Alaska Guardsmen Train in Idaho

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — About 375 Alaska National Guard soldiers came to Idaho for a training exercise. The guard says in a release that the Alaskans are taking part in the Exportable Combat Training Capability program near Gowen Field, Idaho.

This is a field training exercise which is conducted to certify unit proficiency. The high-plains desert conditions of this part of Idaho are similar to what soldiers would face in Afghanistan.

The soldiers trained in route clearance, calls-for-fire missions, reconnaissance patrols and improvised explosive devices. The solders should return to Alaska Thursday after the two-week exercise.