Spartan Soldiers get rare training from Special Forces

Photo By Dustin Gautney | Pfc. Rashpal Singh, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, smiles from the results of advice and techniques taught during a training session with Army Special Forces held at FOB Marez, in northern Iraq, Dec. 12.  

MOSUL, IRAQ

12.16.2009

Story by Spc. Crystal M. Bradley 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

By Pfc. Crystal M. O'Neal, 2nd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq — As early as basic training, numerous trips to the ranges ensure that American warriors are comfortable with their weapons, preparing them fully for combat. After leaving basic training and advanced individual training and reporting to their first duty station, Soldiers are still required to maintain their marksmanship skills.

Some Spartan Soldiers took the their marksmanship skills to the next level, Dec. 12, when they received training from Special Forces Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Marez in northern Iraq.
The Soldiers fired the M-4, the M-16, and the AK-47 and also received several unique training techniques to help elevate their Soldier skills.

Sgt. Jeremy Towal, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, said the rare opportunity was extremely beneficial and worthwhile.

"Today we got a chance to learn techniques that we don't learn in regular Army training. The Special Forces Soldiers were kind enough to teach us different types of firing positions, supported and unsupported, as well as give us some experience with foreign firing systems, the AK-47," said Towal.

According to Spc. Jhassel Delossantos the training was helpful and exciting.

"Even though I am an expert marksman, it never hurts to brush up on your skills. I learned a bunch of great techniques out here. I think they will help me maintain my skill with the weapon and also help me out in any compromising situations I may find myself in during this deployment," said Delossantos. "Even though it was training, I had a lot of fun; it was cool."

Staff Sgt. Oliver Vogt, Operational Detachment Alpha, Special Forces Group, said that taking time to teach Soldiers skills that makes them better is something that he does every chance he gets.

"I try to bring guys back here at least once a week, depending on our training schedule. Learning new ways to move or position themselves and their weapon is always good for them," said the Special Forces staff sergeant.

Vogt said that instructing the Soldiers comes easy to him and makes him feel like he is helping with the mission.

"I actually like working with these guys. I was a teacher before I joined the Army so instructing these guys is simple — I feel like anything that better prepares these Soldiers is essentially helping them in the fight. Anything that helps to get the mission accomplished is definitely a good thing," said Vogt.

• Date Taken: 12.16.2009
• Date Posted: 12.16.2009 10:42
• Story ID: 42829
• Location: MOSUL, IQ