The fight over the “One Army Concept” is at its peak. Some in the
active Army believed the concept would never work. Weekend
warriors couldn't be reliable enough to be integrated into the Army's
demanding worldwide missions. In 1989 the National Guard's 2nd
Battalion 220th Infantry needs to perform well at the prestigious
Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas.
The men and officers of the 2nd battalion were going to be tested by
the Army's best trained professional Opposing Force at the infantry's
ultimate proving ground. But this wasn't your average National
Guard unit. Their consistent superior performance during the last
several years prompted the National Guard leadership to select them
to best represent the Guard on this national stage. There are countless
distinct challenges for National Guard units that active-duty units
don't face. This story describes how the battalion's exceptional
leadership can overcome these challenges to turn their unique
situation into an advantage. Can the battalion prove to everyone that
the “One Army Concept” works? If so, then what's next?
