to effectively share knowledge with our Ukrainian counterparts,” noted Col. Christopher Costello, commander of the independence brigade.
Over the past year, the brigade has dedicated itself to intensive training, focusing on honing basic Soldier skills, tactics, techniques, and procedures in alignment with Army doctrine. This adherence to established standards ensures a common frame of reference and equips Army leaders with the requisite tools to tackle military challenges.
“Comprehending the process and adhering to the steps instills confidence in our Soldiers, alleviating fear and stress,” added Col. James. “A collective understanding of the situation is essential for success. With everyone on the same page, victory becomes attainable.”