All is still and quiet as four figures silently approach the front door to a building they have been watching. Each of the figures is clad in full military body armor with weapons in their hands. Suddenly, chaos ensues as one of the figures suddenly moves forward and kicks the door in; and the four enter the building to capture or kill possible high value targets. Job complete, four ladies emerge from the building with wide smiles on their faces.

These four individuals are in fact not enlisted servicemembers, nor was the raid the raid on enemy personnel official. They were participating in a simulated exercise as part of the 15th Regimental Signal Brigade’s Combat Spouse Day – a day in which the spouse of a servicemember can participate in military exercises and simulated training.

The 15th RSB created the event in part to give military spouses the opportunity to experience what everyday life is like for their significant other, as well as a way to say thankyou for their constant support.

“We wanted to give our spouses a chance to see what it is their enlisted counterparts do each day; training, honing skills and eventually fight,” said Col. Joseph Layton, 15th RSB commander. “It was also a great opportunity for us to show our appreciation for everything they do by giving them a fun-filled day.”

Held on Forward Operating Base Dunham, the event featured such exercises as clearing a house, combat medic drills, HEAT and EST 2000 training and reflexive fire with blanks while wearing body armor and helmet.

“Each event is planned out and executed in a manner that provides the most realistic training environment possible,” said 2nd Lt. Alyca Sweet, 15th RSB. Sweet was instrumental in the planning and successful execution of the event.

The day began bright and early with the spouses dropping off their children at the CYSS, after which they reported to FOB Dunham to receive an in-brief and draw equipment. Then, the spouses were divided into two groups under the control of cadre. One group executed the FOB events while the other group traveledl d byb busb to theh SimulationSi l i Facility to conduct exercises. After lunch, the two groups switched their mission sets.

“I honestly did not expect to be having so much fun this early in the morning,” said Monica Buchanan, whose spouse is in the 442nd Signal Battalion. “This is my first time, but I am enjoying it. It is a great way to build cohesion among the spouses and expand the network.”

The 15th RSB enjoyed a large turnout and each participant echoed the same praise for the event, voicing positive opinions throughout the day.

“I have done this before and had a blast so I couldn’t wait to do it again. It is a lot of fun to play Soldier for a day and I encourage other spouses to participate,” said Jessica Bowland, whose spouse is in the 551st Signal Battalion.

In the end, Combat Spouse Day gives you a better appreciation for the military and what they do, Bowland said.

Although there are many challenges in the planning and execution of such a large event, the 15th RSB is dedicated to the ttask, motivated by their appreciation for the militarym spouse.

“It is vastly rewarding to witness these spousess enjoying themselves and having a greatg time. We are happy to be involved and more than willing to put in the extra effort tom mtt ensure their happiness,” said Sweet.

The unit encourages the participants to spreadsss the word about Combat Spouse Day, sos that the event can be even larger next year. also use the feedback received fromTTfThe unit will f the spouses in an after action report to helph improve upon next year’s event.

Despite the title of the event, it is a family atmospherea and children are encouraged to pparticipate too.

“It is extremely important that we show ouro appreciation of our military spouses, bbdbecause we would not be able to do what we dod without their support,” Layton said. “It waswwf a great day not only for the spouses, but ffor the Soldiers as well. We enjoy providing suchs events for our families and the Fort GordonG community.”