Photo By Sgt. Patrick Eakin | An Abrams tank fires during a recent gunnery proficiency table for 1-9 Cav. at...... read more read more
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RODRIGUEZ LIVE FIRE COMPLEX, South Korea — From the end of July until mid-August, Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, are scheduled to conduct a 28-day gunnery training event at Rodriguez Range.
The objective during training is to qualify on the Abrams tank weapon’s system and ensure that the Soldiers, as well as the fleet, are ready to fight to deter northern aggression.
The training, which includes the Gunnery Skills Test, serves as a way for Soldiers to hone their skills on the M1A2 Abrams tank.
The GST evaluates the crew member’s ability to perform gunnery-related skills, which the unit uses to determine readiness and then moves toward crew tasks.
“Our mission stateside revolves around coming here,” said Staff Sgt. William Cullen, the master gunner assigned to Company A, 1-9 Cav. “We’re here to train and maintain the equipment, so at any given moment we’re ready to ‘Fight Tonight.’”
KATUSAs join their ranks and work side by side with Soldiers, which strengthens the U.S. and Republic of Korea alliance.
Soldiers are afforded the opportunity to train on terrain, which is vastly different from their home station, increasing their flexibility and adaptability.
“The difference in the terrain here makes for a better training environment,” said 2nd Lt. Moroni Redd, platoon leader for Company B, 1-9 Cav. Regt. “Coming here requires additional planning to coordinate with the Korean authorities, to iron out things such as which rounds we can use each day and how we can transport our equipment.”
For many, it’s their first time experiencing a gunnery. United States Military Academy at West Point cadet Tyler Wilkinson is part of the Cadet Troop Leader Training program.
The CTLT program provides cadets the opportunity to experience leadership in active-duty units over a three to four week period.
“I auditioned for the position of a loader and was excited to be picked to come with these guys,” Wilkinson said.
“I’m enjoying this experience and am learning a lot every day because this really does take a lot that you don’t see,” he added. “I’ve been shadowing the platoon leader and the rest of these guys took me under their wing. They’re a great group.”
As the first cavalry unit to conduct gunnery for the 2nd BCT, the Headhunters understand the demanding conditions of gunnery training hardens their unit and prepares them to fight in any environment.
“It’s definitely tough making sure my guys get the proper rest in between training,” said Sgt. First Class Jesus Roman, platoon sergeant for Co. B. “But we know what we do here is important. It’s the best job I’ve ever had.”
The lethality of the Abrams tanks provide an essential advantage over any adversary. Conducting gunnery provides Soldiers the opportunity to perfect their skills, build the team and utilize world-class training facilities on the peninsula.
The Headhunters are serious about their mission and understand what it takes to physically and mentally prepare their Soldiers for combat at a moment’s notice.
| Date Taken: | 07.27.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 08.11.2017 04:46 |
| Story ID: | 244541 |
| Location: | GYEONGGIDO [KYONGGI-DO], KR |
| Web Views: | 85 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 1-9 Cavalry first ‘in the shoot’ for gunnery, by SFC Carolyn Hart, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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