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FORT McCOY - More than 4,500 service members are here for the commencement of one of two “warrior exercises” the Army Reserve is conducting this year.

Patriot Warrior ‘08 gathers U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers from around the continental United States, Puerto Rico and Guam for a training exercise that simulates combat conditions. Also participating are more than 100 British troops from the United Kingdom’s Territorial Army Yorkshire, England. The U.K. Territorial Army is similar to U.S. reserve forces.

“Many of the officers and soldiers at Patriot Warrior are combat experienced, which provides a challenge in planning and executing realistic training. I believe we will have met this challenge and look forward to a successful and, as always, safe exercise,” said Brig. Gen. Walter B. Chahanovich, commanding general, 78th Training Brigade and exercise director.

“This exercise is the first step in preparing this unit for its war-time mission,” said Army Brig. Gen. Charles D. Estes, commanding general, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment. It is not “summer camp” for “weekend warriors,” according to Lt. Col. James Billings, spokesman for the exercise; the skills they are testing here will be used in Iraq and Afghanistan soon.

Taking part in Patriot Warrior are engineers, military police, medical service, logistics and public affairs. The units will train on a variety of tasks specific to their mission. Some of the tasks include: constructing roads and buildings, supplying troops with food and water, providing medical support for soldiers and training security operations.

For example, the 442nd Chemical Company is testing its ability to monitor the air for chemical, biological, or nuclear containments, according to Maj. William M. Maguire, chief of current operations for the 78th Training Brigade.

The Army Reserve celebrates its 100th anniversary this year and Patriot Warrior proves, “this is not your grandfather’s Army Reserve,” said Billings.