188th Infantry Brigade

07/20/2026

Mission command is forged long before the first shot is fired.

Observer Controller/Trainers (OC/Ts) from the 188th Infantry Brigade observed the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team as leaders delivered an Operations Order (OPORD) brief during Command Readiness Exercise (CRX) 26-01 at Camp Grayling, Michigan.

Through disciplined observation, candid coaching, and professional feedback, OC/Ts sharpen the commander’s decision-making process, strengthen operational synchronization, and reinforce the standards that transform units into combat-ready formations.

Readiness isn’t inspected at the point of conflict—it is built every day through disciplined leaders, rigorous training, and relentless standards.

📸 U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Rognie Ortiz Vega

First Army | U.S. Army | U.S. Department of War | U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command (USAWHC) | The National Guard

07/18/2026

Inspiring teamwork. Building readiness.

During Command Readiness Exercise (CRX) 26-01, Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment, Michigan National Guard, conducted platoon attack training while being observed by Observer Coach/Trainers (OC/Ts) from the 188th Infantry Brigade at Camp Grayling, Michigan, July 15, 2026.

Throughout the exercise, OC/Ts assessed mission command, air movement planning, and tactical ex*****on, providing professional coaching and feedback that strengthens combat readiness and reinforces interoperability with our partners.

(U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Demetrysean Lewis)

First Army | Michigan National Guard | U.S. Army | The National Guard | U.S. Department of War | U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command (USAWHC)

07/15/2026

Observer Controller/Trainers (OC/Ts) from the 188th Infantry Brigade observed Soldiers assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, as they executed squad tactical movements during Command Readiness Exercise (CRX) 26-01 at Camp Grayling, Michigan, July 14, 2026.

Through observation, coaching, and feedback, 188th Infantry Brigade OC/Ts assessed mission command, air movement planning, and tactical ex*****on, helping strengthen unit readiness while reinforcing partnership and interoperability across the force.

(U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Rognie Ortiz Vega)

First Army | Ohio National Guard

07/15/2026

Every movement matters.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, put their training to the test as they executed squad tactical movements during Command Readiness Exercise (CRX) 26-01 at Camp Grayling, Michigan, July 14, 2026.

Observer Coach/Trainers from the 188th Infantry Brigade were on the ground assessing mission command, small-unit tactics, and ex*****on under realistic conditions. Every lane, every movement, and every after-action review builds more capable leaders and more lethal formations.

Readiness isn’t built on game day—it’s built through disciplined training like this.

📸 U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Demetrysean Lewis

First Army | Ohio National Guard | U.S. Army | U.S. Department of War | U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command (USAWHC)

07/13/2026

Observer Controller/Trainers (OC/Ts) from the 188th Infantry Brigade observed Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, alongside a company from the Hungarian 5th Territorial Defense Forces, as they conducted an air movement with CH-47 Chinook helicopters during Command Readiness Exercise (CRX) 26-01 at Camp Grayling, Michigan, July 13, 2026.

Through observation and feedback, 188th Infantry Brigade OC/Ts assessed mission command, air movement planning, and tactical ex*****on, helping strengthen unit readiness while enhancing partnership and interoperability.

(U.S. Army Photos by Sgt. Rognie Ortiz Vega)

First Army | Ohio National Guard | U.S. Army

07/04/2026

07/02/2026

Standards are built through action—not words.

Today, leaders across the came together for our inaugural Mungadai at Donovan Field. It wasn’t about who finished first. It was about choosing the harder path, sharing the load, and leading from the front.

From sandbag and watercan carries to the Marne Mile and Humvee push, every event reinforced the mindset we expect across this brigade: discipline, grit, teamwork, and the willingness to do hard things together.

As a brigade, we’ll build a culture of readiness, accountability, and teamwork—one where leaders set the standard, earn trust through action, and inspire others to do the same.

Ready for Battle!

First Army | 3rd Infantry Division

07/01/2026

The welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Simpson A. Barber as the senior enlisted advisor of the 188th Infantry Brigade during an Assumption of Responsibility Ceremony held at Cashe Garden, Fort Stewart, Georgia, on June 30, 2026.

The ceremony culminated with the passing of the brigade colors, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility and trust. A unit’s colors represent its lineage, honors, and enduring legacy, serving as a visible reminder of the Soldiers who have served before and those who continue the mission today.

“Ready for battle!”

06/30/2026

06/27/2026

Yesterday, 1st Battalion, 306th Infantry Regiment held a Change of Command ceremony at Fort Stewart, passing the guidon from LTC Allen M. Coones to LTC Jeff W. Wismann.

During the ceremony, LTC Coones was awarded the Legion of Merit in recognition of his outstanding service and leadership. We thank him for his dedication and wish him and his family all the best as they prepare for retirement.

We welcome to LTC Wismann and his family as he assumes command of the 1-306th IN. We look forward to his battalion leadership.

COLD STEEL

READY FOR BATTLE