Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Lori Kuczmanski | Col. William J. Schafer, the 5th Armored Brigade commander, maintains his military...... read more read more
McGREGOR RANGE, N.M. — Training in the Army is supposed to be challenging, rigorous, fun, and a learning experience. Training on a new warrior task for the first time is an experience you won't forget, and the oleoresin capsicum, also known as pepper spray, lane is just that — an experience Soldiers won't forget.
Soldiers of the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team are training at McGregor Range, N.M. in preparation for their deployment to Iraq later this fall. Part of their training encompasses detainee operations which includes being sprayed with OC Spray and having to complete five stations before rinsing off the remnants of the hurtful spray. Soldiers are taught non-lethal means of taking down a detainee, which includes OC Spray.
According to the observer/controller trainers in 5th Armored Brigade, the philosophy of having the Soldiers sprayed with OC Spray is so the Soldier understands the effects it has, and the experience gives the Soldier the confidence to effectively take down a potential attacker if sprayed.
In addition to the young Soldiers getting sprayed for the first time on Oct. 10 was 5th Armored Brigade Commander Col. William J. Schafer and the brigade command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Johnny R. Baldwin.
Citing several reasons for wanting to go through this type of training, both Schafer and Baldwin mutually agreed the main reason they volunteered to be sprayed with OC was because as leaders, they wanted to experience what the training Soldiers are going through.
"You can't expect Soldiers to do training that you wouldn't do yourself," said Schafer. "I'm here today to show the Soldiers that leaders need to go through the training they expect their Soldiers to go through."
After the OC/T gave Schafer instructions about the OC Spray, Schafer was instructed to close his eyes, take a deep breath, and tuck in his lips and he would be sprayed in the face.
"OC, OC, OC," was yelled as the steady stream of OC Spray was sprayed into Schafer's' face.
Bending over and absorbing the shock of a hurtful substance in his eyes, Schafer opened his eyes and the spray leaked into his eyes.
"It's kind of interesting, because when you are first sprayed it takes about a second or two to kick in, so when you go to do the 'shake it off motion,' that's when it starts getting in your eyes," said Schafer.
Having multiple tasks at one time along with the pain made it even harder to stay focused. Schafer added that having to focus on the mission was difficult due to the burning sensation on his face.
Gasping for air between verbal commands to the simulated detainee, Schafer stayed focused.
"It immediately starts to burn, and you have problems breathing. It takes a significant amount of concentration to breathe through your mouth and continue on the lane," said Schafer.
During what seemed like a long time, Schafer knew he needed to maintain control because of the multiple tasks going on at once. If he just focused and accomplished the goal at each station, he could get to the decontamination station that much quicker.
"I had to maintain control of my body, make sure that I didn't cause the pain to be worse on myself, while I concentrated on my attacker and subdue him," said Schafer.
As the commanders' right hand man, Baldwin joined Schafer during this high speed training. He too agreed leaders need to endure what their Soldiers are enduring. Baldwin labeled this moment as a "factor of leadership."
Diligently observing training prior to being sprayed, Baldwin was the first to admit training to standard in addition to ensuring the training is being conducted the way it should be. He noted it is every NCOs duty to make sure the correct tactics, techniques, and procedures are being conduct properly, and if not, NCOs need to stand up and make an on the spot corrections should there be a discrepancy in training.
Amongst the commotion and pain, Baldwin was quick to remember what he was taught about the correct take down methods and maneuvers. If the correct method was not used, it must be redone. This means more time on the lane and adding time until the decontamination process starts.
"You have to maintain your mental bearing, you have to move forward. You have a mission to do, and you have to move forward, so you can't let a little bit of pain stop you," said Baldwin. "You have to refocus and trust the training you've had and move forward."
The worse part was over as Baldwin reflected on his training experience. Still maintaining his military bearing and the pain evident by his red face, Baldwin was proud of his accomplishment along with the Soldiers from the 72nd IBCT who also experienced the task.
"I've been in the Army 24 years and understanding that some of these guys and gals have been in the Army for a year, but with our training, we are able to take them in a short amount of time and teach them to do something I can do after 24 years just with a little bit of training and a lot of motivation," said Baldwin.
| Date Taken: | 10.10.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 10.29.2009 13:12 |
| Story ID: | 40822 |
| Location: | MCGREGOR RANGE, US |
| Web Views: | 320 |
| Downloads: | 264 |
This work, Leaders, Soldiers undergo same training, by SFC Lori Kuczmanski, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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