1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Soldiers introduce future leaders to squadron operations

Courtesy Photo | Cadets listen to Lt. Col. Nathan Springer, 1-32 CAV, squadron commander, tell them what his expectations are for new lieutenants and platoon leaders at his unit.  

FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY, UNITED STATES

02.06.2016

Courtesy Story

1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Senior cadets from Southern Illinois University visited Fort Knox for a staff ride, and then visited training conducted by 1st Squadron Regiment, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). The Cadets observed how a Tactical Operations Center supports the fight, and the functionality of each staff section. The Cadets also had the opportunity to speak with officers, and noncommissioned officers, on what their expectations are after they commission.

Soldiers with 1-32 CAV conducted live fire exercises, situational training exercises, and tested mission command in the Tactical Operations Center while training at Fort Knox. The Cadets had the opportunity to visually observe how different leadership managed the operations as a whole during the situational training exercises.

“The one on one interaction with Officers and NCO's of the branches we wanted to commission into combined with seeing them conduct and support military operations was the most informative part of the experience,” said Matthew Rowe, Military Science Level Four Cadet.

Rowe recently found he was commissioning as an Infantry Officer, and had the opportunity to speak with an Officer and NCO that was also in the Infantry. The opportunity afforded him more confidence after asking questions that were left unanswered before.

“Talking with the DFSC Commander, Cpt. Sirron Bowman, gave me a greater appreciation of how the different support branches work together. As a Quartermaster Officer I can find myself having to be a jack of all trades as a distribution platoon leader, maintenance control officer or executive officer in the Forward Support Company,” said Brittany Deters Teutopolis, Military Science Level Four Cadet.
Teutopolis had never been afforded the opportunity to speak with a Quartermaster Officer before visiting Fort Knox. She had many of her questions answered, and was able to see where a Quartermaster Officer fits into the roles of conducting operations.

“This is a great opportunity for Cadets, and I wish they could've spent more time at Fort Knox with 1-32 CAV, and actually been able to watch the troops fight each other. Unit visits are a great thing for cadets to see the different branches and how they come together at the Battalion/Squadron level. I remember as an ROTC cadet going to Fort Hood to watch a Tank Gunnery and talk with Platoon Leaders and Company Commanders. It had an impact on my decision to branch Armor, and I'm glad we all got the opportunity to impart some experience and perspective to them,” said Cpt. Harold Mallory, HHT, 1-32 CAV Company Commander.

. Both Southern Illinois University and 1-32 CAV learned a lot from the experience at Fort Knox and were both happy to work together.

• Date Taken: 02.06.2016
• Date Posted: 02.25.2016 14:29
• Story ID: 190119
• Location: FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY, US