By: Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn
Alabama National Guard
For two weeks in Germany, no one saw the sun.
Each new bitter morning, the unending gray, heavy skies of U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels only promise more cold and rain.
The sharp chills, harsh winds, and muddy earth may be the norm for soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment who regularly train here; however, this kind of weather is new to the Alabama National Guard Soldiers from the 129th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS) who embedded with the infantrymen from Jan. 27 – Feb. 8, 2025.
These medics, individually and affectionately referred to as “Doc” by the infantrymen, traveled with, trained in, and took care of the platoons they were assigned to for their stay at Hohenfels.
“We’re here to provide real-world medical support for the 4th Inf. Reg.,” said Sgt. Avery Carpenter, a combat medic with 129th MCAS. “I’m the first line of care and if something happens to any of these guys, I’m here to medically treat them for anything that may happen.”
Training for combat…as the enemy
The medics are not just idly waiting for medical issues to arise in the rear. They’re fully integrated into their assigned platoon and act as the Opposing Force for Rotational Training Units (RTUs).
Utilizing the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System gear, they can engage in realistic simulated combat experiences against the soldiers of the RTU.
Essentially, they are the “enemy” for American troops to train against—and their objective is to win. There are no participation trophies in war, so the opposing force is there to put up a fight.
“I put my full kit on, carry a weapon, go on missions, while also carrying my medical gear,” said Carpenter. “I’ve been in a few firefights and they’ve been really awesome about allowing us to fully take on our roles as combat medics and not just sitting around waiting for injuries and sick call.”
Medics, but ‘soldier first’
Sgt. Bayley Monahan is a combat medic with the 129th MCAS.
“You’re always told you’re a ‘soldier first’ in the Army,” Monahan said. “I’m getting more of that soldier-first training out here and seeing real-world medical events.”
After a long night of alternating one-hour shifts for security detail, Monahan wakes at first light to check on every soldier in the platoon.
It is challenging work, but it is also rewarding, he explained, as he made his way to a battle position. The freezing temperatures, wet conditions, and challenging terrain are all causes for concern. There’s a real threat of cold weather casualties, sickness and physical injuries.
“This is definitely something other Guardsmen need to be doing more often,” said Monahan. “It’s important to be a well-rounded soldier. I’m in a medical unit now, but my next promotion could put me on a line unit. And with the possibility of deployments, it’s better to show up with experience to a new job on day one.”
“I think this has been a great experience for our medics who were able to come out here,” agreed Carpenter. “We don’t get to see this stuff—really ever—so I think it’s been great training and I’d recommend this to anybody who gets the chance to come out here.”
Story and photos by: Staff Sgt. Jaccob Hearn, Alabama National Guard.
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