Army Reserve Soldiers Gear Up for ‘Global Strike’ Training at Fort McCoy
August 14, 2025 | By Staff Sgt. Nicholas Vidro, Office of the Chief of Army Reserve
More than 7,000 Army Reserve soldiers are taking part in the Combat Support Training Exercise 25 (CSTX) – Global Strike at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. This annual large-scale event is designed to prepare reserve forces for the modern and evolving battlefield, emphasizing readiness against emerging global threats.
Focused on Large-Scale Combat Operations
The exercise trains soldiers for large-scale combat operations (LSCO) while integrating tactics to counter near-peer adversaries. It addresses modern threats such as unmanned aerial systems (UAS), robotics, and advanced battlefield technologies.
Brig. Gen. Sandra Martin, deputy commander of the 412th Theater Engineer Command, serves as the senior trainer, ensuring that all participating units meet their mission objectives.
“We spent a year planning this exercise, working closely with the 78th Training Division to design realistic challenges that would benefit soldiers the most,” Martin explained.
Diverse Units, Realistic Scenarios
Participating units include engineering, military police, chemical, aviation, and logistics elements. Soldiers are tested on defensive strategies, rapid mobility, concealment, and battlefield survival skills.
One highlight came when the 844th Engineer Battalion successfully relocated their unit in under 15 minutes, demonstrating the speed and mobility essential in modern warfare.
Integration with Global Medic
CSTX runs alongside Global Medic, a medical readiness exercise led by the Medical Readiness and Training Command. These combined operations simulate medical evacuations and casualty care under realistic combat conditions.
A 60,000-Acre Realistic Training Environment
The 78th Training Division facilitates both exercises, providing observer-coach-trainers and creating scenarios that fully utilize Fort McCoy’s 60,000-acre training space. This ensures soldiers experience realistic, high-intensity combat environments.
Key Takeaways for Leaders
Brig. Gen. Martin hopes leaders leave the exercise with sharpened battle drills, the ability to rapidly move units under threat, and the discipline to carry only mission-essential equipment.
“Mobility and concealment are critical to survival,” she emphasized. “Understanding what’s necessary—and lightening the load—can make all the difference on the battlefield.”
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