Photo By Spc. Christopher Grammer | A 160th Signal Brigade Soldier uses his compass to point the way to his first point...... read more read more
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By Pvt. Christopher Grammer
50th Public Affairs Detachment
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait -- Headed off in different directions with GPSs in hand and points laid out, Soldiers of the 160th Signal Brigade wander the desert of Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Aug 13.
The 160th Signal Brigade handles communications operations for Third Army/U.S. Army Central.
From different companies within the 160th Signal Brigade, the participants are demonstrating their Soldier skills and representing their companies by navigating to specific points with the assistance of compasses and GPSs during a navigation course.
"I wanted to represent my company and myself, and show that we're the best," said Sgt. Steven D. Dawkins, a cable team chief with Alpha Company' 67th Signal Battalion.
This is but one part of the competition for Soldier/ non-commissioned officer of the quarter for the 160th Signal Brigade. The Soldiers are given five different points to find in a roughly three kilometer span of desert. Though the Soldiers are only required to find four of the five points, the challenge proves difficult due to high winds, high temperatures and very high stress levels among the competitors. The navigation course must be completed within two hours of first setting off from the start point.
A camouflaged tent provided shade for the competitors as they were given a safety brief prior to beginning the course. Sgt. 1st Class Charles Pesnell, an engineer with Headquarters Company, 160th Signal Brigade, gave the safety brief to the Soldiers.
Earlier that day the Soldiers tested their skills with the M-16 at the range. They were to participate in various other competitions the next day including the Army Physical Fitness Test, a board and essay writing. The essay was on a topic assigned to them by Command Sgt. Maj. Vernon Praymous, the CSM of 160th Signal Brigade.
Preparing them for the competition and mentoring them, the Soldiers' sponsors play a large role in their performance during the competition. The sponsors help guide the Soldier before and during the competition.
Along with the recognition for a job well done, competing in these competitions provide the Soldiers with extra training, experience, and a chance to flex their skills.
"It keeps them keen on their Soldier skills and is crucial in developing Soldiers and NCOs," said Pesnell.
The barren landscape of Camp Buehring's training complex lent realism to the navigation course and the Soldiers wandering alone made it seem all the more serious. Competition keeps the Soldiers on their feet and prepared for a testing of their mettle in theater.
| Date Taken: | 08.21.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 08.21.2007 03:16 |
| Story ID: | 11906 |
| Location: | CAMP ARIFJAN, KW |
| Web Views: | 238 |
| Downloads: | 153 |
This work, A signal in the desert-160th Signal Brigade Soldiers traverse land navigation course during quarterly competition, by SPC Christopher Grammer, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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