Photo By Spc. Israel Fernandez | U.S. Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat...... read more read more
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — On their deployment to Grafenwoehr, Germany in support of Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine, U.S. Soldiers 1st Lt. Austin Kinney, 1st Lt. Christian Shuster and Spc. Timothy Anderson with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard took on the rigorous challenge of completing Air Assault School with the rest of their unit cheering them on.
The 10-day course, known for its long and unforgiving challenges, required Soldiers to train on a variety of critical skills. Throughout the course, the 56th SBCT Soldiers faced constant tests and challenges on their way to achieving proficiency throughout the course.
All three Soldiers come from different paths in life. They all began the course together with the intent to encourage one another to get through those long and grueling days by working together from phase zero all the way to the end of phase three.
Phase zero, known for being the most physically demanding phase, required the Soldiers to navigate an obstacle course. Setting the expectation high, this demanding phase forced the Soldiers to navigate a mile-long obstacle course with many bumps along the way. In between obstacles, Soldiers had to scream a loud and proud, “Air assault!” as well as endure intense exercise sessions before starting their next challenge. If they failed any part of the obstacle course, the Soldiers get one retry for that obstacle before being disqualified for the course.
Upon completion of phase zero, they transitioned into phase one, consisting of helicopter safety, technique and pathfinding skills. This phase is very mentally demanding.
While completing phase one, Kinney offered advice to any future 56th SBCT Soldier who may want to attempt the course.
“Try to compartmentalize things and take breaks as needed., Don’t over burden yourself.”
Phase two followed quickly after, where Soldiers learned and practiced sling load operations. This phase required them to successfully rig and correctly inspect equipment loads under a set amount of time. This mentally draining phase required Soldiers to constantly study and identify deficiencies to the smallest detail.
“See what you touch, and touch what you see," said Anderson.
Then, phase three focused on rappelling. Soldiers practiced rappelling techniques and rappelled off a 34-foot tower. Soldiers had to tie a Swiss seat in under 90 seconds and hook up in 15 seconds. Before descending the tower, they had to secure their own harness and pass a harness inspection. They were required to complete several iterations from rappelling down the side of a wall to rappelling without a wall.
Once all these phases were completed, the Soldiers had to finish the infamous 12-mile ruck march. This ruck march pushed them to their absolute limit and had to be completed within a three-hour time limit. While the Soldiers rucked, they had to carry all their gear which would be inspected at the end of the ruck. The inspections were thorough and intense, disqualifying Soldiers for missing any of the required gear.
Once all the Soldiers had completed their inspection, all that awaited them was their graduation ceremony. The graduation ceremony allowed loved ones, colleagues and mentors to pin their Soldier. With so many of the 56th SBCT in the audience, the Independence Brigade could not be prouder of the graduating Soldiers.
Reflecting on his accomplishments Anderson gave advised future56th SBCT Soldiers attempting Air Assault.
“Find time for yourself to decompress and take it day by day. You will make it through.”.
Kinney, Schuster and Anderson will wear their air assault wings with immense pride as they continue their mission in supporting JMTG-U and U.S. Army’s mission in Europe.
| Date Taken: | 11.05.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 11.05.2024 12:41 |
| Story ID: | 484640 |
| Location: | GRAFENWOEHR, BAYERN, DE |
| Web Views: | 201 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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