Photo By Staff Sgt. Dustin Biven | 1st Lt. Jonathan Stewart (right), an officer assigned to 2nd Armored Brigade Combat...... read more read more
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RZEPIN, POLAND – Soldiers from the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas, spent March 1, 2018, inside a classroom showing Polish cadets some of the life-saving equipment the U.S. Army carries with them onto the battle field, as well as the proper wear of face paint in Rzepin, Poland.
Some of the equipment the Dagger Brigade Soldiers brought included their improved outer tactical vest (IOTV), Kevlar helmet, individual first aid kit (IFAK) and face paint, which gave the Polish cadets a hands-on experience with the equipment.
“Last time we came to visit the school we asked the cadets what they would like to see in our next visit,” said Spc. Michael Freeman, an Intelligence Analyst assigned Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd ABCT. “Almost all of them wanted to see exactly what we wear in combat and face paint. I hope bringing this will give the cadets a better idea of just how strong a U.S. Soldier has to be to carry the weight of an IOTV and all its attachments.”
Before the cadets were able to try on the IOTV, 1st Lt. Jonathan Stewart, assigned to 2nd ABCT, gave a brief description of each component as well as how it was assembled.
“The cadets were quick with learning the IOTV system,” said Stewart.
While the cadets were being shown how to assemble the IOTV, a side and back ballistic plate was passed around.
A ballistic plate is a piece of armor inserted into the IOTV used to protect a Soldier from an impact of a lethal weapon.
A sense of importance moved across the room as the ballistic plates were passed around and as the plates changed hands, the knowledge of all that stands between a Soldier and enemy fire – life and potential death – was in the cadet’s hands.
“At first they were shocked at the weight of the plates, but knowing its importance, justified it,” said Stewart. "After I was finished showing them exactly how it was worn, and what each of the attachments was, they were off disassembling and reassembling the system with their peers.”
After the cadets had time to try on the IOTV and Kevlar helmet, Spc. Jerry Georgi-Santiago, a unit supply specialist assigned to 2nd ABCT went on to demonstrate the proper wear of face paint on Spc. Denise McMillan, assigned to 2nd ABCT.
“I had no idea just how heavy the armor is that Soldiers wear,” said Dominik Knebel, a Polish cadet at the Rzepin School in Poland.
Cadets filled the room putting face paint on one another as Soldiers from the Dagger Brigade walked around and assisted.
“It was fun to try on the equipment and face paint,” said Knebel. “I look forward to the next time the Soldiers visit, maybe we can show them how we train next.”
Once the face paint was applied to nearly all the cadets and Soldiers, the group moved outside to get a firsthand experience on a military Humvee.
Cadets gathered around the Humvee as Freeman showed the cadets how to properly perform preventive maintenance checks and services on the vehicle.
“This visit demonstrates not only our commitment to our NATO allies but to the local community as well,” said Stewart. “Being able to show the cadets our equipment and how to use it, enhances our ability to work alongside one another. I look forward to future opportunities like today's visit, to work alongside the cadets, community and Soldiers of Poland.”
| Date Taken: | 03.01.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 03.02.2018 04:45 |
| Story ID: | 267766 |
| Location: | RZEPIN, PL |
| Hometown: | RZEPIN, PL |
| Hometown: | ZAGAN, PL |
| Hometown: | FORT RILEY, KANSAS, US |
| Hometown: | MANHATTAN, KANSAS, US |
| Hometown: | WITCHITA, KANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 2,213 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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