Photo By Staff Sgt. Tinisha Mellein | Soldiers of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team simulate tactical combat casualty...... read more read more
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Traditionally annual training is two weeks, but Soldiers have been engaged with additional deployment training from August 4-24, 2018. Some of the training includes: land navigation, weapons qualification on the M4 rifle and M9 pistol, combat lifesaver skills, physical fitness training and multiple Kosovo culture briefs.
“It’s a little different, it is a twenty one day annual training, it’s a little longer than expected,” said 1st Sgt. Brandon Kumalae of the 29th IBCT. “We are doing specialized weapons training with M9 pistols, not something that everyday Soldiers carry around, and in depth weapons qualifications for the M4 rifle and other specific types of training for Kosovo.”
Although most Soldiers participating in this mission were previously deployed, this is the first deployment for some Soldiers with the 29th IBCT. Spc. Rhodger Savella, a unit supply specialist with the 29th IBCT and a graduate of the Hawaii Army National Guard Youth Challenge Academy, assists in coordinating logistics for the brigade as well as participating in Army warrior tasks during his first annual training.
“The annual training has helped me to be more confident when I get down range and has allowed me to apply my MOS training and take it to the next level during this brigade deployment process,” said Savella.
Another Soldier deploying for first time is Pfc. Alexys Puana, an air defense battle management systems operator, who is also participating in her first annual training. The Pearl City high school graduate is an only child, but this will not be her first-time away from home. She has comfort in knowing she can video chat with her family while overseas.
“I feel the training I am receiving during AT will help me better understand what my role and responsibilities will be when I get in country, “ said Puana.
When asked what they will miss most about Hawaii, both Savella and Puana said they would miss their families, the weather, and the food, but both are excited and looking forward to serving their country, encountering snow for the first time, and having new experiences.
The purpose of the KFOR mission is to contribute to a safe and secure environment, support the international humanitarian effort, and the development of a stable, democratic, multi-ethnic and peaceful Kosovo, and support the development of the Kosovo Security Force.
Training has been carefully planned and made to mimic real life situations that Soldiers may encounter while deployed. The goal is to engage every Soldier in practical simulations and give feedback on what went well and how they could improve.
“We are ready to go tomorrow,” said Kumalae. “I am very confident that we are ready to deploy and ready to do our mission.”
| Date Taken: | 08.24.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 08.30.2018 19:33 |
| Story ID: | 290845 |
| Location: | KALAELOA, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 349 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Soldiers participate in annual training to prepare for deployment, by SSG Tinisha Mellein, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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