During the First World War, the 82nd Division was given the nickname "All-Americans" because the men in its ranks came from every state in the union.

Now, the 82nd Airborne Division’s Sustainment Brigade will deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as part of a logistical task force comprised of National Guard, Reserve and active-duty units from more than 20 states. The task force will also include coalition forces from the Multi-National Division Southeast, Multi-National Division Central South and part of Multi-national Division Baghdad.

To prepare them for the upcoming deployment, Sustainment Bde. members went through a three week intensive-training cycle that focused on the "shoot, move and communicate" principle, as well as the "train-to-lead" maxim, in order to prepare them for combat.

“We've got to get these troopers in the right mindset, transition them from a garrison environment to a war footing," said 1st Sgt. Joseph Brown of the brigade’s Headquarters and HQs. Company.

During the training, the troopers carried their weapons and wore body armor and helmets all day, regardless of the sweltering heat.

"We are trying to get them used to what they'll encounter, wearing full combat gear in the heat. Combat stress can't be duplicated, but we can physically and mentally prepare them," Brown said.

With the troopers about to enter a very active asymmetric battlefield, where the difference between living and dying is measured in seconds, mental preparedness cannot be overemphasized.

"The training we're going through has done a lot to make me realize this is really it, you know, we're actually going to the war zone," said Pfc. Timothy Rospert, an HHC food-service specialist.

Veteran troopers who have deployed in support of Iraqi Freedom once or twice already see such training as essential to mission readiness.

" Anytime a trooper can get hands-on with a weapon system, its good training," said Sgt. Mark Temple, an HHC vehicle mechanic.

In conjunction with weapons familiarization, the brigade troopers got refresher instruction on self-aid and buddy-aid, communication equipment, and convoy tactics, techniques and procedures.