Thousands of Army Reserve Soldiers strengthen their collective readiness during the 86th Training Division’s Warrior Exercise and Regional Medic 2026 (WAREXRM26) at Fort McCoy — reinforcing the installation’s role as one of the Army Reserve’s premier collective training centers.

The exercise, conducted by the Fort McCoy-based 86th Training Division under the 84th Training Command, combines a Warrior Exercise (WAREX) with Regional Medic (RM) training to create a realistic, scenario-driven environment that challenges Soldiers and leaders across multiple warfighting functions. The integrated exercise enables combat support, combat service support, and medical units to train simultaneously while preparing for large-scale combat operations.

Headquartered at Fort McCoy, the 86th Training Division’s mission is to plan, deliver, and enable realistic and relevant training that prepares Soldiers and units for immediate and future combat operations. Through the use of experienced observer-coach/trainers (OC/Ts), the division evaluates unit performance, coaches leaders, and helps ensure Army Reserve formations are ready to meet operational requirements worldwide.

During Warrior Exercise and Regional Medic 2026, participating units operate in a complex operational environment designed to replicate the challenges of modern combat, exercise planners said. Soldiers train in mission command, tactical decision-making, convoy operations, sustainment, engineer operations, communications, force protection, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) response while executing realistic battlefield scenarios.

Medical units participating in the Regional Medic portion of the exercise establish treatment facilities, conducted casualty triage, provided emergency medical care, coordinated medical evacuation, and practiced prolonged field care under simulated combat conditions. The integrated medical training enhanced the Army Reserve’s ability to provide lifesaving care while supporting maneuver forces in an operational environment.

A cornerstone of the exercise was the support provided by the division’s OC/Ts. These experienced Soldiers mentor leaders, evaluated mission-essential tasks, and provided immediate feedback throughout the exercise to improve performance and help units meet Army readiness standards before future mobilizations.

Fort McCoy’s expansive maneuver areas, tactical road networks, ranges, medical training facilities, and logistics infrastructure provided an ideal setting for the exercise. The installation allowed commanders to synchronize multiple combat support disciplines while challenging Soldiers to adapt to evolving battlefield conditions in a realistic training environment.

Warrior Exercise and Regional Medic 2026 also highlighted Fort McCoy's longstanding role as one of the Army Reserve’s premier training installations. Each year, the post hosts large-scale collective training events that bring together units from across the nation to improve interoperability, strengthen mission readiness, and validate the Army Reserve's ability to rapidly respond to national defense requirements.

Known as the Black Hawk Division, the 86th Training Division has been headquartered at Fort McCoy since 2010 and continues to play a critical role in preparing Army Reserve units for future missions.

Through Warrior Exercise and Regional Medic 2026, the division provided commanders and Soldiers with realistic, demanding, and mission-focused training that strengthened teamwork, enhanced operational capabilities, and ensured units remain ready to support the nation's defense.