Connecticut Foot Guard Finishes AT, Stands Mission Ready As Always

The Governors Foot Guards have recently finished their Annual Training (AT). This years AT held a multitude of classes from a new Basic Training course for new recruits to the Incident Awareness & Assessment (IAA) Program. The ‘Incident Awareness & Assessment Program’ provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of crucial strategic information during an emergency. This program focuses on utilizing overhead imagery to enhance situational awareness for military units, Incident Management Teams, and firefighters, aiding tactical and strategic decision-making. The program’s significance is underscored by its large and diverse class at Camp Nett, which included soldiers from The US Army,  US Army National Guard, Civil Air Patrol and various civil agencies.

In addition to these crucial courses, soldiers honed their expertise in Drill & Ceremony, encompassing comprehensive training and certification with the iconic Brown Bess Musket. This distinct firearm holds significance in ceremonial events and parades, boasting a storied legacy as the very weapon wielded by the American Army during the pivotal American Revolution.

Annual Training is designed to continue sharpening the skills of soldiers throughout the force, to ensure they stand mission ready for Connecticut.

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The Governor’s Guards posts frequently about being “Mission Ready,” and many often wonder what that actually entails. An important part of meeting the 21st Century’s Mission Requirements is ensuring the Guard is equipped with the skills necessary for effective operation in Homeland Defense and Domestic Emergency Response missions.

The Connecticut National Guard hosted the gold standard for this type of training at Camp Nett this month. “The ‘Incident Awareness & Assessment (IAA) Program’ offers participants a comprehensive overview of essential information.” said Second Lieutenant Andrew Paolillo, who serves as the Intelligence Officer, or “S2” for the 2nd Company Governors Foot Guard.

It is the duty of the S2 officer to plan intelligence collection operations. S2 officers have several resources for the job. For example, in the U.S. Army, satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capture image intelligence, at the State level resources vary. Lt Paolillo noted “this year’s IAA class at Camp Nett is the largest in the country, boasting representation from Active Duty, National Guard, Civil Air Patrol, State Militia, and various civilian organizations. It illustrates how important this training is for our future.”

Lt. Paolillo who attended the course over a full week at Camp Nett in Niantic added that “our participation showcases the Guard’s dedication to being at the forefront of defense and emergency response, ensuring we are always ready to serve and protect.”

The First Company Governor’s Foot Guard had an impressive day yesterday coupling cartridge making, musket familiarization, and musket firing as the Field Music rehearsed and prepared for today’s Battalion Review.

Muskets are a tried and true part of our Unit’s 251 years of history and an integral part of not only our past history, but essential to our current Drill and Ceremony. These black powder weapons are one of the many things that link us to those that served back in 1771.

Continuing to review A.A.R.s following the 2023 Annual Training of the Governor’s Guards definitely reflects a few things for sure, we are going to need a bigger camera lense (pictured are only 3 or the 4 Companies) and a larger Mess Staff! Both are great things to need and reflective on the growth and prosperity of the Guards. Many thanks to those hard working Mess StFf who toiled away all week making sure our soldiers never went hungry.

On Thursday, the First Company Governor’s Foot Guard was joined by the Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard, as well the First and Second Horse Guards. The four units held their combined Battalion Review, which due to inclement weather, was moved inside

Our guest of honor, Assistant Adjutant General Ralph F. Hedenberg, presented Soldier of the Year and Connecticut Long Service Medals to members of all four units.

The First Company would like to extend its congratulations to Corporal Gregory Soucier, 2023 Soldier of the Year, as well to Captain Lawrence Botting, 40 year Service Medal, and Captain Russell Scull, 20 year Service Medal.

Sources: First Company Foot Guard – Second Company Foot Guard