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MEMORANDUM FOR CORRESPONDENTS

#M-03-11 May 5, 2003

STRYKER BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM IN ACTION AT JOINT READINESS TRAINING CENTER

Even as The Army is engaged in combat and stability operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world, we continue to advance the transformation of our forces to better meet the nation's security needs in the 21st Century.

A key milestone in that transformation is taking place May 15-27 at the Joint Readiness Training Center, with the certification of the first Stryker Brigade Combat Team-the Army's interim force designed to fill the gap between its heavy and light forces-and you are cordially invited to Fort Polk, La. to observe this unit in action.

The certification, known as the "Operational Evaluation," is a commander's operational assessment of the training and readiness of the first Stryker Brigade Combat Team (3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division) and the suitability of the SBCT organizational design. This assessment was specifically called for by the 2002 National Defense Authorization Act and consists of training events at the Army's best training centers, involving a range of military operations, potential threats and terrain.

The capstone training event at Fort Polk, La., called Arrowhead Lightning, will validate the SBCT's ability to conduct missions across the range of military operations, from stability and support missions, early entry operations, and low to mid intensity conflict. We will demonstrate how the SBCT uses superior information and knowledge to achieve decision superiority and support advanced command and control capabilities, in order to realize the full potential of dominant maneuver.

Arrowhead Lightning begins on May 17 and will continue through May 27. The Media Operations Center will be operational on today with scheduled events soon after. If you could identify some dates that best fit your schedule we will be able to provide a more detailed itinerary to ensure your needs are met during your visit to JRTC.

Please contact Ann Zetterstrom, zetterstroma@lewis.army.mil or LTC Joe Piek, piekj@lewis.army.mil at (337) 531-4755, or Army Public Affairs at 703-614-2487 or 703-697-4314 to coordinate your visit.

For more information about the Stryker Brigade Combat Team take a look at our website http://lewis.army.mil/arrowheadlightning