b'USASA Fort Dix: More Than A Century Of Premier Training SupportPhoto: US Army Center of Military History Camp Dix NJ 1918https://www.dvidshub.net/news/465759/usasa-fort-dix-more-than-century-premier-training-supportStory by Susan Moriartypaving the way for live exercises conducted in theJoint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst PublicMarch 8, 2024 28-thousand-acre Range and Training Area Complex,Throughout its 117-year history, the mission of U.S. Armywhich boasts extensive facilities including 62 live-fireSupport Activity Fort Dix, New Jersey, has remained steadfast:ranges, artillery and mortar firing points, and urban operations to provide unparalleled training support. Initially establishedvillages. Constructive training involves computerized strategic in 1917 as Camp Dix to organize, equip, train and deploy Armywar gaming to enhance commanders abilities in maneuvering troops during WWI, its role has continuously evolved. Today,large formations effectively.it stands as a critical hub for preparing Army units, includingThroughout 2023, USASA Fort Dix facilitated 1,500 training recent support to the U.S. Army National Guard 44th Infantryevents to prepare the 44th Infantry Battalion Combat Team Brigade Combat Teams mobilization and deployment infor their recent deployment, noted Chris Kobryn, USASA Fort January 2024. Dixs training coordinator. The training progression ranged The legacy of meeting training and readiness requirements from individual to collective, ensuring a methodical buildup of is deeply ingrained in USASA Fort Dixs history. Followingskills and readiness.WWI, Camp Dix transitioned into a training ground for theIndividual training for the 44th IBCT encompassed simulator Army Reserve, National Guard, and the Citizens Militaryexercises and live drills covering drivers training, land naviga-Training Camp during the interwar period. In 1939, it wastion and weapons proficiency. Subsequent phases included renamed Fort Dix and became a permanent Army installation.crew-served weapons qualification, team and squad maneu-During WWII, multiple Army divisions underwent training andvers, and larger-scale live-fire exercises at the platoon and deployment from Fort Dix in support of the Allied war effort. company levels.From 1947 until the Base Realignment and ClosureCoordinating large-scale collective training is complex, Commission in 1992, Fort Dix focused on conducting Basicinvolving integration of various assets such as mounted gun-Training for Army recruits. Post-BRAC, its mission returned tonery, aviation support and explosives, Kobryn emphasized. providing training support for the Army Reserve and NationalThese exercises are pivotal in honing the IBCTs operational Guard. In 2009, it assumed the title of USASA Fort Dix as partcapabilities and preparing them for their mission.of the establishment of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Since joint-basing in 2009, USASA Fort Dixs strategic location Today, training support at USASA Fort Dix is meticulouslyand access to multiple transportation hubs have facilitated tailored across three domains: virtual, live and constructive.collaboration with other services.Virtual training utilizes simulators for initial skill-building, Continued on bottom, page 2624 Military Appreciation Resource Magazine Thank You For Your Service'