Courtesy Photo | Leadership from the 728th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 213th Regional Support...... read more read more
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By: Spc. Hannah L. Baker
CAMP DODGE, IOWA- The 728th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 213th Regional Support Group, Pennsylvania National Guard attended its annual training at here last month.
The nearly 50 Soldiers spent two weeks training in a simulated wartime environment with technology that provided new opportunities for the Soldiers to attain hands on experience in their logistics military occupational specialty.
Through the use of computer simulation, the Soldiers were given the tools to prepare for wartime scenarios in a high-intensity situation, while testing their capabilities, said Master Sgt. James Winkey, the 728th CSSB operations sergeant.
Winkey said the systems created simulated terrain maps, which allowed the Soldiers to plan commodity requirements, and main and alternate supply routes.
The exercises provided adequate training for Soldiers of all levels, said Winkey. Lower level Soldiers were tasked with identifying and organizing data, while more senior members of the unit attained hands-on experience coordinating supplies, planning transport routes, and leading their subordinates.
Sgt. Lauren Heibler, also with the 728th CSSB, said the high-intensity training provided leadership development. Her experience assisting the executive officer communicate various information to the lower enlisted Soldiers was the biggest skill the exercise taught her, she said.
Because the National Guard only has 24 weekend-drill days a year, Maj. Keith W. McKeon, executive officer at the 728th CSSB, stressed the importance of the unit’s annual training time. McKeon said the two-week annual training period was critical, and that the perfect timing and venue of this exercise left them exhausted but thrilled with the results.
In the two weeks the unit spent training, Winkey said he watched Soldiers transform from being unsure and incapable of independently working with the technology, to taking charge with confidence.
“My section impressed me with the ability to take on a very challenging annual training while staying positive and engaged with the highest level of enthusiasm,” said Winkey, “the unit took the opportunity to show their skill level while showing camaraderie, cohesion and teamwork.”
| Date Taken: | 09.20.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 09.20.2016 11:24 |
| Story ID: | 210084 |
| Location: | CAMP DODGE, IOWA, US |
| Web Views: | 236 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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