The United States Army
08/24/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/25/2026 08:09
Montana Guard Chemical Company tests readiness at Northern Strike
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption - Soldiers from the Montana Army National Guard's 631st Chemical Company analyze a simulated chemical agent inside a training facility during Northern Strike 26-2 at Camp Grayling, Michigan, in August 2026. The exercise validated the unit's readiness to assess and mitigate chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL 2 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption - A Montana Army National Guard soldier assigned to the 631st Chemical Company inspects a Stryker vehicle during the Northern Strike 26-2 exercise at Camp Grayling, Michigan, in August 2026. The company-level field training was designed to test the unit's ability to conduct sustained chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) operations. (Photo Credit: Courtesy Montana Army National Guard ) VIEW ORIGINAL 3 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption - Soldiers from the Montana Army National Guard's 631st Chemical Company practice dismounted decontamination procedures during the Northern Strike 26-2 exercise at Camp Grayling, Michigan, in August 2026. The unit was evaluated by First Army on its ability to perform collective mission-essential tasks in a field environment. (Photo Credit: Montana Army National Guard ) VIEW ORIGINAL 4 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption - Robotic platforms used for remote reconnaissance sit outside a building at a training site during Northern Strike 26-2 at Camp Grayling, Michigan, in August 2026. The 631st Chemical Company incorporated the unmanned systems to identify and assess potential hazards from a safe distance during the exercise. (Photo Credit: Montana Army National Guard ) VIEW ORIGINAL 5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption - A Stryker vehicle assigned to the Montana Army National Guard's 631st Chemical Company negotiates difficult, sandy terrain during the Northern Strike 26-2 exercise at Camp Grayling, Michigan, in August 2026. The training tested the unit's ability to conduct mounted reconnaissance missions as part of its evaluation by First Army. (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL
MISSOULA, Mont. - Montana Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 631st Chemical Company participated in Northern Strike 26-2 at Camp Grayling Aug. 2-14, conducting a company-level field training exercise designed to test the unit's ability to operate independently and execute a wide range of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) missions.
Northern Strike is an Army-sponsored, multicomponent, multinational exercise conducted annually in Michigan and designed to build readiness and improve interoperability among U.S. and allied forces.
The 631st mobilized to Northern Strike with its weapons, equipment and vehicles, allowing the company to conduct sustained operations throughout the exercise. From Aug. 4-11, the company conducted a field training exercise that included command post operations, mounted and dismounted CBRN reconnaissance, and dismounted decontamination operations.
The company's mounted platoon operated four Strykers across Camp Grayling's varied training areas, conducting reconnaissance missions through multiple types of terrain. Meanwhile, the dismounted platoon incorporated unmanned aircraft systems and robotic platforms to conduct reconnaissance, allowing Soldiers to identify and assess potential hazards from a safer distance.
The environment required Soldiers to solve logistical and operational challenges while continuing to accomplish the company's assigned missions.
"Our Soldiers took on these challenges with professionalism and focus. 631st was able to execute a wide variety of missions and was evaluated on our collective mission essential tasks by First Army," said Capt. Caleb Struble, commander of the 631st Chemical Company.
The company was evaluated by First Army, providing leaders and Soldiers an opportunity to assess the unit's readiness under demanding field conditions.
"We trained hard and I am proud of what we were able to accomplish," Struble said. "The [Soldiers] learned a lot and are better prepared as we move into training year 2027."
The training strengthened the 631st Chemical Company's readiness and lethality while reinforcing the "Montana Way" - disciplined Soldiers who adapt, overcome challenges and remain ready to accomplish the mission.
The United States Army published this content on August 24, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 25, 2026 at 14:09 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]