Photo By 1st Lt. Brianne Roudebush | Using night vision lenses, two California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force...... read more read more
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In order to guarantee the highest level of competency, professionalism and success, the California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force conducted multiple initial and recertification courses throughout the state over the past several months.
For new hires, the initial certification courses enhance their basic knowledge through in-depth, high-caliber training.
“Being in small class sizes and in small teams allowed us to work on specifics and get more one-on-one time to make sure we are doing everything correctly and efficiently,” an infantryman on the ground tactical team in Southern California said.
Teams conducted skill-specific training that will help them accomplish their missions. The courses covered everything from drug trafficking trends to community support and coalition development to specialized observation systems, weapons training and ground tactical movements.
“I think it gives them more confidence in their ability to do the mission,” Sgt. 1st Class Neil Medlar, a noncommissioned officer in charge for Northern California, said. “We conduct scenarios to make it more realistic than just classroom training, and they know they can do it – even under a little stress.”
A sergeant first class and mission team leader for the ground tactical team in the Sacramento area echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that "realism" is a key component.
“We incorporated precision into the weapons training this year,” the sergeant said. “It’s not good enough to just shoot and hit a stationary target. In real life, when the stress picks up, you still have to be able to get a tight shot group.”
Not only does this advanced training help soldiers and airmen in their counterdrug role, it benefits them in their positions at their home units as well.
The infantryman said the training included a lot more land navigation and reconnaissance techniques that his unit does not cover.
“We got new training on how to blend in when you are surveying an area for an extended period of time,” he said. “We learned how to set up listening positions and observation posts, which was new for me. We just had more time one-on-one to learn more tricks.”
Counterdrug members also get trained on specialized equipment like the long-range advanced scout surveillance systems and flare systems that they don’t always have access to at their home units.
Furthermore, they are given the opportunity to take on leadership positions. The sergeant first class said the lower-enlisted soldiers brief the instructors on how they plan to accomplish a training mission, rather than having the instructors give the orders.
“We get more responsibilities here than in a regular line unit where you just get told what to do,” the infantryman said. “It definitely helps you build more confidence when you get experience in leadership positions. It is 100 percent beneficial because you can take what you learn and bring it back to your squad or team.”
The Counterdrug Task Force is exceptional in its ability to bring together soldiers and airmen from different specialties to create dynamic teams. The infantryman said the training is a great way to ensure that everyone, regardless of their military job or previous training, is on the same level when it comes to the skills they will need in the field.
Each year, members of the taskforce are required to attend a recertification course so that there are no questions as to whether the team is trained.
“The training is a refresher on the foundation that they have acquired from the beginning,” Capt. Ruel Fuentecilla, an officer in charge in Southern California, said. “It goes back to basics and (adds) any ‘best practices’ they have been able to implement and execute out in the field.”
The Northern California sergeant first class said the training is an opportunity for members to correct any deficiencies or short-comings in operations they might see.
“It gives the team the chance to get on the same page,” he said. “Everyone comes in with their own experiences and equipment and we get to build upon that knowledge and learn together.”
| Date Taken: | 06.23.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 07.15.2014 12:14 |
| Story ID: | 136148 |
| Location: | SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 176 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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