The Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF), home to one of the most professional and capable Search and Rescue teams in the nation, recently completed a major joint training exercise that demonstrated its continued evolution and preparedness for state emergencies. These trainings are essential, especially as GSDF soldiers are often called upon in the aftermath of natural disasters to locate and assist Georgians who are stranded or in need of emergency evacuation.
In July, the 1st and 4th Battalions of the GSDF came together under a newly adopted team-based organizational structure for a multi-day Field Training Exercise (FTX). Now operating jointly as Able Company, this exercise marked one of their first opportunities to operate in unison under the new model—a shift designed to enhance the speed and efficiency of response during activations and disasters.
The field training took place in a remote mountain location and was modeled on real-world mission requirements. Teams deployed into rugged terrain, conducting mission planning with terrain models, performing search and rescue operations, executing mountaineering extractions, casualty assessments, packing and evacuations, and establishing operational patrols. The exercise emphasized core capabilities such as land navigation, knot-tying, rope and pulley systems, communications, and evidence identification and documentation.
A critical component of the operation was the Tactical Operations Center (TOC), which provided mission oversight and command support using advanced technologies. The teams utilized ATAK (Android Team Awareness Kit) to manage planning, tracking, and operational coordination, while AT&T FirstNet ensured uninterrupted and reliable communications throughout the mountainous environment.
This training underscores the GSDF’s commitment to continual adaptation and operational excellence. By implementing a more agile, team-based structure, the force can now mobilize more effectively across the state during emergencies. The GSDF draws lessons from past large-scale responses—such as its activation during Hurricane Helene—to refine its approach and improve future outcomes.
As Georgia continues to face unpredictable natural disasters and emergency situations, the Georgia State Defense Force remains a critical and ever-improving asset in the state’s emergency response infrastructure. The July exercise is yet another example of how the organization is training smarter, organizing more effectively, and preparing for whatever challenges lie ahead.
ABLE COMPANY CONDUCTS JOINT FIELD TRAINING EXERCISE
Able Company Conducts Joint FTX
21 Jul 2025 – Staff
Story by SGT George Taylor. Image by CPT David Levine
In July, Soldiers from the Georgia State Defense Force’s 1st and 4th Battalions trained side by side under the newly adopted team-based organizational structure. This joint exercise marked one of the first opportunities for these battalions—now combined as Able Company—to drill together in the field.
Planned as a multi-day Field Training Exercise (FTX), the mission set reflected real-world operational demands. Teams deployed to a remote mountain location, where they conducted detailed mission planning and briefings including the use of terrain modeling, conducted search and rescue operations on multiple areas of interest, mountaineering extractions, casualty assessment, packing and evacuations, patrol base establishment and operations —all while navigating rugged terrain under load. Teams utilized a wide array of practical skills including land navigation, knots, rope and pulley systems, evidence identification and gathering, and proper communications.
Supporting the teams in the field, the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) command element maintained constant oversight using advanced mission command technology. The team leveraged ATAK (Android Team Awareness Kit)for mission planning, tracking, and command and control. Enhanced communications capability came via AT&T FirstNet, which ensured continuous, reliable connectivity in the austere mountain environment.
Sources: Georgia State Defense Force – Georgia State Defense Force
